Ringo Starr
spent the 21st century working at a steady clip, touring regularly and releasing a new album every two or three years. When faced with the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, he didn't let a little thing like a global pandemic knock him off schedule. He hunkered down at his home studio and made
Zoom In
, an EP filled with superstar cameos and top-notch professionals, all lending their skills to a collection of breezy little tunes. Many of the names are familiar -- old pal
Paul McCartney
shows up, as do
Joe Walsh
,
Steve Lukather
, and
Nathan East
-- as are the vibes and themes: it's all love, peace, and good times.
Ringo
gives the near-title track "Zoom In Zoom Out" a contemporary spin, writing the novelty ode to telecommunications this era needed, yet most of
could've easily fit on any record he's made since
Ringo 2012
, if not
Liverpool 8
. Consistency is a virtue in this case: maybe
Starr
does little more than deliver what he promises, but he does deliver, and that reliability is a comfort in times of uncertainty. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine