10 Most Rocking Ringo Starr Songs

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10 Most Rocking Ringo Starr Songs

# 10 – Give More Love – Give More Love

“Give More Love,” the title track from Ringo Starr’s 19th studio album Give More Love, reflects his consistent message of peace, compassion, and unity. Released on September 15, 2017, the album was recorded at Roccabella West, Starr’s home studio in Los Angeles. Starr co-produced the record with Bruce Sugar, who has been a long-time collaborator. The project features contributions from numerous acclaimed artists, including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Edgar Winter, and Steve Lukather.

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# 9 – Snookeroo – Ringo Starr

“Snookeroo” is a track from Ringo Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song reflects Starr’s upbeat personality and his working-class roots in Liverpool. Taupin has described the song as autobiographical for Starr, and its lyrics tell the tale of a fun-loving character proud of his background and unpretentious lifestyle.

The recording of Goodnight Vienna, including “Snookeroo,” took place at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in the summer of 1974. The album was produced by Richard Perry, who had previously worked with Starr on the successful Ringo album. Elton John contributed not only as a songwriter but also as the pianist for the track, adding his distinctive flair to the song. Other musicians involved included Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Robbie Robertson on guitar. Upon its release, “Snookeroo” served as the B-side to the single “No No Song,” which became a hit in several countries.

# 8 – A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Ringo’s Rotogravure

Released in 1976 as the lead single from Ringo’s Rotogravure, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” became a highlight of Ringo Starr’s solo career. Written by Carl Groszman and produced by Arif Mardin, the track was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. It achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album, Ringo’s Rotogravure, features notable contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—though none of them participated on this specific track. Instead, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” features a stellar lineup, including Dr. John on keyboards, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, and Klaus Voormann on bass.

Read More: 1976’s Best Classic Rock Albums

# 7 – Wrack My Brain – Stop And Smell The Roses

Written by George Harrison, “Wrack My Brain” was released as the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1981 album Stop and Smell the Roses. Recorded at Harrison’s home studio, FPSHOT, in Oxfordshire, the song was produced by Harrison himself, who also played guitar on the track. The lineup of musicians featured Ray Cooper on percussion, Herbie Flowers on bass, and Al Kooper on keyboards, bringing a vibrant, layered sound to Starr’s signature style. The song peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it a modest commercial success and one of Starr’s notable solo efforts of the early 1980s.

Read More: 1981’s Best Rock Albums

# 6 – Weight of the World – Time Takes Time

“Weight of the World,” the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1992 album Time Takes Time, marked a pivotal moment in his solo career, showcasing a rejuvenated sound after a period of relative quiet in the 1980s. Recorded at several locations, including A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Don Was, the song features an impressive array of session musicians. Jeff Lynne contributed background vocals and guitar, while bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Jim Keltner provided the rhythmic backbone.

As one of the most accessible songs from Time Takes Time, “Weight of the World” achieved moderate chart success, reaching No. 72 on the UK Singles Chart and garnering airplay on adult contemporary radio in the United States.

# 5 – You’re Sixteen – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s version of “You’re Sixteen” stands as one of his most recognizable solo hits, bringing a playful energy to the 1973 reimagining of the 1960 Johnny Burnette classic. Featured on Starr’s third solo album, Ringo, the track was recorded in 1973 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, with Richard Perry handling production duties. The recording enlisted a mix of top-tier musicians, including Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Starr’s signature vocal style and the addition of a kazoo solo performed by Paul McCartney gave the track its distinctive flair.

Upon its release as a single in December 1973, “You’re Sixteen” became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Starr the second former Beatle (after McCartney) to achieve solo chart-topping success. The song also reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success was bolstered by the popularity of Ringo, which featured contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates and marked a high point in his solo career.

# 4 – Oh My My – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s “Oh My My,” released in 1973, showcases the playful and upbeat energy that characterized much of his early solo work. The track appears on his Ringo album, recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles under the production of Richard Perry. This particular song, co-written by Starr and Vini Poncia, was a lively addition to Starr’s growing repertoire of post-Beatles hits. With its funky groove and infectious rhythm, “Oh My My” reflected Starr’s knack for creating feel-good music.

The recording of “Oh My My” featured a stellar lineup of musicians. Billy Preston brought his signature soul-infused style to the track on keyboards, while Klaus Voormann provided a solid bassline. Commercially, “Oh My My” was a notable success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Starr’s most successful solo singles in the United States.

# 3 – Photograph – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s “Photograph,” released in 1973, remains one of the most enduring songs of his solo career. Co-written with George Harrison, the track served as the lead single for Starr’s Ringo album, produced by Richard Perry. Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, the song marked a pivotal moment for Starr as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to deliver a poignant and universally relatable hit.

The recording brought together a lineup of extraordinary musicians, including George Harrison on acoustic guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Harrison also contributed harmony vocals, adding a touch of Beatles nostalgia to the track. “Photograph” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming a top ten hit in multiple countries.

Read More: Top 10 Ringo Starr Songs

# 2 – Back Off Boogaloo – Goodnight Vienna

“Back Off Boogaloo,” a 1972 single by Ringo Starr, showcases his playful yet impactful approach to rock and roll. Written by Starr and produced by his former Beatles bandmate George Harrison, the track was recorded in February 1972 at Apple Studios in London. The single stands out for its infectious groove, blending Starr’s characteristic humor with a spirited musical arrangement.

Harrison’s production lent “Back Off Boogaloo” a distinctive edge. He played slide guitar on the track, while Klaus Voormann contributed bass, and Gary Wright added layers of piano. Starr’s vocal delivery, full of swagger and energy, perfectly complemented the song’s upbeat, almost whimsical tone. Lyrically, the song has been speculated to be a lighthearted jab at fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, reflecting the tensions within the group post-breakup, though Starr has often downplayed this interpretation.

Chart-wise, “Back Off Boogaloo” was a major success, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was later included on Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna, introducing the song to a new audience and reaffirming its status as one of his most memorable tracks.

# 1 – It Don’t Come Easy – Non-album Single

Released as a non-album single in April 1971, “It Don’t Come Easy” is a defining track in Ringo Starr’s solo career, blending rock and pop with a heartfelt message of perseverance. Written by Starr with notable contributions from George Harrison, the song marked Starr’s emergence as a successful solo artist following The Beatles’ breakup. Recorded at Trident Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London during sessions spanning 1970 to 1971, the track showcases Starr’s distinctive charm and Harrison’s influence.

The recording features a stellar lineup of musicians, including George Harrison on guitar and backing vocals, Klaus Voormann on bass, Gary Wright on piano, and Starr himself on drums and lead vocals. Harrison’s production expertise brought depth and polish to the song, with his signature slide guitar embellishments adding a rich texture. A horn section arranged by producer and arranger Jim Price further enhanced the song’s celebratory tone. Lyrically, Starr’s optimistic reflections on hard work and resilience struck a chord with listeners, epitomized by the chorus: “It don’t come easy, you know it don’t come easy.”

The single was a commercial triumph, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics hailed it as one of Starr’s finest moments.