6. Socialism and Barbarism
The entry into the major label Virgin brings a series of novelties to the CCCP sound. The punk power of their early days remains virtually intact, but melodically there is a vertiginous evolution, and Ferretti's lyrics start to mature.
The beginning is brilliant: a cover with different lyrics of the Anthem of the Soviet Union. Even with this prologue, Socialismo e barbarie can be categorized as a masterpiece, but fortunately there's much more. Side A is a punk blast worthy of the best CCCP tracks, a series of classics that energize: Tu menti and Stati di agitazione will forever remain among the band's best songs, but even Per me lo so and Rozzemilia have so much to offer. After the prayer of Libera me domine, the group's manifesto tracks follow: Manifesto, Sura, and Radio Kabul crown this exceptional album, with the excellent Inch'Allah - Ça va and Oh Battagliero also making an appearance. However, there are a few interesting experiments on this album that ultimately turn out to be less successful: aside from the already mentioned Libera me domine, Hong Kong with its lullaby-like style could have been developed better, but apart from these minor flaws, Socialism and Barbarism flows freely and powerfully, providing another excellent testament to the work of CCCP.
Meticulous Rating: 8.5
The gem: Tu Menti