A new country album from Ringo Starr might not initially set the pulses racing however once you find out that the majority of the songs have been written by T Bone Burnett, and that the album features the likes of Billy Strings, Larkin Poe, Lucius, Daniel Tashian, Molly Tuttle and Alison Krauss then preconceptions have to be placed to one side.
Sure enough on "Time On My Hands" T Bone Burnett gives a masterclass in sound production using relatively little to produce a majestic sound, with a pedal steel at the forefront , supported by mainly just an acoustic guitar and a piano for the opening section - later joined by Ringo naturally playing his own percussion. Even though strings and an electric guitar also join later it remains a masterpiece of restraint.
Ringo's voice remains distinctly English, though at times the phrasing naturally does start to sound a little like the songs writer. and there's almost a touch of Willie Nelson in there! The song itself, a tale of loss, reflection and ultimately moving on, is also economic, it is simply expressed and never feels over complicated yet says all it needs to in those few words.
"I used to have a true love
Everything was fine
But now she's found a new love
She's no longer mine
I thought it was forever
But she had other plans
Now these arms are empty
And I've got time on my hands"
The chorus finds a curious mixture of reflection mixed with an eagerness to look forwards not backwards.
"Time on my hands
The lesson's been learned
I'm over her now
That bridge has been burned"
With a final verse placing himself well and truly back on the market there is distinct charm about this opening track of the album to make you curious about what else may lie within.
"So, if you're feeling lonely
Well, I've been lonely, too
And you need a one and only
Who'll be good to you
A heart that's good and steady
Someone who understands
Well, these two arms are empty
And I've got time on my hands"
The full album is released in January 2025.
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