Povia
Scacco matto

Now I will probably ask for something impossible. That is, try to eliminate prejudices and judge the album only if you have really listened to it, and not reject it just because the singer in question is Giuseppe Povia.

A few months ago, I reviewed another Povia album, and what saddened me is that the album obtained an average of just over 1, even though NO ONE (and I emphasize NO ONE) had listened to that album. And the review was not voted on its own merits, but based on the fact that it was a review of Povia. And that is quite sad. Now, I am here to review the new album by Milanese singer-songwriter Giuseppe Povia titled "Checkmate". The sixth in five years of his career.

It is an EP, composed of seven tracks starting with the Sanremo song "The Truth". A song that sparked quite a bit of controversy because it is inspired by the Eluana Englaro case. The song may be somewhat underdeveloped, it doesn't make many criticisms but simply supports the parents' decision. On therapeutic obstinacy, we could write dozens and dozens of pages, I will just state that the song is, in my opinion, written with great sensitivity, and to all those who think Eluana was "killed," I say that this way of thinking shows no respect for life. Because if life is truly a gift, keeping a person attached to a machine for 17 years goes against that very concept of a gift. Returning to the song, the melody is very catchy and showcases in the chorus a great vocal performance by the singer-songwriter.

Next is "There's Only You", a catchy and radio-friendly love song. Probably a potential new single. "It was Beautiful" isn't much different from the other ballads Povia has accustomed us to. "Come Dance with Me" features a carefree text and fun music. Nothing more. "The Sheep" is the song, if we will, the silliest of the album, but in it, one can recognize a metaphor towards country leaders seen as "shepherds" and the people described as a "flock" ready to follow whoever promises the most. "How Do You" is an accusation towards those who finance wars and send their usual puppets on TV to speak instead. The song might have benefited from a bit more severity, but it is well-written and has good rhymes.

And to conclude, what I consider to be Povia's masterpiece. Perhaps the most beautiful song he has ever composed, namely the title track "Checkmate". The concept is simple, comparing life to a game of chess. Said like this, it may seem trivial, but the song is metrically impeccable, the rhymes are excellent, and the music is beautiful. If you don't want to listen to the album, I at least recommend listening to this song, trying if possible to forget that it's by Povia and focus solely on the song.

To conclude, the album flows smoothly, without particular highs, except for the first and last track.

However, I would like to renew my appreciation for Povia because I find him to be a genuinely prolific singer-songwriter who knows how to tackle difficult topics with great delicacy. And also with a bit of cunning, if you will.

But unfortunately, until he gains final consecration, I think this will remain the only defect.

Until next time...