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Time Takes Time
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| Time Takes Time | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Original album artwork by Mark Ryden | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 22 May 1992 | |||
| Recorded | March–September 1991, February 1992 | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 40:04 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | ||||
| Ringo Starr chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Time Takes Time | ||||
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Time Takes Time is the tenth studio album by Ringo Starr. His first studio album since 1983's Old Wave, it followed a successful 1989 tour with his first All-Starr Band. Released in 1992, Time Takes Time was a critically-acclaimed comeback album, and featured several celebrity guests including Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson and Electric Light Orchestra front-man Jeff Lynne.
Background
[edit]In February 1987, Starr started work on his first new studio album in four years. Sessions began with producer Chips Moman in 3 Alarm Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.[1][2] These sessions lasted for a few days then came to a halt[1] before being resumed in April, with recording taking place at 3 Alarm Studios and Sun Studios.[nb 1][2] A month-long string of recording sessions were planned in August, for recording at Mayfair Recording Studios in London, before being halted shortly before recording had begun.[1] These sessions were to have been handled by Elton John's manager, John Reid, and were intended to feature John.[1] While on tour in July 1989 with the All-Starr Band, Starr was told that Moman was attempting to release the Memphis sessions as an album;[3] Starr proceeded to sue Moman in August.[1] An injunction was issued by the Fulton County Superior Courts to Starr in early January 1990, where he was to pay out costs of the sessions to Moman.[1] It was announced at a National Association of Radio Merchandisers (NARM) convention[4] that Starr signed a recording contract with Private Music in March 1991,[1] who seemed to be the only label interested in him at the time.[5]
Recording
[edit]Starr had initially intended to try out four producers, and select the best to record the whole album with: '...because it's been so long for me that I didn't really know any producers I wanted to go with for the whole record. So I figured I'd try a few people.'[5] Aligning himself with top producers Don Was, Peter Asher, Phil Ramone and Jeff Lynne, the album was recorded sporadically between March and September 1991, and finished in February 1992.[1] Jim Horn, who plays all the saxophone parts on the album, had previously worked on Starr's Ringo (1973).[6] The material was written predominantly by outside writers, with Starr co-writing three songs. Time Takes Time also marked Starr's first alliance with Mark Hudson, who assisted with the background vocals and arrangements on some of the Ramone-produced tracks.[nb 2][6]
In April 1991, Starr recorded with fellow label artist, Taj Mahal, on his album.[1] Lynne and Starr recorded four songs between 20 and 31 May: "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go", "After All These Years", "Don't Be Cruel", and "Call Me".[7] Lynne later remixed "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" at Ocean Way Studios.[7] Starr contributed the song "You'll Never Know", recorded on 14 September at the tail-end of the album sessions, to the soundtrack of the film Curly Sue.[1] "Weight of the World" was recorded in February 1992 in Los Angeles.[1] Starr recorded "Runaways" and "All in the Name of Love", the latter written by Jerry Lynn Williams, with Ramone.[8] With Asher, Starr recorded "Thank You for Being a Friend", written by Andrew Gold, The Posies' "Golden Blunders", and a McCartney–Starr song, "Angel in Disguise".[8] Was' sessions were backed by a core group of musicians who he works with frequently featuring: Benmont Tench on keyboard, longtime Bonnie Raitt bassist James "Hutch" Hutchinson and Mark Goldenberg on guitar. With Was, Starr recorded 4 songs, the Diane Warren–written song "In a Heartbeat" featuring Brian Wilson on backing vocals, "What Goes Around" written by Rick Suchow and featuring Andrew Gold on backing vocals, and "Weight of the World". The latter 2 both featured Andy Sturmer & Roger Manning on backing vocals.[8] Sturmer and Manning of Jellyfish also contributed the song "I Don't Believe You", played acoustic guitars and sang backing vocals on this Was recording basically mirroring their own version of the song.
