Ringo Starr
It Don't Come Easy

THE REVIEW

During the recordings of "Sentimental Journey" Ringo Starr begins working on a series of his own compositions with the view of possibly using them, although this doesn't seem so immediate as Starr's plans are not yet well-defined in the early months of 1970. Among these tracks is a piece co-written with George Harrison, "I Don't Come Easy".

On March 8, 1970, the two decide to record it, calling upon Klaus Voorman, Stephen Stills, Pete Ham, and Tome Evans of Badfingers to lay it down. Once recorded, the track is set aside until 1971, when it sees its first release. "I Don't Come Easy" is Ringo Starr's first major success as a solo artist. A captivating song that opens with a splendid cymbal introduction by Ringo, into which Harrison weaves a suggestive array of notes, the choir then introduces the rhythmic burst where Ringo's drums take center stage. The melody is impeccably crafted, with harmonies, bright brass, Harrison's stunning guitar, and Ringo's perfectly fitting vocals making it all very easy and immediate.

Even more interesting is the b-side, "Early '70". Written solely by Starkey, it is an ironic reflection on the Beatles of the 1970s as they are now going their separate ways and poor Ringo doesn't know what to do, "I play guitar a-d-e/I don't play bass 'cause that's too hard for me", while the three verses are dedicated to the three friends and their new lives, depicting a country Paul, a domestic Lennon, and a Harrison increasingly absorbed in his own material. "Early '70" is a delightful surprise, and without beating around the bush, Ringo captures the ongoing change impeccably, using simple images and providing the best interpretation of that period.

Ringo Starr would then truly embark on his solo career, a surprising career built with great humility and immense passion for music that remains very much alive even today in his wonderful seventies.