Ringo Starr has just released his 22nd studio album, today April 24th 2026, called ‘Long, Long Road’. The ten-track album was announced back in March 2026 along with the title track’s official music video, following an earlier release of ‘It’s Been Too Long’, featuring Sarah Jarosz and Molly Tuttle. The album is a country-rock sound, produced by T Bone Burnett, with collaborations with many artists, such as Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow and St.Vincent.
The former Beatles drummer, Sir Ringo Starr, is following up his 2025 album, ‘Look Up’, which marked his first number one in the UK charts in the country category. The Liverpool born artist was said to be “blessed to have T Bone (Burnett) in his life”, before following up his intentions for the new album: “After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened.”
Whilst, the legendary rock star has a past in a indie, pop-rock and psychedelia genres from his time in The Beatles, he has taken a solo route to the country genre. His solo endeavours started in 1970, right after the split of The Beatles, and he has successfully been releasing popular streams of music since. Starr, born Richard Starkey, laid down all of the songs of his new album across different studios in America, including Nashville and Los Angeles.
The album embraces a “traditional Nashville sound”, exploring the texas-style of his distinctive drumming, giving way to a revitalised honky-tonk country sound, that appeals to mainstream audiences through a polished pop sound.
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Many have enjoyed the the record with one fan stating: “Choose Love’ is definitely one that caught my ear. Sounds like some of the india-era Beatles songs.” Bringing nostalgia into the tracks has definitely blasted a few to the past, and its paying off.
Though, some have issues with the sound, with complaints over the effort in branding and vanilla songs.
Another responded, in response to the lack of passion that seems to be found for an ex-Beatles member: “What’s with these low effort front covers for the recent ex-Beatles albums, come on boys at least hire an artist of some kind.”
With mixed emotions, the first day of the release of ‘Long, Long Road’, seems to be creating conversations, the future for the album’s love and critiques has only just started. With the release, Starr will be taking the new music on the road with him, when he starts a US tour with his All Starr Band that starts in May 2026.