Several tracks were left off the album.[9] The primarily McCartney-penned song "Angel in Disguise",[1] to which Starr added a verse, has never been released.[nb 3][9] Starr covered "Don't Be Cruel",[10] and it was issued as the B-side of the CD single "Weight of the World"[11] and included on the Japanese edition of the album.[12] Another outtake, "Everybody Wins",[1] was issued in Germany as the B-side of the "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" single.[7] Three more outtakes that were never released were "Thank You for Being a Friend",[1] the Ramone-produced "Love Is Going to Get You",[nb 4][13] and the Lynne-produced "Call Me".[1] Lynne has said that "Call Me" would never be released,[14] which Tom Petty appears on.[14] Although Starr had recorded and released another song entitled "Call Me" as far back as 1974, it bore no resemblance to the Lynne-produced number.[14]
Release
[edit]Starr announced the album, the lead single, "Weight of the World", and an All-Starr tour, on 28 February 1992.[15] On 2 April, Starr held a press conference restating the information in addition to tour dates [15] at Radio City Music Hall in New York.[1] In the days following 3 April, Starr made television appearances and appeared on radio broadcasts to promote the album and tour.[1] On the same day, promotional copies of "Weight of the World" were sent to radio stations in the US.[15] Filming for a music video for "Weight of the World" began on 16 May, and finished the day after.[16] CNN broadcast a behind-the-scenes report on making the video on 18 May.[1] Starr and his All-Starr band appeared on the TV show Arsenio, with a performance to promote the single.[16] The single "Weight of the World" was released on 28 April in the US,[nb 5] and on 18 May in the UK.[nb 6][19]
Time Takes Time was released in the US on 22 May,[nb 7] and in the UK on 29 June, by Private Music.[nb 8][20] Starr commented that he had not 'been this happy with an album since Ringo in 1973. It's time I stretched.' However, the album failed to chart.[8] While a planned single release on 3 July in the US of "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go", backed with "Everyone Wins", was shelved,[21] a CD edition of the single managed to get released in Germany on 21 September.[nb 9][12] The 7" vinyl edition of the single was also released in Germany and had "Don't Know a Thing About Love" as the B-side, released on the same day.[nb 10][12] Starr again appeared on Arsenio on 21 October, being interviewed and then performing "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" and "Act Naturally".[22] Times Takes Time was released on vinyl only in Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Germany.[nb 11] Despite an All-Starr tour in 1992 to promote the album,[1] Time Takes Time would be Starr's only release with Private Music before he was dropped from their roster.
Reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
| The Essential Rock Discography | 6/10[25] |
| MusicHound | 2/5[26] |
| Q | |
| Rolling Stone | |
The album received mixed reviews upon release, although one critic considered Time Takes Time to be Starr's best album since 1973's Ringo: Rolling Stone magazine wrote, "The drummer's most consistent, wide-awake album since Ringo, from 1973".[28]
The release failed to chart in either the UK or USA. Lead single "Weight of the World" managed to reach No. 74 in the UK charts.[29]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Weight of the World" | Brian O'Doherty, Fred Velez | Don Was | 3:54 |
| 2. | "Don't Know a Thing About Love" | Richard Feldman, Stan Lynch | Was | 3:49 |
| 3. | "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" | Richard Starkey, Johnny Warman, Gary Grainger | Jeff Lynne | 3:20 |
| 4. | "Golden Blunders" | Jonathan Auer, Kenneth Stringfellow | Peter Asher | 4:06 |
| 5. | "All in the Name of Love" | Jerry Lynn Williams | Phil Ramone | 3:42 |
| 6. | "After All These Years" | Starkey, Warman | Lynne | 3:10 |
| 7. | "I Don't Believe You" | Andy Sturmer, Roger Manning | Was | 2:48 |
| 8. | "Runaways" | Starkey, Warman | Ramone | 4:51 |
| 9. | "In a Heartbeat" | Diane Warren | Was | 4:29 |
| 10. | "What Goes Around" | Rick Suchow | Was | 5:50 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Don't Be Cruel" | Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley | Lynne | 2:08 |
Personnel
[edit]Personnel per booklet.[30]
|
|
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1992) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[31] | 19 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[32] | 34 |
References
[edit]- Footnotes
- ^ Among the total of 16 songs recorded, some include: "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Beat Patrol", "Ain't That a Shame", "Whiskey and Cola", and "I Can Help".[1]
- ^ Starr and Hudson would later work together on Vertical Man (1998), VH1 Storytellers (1998), I Wanna Be Santa Claus (1999), and Ringo Rama (2003), among other albums.[6]
- ^ Being interviewed by a Toronto Sun reporter on 25 October, McCartney said that 'Ringo wanted an extra verse, so I said, 'Let's write the extra verse together. Or you can just write it and we'll have co-written the song.' I understand he has written a third verse. If it's another "With A Little Help From My Friends", great, if it isn't, great!'[1]
- ^ Ramone commented that the song was "great [...] but it did not fit with the character of the songs he did" so far.[13]
- ^ US Private Music 01005-81003-2[17]
- ^ 7": UK Private Music 115,392; CD: UK Private Music 665,392[18]
- ^ US Private Music 01005-82097-2[20]
- ^ UK Private Music 262 902[5]
- ^ "Everyone Wins" was mistitled as "Everybody Wins".[12]
- ^ CD: Germany Private Music 74321 11369 2; 7" vinyl: Germany Private Music 74321 11369 7[12]
- ^ Starr's following albums weren't released on vinyl until Y Not (2010).
- Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Miles, Barry; Badman, Keith, eds. (2001). The Beatles Diary After the Break-Up: 1970–2001 (reprint ed.). London: Music Sales Group. ISBN 9780711983076.
- ^ a b Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 247. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 248. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 272. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b c Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 334. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b c Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 216. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b c Porter, Robert. "Jeff Lynne Song Database – 1990s Songs". Jefflynnesongs.com. Retrieved 28 February 2013. Scroll down to the section header Miscellaneous production sessions 1991 & 1992 click Don't Go Where The Road Don't Go then click Single/Album Version.
- ^ a b c d Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 335. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b Clayson, Alan "Ringo Starr: Straight Man Or Joker", Sanctuary Publishing, Ltd. 1998 p.334
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 186. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Porter, Robert. "Jeff Lynne Song Database – 1990s Songs". Jefflynnesongs.com. Retrieved 28 February 2013. Scroll down to the section header Miscellaneous production sessions 1991 & 1992 click After All These Years then click Album Version.
- ^ a b c d e Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 187. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 275. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b c Porter, Robert. "Jeff Lynne Song Database – 1990s Songs". Jefflynnesongs.com. Retrieved 28 February 2013. Scroll down to the section header Miscellaneous production sessions 1991 & 1992 click Call Me then click Unreleased Studio Recording.
- ^ a b c Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 141. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 142. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 184. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 183. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. pp. 183, 184. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ a b Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 185. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 143. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Harry, Bill (2004). The Ringo Starr Encyclopedia. London: Virgin Books. p. 146. ISBN 9780753508435.
- ^ Time Takes Time at AllMusic
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (5th edn). London: Omnibus Press. p. 1984. ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8.
- ^ Strong, Martin C. (2006). The Essential Rock Discography. Edinburgh, UK: Canongate. p. 1028. ISBN 978-184195-827-9.
- ^ Gary Graff & Daniel Durchholz (eds), MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, Visible Ink Press (Farmington Hills, MI, 1999; ISBN 1-57859-061-2), pp. 1082–83.
- ^ Nicol, Jimmy (July 1992). "New LPs: Ringo Starr Time Takes Time". Q. p. 99.
