"Ringo the 4th" is the sixth studio album by English musician Ringo Starr, released on September 20, 1977. The album's title has been interpreted in a couple of ways: some suggest it refers to Ringo being the fourth member of the Beatles, while others argue it signifies his fourth mainstream album, excluding his earlier works, Sentimental Journey and Beaucoups of Blues.
This album stands out as a dance-oriented record, produced by Arif Mardin for Atlantic Records. It features a blend of disco influences, which was a notable shift in style for Starr. Although it received mixed reviews, Ringo the 4th highlights Ringo's continued evolution as a solo artist post-Beatles, aiming to capture the vibrant sound of the late '70s.
After the commercial disappointment of Ringo's Rotogravure in 1976, Ringo Starr shifted his approach for Ringo the 4th. He moved away from the usual collaborative style that featured well-known musicians, including his fellow ex-Beatles, and instead focused on a more streamlined partnership with songwriter Vini Poncia. The duo decided to write most of the songs themselves, aiming to keep the sound contemporary by incorporating disco elements to capitalize on the genre's rising popularity.
Recording sessions began on February 5, 1977, at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, with production managed by Arif Mardin. The initial tracks recorded included unreleased songs like "Lover Please" and "Wild Shining Stars." As sessions progressed, other songs such as "Out on the Streets," "It's No Secret," and "Gypsies in Flight" took shape.
In June, Starr continued recording at Atlantic Studios in New York, where he worked on the tracks that ultimately made it onto the album. He also recorded the B-side "Just a Dream" and additional unreleased tracks like "By Your Side." Later sessions at Cherokee Studios yielded more material, including "Birmingham," "This Party," and a different version of "Just a Dream."
Notably, the album featured contributions from various artists, including keyboardist David Foster and backing vocal appearances by Melissa Manchester, Luther Vandross, and Bette Midler, adding depth to the disco-infused sound Ringo was pursuing.
