Look Up is Ringo Starr’s 21st solo studio album.
The 11-song album was produced by T Bone Burnett, with guest appearances from Alison Krauss, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Larkin Poe, and Lucius. The final track, ‘Thankful’, features Krauss and was co-produced by Burnett, Starr, and Bruce Sugar.
I’ve always loved country music. And when I asked T Bone to write me a song, I didn’t even think at the time that it would be a country song – but of course it was, and it was so beautiful.’ Ringo recalls. ‘I had been making EPs at the time and so I thought we would do a country EP -but when he brought me nine songs I knew we had to make an album! And I am so glad we did. I want to thank, and send Peace & Love, to T Bone and all the great musicians who helped make this record. It was a joy making it and I hope it is a joy to listen to.
The album marked a return to country music, a long-time passion for Starr. It is his first album in the genre since 1970’s Beaucoups Of Blues.
Look Up was announced on 18 October 2024. The album’s lead single ‘Time On My Hands’ was released on streaming services to coincide with the announcement. The song was co-written by Paul Kennerly, Daniel Tashian, and T Bone Burnett.
Nine of the album’s 11 songs were written or co-written by Burnett. ‘You Want Some’ was written by Billy Swan, and ‘Thankful’ was by Starr and Sugar.
I have loved Ringo Starr and his playing and his singing and his aesthetic for as long as I can (or care to) remember,’ says Burnett. ‘He changed the way every drummer after him played, with his inventive approach to the instrument. And, he has always sung killer rockabilly, as well as being a heartbreaking ballad singer. To get to make this music with him was something like the realization of a 60-year dream I’ve been living. None of the work that I have done through a long life in music would have happened if not for him and his band. Among other things, this album is a way I can say thank you for all he has given me and us.
