The celebrated 81-year-old musician who has walked twice the distance of other musicians, whose triple laugh has lit hearts for more than three generations, and whose boundless love has freshened the souls of people everywhere, is about to release another extended play.
RINGO STARR has unveiled a new EP, due September 24, 2021, titled “Change The World.”
The title is not a reflection on the state of things… it’s an instruction to do something about it!. And the instruction is given by a man who continues to upholds the sentiment that peace & love is all we need.
“Change The World” is the second EP since Starr’s most recent studio album (his 20th) titled What’s My Name (2019).
Four new tracks were recorded at Starr’s Roccabella West studio where he did his most recent “pandemic” EP Zoom In — released March 2021.
The new disc will feature frequent and new collaborators, and Starr presents a set of songs that encompass the broadest spheres of pop, country, reggae and rock ‘n’ roll.
Ringo says, “I’ve been saying I only want to release EPs at this point and this is the next one. What a blessing it’s been during this year to have a studio here at home and be able to collaborate with so many great musicians, some I’ve worked with before and some new friends.”
The lead single “Let’s Change The World” furnishes a heartening measure of expectation in these distressing times, imbued as-it-is with Ringo’s characteristic positivism. The song was written by Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather (Toto) who both play on the track, with backing vocals by Amy Keys, Zelma Davis, Billy Valentine and Darryl Phinnessee.
“Just That Way” was written & performed by Ringo with his longtime engineer Bruce Sugar, and it carries on the reggae vibe from Zoom In’s “Waiting for the Tides to Turn” with Tony Chen returning on guitar, joined by Fully Fullwood on Bass and Ed Roth on Hammond B3 with Zelma and Zho Davis on backing vocals.
“Coming Undone” is Starr’s first collaboration with 4 Non Blondes songwriter & producer Linda Perry, who wrote and plays on the track also that also features Trombone Shorty. Everyone can relate to having had moments of disorganized undoing over the last 18 months, but these tender, melodic country sounds, coupled with Ringo’s warm voice, offer welcome respite.
For the final track, Ringo rattles his own shaking rendition of the rockabilly standard “Rock Around The Clock” blipped into overdrive by the conspicuous fretboard fireworks of Joe Walsh on guitar. The musicians are joined by Foreplay bassman Nathan East on upright,, Bruce Sugar on Piano and Amy Keys and Windy Wagner on backing vox.
Change The World will be available digitally and on CD and cassette September 24; the 10” vinyl releases November 19. Pre-order it here
RAW RAMP 