Gianni Morandi
Gianni cinque

My reputation on this site has been severely tarnished by copying an existing review from the web. I apologize.
I will try to make up for it with this other review, entirely my own work.

The album I want to present to you is the sixth in the vast discography of Gianni Morandi, although the title is "Gianni Cinque".

Gianni had recently gained positive acclaim with his latest big hit "C'era un ragazzo che come me amava i Beatles e i Beach Boys", and all of Italy in 1968 eagerly awaited the release of the new album from the National Gianni. The wait, however, proved to be illusory: Gianni, perhaps due to the lyricist Migliacci, a student of Mogol, disappointed the hordes of fans.

In the legendary '68, a year of '68 changes, he churned out an album made of banal love songs and ultimately of poor value, stirring up quite a stir. The only decent track is the cover of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", translated as "Fumo Negli Occhi" (original!). The remaining songs, however, have nothing to do with the masterpieces of popular music that were being produced in those years by artists like Celentano, Modugno, Tenco, our Iva Zanicchi, Orietta Berti and Lucio Battisti/Mogol. 

It is a weak Morandi, who thinks he can continue along the same lines as his past grand successes like the transgressive "Andavo A Cento All'Ora" or the boogie of "Fatti Mandare A Prendere Il Latte" or the foreign cover "Pregherò" or "Non Son Degno Di Te" or the dark rock of "Se Perdo Anche Te". The rhythmic section leaves a bit to be desired, the bass is often monotonous and does not fill the gaps left by the drums. The guitar work, especially in the title track and the reprise, is commendable, considering that in '68 Italy didn't yet have worthy heirs of Hendrix or Richards. The voice is that bright and warm of our Gianni, but the lyrics often disappoint.

What to say, a false step in the successful career of one of our most famous compatriots. The good Gianni will redeem himself in 1972 with the masterpiece "Gianni Otto: Un Mondo Di Donne". Recommended only to die-hard fans and nostalgics of '68s Italy.