Ringo Starr – Y Not (Hip-O Records) ****

Ringo Starr reached certain level of excellence with his last release Liverpool 8. This album continues where Liverpool 8 left off. The songs are catchy and memorable. Ringo sings very well, and as always he appears to be having fun.

Y Not is a very clever album. But it has strong level of seriousness to it. Ringo revisits his very reflective tone. Tracks like The Other Side of Liverpool will certainly grab your attention for the lyrical content alone. There quite a few references to the past in Peace Dream, where John Lennon makes an appearance in the lyrics. Ringo takes Paul for another walk as McCartney guesses on Walk with You. The album’s closing track, Who’s Your Daddy, is a duet between Ringo and Joss Stone. It’s a great track showcasing the talents of both singers, and Starr’s ever-present sense of humor.

Y Not shows that great music never stops, and it’s OK to have some fun while you’re making it. This is a great album for any occasion. Ringo has done it again.

Mark Kadzielawa