Liverpool 8
by Ringo Starr
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 15, 2008
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Billboard
    70
    While his talent as a lyricist may leave something to be desired, you can't fault the guy for his dedication to putting a smile on the listener's face.
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    The music, co-produced by Dave Stewart, plays up his jolly charm.
  3. The New York Times
    70
    The album relies equally on gleaming pop craftsmanship and on Mr. Starr’s charm, which are not always enough to redeem the more saccharine moments.
  5. Hartford Courant
    70
    Starr's songs have an old-friend quality, and their familiarity overshadows their hokier moments.
  6. AllMusic
    60
    Liverpool 8 is a relaxed, amiable collection of friendly pop tunes: it's nothing too flashy and it has no one tune that calls attention to itself, but it's a well-constructed, casually charming pop record.
  7. Boston Globe
    60
    The need for peace and love animates Ringo's worldly concerns - four of the disc's dozen tracks mention "love" in the title - but they come across as little more than catchphrases aimed at the flower-power generation.
  8. Uncut
    60
    Liverpool 8, which stands happily beside Starr's recent hits compilation, holds its own as a companion piece to McCartney's similarly vital "Memory Almost Full," and makes a nice day off from having to like Radiohead.
  9. NOW Magazine
    60
    If you can deal with the nostalgia factor, it’s a pleasant but unremarkable disc.
  10. PopMatters
    60
    He has nothing to prove. Yet, for those same reasons, the simplicity and humble warmth of Liverpool 8 are even more disarming.
  11. The Boston Phoenix
    50
    There are so many clashing vocal parts and guitar effects that you have to strain to hear the actual songs. Which is a shame, because said songs (all of which Ringo co-wrote) are pretty good.
  12. Mojo
    40
    Generally, the undistinguished R&B pop and trite lyrics he and his long-term bandmates come up with bear no comparison to the salty good cheer of 'It Don't Come Easy' and 'Photograph.' [Feb 2008, p.100]
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  13. Q Magazine
    40
    The major problems with his 14th solo studio album are Starr himself, and Dave Stewart. [Feb 2008, p.102]
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. ÍtaloD.
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    Ringo at his best. This album is also so good or better than Time Takes Time, Ringo Rama and Ringo, is much better than Vertical Man and Ringo at his best. This album is also so good or better than Time Takes Time, Ringo Rama and Ringo, is much better than Vertical Man and others 70' and 80' Ringo's albums. Now I think both Liverpool 8 and Choose Love are the TOP Ringo Starr albums.… Full Review »
  2. JoanneP.
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    This album has a wonderful collection of songs on it,this is Ringo Starr at his best. Liverpool 8 and R U Ready are already favorites.Keep This album has a wonderful collection of songs on it,this is Ringo Starr at his best. Liverpool 8 and R U Ready are already favorites.Keep going Ringo,you Rock!!!!!!… Full Review »
  3. JackW.
    Feb 1, 2008
    10
    This is certainly as great as any of his comeback works: "Time Takes Time", "Vertical Man", "Ringo Rama", & "Choose Love". Those albums This is certainly as great as any of his comeback works: "Time Takes Time", "Vertical Man", "Ringo Rama", & "Choose Love". Those albums signaled an incredible comeback story for Starr. If Ringo wasn't involved they be great eclectic pop albums. They were, for the most part, the work of the Mark Hudson led collective known as the Roundheads. The new album was started with Hudson, and it has the same great signature feel...like a cross between The Traveling Wilburys, and The Rutles (and that is meant as the highest compliment). Starr has matured and matured as a writer, and his heartfelt and deepeningly Spiritual messages are delivered in clever and enticing ways. Only his 1973 album "Ringo" is outright better than this one. While I may have a personal preference for "Time Takes Time", it'd be hard to choose a "best" album from anything of the quintet of albums he's released during this wonderful Autumnal renaissance.… Full Review »
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