Stop and Smell the Roses
Encyclopedia
Stop and Smell the Roses is the eighth studio album by Ringo Starr
, released in 1981 following the twin commercial disasters of Ringo the 4th
(1977) and Bad Boy (1978).
on the film set of Caveman in early 1980, Starr contacted Paul McCartney
to initiate some sessions. With Wings
then in limbo and McCartney II
just released, McCartney booked time with Starr from 11–21 July in France
to record three songs: "Private Property" and "Attention" (both McCartney originals) plus a cover of "Sure To Fall".
Next, Stephen Stills
got involved, writing "You've Got a Nice Way" for Starr and producing its recording that August. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones
was keen to help out and brought along "Dead Giveaway" that September, which they both co-produced. Long-time friend Harry Nilsson
was next on Starr's checklist, presenting him with "Drumming Is My Madness" and the album's title track, both of which were recorded in early November, with early December sessions completing the work of the cork.
After working with McCartney, it was only natural that Starr would extend the invitation to his two other band mates in The Beatles
. When Starr arrived at George Harrison
's Friar Park
estate on 19 November (where he was currently re-recording parts of Somewhere in England
after some of its songs had been rejected), Harrison presented him with "Wrack My Brain" – specially composed for Starr. "You Belong To Me
", another cover from the past, was also recorded, with Harrison producing. Starr also recorded a version of "All Those Years Ago", but Ringo told Harrison the vocal was too high for his range and he didn't like the words. (Harrison took the track back, changed some of the lyrics and later, with overdubs by Paul and Linda McCartney, it came out as a tribute to John Lennon and was the lead hit single of Harrison's Somewhere in England album.) Lennon was the last of The Beatles that Starr had yet to visit and – fresh from his musical re-awakening, having just released Double Fantasy
– Lennon was eager to meet with Starr. On 26 November, in New York City
, Lennon handed Starr the demos for "Nobody Told Me
" and "Life Begins at 40
", which Starr was keen to record. With Lennon producing, they set a date of January 14, 1981 to record the songs. On December 8, however, everything changed, when Lennon was gunned down outside The Dakota
by crazed fan Mark David Chapman
.
Devastated by Lennon's murder, Starr did not have the heart to record Lennon's songs (which would later be released on posthumous Lennon albums). After a period of mourning, Starr returned to the studio for the required overdubs and completed the album in February 1981. Initially titled You Can't Fight Lightning and with an alternative cover shot, Portrait Records
in the US rejected the album, leaving Starr to find a new label. Fortunately, RCA Records
(and a subsidiary called Boardwalk Records
in the US) was interested. With a re-sequenced running order and design change, the album was rechristened Stop And Smell the Roses after Nilsson's donated song.
Harrison's "Wrack My Brain" was the first single that November. While it missed the UK charts, it managed to give Starr his final US Top 40 hit, reaching #38. Stop And Smell the Roses was considered to be Starr's best album since 1974's Goodnight Vienna
, but it was not enough to make it a hit, reaching no further than #98 in the US, even though it was his biggest-selling album in years. In early 1982, McCartney's "Private Property" was released as the second single but failed to chart anywhere. Nonplussed, RCA dropped Starr in 1982. For the first time in his career, Starr was out of a recording contract – and this time, no major UK or US company would be willing to sign him.
Stop and Smell the Roses was reissued on CD in the US by Capitol Records
in 1994 with several bonus tracks from the sessions, but deleted some years later.
Ringo Starr
Richard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
, released in 1981 following the twin commercial disasters of Ringo the 4th
Ringo the 4th
Ringo the 4th is the sixth album by Ringo Starr, released in 1977.After the commercial disappointment of Ringo's Rotogravure , Starr decided to shift his formula of using his well-known musician friends to write songs and appear on his albums...
(1977) and Bad Boy (1978).
