The Other One: The Albums of Ringo Starr--Part One: Sentimental Journey
Note: I'm reviewing all of Ringo Starr's solo albums, excluding live records, and his recordings with Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band. Don't ask why.
Sentimental Journey (1970)
As The Beatles were breaking up, they each prepared their first solo records. John Lennon released his new, redefined take on life with Plastic Ono Band. Paul McCartney whipped up a near-perfect collection of pop songs for McCartney. George Harrison released the epic triple album, All Things Must Pass. And Ringo Starr? He released a simple little collection of old standards (and a Van Morrison cover thrown in for some reason).
This seems odd at first, but then think about Ringo's personality. He's somewhat silly. Maybe he had nothing to say yet.
As standards albums go, Sentimental Journey is pretty good. Ringo's voice doesn't really fit most of these songs, but there's nothing particularly bad about anything here. It's just solid. There is one standout track: "Bye Bye Blackbird", a song that has a sing-along quality perfect for Ringo's baritone.
The only example of Ringo's sense of humor is his ass-awful scatting at the end of "Blue, Turning Grey Over You", followed by Ringo's proclamation, "I just lost myself there, child!" This made me laugh out loud.
Overall, Sentimental Journey is pleasant. There's little to love here, but there is nothing at all to dislike. Personally, I enjoyed it, and I may revisit it on a rainy day when I feel a little old timey.
Rating- * * * (out of * * * * *)
Tracklist (highlights in bold)
1. "Sentimental Journey"
2. "Night and Day"
3. "Whispering Grass" (Don't Tell the Trees)"
4. "Bye Bye Blackbird"
5. "I'm a Fool to Care"
6. "Stardust"
7. "Blue, Turning Grey Over You"
8. "Love is a Many Splendoured Thing"
9. "Dream"
10. "You Always Hurt the One You Love"
11. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?"
12. "Let the Rest of the World Go Bye"
Sentimental Journey (1970)
As The Beatles were breaking up, they each prepared their first solo records. John Lennon released his new, redefined take on life with Plastic Ono Band. Paul McCartney whipped up a near-perfect collection of pop songs for McCartney. George Harrison released the epic triple album, All Things Must Pass. And Ringo Starr? He released a simple little collection of old standards (and a Van Morrison cover thrown in for some reason).
This seems odd at first, but then think about Ringo's personality. He's somewhat silly. Maybe he had nothing to say yet.
As standards albums go, Sentimental Journey is pretty good. Ringo's voice doesn't really fit most of these songs, but there's nothing particularly bad about anything here. It's just solid. There is one standout track: "Bye Bye Blackbird", a song that has a sing-along quality perfect for Ringo's baritone.
The only example of Ringo's sense of humor is his ass-awful scatting at the end of "Blue, Turning Grey Over You", followed by Ringo's proclamation, "I just lost myself there, child!" This made me laugh out loud.
Overall, Sentimental Journey is pleasant. There's little to love here, but there is nothing at all to dislike. Personally, I enjoyed it, and I may revisit it on a rainy day when I feel a little old timey.
Rating- * * * (out of * * * * *)
Tracklist (highlights in bold)
1. "Sentimental Journey"
2. "Night and Day"
3. "Whispering Grass" (Don't Tell the Trees)"
4. "Bye Bye Blackbird"
5. "I'm a Fool to Care"
6. "Stardust"
7. "Blue, Turning Grey Over You"
8. "Love is a Many Splendoured Thing"
9. "Dream"
10. "You Always Hurt the One You Love"
11. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?"
12. "Let the Rest of the World Go Bye"