Former Beatle Ringo Starr is set to release his twenty-second studio album, Long Long Road, on April 26, 2026, continuing a fruitful creative partnership with producer T Bone Burnett. The forthcoming album, a follow-up to 2025’s country-infused Look Up, features a stellar lineup of guest musicians including Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, and Billy Strings, alongside two covers of Carl Perkins standards. The first single from the album, “It’s Been Too Long,” featuring Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, was released today, offering a glimpse into Starr’s reflections on a life well-lived.
At 85 years old, Starr’s musical journey continues to evolve, embracing country and Americana influences while retaining the optimistic spirit that has defined his career. “I’m blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records,” Starr said in a press release. “After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened. I like to say sometimes I make the right moves, like you can go left or right at any point, and one of the right moves was hooking up with T Bone for Look Up, and now for this one, which I’m calling Long Long Road, because I’ve been on a long long road.” This sentiment underscores a career spanning decades, marked by both iconic achievements and a consistent message of peace and love.
The collaboration with Burnett began with Look Up, released in January 2025 through Universal Music Enterprises. That album, Starr’s first studio release since 2019’s What’s My Name, quickly resonated with audiences, reaching number one on the UK Country album chart and peaking at number 147 on the Billboard 200. Look Up showcased a diverse range of talent, featuring contributions from Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Lucius, and Larkin Poe, solidifying Starr’s embrace of the Americana and country music scenes. The critical reception was largely positive, with Metacritic assigning the album a score of 72/100.
A Continued Exploration of Country and Americana
Long Long Road builds upon the foundation laid by Look Up, delving further into the country and Americana genres. The ten-track album promises a blend of original compositions and classic covers, offering a personal and reflective journey through Starr’s musical landscape. The inclusion of artists like Sheryl Crow and St. Vincent alongside established country musicians like Billy Strings demonstrates Starr’s willingness to experiment and collaborate across genres. This willingness to embrace new sounds and perspectives has been a hallmark of his career, from his groundbreaking work with The Beatles to his successful solo ventures.
The lead single, “It’s Been Too Long,” encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of reflection and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The song’s lyrics, focusing on moments of peaceful contemplation – “smelling the flowers,” “losing track of the hours” – offer a remedy for the anxieties of modern life. Starr’s vocals, described as “warm” by critics, deliver a message of contentment and gratitude, encouraging listeners to savor the present moment. The song’s refrain, “It’s been too long since…,” serves as a gentle reminder to reconnect with the things that truly matter.
Track Listing and Pre-Order Information
The complete track listing for Long Long Road is as follows:
- 01 “Returning Without Tears”
- 02 “Baby Don’t Go”
- 03 “I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore”
- 04 “It’s Been Too Long”
- 05 “Why”
- 06 “You And I (Wave Of Love)”
- 07 “My Baby Don’t Want Nothing”
- 08 “Choose Love”
- 09 “She’s Gone”
- 10 “Long Long Road”
Long Long Road is scheduled for release on April 26, 2026, via UMe. Fans can pre-order the album now at https://ringo.lnk.to/LongLongRoadPR. The album is expected to continue Starr’s exploration of country and Americana sounds, building on the success of Look Up and further solidifying his position as a versatile and enduring musical icon.
Ringo Starr’s Enduring Legacy
Ringo Starr’s career has spanned over six decades, beginning with his pivotal role as the drummer for The Beatles. Following the band’s dissolution, Starr embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a string of hit singles and albums. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve, embracing new musical styles and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. His commitment to peace and love has been a constant theme in his music and public persona, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
The partnership with T Bone Burnett represents a new chapter in Starr’s musical journey. Burnett, a renowned producer and songwriter, has worked with a wide array of artists, including the Counting Crows, Elvis Costello, and Alison Krauss. His expertise in Americana and roots music has helped to shape the sound of both Look Up and Long Long Road, bringing a fresh perspective to Starr’s songwriting and performance. Burnett’s influence is evident in the album’s emphasis on organic instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics.
The inclusion of artists like Billy Strings, a rising star in the bluegrass world, and St. Vincent, known for her innovative and experimental guitar work, further underscores Starr’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. These collaborations demonstrate a commitment to bridging generational gaps and fostering a sense of community within the music industry. The diverse range of talent featured on Long Long Road promises a rich and rewarding listening experience for fans of all ages.
As Starr approaches his ninth decade, he continues to demonstrate a passion for music and a dedication to his craft. Long Long Road is a testament to his enduring creativity and his unwavering commitment to spreading a message of peace and love. The album is poised to become another significant chapter in a remarkable career, solidifying Ringo Starr’s legacy as one of the most beloved and influential musicians of all time.
The next step for fans will be the official release of Long Long Road on April 26, 2026. Keep an eye on Ringo Starr’s official website and social media channels for further updates and announcements. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on “It’s Been Too Long” and the upcoming album in the comments below.
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