Francesco De Gregori
Calypsos - 9 canzoni nuove

THE REVIEW

Even though Francesco De Gregori, the prince of Italian singer-songwriters, prefers to consider himself a singer-songwriter, these splendid nine songs in my view are wonderful musical poems.

Nine masterpieces that make this album among the best of his discography; an album that is both moving and intimate, an album that leaves the listener with clear messages about love and life, two elements that are always in symbiosis. Less than a year has passed since the release of “Pezzi,” and for a De Gregori fan like me, it is a great joy to be able to listen to a new work from Prince Francesco in such a short time that it almost seems like a miracle considering the usual “timelines” of cadence for an album of new songs from the previous one. This time De Gregori managed to surprise everyone, but in a broadly positive way, and there is nothing left to do but thank him for this “gift.”

The piano of “Cardiologia” opens the album, and from there it is an infinite transmission of emotions; a sweet reflection on love in general and its indecipherable nature in all its forms. From there, eight other songs follow, each distinguishing themselves with great class. Next is “The Line of Life,” a reflection on life and its intertwining with love, presenting a beautiful symbiosis that highlights “orienting” oneself in the present based on the past, before it’s too late. Then stands out “The House,” in my opinion the best of the album, whose lyrics play with words with great skill; the theme is about building a love, with no beginning and no end, a love represented by a house without a roof and foundation. Then “The Angel”... a beautiful ballad with South American rhythms and then another sweet song titled “On Air.” Following is “Mayday,” whose music “recalls” the rhythms of “Pentathlon,” and then “On the Streets of Rome,” which represents a homage to the city seen from its streets where new faces, languages, and atmospheres intertwine. The eighth song is titled “Love Anyway,” which talks about the various faces of love, love that doesn’t need comments and love compared.

The album concludes worthily with “Three Stars”; a nice rhythm, a clarinet, and a lovely choir. Francesco De Gregori is the quintessential singer-songwriter, and this wonderful album is the confirmation of that.

Francesco Genovese