Vertical Man

Released in 1998, Vertical Man marked a significant creative resurgence for Ringo Starr, largely credited to his partnership with producer Mark Hudson and the 'Roundheads.' After a period of commercial inconsistency, this album successfully reclaimed his position as a purveyor of high-quality pop-rock. The recording context is notable for its massive array of guest stars, effectively turning the album into a tribute to Starr's enduring influence. Sonically, it moves away from the thin production of the 1980s toward a 'Wall of Sound' approach that emphasizes vocal harmonies and saturated guitar tones. It includes a bold re-imagining of 'Love Me Do,' which serves as a meta-commentary on his own history. Critics noted that while the album is unashamedly nostalgic, the energy and craftsmanship were the strongest seen from Starr since the early 1970s. It stands as the definitive 'modern' Ringo record, establishing the template for his subsequent 21st-century output.