History
After meeting soon-to-be second wife Barbara BachBarbara Bach
Barbara Bach is an American actress and model known as the Bond girl from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me . She is married to former Beatle Ringo Starr.-Early life:...
on the film set of Caveman in early 1980, Starr contacted Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
to initiate some sessions. With Wings
Wings (band)
Wings were a British-American rock group formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney that remained active until 1981....
then in limbo and McCartney II
McCartney II
McCartney II is the third album by Paul McCartney, and the first since the formation of Wings in 1971. It was released in 1980, a year before the band's dissolution and while their future lay in limbo...
just released, McCartney booked time with Starr from 11–21 July in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
to record three songs: "Private Property" and "Attention" (both McCartney originals) plus a cover of "Sure To Fall".
Next, Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Stephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
got involved, writing "You've Got a Nice Way" for Starr and producing its recording that August. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
was keen to help out and brought along "Dead Giveaway" that September, which they both co-produced. Long-time friend Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson
Harry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson...
was next on Starr's checklist, presenting him with "Drumming Is My Madness" and the album's title track, both of which were recorded in early November, with early December sessions completing the work of the cork.
After working with McCartney, it was only natural that Starr would extend the invitation to his two other band mates in The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
. When Starr arrived at George Harrison
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
's Friar Park
Friar Park
Friar Park is the 120-room Victorian neo-Gothic mansion previously owned by the eccentric Sir Frank Crisp in Henley-on-Thames and bought by the musician George Harrison in 1970, as he left his former home Kinfauns, in Esher.-History:...
estate on 19 November (where he was currently re-recording parts of Somewhere in England
Somewhere in England
Somewhere in England is an album by George Harrison, released in 1981. Recorded as Harrison was becoming increasingly frustrated with the music industry, the album's making was a long one, and witnessed a tragic event in his life.-History:...
after some of its songs had been rejected), Harrison presented him with "Wrack My Brain" – specially composed for Starr. "You Belong To Me
You Belong to Me (1952 song)
"You Belong to Me" is a pop music ballad from the 1950s. The singer reminds his/her lover that, whatever exotic locales and sights he/she experiences, "you belong to me." It is credited to three writers: Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, and Redd Stewart...
", another cover from the past, was also recorded, with Harrison producing. Starr also recorded a version of "All Those Years Ago", but Ringo told Harrison the vocal was too high for his range and he didn't like the words. (Harrison took the track back, changed some of the lyrics and later, with overdubs by Paul and Linda McCartney, it came out as a tribute to John Lennon and was the lead hit single of Harrison's Somewhere in England album.) Lennon was the last of The Beatles that Starr had yet to visit and – fresh from his musical re-awakening, having just released Double Fantasy
Double Fantasy
Double Fantasy is an album released by John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, in 1980. Though initially poorly received, the album is notable for its association with Lennon's murder three weeks after its release, whereupon it become a worldwide commercial success, and went on to win the 1981 Album...
– Lennon was eager to meet with Starr. On 26 November, in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Lennon handed Starr the demos for "Nobody Told Me
Nobody Told Me
"Nobody Told Me" is a song by the British musician John Lennon. Recorded shortly before his death in 1980, the song was later completed by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono in 1983 and released as the first single from Lennon and Ono's album Milk and Honey in 1984. The song was later released in the UK in...
" and "Life Begins at 40
Life Begins at 40
"Life Begins at 40" is a song by John Lennon. It was written in 1980, the year that both Lennon and Ringo Starr turned 40 years of age. Lennon recorded a demo of the song at his home, but it was not recorded at any of the sessions for his comeback album, Double Fantasy. Instead, he intended to give...
", which Starr was keen to record. With Lennon producing, they set a date of January 14, 1981 to record the songs. On December 8, however, everything changed, when Lennon was gunned down outside The Dakota
The Dakota
The Dakota, constructed from October 25, 1880 to October 27, 1884, is a co-op apartment building located on the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City...
by crazed fan Mark David Chapman
Mark David Chapman
Mark David Chapman is an American prison inmate who murdered former Beatles member John Lennon on December 8, 1980. He committed the crime as Lennon and Yoko Ono were outside of The Dakota apartment building in New York City. Chapman aimed five shots at Lennon, hitting him four times in his back...
.
