Choose Love
Don't expect a major artistic statement, but if you're one of the many who enjoy Ringo Starr's brand of bouncy, good-natured, All-Starr band pop,Choose Lovewon't disappoint. Granted, the songs (true to the title, mostly about love) break no new ground, lyrically or musically, but Ringo's in exceptionally good voice throughout andMark Hudson's production--a mix ofMagical Mystery Tour-era Beatles, a good helping ofTraveling Wilburys, and a bit of rockabilly--is well suited to the tracks. High points are the shuffle of "Give Me Back the Beat"; the 12-string jangle of "I Do"; the circus psychedelia of theChrissie Hyndeduet, "Don't Hang Up"; and the entirely sincere "Oh My Lord," which, featuringBilly Prestonon organ,Robert Randolphon wailing steel, and the Rose Stone Gospel Choir, is a page right out of the Quiet Beatle's songbook (in fact, Ringo considers it his "My Sweet Lord" and played Olivia Harrison an early demo because he felt "Georgewould have loved it"). TheBeatlesaesthetic is all overChoose Love, and, with a few exceptions ("The Long and Winding Road is more than a song / Tomorrow Never Knows What Goes On"), it's all for the best. Ringo fans will be delighted and listeners to oldies stations may have a new item for their wish lists.--Benjamin LukoffSolo Beatles RecommendationsWingspan: Hits and History, Paul McCartneyLennon Legend: The Very Best of John LennonRingo, Ringo StarrAll Things Must Pass, George HarrisonJohn Lennon/Plastic Ono BandBand on the Run, Paul McCartney and Wings