# 10 – Give More Love – Give More Love
“Give More Love,” the title track from Ringo Starr’s 19th studio album Give More Love, reflects his consistent message of peace, compassion, and unity. Released on September 15, 2017, the album was recorded at Roccabella West, Starr’s home studio in Los Angeles. Starr co-produced the record with Bruce Sugar, who has been a long-time collaborator. The project features contributions from numerous acclaimed artists, including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Edgar Winter, and Steve Lukather, underscoring Starr’s reputation for fostering collaborative creativity in his music.
Lyrically, “Give More Love” delivers a message that resonates with Starr’s lifelong ethos: promoting kindness and connection. The song’s arrangement includes gentle acoustic guitar, understated percussion, and Starr’s warm, conversational vocal delivery, creating an intimate atmosphere that reinforces the sincerity of the lyrics. The chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of kindness, urging listeners to “give more love” and experience its return. This song aligns with the overarching themes of the album, which touch on friendship, loss, and personal growth, while showcasing Starr’s ability to connect with his audience through universal ideas.
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# 9 – Snookeroo – Ringo Starr
“Snookeroo” is a track from Ringo Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song reflects Starr’s upbeat personality and his working-class roots in Liverpool. Taupin has described the song as autobiographical for Starr, and its lyrics tell the tale of a fun-loving character proud of his background and unpretentious lifestyle.
The recording of Goodnight Vienna, including “Snookeroo,” took place at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in the summer of 1974. The album was produced by Richard Perry, who had previously worked with Starr on the successful Ringo album. Elton John contributed not only as a songwriter but also as the pianist for the track, adding his distinctive flair to the song. Other musicians involved included Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Robbie Robertson on guitar, creating a rich and lively arrangement that perfectly complemented Starr’s playful vocal delivery.
Upon its release, “Snookeroo” served as the B-side to the single “No No Song,” which became a hit in several countries. While “Snookeroo” did not achieve the same commercial success as the A-side, it became a fan favorite due to its infectious rhythm and humorous, self-effacing lyrics. The song’s narrative style, reminiscent of traditional storytelling, and its upbeat melody highlight Starr’s ability to connect with audiences through relatability and charm.
“Snookeroo” stands out as an energetic and colorful addition to Starr’s catalog, showcasing his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music while celebrating his Liverpool heritage with humor and heart.
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# 8 – A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Ringo’s Rotogravure
Released in 1976 as the lead single from Ringo’s Rotogravure, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” became a highlight of Ringo Starr’s solo career. Written by Carl Groszman and produced by Arif Mardin, the track was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. It achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Starr’s ability to maintain relevance in the post-Beatles music landscape.
The album, Ringo’s Rotogravure, features notable contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—though none of them participated on this specific track. Instead, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” features a stellar lineup, including Dr. John on keyboards, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, and Klaus Voormann on bass. This ensemble helped shape the song’s rich and upbeat sound, emphasizing Starr’s signature drumming and infectious vocal delivery.
Lyrically, the song is a straightforward celebration of the uplifting power of music, with its catchy chorus and rhythmic energy encapsulating the spirit of rock and roll. The collaboration between Starr and Mardin brought a polished production quality to the song, which resonated with listeners and earned it a spot as one of the standout moments from the album. Its success reaffirmed Starr’s position as a beloved figure in popular music, even beyond his Beatles legacy.
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# 7 – Wrack My Brain – Stop And Smell The Roses
Written by George Harrison, “Wrack My Brain” was released as the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1981 album Stop and Smell the Roses. Recorded at Harrison’s home studio, FPSHOT, in Oxfordshire, the song was produced by Harrison himself, who also played guitar on the track. The lineup of musicians featured Ray Cooper on percussion, Herbie Flowers on bass, and Al Kooper on keyboards, bringing a vibrant, layered sound to Starr’s signature style. The song peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it a modest commercial success and one of Starr’s notable solo efforts of the early 1980s.
Lyrically, “Wrack My Brain” is a witty exploration of creative struggles, with Starr lamenting the difficulty of meeting expectations and delivering something truly satisfying. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and humor as Starr sings lines like, “What I have, you don’t want; what you want, I can’t give,” while Harrison’s melodic structure ensures the song remains engaging and catchy. The track is marked by its clever wordplay and the interplay between Starr’s vocals and Harrison’s signature guitar work, which adds depth and a touch of the familiar Beatles essence to the piece.