- ^ a b Puterbaugh, Parke (6 August 1992). "Ringo Starr: Time Takes Time : Music Reviews". rollingstone.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
- ^ Calkin, Graham. "Ringo Starr – Weight of the World". Jpgr.co.uk. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
- ^ Time Takes Time (Booklet). Ringo Starr. Private Music. 1992. 262902.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Austriancharts.at – Ringo Starr – Time Takes Time" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Ringo Starr – Time Takes Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Time Takes Time at Discogs (list of releases)
- Summary of Time Takes Time from "Complete U.K. Discography of John, Paul, George and Ringo"
Time Takes Time
View on GrokipediaBackground and Development
Conception and Early Sessions
Following the commercial disappointment of his 1983 album Old Wave, Ringo Starr entered a period of personal and professional recovery, marked by his battle with alcoholism and a hiatus from studio recording. In early February 1987, before achieving sobriety, Starr initiated sessions at 3 Alarm Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, under producer Chips Moman, whom he had met during a trip to the Bahamas the previous December. The collaboration aimed to capture a rock 'n' roll sound, drawing on Memphis's musical heritage, with basic tracks recorded for several original songs and covers.[6] Musicians such as keyboardist Sam Shoup participated, contributing to the informal, jam-like atmosphere.[7] However, the sessions, which continued sporadically through April, were hampered by excessive alcohol consumption and marijuana use among Starr, Moman, and the participants, resulting in substandard performances that Starr later described as unprofessional.[6][8] By April 1987, creative differences and dissatisfaction with the output led to the abrupt halt of the project, leaving only rough basic tracks that went unused for any album.[6] Tensions escalated into legal disputes when, in 1989, Moman's CRS Records announced plans to release the material to recoup an investment of approximately $150,000 in session costs, including musician fees and tapes.[9] Starr filed suit in Fulton County Superior Court to block the release, arguing the recordings were of poor quality and made under impaired conditions; he testified that the sessions involved heavy drinking and drug use, rendering them embarrassing and unrepresentative of his work.[6][8] The lawsuit centered on unpaid expenses, ownership of the master tapes, and an alleged verbal agreement for Moman to receive royalties from Starr's next two albums.[10] Moman demanded $146,239, while Starr offered $80,000, leading to a court injunction in November 1989 preventing the album's release.[6] The matter was resolved in January 1990 when Starr agreed to pay Moman $74,354, in exchange for full control of the tapes, though Moman appealed aspects of the royalty claim.[11][12] This settlement cleared the way for Starr to focus on recovery. In October 1988, Starr achieved sobriety.[13] By 1989, he launched his first All-Starr Band tour, which featured collaborations with musicians like Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Joe Walsh, reigniting his passion for music and providing the momentum needed to pursue new recordings.[14] The tour's success, including sold-out shows and positive reception, convinced Starr that a return to solo album production was viable, setting the foundation for Time Takes Time.[15]Label Changes and Producer Involvement
Following the unsuccessful self-release of his 1983 album Old Wave and a period without major label support, Ringo Starr signed with the independent label Private Music in March 1991, as most major labels showed little interest in his solo work at the time.[3] This deal marked a significant shift, allowing Starr to revive his recording career under a label known for supporting established artists seeking creative renewal.[3] To infuse the project with varied musical perspectives and avoid a uniform sound, Starr assembled a team of four prominent producers: Don Was, who handled five tracks including the lead single "Weight of the World"; Jeff Lynne, responsible for two songs with his signature layered production; Peter Asher, overseeing one track; and Phil Ramone, who produced the remaining two. This collaborative approach was planned to leverage each producer's strengths—Was's rootsy energy, Lynne's pop polish, Asher's acoustic finesse, and Ramone's orchestral touch.[3] The production timeline was structured around sessions from March to September 1991 across Los Angeles studios, with additional overdubs and finalization occurring in February 1992 to polish tracks like "Weight of the World."[3] This phased schedule accommodated the multiple producers and ensured flexibility amid Starr's touring commitments. Starr further enriched the album by recruiting guest artists connected through his All-Starr Band network and longtime friendships, including Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson on backing vocals for "Without Understanding" and close collaborator Harry Nilsson contributing to "I Don't Believe You."[3] These contributions added emotional depth and star power, reflecting Starr's emphasis on communal creativity during this resurgence.[3]Recording and Production
