The Beatles‘ ascent to global stardom in the 1960s saw the Fab Four evolve from mop-top youths singing romantic tunes and rhythm and blues covers into creative visionaries. Albums like Rubber Soul, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road revolutionised popular music through constant experimentation and innovative songwriting.
Despite being a quartet, Paul McCartney and John Lennon took the helm, composing the majority of tracks without much contribution from George Harrison or Ringo Starr. While Starr didn’t mind letting others take charge during writing sessions, Harrison grew frustrated with Lennon and McCartney’s control, prompting him to briefly depart the band in 1969, shortly before their eventual permanent split.
Post-Beatles, each member embarked on solo pursuits, with Harrison garnering praise from fans and critics alike for his album All Things Must Pass. By the time Starr started to put the wheels in motion for his eighth solo venture, Stop and Smell the Roses, the musician already had several contributions in mind. McCartney, Harry Nilsson, Ronnie Wood and Stephen Stills would all become collaborators on the album, with Starr also initially keen on Lennon’s involvement.
Of course, Lennon’s passing in 1980 devastated Starr, particularly as sessions for the album were scheduled to begin just one month later. Nonetheless, the album went ahead, with its most notable hit becoming the Harrison-penned ‘Wrack My Brain’. Harrison composed the track specifically for Starr, providing a lively and catchy tune that showcased Starr’s signature vocal style.
Lyrically, the song mirrors Harrison’s own feelings towards the media industry as a whole, with embittered lines like, “All the same / I play the game / Up and down old memory lane / Wrack my brain / ’til my head is filled with pain / Wrack my brain / While I slowly go insane.”
Alongside being a popular tune, the song highlighted a significant moment in Starr’s solo career, showcasing the enduring camaraderie and creative collaboration between former members of The Beatles. Harrison’s songwriting talent continued to shine through, contributing to the song’s lasting appeal and its place as a memorable entry in his former bandmate’s discography.
Despite its lukewarm reception, the album holds a significant place in Starr’s repertoire as a representation of his musical journey post-Beatles. ‘Wrack My Brain’ propelled the album’s success, highlighting the lasting influence whenever The Beatles’ members unite their musical talents.
