Ringo Starr Debuts the Uplifting “Change the World,” New EP 9/24 (New Track ft. Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams)

“Let’s change the world, a day at a time ’til we get it down,” sings the perennially upbeat Ringo Starr in “Change the World,” a new song shared late Thursday night from the Beatles legend. It’s the title track from a new EP set for release on Sept. 24 via UMe.

“Change the World,” the song, was written by Ringo’s pals Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams of Toto (both of whom play on the track), with backing vocals provided by Amy Keys, Zelma Davis, Billy Valentine and Darryl Phinnessee.

Click here to pre-order Change the World on CD from our Rock Cellar Store
Click here to pre-order Change the World on LP from our Rock Cellar Store

The new EP comes on the heels of Ringo’s Zoom In EP, which just came out in March and featured more of his All-Star pals including (but not limited to) Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Finneas, Sheryl Crow, Lukather, Joe Walsh and more. Just as with that set of tunes, Change the World was recorded at Roccabella West, Starr’s studio:

“I’ve been saying I only want to release EPs at this point and this is the next one,” said Ringo Starr. “What a blessing it’s been during this year to have a studio here at home and be able to collaborate with so many great musicians, some I’ve worked with before and some new friends.” 

A preview of the rest of Change the World, per a news release:

“Just That Way” was written and performed by Ringo and his longtime engineer Bruce Sugar, and it carries on the reggae vibe from Zoom In’s “Waiting for the Tides to Turn” with Tony Chen returning on guitar, joined by Fully Fullwood on Bass and Ed Roth on Hammond B3 with Zelma and Zho Davis on backing vocals.

“Coming Undone” is Starr’s first collaboration with Linda Perry, who wrote and plays on the track also featuring Trombone Shorty. Everyone can relate to having had moments of coming undone, and the tender, melodic country sounds coupled with Ringo’s warm voice offer a welcome reprieve.

For the final number, Ringo rocks his own version of “Rock Around The Clock” revved up by the unmistakable licks of Joe Walsh on guitar. They are joined by Nathan East on Upright Bass, Bruce Sugar on Piano and Amy Keys and Windy Wagner on Backing Vocals.