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LA RECENSIONE
On YouTube there is a questionable video by Banco called "Grande Joe", (from Sanremo 1985) and below a comment: "Nobody escapes the 80s".
Well, in fact, the 80s saw the explosion of electronics and the use of synths, but in the first year of the decade, there were still albums largely free from such sounds (to name just a few, the great remnants of Prog, "California" by G. Nannini, "Colpa d'Alfredo" by V. Rossi, "E io ci sto" by Rino Gaetano).
Lucio Battisti released "Una Giornata Uggiosa" precisely in 1980, and it is an album that instead embraces, well ahead of time in the Italian panorama, the typical sounds mentioned above.
It could be a merit, but in reality, it is not, because the sound and the instruments used create a mix of sounds and tones that timidly looks to the future without daring a break with the past. A hybrid record that, putting it simply, is neither fish nor fowl.
If on one hand, it is true that Depeche Mode had yet to debut, it is equally true that the wind of D. Bowie's Berlin Trilogy had been blowing in Europe for quite some time. Déjà vu. And Battisti, in my opinion, at least in this album, almost miserably fails in his personal challenge of musical and compositional renewal. It can be compared to the Beatles of 1970. No longer chased but chasing.
But what leaves me most puzzled are, in my opinion, the lyrics and themes of the songs.
Putting aside the compositional crisis of the Mogol-Battisti duo, what amazes is how 37-year-old men can still write lyrics about situations that should interest people who should be at most 20-25 years old. The first time I listened to this album I was well aware of the year of publication and the singer's age. And I was shocked listening to the title track, when Battisti sang: "... intact with the same pink panties".
But, more generally, the lyrics still narrate sentimental situations, thoughts, contexts that give (seem to give) still a very immature emotional picture of the two, despite no longer being boys, but men. I know, they were artists (one still is), but a bit of maturity would have been mandatory.
In my opinion, as a singer becomes more adult and older, they should adapt the lyrics and contents of their songs.
All these factors cannot make me fully appreciate this album, despite the great validity of the singer, the lyricist, and the historical significance of the album itself.
Better the previous albums, and the subsequent ones.
Even Battisti, to my regret, did not escape the 80s.
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Summary by Bot
Lucio Battisti's 1980 album Una Giornata Uggiosa adopts early 80s electronic sounds ahead of many Italian artists. However, the mix of outdated and modern sounds creates an unclear musical identity. The lyrics are criticized for their immature themes despite Battisti's age, reflecting a struggle to evolve artistically. While historically significant, this album falls short of the quality of his previous and later works. Overall, it's a noteworthy but flawed experiment within Battisti’s discography.Tracklist Videos
Lucio Battisti
Lucio Battisti (1943–1998) was an Italian singer-songwriter and composer, celebrated for his collaborations first with lyricist Mogol and later with Pasquale Panella. His career spans 1960s pop classics to later experimental, electronic 'white' albums.100 Reviews
Other reviews
By Viva Lì
"Una giornata uggiosa" is remembered as one of the most pompous and least successful albums of the Mogol-Battisti period.
The now-famous line "Lo scopriremo solo vivendo" has become a real saying.
By Valeriorivoli
It is a great concept with songs linked by a red thread... of a subtle, rainy melancholy about the loss of one’s roots and a progressive alienation mainly linked to the crisis of the couple.
The robotic and at the same time soulful 'Questo amore' leads straight to 'Ti vorrei una mela', where the tangy guitars send flashes on the jazzy keyboards and bass lines.
By Fratellone
The rest of the album is a real marvel, musical innovations that still surprise us 45 years later, making everything modern and current.
The absolute masterpiece of all Italian music; with minor tracks... just to be skipped.
By JpLoyRow
‘Una giornata uggiosa’ captivates and frustrates in equal measure.
This album marks a crossroads in Battisti’s storied career.