Studio Sessions and Locations
The recording of Ringo Starr's Time Takes Time primarily occurred between March and September 1991 across multiple studios in California, allowing flexibility for the involvement of several producers and accommodating Starr's schedule amid his post-tour commitments.[16] Initial sessions took place from May 20 to 31, 1991, at Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park, where early tracks such as "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" and "After All These Years" were captured.[3][17] The bulk of the album was tracked at facilities including Conway Studios (for tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, and 10), Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park (for tracks 3 and 6), Capitol Studios (track 5), Westlake Recording Studios (track 5), and Studio F (track 4), all in the Los Angeles area.[18] This distributed approach facilitated collaboration with producers Don Was (overseeing the majority of tracks, emphasizing live ensemble playing), Jeff Lynne (handling tracks 3 and 6 with click-track precision), Peter Asher (track 4), and Phil Ramone (tracks 5 and 8, also using click tracks).[19] Additional overdubs and remixing extended into February 1992, primarily under Don Was with engineer Ed Cherney, to refine the material and integrate elements from prior attempts.[19] These sessions addressed logistical challenges from Starr's international travel and the need to align contributions from producers based in different regions. Mixing occurred at locations such as Bearsville Studios in New York (track 1), Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles (track 3 remix), and Andorra Studios in Los Angeles (track 5 remix), with final mastering at The Mastering Lab in Los Angeles.[18] This multi-phase process, spanning nearly a year and a half, reflected the album's evolution from fragmented beginnings to a cohesive final product.[20]Songwriting Process and Collaborations
The songwriting for Time Takes Time primarily relied on contributions from outside writers, reflecting Ringo Starr's self-described limited role as a songwriter, as he noted in a 1992 interview, "I don’t write that much... I’m not a great writer."[21] Starr co-wrote only three tracks: "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" with Johnny Warman and Gary Grainger, "After All These Years" with Warman, and "Runaways" with Warman.[3] These collaborations marked a deliberate effort to surround Starr with established songwriters to bolster the album's material.[3] Key collaborations extended beyond co-writing to include notable guest contributions and adaptations. For instance, the track "I Don't Believe You" was written by Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning of the band Jellyfish, who also provided harmonies, infusing the song with their power-pop style.[3] Similarly, the album featured a cover of The Posies' "Golden Blunders," selected for its thematic fit and produced by Peter Asher.[3] An unreleased outtake, "Call Me," involved Tom Petty on guitar and was produced by Jeff Lynne, highlighting Petty's supportive role in Starr's creative circle.[17] Additionally, Starr co-wrote the unreleased "Angel in Disguise" with Paul McCartney, where Starr contributed a third verse to McCartney's initial composition.[3] The lyrical themes of reflection and perseverance were influenced by Starr's personal life, particularly his sobriety achieved in 1988, which he credited with revitalizing his career.[21] Songs like "Weight of the World," co-written with Brian O'Doherty, drew directly from these experiences, addressing emotional burdens and renewal.[21] The preceding 1989–1990 All-Starr Band tour further shaped this outlook, fostering relationships that emphasized camaraderie and endurance, themes echoed in tracks such as "After All These Years."[3]Musical Content
Overall Style and Themes
Time Takes Time exemplifies a predominant pop rock style infused with pop sensibilities and subtle country elements, serving as Ringo Starr's triumphant comeback album after a nine-year absence from studio releases since Old Wave in 1983.[2][21] The sound draws on Starr's Beatles-era strengths, delivering an unpretentious and charming collection that blends rockers and ballads to create a varied yet accessible listening experience reflective of his straightforward vocal delivery and distinctive drumming.[21][3] The album's production diversity stems from the collaboration with four renowned producers—Don Was, Jeff Lynne, Peter Asher, and Phil Ramone—each contributing distinct flavors across tracks: Was's organic, roots-oriented approach; Lynne's glossy, Electric Light Orchestra-inspired polish; Asher's crisp pop refinement; and Ramone's sophisticated jazz-pop nuances.[21][22] This multiplicity results in a dynamic sonic palette that avoids uniformity while maintaining cohesion, emphasizing live-feel recordings with minimal overdubs to capture genuine energy.[21] Recurring themes center on the passage of time, aging, personal relationships, and emotional resilience, mirroring Starr's mid-50s vantage point and his recovery from alcoholism through sobriety achieved in 1988.[21] These motifs underscore reflections on life's experiences, lost opportunities, enduring love, and forward momentum, often conveyed through relatable, everyman narratives that align with Starr's persona.[21] Clocking in at 39:54, the album forms a tight, unified 10-track sequence designed for seamless flow, with the Japanese edition expanding to 11 tracks by including the bonus "Don't Be Cruel."[22]Key Tracks and Contributions
