Legendary musician Ringo Starr has released his highly anticipated country album, Look Up, marking his return to the genre for the first time in more than five decades. Produced and co-written by the acclaimed T Bone Burnett, Look Up is Starr's first full-length album since 2019 and features an impressive lineup of collaborators from Nashville and beyond.

Recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, Look Up includes 11 tracks, nine of which were penned by Burnett. Starr, who sang and played drums on every song, also co-wrote the album’s closing track, “Thankful,” featuring the angelic harmonies of Alison Krauss. Other standout contributors include bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings, Americana trailblazers Larkin Poe, folk-rock duo Lucius, and Grammy-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle. Starr’s longtime friend and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh also lends his signature slide guitar to the album.

A video for the title track, “Look Up,” debuted today alongside the album’s release. Directed by Wyndham Garnett, the uplifting video depicts Starr singing in the sunshine interwoven with diverse groups of people forming a massive human peace sign in a field. The visuals echo the song’s hopeful lyrics:
"No matter where you place / In the human race / There is mercy / There is grace / Look up, up above your head / Where the music plays / There’s a light that shines / In the darkest days.”

“This album was made with love,” Starr shared in a statement. “I’ve always been inspired by country music, and working with T Bone Burnett and all these incredible artists was a dream. I hope the positivity in Look Up resonates with everyone.”

A Lifelong Connection to Country

Starr’s affinity for country music has been a hallmark of his career, dating back to his Beatles days with songs like “Act Naturally” and “Don’t Pass Me By.” His 1970 country album, Beaucoups of Blues, remains a fan favorite. Starr’s passion for the genre runs so deep that, as a teenager in Liverpool, he once dreamed of moving to Texas after learning that blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins lived in Houston.

Starr’s partnership with Burnett began serendipitously in 2022 when the two reconnected at an event in Los Angeles. Starr initially asked Burnett to write a single song for an EP he was working on. Instead, Burnett returned with nine songs, all in a country vein, which became the foundation for Look Up.

Track Highlights

The album showcases a range of styles, from heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping anthems:

1. “Breathless” (featuring Billy Strings) – A bluegrass-inspired track highlighting Strings’ virtuosic guitar playing.
2. “Look Up” (featuring Molly Tuttle) – The title track brims with optimism, with Tuttle’s harmonies and Paul Franklin’s pedal steel adding warmth.
3. “Rosetta” (featuring Billy Strings and Larkin Poe) – A soulful blend of traditional country and blues, anchored by Rebecca Lovell’s mandolin and Walsh’s slide guitar.
4. “Thankful” (featuring Alison Krauss) – A tender closer that reflects Starr’s gratitude and his enduring message of peace and love.

A New Chapter

Look Up will be brought to life on stage when Starr headlines Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on January 14 and 15, 2025. Tickets are on sale now, promising fans a chance to see the beloved Beatle celebrate his return to country music.

About Ringo Starr

Beyond his iconic career as the drummer of The Beatles, Starr has enjoyed a prolific solo career, releasing 20 studio albums and earning nine Grammy Awards. In addition to his music, Starr has acted in over 15 films, written eight books, and pursued visual arts. He was knighted in 2018 and continues to spread his message of “Peace and Love” globally, making July 7 an annual day of celebration for the movement.

Look Up cements Starr’s reputation as a musical innovator unafraid to explore new territory while staying true to his roots. As he once again shines his light into the world, Starr invites listeners to find hope, joy, and resilience in these new songs.

Track Listing for Look Up

1. Breathless (featuring Billy Strings)
2. Look Up (featuring Molly Tuttle)
3. Time On My Hands
4. Never Let Me Go (featuring Billy Strings)
5. I Live For Your Love (featuring Molly Tuttle)
6. Come Back (featuring Lucius)
7. Can You Hear Me Call (featuring Molly Tuttle)
8. Rosetta (featuring Billy Strings and Larkin Poe)
9. You Want Some
10. String Theory (featuring Molly Tuttle)
11. Thankful (featuring Alison Krauss)

Available now on all streaming platforms.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.