The solo career of Ringo Starr experienced an astonishingly rapid ascent right from the beginning. Frequently supported by his former bandmates from The Beatles, he achieved remarkable success, landing four singles in the Top 20 and two albums in the Billboard Top 10 by the year 1974. This swift rise can be attributed to his enduring charm and affable personality, characteristics that resonated with audiences. His album released in 1973, Ringo, stands out as a significant milestone since it remains the sole album to reunite all four Beatles following their tumultuous split in 1970, demonstrating the lasting connections between them.
However, this initial momentum did not continue indefinitely. By the late 1970s, the other members of The Beatles began to drift away, while Starr faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. At one point, he found himself without a recording contract, which severely impacted his career trajectory. It wasn’t until the resurgence of interest during the late-’90s Anthology era that he began to regain his footing, collaborating with renowned producers like Mark Hudson and Jeff Lynne as well as forming the popular All-Starr Bands.
After overcoming his struggles, Starr rediscovered the warm, inviting demeanor that originally endeared him to fans. While he never again achieved the same chart-topping success, with his highest-charting album in the modern era being 2010’s Y Not, which peaked at No. 58, he successfully reconnected with his musical voice. Over the subsequent decade, he maintained a steady rhythm in releasing music, putting out four additional albums before the global pandemic brought many projects to a halt. He rejuvenated his creativity by releasing a series of EPs and is set to return to his musical roots with the upcoming 2025 album, Look Up.
In our comprehensive ranking of every Ringo Starr album, we focus exclusively on the full-length projects officially released. This journey begins with a couple of eclectic genre albums that showcase the multifaceted nature of his always-friendly personality. Interestingly, some albums that initially garnered little commercial success have since gained substantial recognition, both from fans and critics, illustrating how perceptions of music can evolve over time.
Comprehensive Ranking of Ringo Starr’s Albums
It’s fascinating to note that some albums that initially struggled to achieve commercial success have grown in both fan appreciation and critical acclaim.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
Reflecting on Ringo Starr’s Incredible Garage Sale