"Weight of the World," the album's lead single, is an upbeat rock track that explores themes of personal burdens and resilience, co-written by Brian O'Doherty and Fred Velez. The song features backing vocals from Brian Wilson, adding a harmonious Beach Boys-inspired layer to its optimistic tone. Produced by Don Was, it marked Ringo Starr's return to the charts with a blend of contemporary pop-rock energy and introspective lyrics.[5] "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go," co-written by Starr with Johnny Warman and Gary Grainger, serves as a cautionary opener to the album's reflective themes, warning against life's uncertain paths and drawing from Starr's personal experiences with recovery. Produced by Jeff Lynne, the track showcases Lynne's signature layered production, including his own contributions on guitar, bass, piano, and keyboards, creating a driving rhythm that underscores the song's message of perseverance. Themes of life's uncertainties are conveyed through Starr's straightforward vocals, emphasizing lessons learned from past mistakes.[23][5] The emotional ballad "After All These Years," another collaboration between Starr and Warman, reflects on nostalgia and the passage of time, evoking Beatles-era sentiments through its melodic structure and heartfelt delivery. Produced by Jeff Lynne, it highlights Starr's vocal maturity and the album's overarching motif of reflection on longevity in music and life. Lynne's production brings a polished, orchestral feel, enhancing the song's introspective quality without overpowering Starr's performance.[5] Exclusive to the Japanese edition, the bonus track "Don't Be Cruel" is a lively cover of the Elvis Presley classic, produced by Jeff Lynne, infusing rockabilly flair with Starr's playful interpretation and Lynne's multi-instrumental backing. This energetic rendition adds a fun, retro contrast to the album's more contemplative moments, showcasing Starr's affinity for classic rock 'n' roll. Guest contributions throughout the album, such as Harry Nilsson's harmonious backing vocals on "Runaways," and Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning of Jellyfish providing backing vocals on their penned track "I Don't Believe You," enrich the album with a nostalgic pop sensibility.[24][25][1]Release and Promotion
Album Release Details
The album Time Takes Time was announced on 28 February 1992 through a Private Music press release, which also revealed the lead single "Weight of the World" and plans for an All-Starr Band tour to align with Starr's collaborative persona.[3] It was released in the United States on 22 May 1992 and in the United Kingdom on 29 June 1992 by Private Music.[26][27] The album was issued in multiple physical formats, including compact disc, cassette, and vinyl LP, with digital versions becoming available in subsequent years through streaming platforms.[22] Cover artwork featured an illustration by Mark Ryden, emphasizing thematic elements of time and reflection that tied into Starr's All-Starr Band branding as a revolving ensemble of musical guests.[22] Initial promotion centered on radio airplay for the lead single and features in music publications such as Rolling Stone, which profiled Starr's sobriety and creative resurgence around the album's launch.[21] Singles served as key promotional tools to build anticipation ahead of the full release.[3]Singles, Charts, and Touring
The lead single from Time Takes Time, "Weight of the World", was released in April 1992 and peaked at number 74 on the UK Singles Chart.[28] It also reached number 43 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[29] A follow-up single, "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go", was issued exclusively as a promotional release in Germany on September 21, 1992.[30] The album itself failed to enter the US Billboard 200 or the UK Albums Chart.[16] It achieved moderate success elsewhere, peaking at number 19 in Austria and number 34 in Sweden.[31][32] Worldwide sales totaled approximately 280,000 copies.[33] To support the album's promotion, Ringo Starr launched his second All-Starr Band tour in 1992, consisting of 62 dates across the United States and Europe from June to September.[34] The performances featured several tracks from Time Takes Time interspersed with hits from Starr and his bandmates, including Todd Rundgren, Nils Lofgren, Joe Walsh, and Burton Cummings, which helped increase visibility for the new material.[3] The record's modest commercial performance has been attributed to its distribution by the independent label Private Music, which lacked the promotional resources of major labels, amid the rising dominance of grunge acts like Nirvana in the early 1990s music landscape.[35]Reception and Legacy
