Is Vertical Man a good place to start with Ringo Starr?

Yes, Vertical Man is recommended as a starting point for new Ringo Starr listeners. A rich tapestry of pop rock melodies interwoven with Ringo's signature warmth and playful charm. Released in 1998, Vertical Man marked Ringo Starr's first studio album in nearly a decade following the release of Time Takes Time in 1992. During this period, he experienced a resurgence in creativity and collaboration, working with notable artists like Peter Frampton and Jack Douglas, which reinvigorated his songwriting approach.

Who is Vertical Man for?

Vertical Man works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, nostalgic melodies for introspection and early evening acoustic warmth.

How many songs are on Vertical Man?

Vertical Man has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Vertical Man

Ringo Starr · 1998

51 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A rich tapestry of pop rock melodies interwoven with Ringo's signature warmth and playful charm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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One Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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King of Broken Hearts — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics about heartbreak paired with catchy melodies that evoke Ringo's classic style. It balances emotional depth with an uplifting arrangement.
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Vertical Man — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and self-discovery, driven by a vibrant instrumental backdrop that reflects Ringo's playful spirit.
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What in the... World — The song showcases a more experimental side of Ringo, blending quirky lyrics with an infectious groove, highlighting his willingness to explore new musical territories.
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Drift Away — Ringo’s rendition infuses a sense of nostalgia into this cover, transforming it into a personal anthem filled with warmth and familiarity that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive identity throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads and reflective themes.
Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and backing vocals, enhancing the melodic richness of the arrangements.
The track 'Love Me Do' is a re-recording of Ringo's earlier hit, which contrasts with the original material on the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
nostalgic melodies for introspection
early evening acoustic warmth
easy-going sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released after a long gap, it showcases Ringo's renewed creativity and appeal.
Themes: personal journeys· love and loss· musical revival
Career context: Released in 1998, Vertical Man marked Ringo Starr's first studio album in nearly a decade following the release of Time Takes Time in 1992. During this period, he experienced a resurgence in creativity and collaboration, working with notable artists like Peter Frampton and Jack Douglas, which reinvigorated his songwriting approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Paul McCartney· George Harrison· The Beach Boys