Dolcenera
Le stelle non tremano

“One cannot remain trapped in a nightmare, enough with cosmic pessimism”

From “Il viaggio”

A return to the depths of Italian music, even the unexpected kind.

I know that for many Dolcenera might sound like a pompous and (falsely) pretentious name, typically associated with the usual Italian singer who handles things carelessly. However, I must say that this album is a gem, or rather a star, to stay on theme, and it shines brightly.

When can we consider an album successful? For me, the main factor is usually inspiration, the need to create art not out of simple egotism nor just to make a living, but from a clear necessity of expression. The second point is, for me at least, a way to express one's concepts in a personal and appropriate manner.

There is no doubt that Dolcenera, who has always sung and played above average, needed to release these tracks (it took her three years to release them) and that every little detail was meticulously cared for. The album has something to say, and it does so using the pop-electronic sounds of the moment (why not in pop?) along with mostly inspired lyrics, making the best use of the artist's powerful voice.

It should be noted that it's an album full of energy, with ballads being the exception.

“Niente al mondo”, for example, is a track with a tribal rhythm accompanied by a triumphant set of brass that creates a bright disco atmosphere that makes you want to move your legs. Of course, the justice warrior aspirations in some parts of the lyrics are quite naïve (lines like “if there is no future, we will invent it” are somewhat amusing). It fares better when speaking of love, and for instance, “Immenso” is a great track, with a piano/electronic chorus where the singer shows she's not afraid to engage with more sensible electronic music (and possesses a great voice, which certainly doesn't hurt).

The highlights of the album are represented by the (slightly) dubstep version of “Amore disperato” which adds a modern touch without neglecting the fidelity to the original, “Fantastica” a dance track that, in English, would likely be a huge international hit (and has been on my spinning playlist for years now) and “Ora o mai più (le cose cambiano)” a piano ballad enriched by light strings that transport you to an autumn atmosphere making you want to put on a coat even in August. Also very interesting is the use of choirs that seem to come from space and fade into very high notes.

In short, an Italian pop album that satisfies even those like me who believe that in Italy certain pop, due to excessive seriousness (not to be confused with seriousness), is hardly possible without descending into reggaeton or plastic-like things.