As part of Stop and Smell the Roses, “Wrack My Brain” stands out for its dynamic energy and memorable arrangement, making it a strong representation of Starr’s ability to balance humor with musicality. Compared to other songs in this list, such as “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the track leans more on lyrical introspection rather than the outright celebratory nature of rock and roll. Its blend of humor, frustration, and melodic charm highlights Starr’s unique presence in the rock world and underscores Harrison’s contributions as a songwriter and producer. The song’s relative success also reinforced Starr’s staying power as a solo artist in the post-Beatles era, despite the challenges of the time.
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# 6 – Weight of the World – Time Takes Time
“Weight of the World,” the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1992 album Time Takes Time, marked a pivotal moment in his solo career, showcasing a rejuvenated sound after a period of relative quiet in the 1980s. Recorded at several locations, including A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Don Was, the song features an impressive array of session musicians. Jeff Lynne contributed background vocals and guitar, while bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Jim Keltner provided the rhythmic backbone. The song’s polished production, coupled with Starr’s warm, familiar voice, positioned it as a standout track on the album and reaffirmed his place in contemporary rock.
Lyrically, “Weight of the World” reflects themes of resilience and perseverance, making it a relatable anthem for overcoming adversity. Lines like “Sometimes the world gets heavy on your shoulders” speak to the struggles many face, while the upbeat melody tempers the message with hope and positivity. Starr’s vocal delivery is both earnest and engaging, capturing the song’s balance of emotional weight and optimism. The chorus, bolstered by lush harmonies, becomes a memorable sing-along moment, further solidifying its appeal.
As one of the most accessible songs from Time Takes Time, “Weight of the World” achieved moderate chart success, reaching No. 72 on the UK Singles Chart and garnering airplay on adult contemporary radio in the United States. Compared to tracks like “Wrack My Brain,” which leaned into Starr’s humorous side, this song is more introspective yet remains distinctly uplifting. Its polished arrangement and heartfelt lyrics make it a cornerstone of Starr’s 1990s output, illustrating his ability to adapt his sound while retaining his signature charm. “Weight of the World” not only revitalized Starr’s solo career but also reminded listeners of his enduring talent and relevance in the rock landscape.
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# 5 – You’re Sixteen – Ringo
Ringo Starr’s version of “You’re Sixteen” stands as one of his most recognizable solo hits, bringing a playful energy to the 1973 reimagining of the 1960 Johnny Burnette classic. Featured on Starr’s third solo album, Ringo, the track was recorded in 1973 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, with Richard Perry handling production duties. The recording enlisted a mix of top-tier musicians, including Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Starr’s signature vocal style and the addition of a kazoo solo performed by Paul McCartney gave the track its distinctive flair.
Musically, “You’re Sixteen” retains the rockabilly roots of Burnette’s original but updates it with a polished 1970s production aesthetic. Starr’s version features a lighthearted bounce, driven by its steady rhythm and infectious melody. McCartney’s kazoo solo—a creative substitute for the original’s saxophone break—adds a whimsical charm that perfectly complements the song’s playful tone. Starr’s charismatic delivery brought a sense of fun to the track, which resonated with listeners and captured the carefree spirit of the original while making it uniquely his own.
Upon its release as a single in December 1973, “You’re Sixteen” became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Starr the second former Beatle (after McCartney) to achieve solo chart-topping success. The song also reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success was bolstered by the popularity of Ringo, which featured contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates and marked a high point in his solo career. “You’re Sixteen” remains a nostalgic favorite, epitomizing Starr’s ability to bring charm and personality to a cover song, cementing its place in his post-Beatles legacy.
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# 4 – Oh My My – Ringo
Ringo Starr’s “Oh My My,” released in 1973, showcases the playful and upbeat energy that characterized much of his early solo work. The track appears on his Ringo album, recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles under the production of Richard Perry. This particular song, co-written by Starr and Vini Poncia, was a lively addition to Starr’s growing repertoire of post-Beatles hits. With its funky groove and infectious rhythm, “Oh My My” reflected Starr’s knack for creating feel-good music.