Devastated by Lennon's murder, Starr did not have the heart to record Lennon's songs (which would later be released on posthumous Lennon albums). After a period of mourning, Starr returned to the studio for the required overdubs and completed the album in February 1981. Initially titled You Can't Fight Lightning and with an alternative cover shot, Portrait Records
Portrait Records
Portrait Records was a sister label of Epic Records and later of Columbia Records. Cyndi Lauper and Sade signed with Portrait, but their contracts were absorbed by Epic after that incarnation of the label was shuttered....
in the US rejected the album, leaving Starr to find a new label. Fortunately, RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
(and a subsidiary called Boardwalk Records
Boardwalk Records
Boardwalk Records was a record label founded by Neil Bogart in 1980, after PolyGram acquired his Casablanca Records. The label had a huge hit act with Joan Jett before Neil Bogart died of cancer in 1982...
in the US) was interested. With a re-sequenced running order and design change, the album was rechristened Stop And Smell the Roses after Nilsson's donated song.
Harrison's "Wrack My Brain" was the first single that November. While it missed the UK charts, it managed to give Starr his final US Top 40 hit, reaching #38. Stop And Smell the Roses was considered to be Starr's best album since 1974's Goodnight Vienna
Goodnight Vienna
Goodnight Vienna is the fourth album by Ringo Starr. It was recorded in the summer of 1974 in Los Angeles, and released later that year. Goodnight Vienna followed the commercially successful predecessor Ringo, and Starr used many of the same players, including Billy Preston, Klaus Voormann, Robbie...
, but it was not enough to make it a hit, reaching no further than #98 in the US, even though it was his biggest-selling album in years. In early 1982, McCartney's "Private Property" was released as the second single but failed to chart anywhere. Nonplussed, RCA dropped Starr in 1982. For the first time in his career, Starr was out of a recording contract – and this time, no major UK or US company would be willing to sign him.
Stop and Smell the Roses was reissued on CD in the US by Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
in 1994 with several bonus tracks from the sessions, but deleted some years later.
Track listing
- "Private Property" (Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
) – 2:44- Produced by Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
- features Paul McCartney on bass and piano, as well as backing vocals with Linda McCartneyLinda McCartneyLinda Louise McCartney, Lady McCartney was an American photographer, musician and animal rights activist. Her father and mother were Lee Eastman and Louise Sara Lindner Eastman....
, Laurence JuberLaurence JuberLaurence Juber is an English-born guitarist who currently lives in California. Born 12 November 1952 in Stepney, East London, he was raised and went to school in North London...
on guitar, Howie CaseyHowie CaseyHoward William "Howie" Casey is a British rhythm and blues and rock saxophonist. He first came to prominence in the early 1960s as a member of Derry and the Seniors, the first rock and roll band from Liverpool to play clubs in Germany, and later, as leader of the renamed Howie Casey and the...
on saxophone, and Lloyd Green on pedal steel guitar
- Produced by Paul McCartney
- "Wrack My Brain" (George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
) – 2:21- Produced by George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
- features George Harrison on guitar and backing vocals and Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
on piano, percussion and backing vocals, Herbie FlowersHerbie FlowersHerbie Flowers is an English musician specialising in bass guitar, double-bass and tuba. He is noted as a member of Blue Mink, T...
on bass and tuba, Al KooperAl KooperAl Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
on piano and guitar
- Produced by George Harrison
- "Drumming Is My Madness" (Harry NilssonHarry NilssonHarry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson...
) – 3:29- Produced by Harry NilssonHarry NilssonHarry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson...
- Produced by Harry Nilsson
- "Attention" (Paul McCartney) – 3:20
- Produced by Paul McCartney
- features Paul McCartney on bass and piano, as well as backing vocals with Linda McCartney, Laurence Juber on guitar, Howie Casey on saxophone, and Lloyd Green on pedal steel guitar
- "Stop and Take the Time to Smell the Roses" (Harry Nilsson, Richard Starkey) – 3:08
- Produced by Harry Nilsson
- "Dead Giveaway" (Richard Starkey, Ronnie Wood) – 4:28
- Produced by Ronnie Wood and Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
- features Ronnie Wood on guitars, acoustic bass, saxophone, backing, vocals, Wilton FelderWilton FelderWilton Lewis Felder is both a saxophone and bass player, and is best known as a founding member of The Crusaders, initially called the Jazz Crusaders. Felder, Wayne Henderson, Joe Sample, and Stix Hooper founded the group while in high school in Houston...
