Ringo Starr: Unraveling the Brilliance Through Five Iconic Songs

Five songs that prove Ringo Starr was a genius

‘A Hard Day’s Night’ – A Hard Day’s Night

Ringo Starr’s contribution to The Beatles cannot be understated. Despite being the most frequently underestimated member of the band, Starr’s innovations and creative instincts played a significant role in shaping the iconic sound of the Fab Four. One example of Starr’s genius can be found in the song ‘A Hard Day’s Night’.

During the making of the band’s first film, also titled ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, Starr unintentionally coined the phrase that would become the title of the album’s title track. As the group was leaving the recording studio after a long day, Starr remarked that it had been a ‘long hard day’. John Lennon, inspired by Starr’s off-the-cuff comment, immediately recognized the potential in those words. The phrase perfectly captured the feeling of going from gig to gig every day, knowing that there is someone waiting at home. This song became a classic Beatles track, showcasing Starr’s ability to contribute catchy hooks and serve the song.

‘Here Comes the Sun’ – Abbey Road

In another shining example of Starr’s musical genius, we look to ‘Here Comes the Sun’ from the album Abbey Road. George Harrison, known for his innovative approach to songwriting, presented the band with a gentle acoustic track that had various time signatures. Starr initially struggled to find the right rhythm and accents for the song. However, through experimentation and his innate musicality, Starr discovered a solution – he played the guitar riff on the drums. This provided a lovely sense of counterpoint and added depth to the song, showcasing Starr’s ability to adapt and collaborate effectively within the band.

‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ – Revolver

Revolver marked a turning point in The Beatles‘ musical style. With each song on the album encompassing a unique creative endeavor, Starr’s contribution to the track ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ demonstrated his genius once again. While the band was searching for a title for the song, Starr proposed ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ as a result of his little malapropism. Although the original phrase was supposed to be ‘tomorrow never comes’, Starr’s mistake fit perfectly with John Lennon’s existential lyrics. Additionally, the essential groove of the song looked ahead to the future, reflecting the dynamics that would later define various early ’80s hip-hop grooves. Starr’s intuitive sense of what suited the song contributed greatly to its impact.

‘With a Little Help From My Friends’ – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Even during the demanding and intense schedule of recording and artistic exploration for albums like Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Starr never lost sight of his role in the band. He delivered a winning vocal performance on the track ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’. Although Lennon and McCartney provided memorable backing vocals, it was Starr’s heartfelt singing that shone through. The song’s message of friendship and support resonated deeply, and Starr’s delivery, including effortlessly hitting a high note that was out of his usual range, added a remarkable moment to Beatles history. His determination and unwavering commitment to the music were palpable, exemplifying his genius as both a musician and collaborator.

‘Rain’

Starr’s humility and modesty were signature traits throughout his career. Despite his renowned humility, Starr could acknowledge that ‘Rain’ stands out as one of his finest performances. As The Beatles embraced psychedelic music, Starr showcased his drumming brilliance on this track. His playing is chaotic yet controlled, with each fill fitting perfectly within the song’s framework. Astonishingly, the recorded version is actually played at half-speed, demonstrating Starr’s skill and versatility. In ‘Rain’, Starr unleashed his inner animal, proving that behind his mild-mannered exterior, there was a powerhouse behind the drum kit.

Ringo Starr’s Enduring Impact

These five songs highlight Ringo Starr’s genius as a musician, collaborator, and essential member of The Beatles. Although often overshadowed by the immense talents of Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison, Starr’s contributions were a crucial element in creating the band’s timeless sound.

Beyond his technical skills, what made Starr a genius was his ability to serve the song and adapt to the ever-evolving musical landscape. Whether it was providing catchy hooks, adding counterpoint, contributing lyrical inspiration, or delivering heartfelt vocals, Starr consistently demonstrated his invaluable instincts and understanding of the music. His presence and personality always shone through, making him the knockabout uncle of the group.

Starr’s genius was not limited to his contributions within the confines of the band. His influence extended to the broader music scene, inspiring countless drummers and musicians. His knack for serving the song and his ability to create memorable hooks are qualities that transcend time and genre.

Appreciating Starr’s Genius

It’s crucial to recognize Ringo Starr’s genius and acknowledge his often underappreciated role in The Beatles‘ success. He was far more than just the drummer of the band; he was a creative force who left an indelible mark on popular music.

As music lovers, it is worth revisiting Starr’s contributions and appreciating the complexity and artistry he brought to the Beatles‘ music. It is through this reevaluation that we can fully understand and celebrate the depth of his genius.

In Conclusion

Ringo Starr may have been the favorite punching bag among the four Beatles, but his contributions were undeniably essential to the band’s iconic sound. Through his innovative approach, collaborative spirit, and intuitive sense of musicality, Starr showed time and time again that he was a genius in his own right. A careful examination of his work on songs such as ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’, ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’, and ‘Rain’ reveals the depth and brilliance of his musical genius. It is time to appreciate the true extent of Starr’s impact on popular music and give him the recognition he deserves.