Decades 'Come Together' in Starr's Liverpool 8

Ringo Starr may be the least remembered Beatle, but he has done the most to stick to his roots. The only other living band member, Paul McCartney, seems keen on staying in the tabloids and producing a forgettable album every year. In contrast, Starr’s latest album Liverpool 8 reminds the world what The Beatles were all about (love and peace), with mixed results—Starr was never really a songwriter. The title track takes the listener on a nostalgic journey through his youth: from growing up in Liverpool, to joining The Beatles, to going on tour. The middle of the album is filled with a few decent songs about love and the past. Starr ends the album with “R U Ready,” a song about coming to terms with his age and grappling with the idea of death. Nevertheless, he attempts to maintain his cheeriness and his commitment to 1960s ideals. Starr’s album is not an especially momentous performance, but his emotion and maturity transcend the work of other adult contemporary artists. It is unclear whether to smile or cry after the journey—it has been a magical reminiscent tour, but in the end, love really is all you need.