Francesco De Gregori
Amore Nel Pomeriggio

THE REVIEW

We are in 2001, Francesco De Gregori releases "Amore nel pomeriggio".

The album opens with the Dylan-like "l'aggettivo mitico" "Socrate grida domande per strada e il beato Angelico dipinge muri di periferia, la risposta confusa nel vento a tradimento li prende alle spalle e li spazza via", a very harsh song with our artist attacking on several fronts, war, ecology, and "le radio delle ragazzine dove scoppia il silenzio". "Canzone per l'estate" written with Fabrizio De André and already present in Faber's album "volume 8", is a gem and an elegant way to pay tribute to the late friend. One of the best songs on the record is "Natale di seconda mano", arranged by Nicola Piovani, in which the "prince" speaks of the "last of the whole world" and the false pity surrounding those forced to move with "second-hand documents", a touching piece, aiming to expose the hypocrisy of the "vita in rosa".

We arrive at "Il cuoco di Salò", a piece arranged by Franco Battiato, a classic Degregorian melody with words that leave their mark "quindicenni sbranati dalla primavera, scarpe rotte e pure gli tocca di andare.. che qui si fa l'Italia e si muore, dalla parte sbagliata si muore", we are, of course at the end of the Second World War, the scenario is that of the Republic of Salò, the eyes those of a cook because "anche durante un naufragio si deve mangiare". Masterpiece.

Noteworthy are the splendid "condannato a morte", a song apparently inspired by the figure of Salman Rushdie, and "caldo e scuro", poetry in music.

A very intense album, the quality of the lyrics is extremely high, De Gregori scores a great hit, as an absolute champion, an album that moves and makes you reflect, the best in the last twenty years.

The album closes with the very sweet "sempre e per sempre", a true gem, piano, strings, and pure poetry "il vero amore può nascondersi, confondersi ma non può perdersi mai, sempre e per sempre dalla stessa parte mi troverai".