Ringo Starr
Time Takes Time

THE REVIEW

Nine years of silence. The time passed since the flop of "Old Wave" ('83) to the production of a new studio work for Richard Starkey. In between, therapy to detox from alcohol addiction, the return to concerts, and the desire to play. A new Ringo but always jaunty, with that free and light spirit that has always infected those lucky enough to collaborate with him. Now, at his parties, he serves and drinks only fruit juices, and alcohol is completely banned from his homes. 

"Time Takes Time" ('92) can be seen as a sort of "Cloud Nine" by Starr, here too with the touch of Jeff Lynne both as a musician and producer. Just like in the album that marked George Harrison's artistic rebirth in 1987, this product is also a tribute to Beatles-like atmospheres and the sounds of the sixties in general. A fresh, homogeneous, and tremendously catchy work. Ringo beats on his drums with newfound vigor, sings decidedly better than in the past, and perhaps produces his best solo work. Indeed, "Ringo" was very big-band, not so spontaneous even if very successful; in this "Time Takes Time," songs like "Weight Of The World" and "Don't Thing About Love" are fresh air on a scorching summer day.

Airy and carefree Rock'n' Roll, fast and immediate, that easily drags the whole album towards its conclusion. Among many collaborators are Brian Wilson and Harry Nilsson, while McCartney's track, "Angel In Disguise", was eliminated during production. The global critics received the album very well, and the positive reviews came in, but the sales were not thrilling, yet for Ringo, what mattered was being back in the game, and especially with an excellent work. Since then, his career has continued smoothly, amid collaborations, tours, and new LPs always well received. 

If one wants something from Starr's solo work, "Time Takes Time" is the right choice.