Initial Critical Response
Upon its release in 1992, Time Takes Time received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who generally viewed it as a solid comeback for Ringo Starr after nearly a decade without a studio album, praising the energetic contributions from guest artists and the varied production while critiquing the songwriting for relying on familiar formulas. The album's star-studded lineup, including Brian Wilson on backing vocals for "She's About a Mover", was frequently highlighted as a strength that injected vitality into Starr's performance.[2] Rolling Stone awarded the album three out of five stars, calling it "a charming, unpretentious pop album, doing what [Starr] did best as a Beatle" and "the drummer's most consistent, wide-awake album since [Ringo], from 1973," crediting producers Don Was and Jeff Lynne for revitalizing Starr's sound without overcomplicating it. AllMusic echoed this acclaim in its initial assessment, commending the record's lively energy and the effective integration of guest stars, which helped establish its reputation as one of Starr's stronger later works.[2] Overall, contemporary reviews positioned Time Takes Time as a respectable if unremarkable return that showcased Starr's enduring charm but fell short of groundbreaking innovation.[2]Long-Term Assessment and Influence
Over time, Time Takes Time has received positive reappraisals as a pivotal work in Ringo Starr's solo discography, particularly for marking his return to studio recording after a nine-year absence since 1983's Old Wave. Reissues in the 2000s and 2010s, including a 1998 BMG edition and a 2016 super jewel box CD by Music on CD, have sustained its availability and introduced it to newer listeners, reflecting ongoing catalog interest in Starr's output.[36][36] Biographies have highlighted the album's role in revitalizing Starr's solo career, positioning it as a creative resurgence fueled by sobriety and the success of his All-Starr Band tours; for instance, the 2025 book Ringo Starr: I Play the Piano If It's in C by Luca Perasi describes it as "one of his best ever," crediting its strong song selection and production.[37] The New York Times echoed this in its original coverage, calling it "Starr's best: more consistently pleasing than Ringo, it shows him as an assured pop craftsman."[38] The album's production approach, involving a team of high-profile collaborators such as Don Was, Jeff Lynne, Peter Asher, and Phil Ramone, established a multi-producer model that emphasized diverse stylistic contributions and guest appearances, influencing Starr's later recordings. This collaborative framework carried forward into 1998's Vertical Man, where Starr co-produced with Mark Hudson while incorporating guest spots from artists like Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Steven Tyler, maintaining the emphasis on ensemble energy over solo dominance.[3][39] In terms of cultural impact, Time Takes Time has endured through live performances, with the lead single "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" becoming a staple in Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band setlists, underscoring Starr's lasting appeal as a charismatic frontman and drummer. The song was regularly performed during tours, including the 1995 North American leg at the Mall of America and the 2001 summer jaunt, where it highlighted the band's rotating lineup of rock veterans.[40][41] While the album's tracks have seen limited sampling or covers outside niche rock circles—such as occasional tributes in fan compilations—its themes of reflection and perseverance resonate in broader discussions of aging rock musicians, linking Starr's post-Beatles journey to the enduring legacy of the Beatles as symbols of timeless creativity.[15]Credits
Track Listing
The standard edition of Time Takes Time features ten tracks with a total runtime of 39:54.[1]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Weight of the World" | Brian O'Doherty, Fred Velez | 3:54 | Don Was |
| 2 | "Don't Know a Thing About Love" | Richard Feldman, Stan Lynch | 3:49 | Don Was |
| 3 | "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go" | Richard Starkey, Johnny Warman, Gary Grainger | 3:20 | Jeff Lynne |
| 4 | "Golden Blunders" | Ken Stringfellow, Jon Auer | 4:06 | Peter Asher |
| 5 | "All in the Name of Love" | Jerry Lynn Williams | 3:41 | Phil Ramone |
| 6 | "After All These Years" | Richard Starkey, Johnny Warman | 3:09 | Jeff Lynne |
| 7 | "I Don't Believe You" | Andy Sturmer, Roger Manning | 2:47 | Don Was |
| 8 | "Runaways" | Richard Starkey, Johnny Warman | 4:50 | Phil Ramone |
| 9 | "In a Heartbeat" | Diane Warren | 4:28 | Don Was |
| 10 | "What Goes Around" | Rick Suchow | 5:50 | Don Was |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | "Don't Be Cruel" | Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley | 2:08 | Jeff Lynne |
