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Rating:
In October 1969, Ringo Starr has very little to do. The Beatles have effectively not existed for quite some time; his colleagues are all busy with solo projects, with Harrison dealing with "All Things Must Pass" and McCartney preferring his house in Scotland over the tedious Apple offices. So what to do? Deal with the disastrous finances of the company? No, Ringo has no desire for that and certainly lacks the ability to miraculously turn around the losses of the green apple house's most struggling sectors. That's when he thinks of working on a solo album. However, his choice does not involve new material written by him, sweated over like "Octopus's Garden" after an enlightenment he had on the barren land of Sardinia. No, these are songs from the '20s, '30s, and '40s, old standards from across the ocean loved by the Starkey family.
"I really love that old music," says Ringo, and then "my mom will be happy if I sing those old songs." So the EMI studios are occupied until March '70 to put together "Sentimental Journey" with the invaluable help of George Martin and his orchestra. The two sit down and select a dozen tracks, including one by Cole Porter, "Night And Day," one originally sung by Doris Day (the title track), and many others to form the basis of the album. Martin, with contributions from McCartney, Maurice Gibb, and others, rearranges everything, and Ringo adds his voice. Despite the drummer not being a singer with remarkable skills, the work is eventually completed.
"Sentimental Journey" is released a few weeks before "McCartney" and "Let It Be," sells well but leaves fans stunned. No one expected such a debut in the '70s, in the midst of the rock era. So Ringo surprises everyone; the critics remain incredulous and can't even sink the album as they intended. The big-nosed drummer has taken his first, although timid, steps towards his solo career.
Listened to today, the album is enjoyable, Ringo makes an effort, but it is saved by the great style of George Martin and the energy of his orchestra.
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