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THE REVIEW
"Terra Mia" is an album dated 1977. Personally, if I didn’t already know, I would think it was dated 2006, given the (very current) themes of the songs that compose it, mostly centered on the city of Naples. Pino Daniele currently resides in Rome and it is perhaps for this reason that his latest albums (let's say from 1984 to today) lack a bit in terms of inspiration. Rome is always "Caput Mundi," to be clear. In the sense that it's certainly not the capital's fault if the little star that illuminated the Neapolitan singer-songwriter has dimmed. But I am sure that if "Uncle" Pino still lived in his lower floor, on his Via Medina, in his Naples, he would (re)write a great album again. In fact, I am sure he would rewrite "Terra Mia" indeed.
Probably, however, looking out the window or walking down the street, he would no longer meet "Furtunato" (the one who sold the 'beautiful stuff) roaming the streets of the city, no. But I am just as certain, however, that if he took a "capatina" to some bar, he would meet the usual politicians drinking "Na Tazzulella E Cafè", while the city falls apart, after all "Ce Sta Chi Ce Penza". Then, "Cammina, Cammina", he would cross the bitter gaze of some little rascal in search of "Libertà", to change their life, to change their city, to still have dreams. Or, he would cross the melancholic gaze of some little old lady, who since the Middle Ages has been invoking divine intervention, wryly sneering, "Maronna Mia".
Yes, I am sure that Pino Daniele would rewrite an album that perfectly captures "Terra Mia", which is also his. I know it is a utopia. And so we have no choice, or rather, "we" have no choice but to listen to the original "Terra Mia", the one released on the record market at the end of the seventies. It would be nice to be able to say that "Napul'era", but it is not so. Or rather, "Napul'era, è, and will be" if consciences do not awaken.
But that's another story.
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Summary by Bot
The review praises Pino Daniele's 1977 album Terra Mia for its timeless and socially relevant themes about Naples. It reflects on the contrast between Daniele's earlier inspiration rooted in Naples versus his later years in Rome. The reviewer believes the album captures the city's spirit and suggests Daniele could still create powerful music if he remained connected to his hometown. Ultimately, Terra Mia remains a vital classic that resonates with present-day Naples.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Pino Daniele
Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist from Naples, notable for blending Neapolitan tradition with blues, jazz and world-music influences. Debuted with Terra Mia (1977) and remained a prominent figure in Italian music until 2015.48 Reviews
Other reviews
By DAVIDE DANIELE
A brilliant album that would require an analysis different from a simple telegraphic list of the tracks present in it.
Made by a genius who, at only 22 years old, published a work still unique in its kind.
By enbar77
With 'Terra mia', the first Pino Daniele, the profound one, the masterful one, lights up with healthy vigor... one of the most beautiful albums in Italian music.
'Suonno d’ajere' is, in my opinion, the most beautiful Neapolitan song of the second school of thought mentioned.
By alessioIRIDE
"Terra Mia is the way a Neapolitan takes to talk about himself and his life: terrible content that breaks backs, but delivered with a smile in that bittersweet way that Naples forces you to learn."
"Terra Mia, in its merits and its bestialities, is Naples, and the Gennariello on the cover offering a clod of this land is saying that it’s not necessary to be there to know the things of this world, of Naples."
By MarkRChandar
The work is permeated with melancholic poetry, with lyrics recalling detached dreams.
The first Italian punk record, because innovation is the preservation and development of tradition.
