Good, but not for the Ringo novice, Nov 24 2003

As everyone knows, when the sixties drew to a close, The Beatles were no longer a functional unit and they soon disbanded. However, like many other members of the group, drummer Ringo Starr wanted to create as solo album. He wanted to do so even before the band broke up, and now that they had done so, there would be no better time than the present to release one. In 1970, Ringo Starr released his first studio album as a solo artist - Sentimental Journey. Read on for my review of this album.

The first thing I need to tell you about this album is that it is NOT the Ringo Starr you know and love. If you're looking for tunes like Octopus's Garden and It Don't Come Easy, this album is going to disappoint you. However, if you've got an open mind, you may find it to be pretty interesting. Ringo was the oldest member of The Beatles, and accordingly he had a pretty diverse musical interest. He really enjoyed the popular music of the thirties and forties, and this album is nothing but him covering songs of the style. This is NOT rock and roll by any means, it's more like a "big band" album. Ringo's take on this style isn't half bad, though. He serves up twelve tracks that are similar, but each one is unique in its own way. To put it simply, if you're going to listen to this album, listen to it with an OPEN MIND.

Overall, Sentimental Journey is a good first effort by Ringo Starr the solo artist. Following this, he would release another odd album entitled Beaucoups Of Blues, on which he would perform songs of a country/western style. It wouldn't be until 1973's Ringo (that's the name of the album) that he would truly find his voice as a solo artist. Final verdict? Only get Sentimental Journey and/or Beaucoups Of Blues if you're a Ringo Starr completist, or if you're a die-hard fan that just can't get enough Ringo. Though these albums were certainly an interesting progression attempt, they aren't going to impress a whole lot of fans.

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