The recording of “Oh My My” featured a stellar lineup of musicians. Billy Preston brought his signature soul-infused style to the track on keyboards, while Klaus Voormann provided a solid bassline. Horn arrangements added an extra layer of dynamism, perfectly complementing Starr’s jovial vocal delivery. The song also benefited from the production expertise of Richard Perry, who helped craft the polished and radio-friendly sound that defined much of Ringo.
Commercially, “Oh My My” was a notable success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Starr’s most successful solo singles in the United States. Its exuberant energy and catchy chorus made it a fan favorite and a staple of Starr’s solo catalog. The track’s vibrant instrumentation and Starr’s charismatic performance ensured that it remained a high point in his career, cementing Ringo as one of the most successful albums released by a former Beatle. “Oh My My” exemplifies Starr’s ability to craft music that is both accessible and enduring.
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# 3 – Photograph – Ringo
Ringo Starr’s “Photograph,” released in 1973, remains one of the most enduring songs of his solo career. Co-written with George Harrison, the track served as the lead single for Starr’s Ringo album, produced by Richard Perry. Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, the song marked a pivotal moment for Starr as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to deliver a poignant and universally relatable hit.
The recording brought together a lineup of extraordinary musicians, including George Harrison on acoustic guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Harrison also contributed harmony vocals, adding a touch of Beatles nostalgia to the track. The orchestral arrangements by Jack Nitzsche enhanced the emotional depth of the song, perfectly complementing Starr’s heartfelt vocal delivery. With lyrics reflecting themes of love and longing, “Photograph” resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of Starr’s most beloved songs.
“Photograph” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming a top ten hit in multiple countries.
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# 2 – Back Off Boogaloo – Goodnight Vienna
“Back Off Boogaloo,” a 1972 single by Ringo Starr, showcases his playful yet impactful approach to rock and roll. Written by Starr and produced by his former Beatles bandmate George Harrison, the track was recorded in February 1972 at Apple Studios in London. The single stands out for its infectious groove, blending Starr’s characteristic humor with a spirited musical arrangement.
Harrison’s production lent “Back Off Boogaloo” a distinctive edge. He played slide guitar on the track, while Klaus Voormann contributed bass, and Gary Wright added layers of piano. Starr’s vocal delivery, full of swagger and energy, perfectly complemented the song’s upbeat, almost whimsical tone. Lyrically, the song has been speculated to be a lighthearted jab at fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, reflecting the tensions within the group post-breakup, though Starr has often downplayed this interpretation.
Chart-wise, “Back Off Boogaloo” was a major success, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was later included on Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna, introducing the song to a new audience and reaffirming its status as one of his most memorable tracks.
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# 1 – It Don’t Come Easy – Non-album Single
Released as a non-album single in April 1971, “It Don’t Come Easy” is a defining track in Ringo Starr’s solo career, blending rock and pop with a heartfelt message of perseverance. Written by Starr with notable contributions from George Harrison, the song marked Starr’s emergence as a successful solo artist following The Beatles’ breakup. Recorded at Trident Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London during sessions spanning 1970 to 1971, the track showcases Starr’s distinctive charm and Harrison’s influence.
The recording features a stellar lineup of musicians, including George Harrison on guitar and backing vocals, Klaus Voormann on bass, Gary Wright on piano, and Starr himself on drums and lead vocals. Harrison’s production expertise brought depth and polish to the song, with his signature slide guitar embellishments adding a rich texture. A horn section arranged by producer and arranger Jim Price further enhanced the song’s celebratory tone. Lyrically, Starr’s optimistic reflections on hard work and resilience struck a chord with listeners, epitomized by the chorus: “It don’t come easy, you know it don’t come easy.”
The single was a commercial triumph, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics hailed it as one of Starr’s finest moments, praising its infectious melody and uplifting message. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple of Starr’s live performances, often featured prominently in his All-Starr Band tours. “It Don’t Come Easy” remains a testament to Starr’s ability to craft music that resonates deeply, cementing his legacy as a solo artist.
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10 Most Rocking Ringo Starr Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