on bass, Joe SampleJoe SampleJoseph Leslie "Joe" Sample is an American pianist, keyboard player and composer.He is one of the founding members of the Jazz Crusaders, the band which became simply The Crusaders in 1971, and remained a part of the group until its final album in 1991 .- Biography :Sample began playing the piano...
on piano, Greg Mathison on piano
- Produced by Ronnie Wood and Ringo Starr
- "You Belong to MeYou Belong to Me (1952 song)"You Belong to Me" is a pop music ballad from the 1950s. The singer reminds his/her lover that, whatever exotic locales and sights he/she experiences, "you belong to me." It is credited to three writers: Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, and Redd Stewart...
" (Pee Wee King/Redd Stewart/Chilton Price) – 2:09- Produced by George Harrison
- features George Harrison on guitar and backing vocals and Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
on piano, percussion and backing vocals, Herbie Flowers on bass and tuba, Al Kooper on piano and guitar
- "Sure to FallSure to Fall (In Love with You)"Sure to Fall " is a 1956 song written by Carl Perkins, Bill Cantrell, and Quinton Claunch. It was recorded by Carl Perkins in December 1955 and was planned for release as the follow-up to "Blue Suede Shoes". Carl and Jay Perkins were on vocals. The song was not issued, however, as a single on the...
" (Carl PerkinsCarl PerkinsCarl Lee Perkins was an American rockabilly musician who recorded most notably at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning during 1954...
, Quinton Claunch, William Cantrell) – 3:42- Produced by Paul McCartney
- features Paul McCartney on bass and piano, as well as backing vocals with Linda McCartney, Laurence Juber on guitar, Howie Casey on saxophone, and Lloyd Green on pedal steel guitar
- "You've Got a Nice Way" (Stephen StillsStephen StillsStephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
, Michael Stergis) – 3:33- Produced by Stephen StillsStephen StillsStephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
- features Stephen Stills on lead guitar, Michael Stergis on rhythm guitar, Mike Finnigan on piano and organ, and Harley Thompson on bass
- Produced by Stephen Stills
- "Back Off BoogalooBack Off Boogaloo"Back Off Boogaloo" is a 1972 single released by Ringo Starr. The song was a hit in the U.S. reaching #9 on the US Hot 100 and achieving Starr's best position in the UK Singles Chart, where it reached #2, blocked only by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' version of "Amazing Grace".This is one of the...
" (Richard Starkey) – 3:16- Produced by Harry Nilsson
- includes the opening guitar riff from "It Don't Come Easy" as an introduction
- features Harry Nilsson on backing vocals
- "Wake Up" (Richard Starkey) – 3:45 (bonus track)
- Produced by Stephen Stills
- features Stephen Stills on lead guitar, Michael Stergis on rhythm guitar, Mike Finnigan on piano and organ, and Harley Thompson on bass
- "Red and Black Blues" (Lane Tietgen) – 3:20 (bonus track)
- Produced by Stephen Stills
- features Stephen Stills on lead guitar, Michael Stergis on rhythm guitar, Mike Finnigan on piano and organ, and Harley Thompson on bass
- "Brandy" (Joseph B. Jefferson, Charles B. Simmons) – 4:08 (bonus track)
- Produced by Ronnie Wood and Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
- features Ronnie Wood on guitars, acoustic bass, saxophone, backing, vocals, Wilton Felder on bass, Joe Sample on piano, Jeff Baxter on guitar
- Produced by Ronnie Wood and Ringo Starr
- "Stop and Take the Time to Smell the Roses" (Original Vocal Version) (Harry Nilsson, Richard Starkey) – 3:09 (bonus track)
- Produced by Harry Nilsson
- "You Can't Fight Lightning" (Ringo Starr) – 5:41 (bonus track)
- Produced by Paul McCartney
- features Ringo on guitar, Paul McCartney on drums, Barbara BachBarbara BachBarbara Bach is an American actress and model known as the Bond girl from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me . She is married to former Beatle Ringo Starr.-Early life:...
on maracas, and Linda McCartney among others singing backing vocals
- "Hand Gun Promos" – 2:03 (bonus track)