Ringo Starr's "Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr" is an album that will delight his longtime fans and possibly corral him some new ones. The record contains seven top 10 hits that were released between 1975 and 2005, but all the tracks exemplify the 64-year-old Starr's signature sound and vibe.
The title track was originally released by Starr in October 1973. It reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom and the U.S. singles charts and was written by Starr and fellow Beatle, the late George Harrison. The song opens with an intense build-up of guitar work that is quickly followed by harmonious percussion and drum play. Starr goes on about times gone by and how the only way he can remember them and his beloved vividly is through a particular image he holds dear. "Every time I see your face it reminds me of the place we used to go. But all I've got is a photograph and I realize you're not comin' back anymore/The day you went away, but I can't make it till you come again to stay/My heart is broke."
On "You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful And You're Mine)" lightning fast piano play starts off the intro. The track was written by the Sherman Brothers and Starr later made a cover version that reached No. 1. On this track, Starr muses about how even though his sweetheart is at a blooming age he cannot comprehend the love he has for her and is astounded that she is his. "You come on like a dream, peaches and cream. It's like strawberry wine. You're 16, you're beautiful and you're mine/Ooh what a girl, eyes that sparkle and shine/You're my baby, you're my pet/You touched my hand/You walked outta my dreams and into my arms/Now you're my angel divine, you're 16, you're beautiful and you're mine." Whimsical harmonies and harmonica come into the melody as the song progresses, making the sentiments evoked by Starr even more sugary and sweet.
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