Review: Ringo Starr’s new album “Long Long Road” receives positive feedback from Rock & Blues Muse

Ringo Starr’s foray into country music, with the expert guidance of T Bone Burnett, resulted in a surprise success with his 2025 album ‘Look Up.’ This led to the inevitable follow-up, ‘Long Long Road,’ released on April 24. Continuing in a country-infused style, the album showcases Starr’s familiar vocals and Burnett’s signature blend of country, folk, pop, and Americana.

At 85 years old, Starr’s vocals still echo the sound of his Beatles days. The album features ten tracks, most of which were either written or co-composed by Burnett, with Starr contributing to three. Collaborating with musicians like Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings, the album maintains a rootsy feel with a touch of retro charm.

Songs like the opener, “Returning Without Tears,” exhibit Celtic influences and pay homage to Carl Perkins, reflecting Starr’s musical influences. Burnett’s attention to detail is evident in his choice of songs, including the Sun label classic “I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore,” perfectly suited for Starr’s laid-back voice.

While the album leans towards a country sound, tracks like “You and I (Wave of Love)” showcase a more subtle approach, with Tuttle’s vocals adding depth to the harmonies. The upbeat “Why” brings a bluegrass-tinged vibe, featuring Tuttle and Strings on acoustic instruments.

Starr’s vocals shine on the bluesy folk track “She’s Gone,” conveying a sense of longing and acceptance. The psychedelic elements of “Choose Love” add a unique touch, with whimsical flute-like keyboards and pedal steel guitar enhancing the folk-rock atmosphere.

Collaborations with artists like Sarah Jarosz on “It’s Been Too Long” and the Beach Boys-inspired harmonies on the title track add depth to the album. The final track, “Long Long Road,” offers a message of resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s changes, with Starr delivering a spoken word section.

With a focus on shorter song lengths, ‘Long Long Road’ maintains a sense of brevity without sacrificing substance. Burnett and Starr’s partnership shines through in the organic and natural sound of the album, paving the way for future collaborations.

With ‘Long Long Road,’ Ringo Starr continues to explore new musical territories while staying true to his roots. The album is a testament to Starr’s enduring talent and Burnett’s expert production, creating a seamless blend of genres that resonate with fans old and new.