Pupo
I Grandi Successi

Honestly, I was stunned when days ago, while browsing through various reviews, I noticed that in the DeBaser search engine, one of our proudest flag bearers in the world was missing: can an artist of Pupo's stature be completely ignored by an established entity like DeBaser? We fill our mouths with the sacred monsters of rock, metal but also indie, alternative music, etc... only to then ignore true, genuine quality music which now seems to be on the decline, and it's a shame since that music was the soundtrack for entire generations.

Pupo, in the world Enzo Ghinazzi, is undoubtedly one of those representatives and certainly one of those who had the most commercial success: 20 million records and 11 gold records are impressive numbers that make you think; to put it into perspective, not even Dream Theater (I repeat Dream Theater) managed to reach such figures despite their technical/compositional prowess which puts many to shame. But not Pupo.

A well-rounded artist, our Enzo decided, in 1994, to commemorate, for the joy of the fans (the Pupo Boys - a name later adopted by the Papa Boys creating a certain "rivalry" between the two factions, which even clashed before a court of justice, with the latter unfortunately winning the case), his career with a fantastic double LP - now reissued on a double CD - "I Grandi Successi" featuring the best of his production.

20 songs, each one a gem: it is up to a piece like "Su Di Noi", which would make many pseudo-singers happy, the task of opening the album. What can I say, a pop song with hints of RnB that make the piece something unique and immeasurable; still sung almost everywhere today, it is a classic unforgettable hit. Following is a great piece containing various styles ranging from pop, to tribal music, up to progressive nuances: "lo devo solo a te" is pure musical poetry, listen to believe. It continues with "io solo senza te" in which Pupo's warm voice offers us a noteworthy interpretation; the beautiful instrumental outro by Gilmour's guitar (famously a great friend of Pupo), who played on this piece as a guest to repay the singer for lending his voice in the choruses of the song "Another Brick In The Wall". Then follows beautiful songs like "ciao", "noi adesso", "quanta gente", top ten hits that we have all sung along to at least once in our lives. The finale is "ti ricordi" which is practically a reprise of everything heard so far.

The second record opens with a gem: "Gelato al Cioccolato" written in collaboration with Cristiano Malgioglio is simply the most beautiful (Italian, of course) song of all time, perhaps matched only by "Felicità" by Albano/Romina Power. The lyrics are truly deep, heartfelt, even a bit sad: an infinite emotion this piece brings about, which, if listened to with due concentration, makes you reflect. "Non Mi Arrendevo Mai" is autobiographical and shows us the strong character of this figure who has faced many troubles but always managed to rise: his incredible passion for gambling, now historic, almost dragged him into the abyss. "Lidia a Mosca" is a beautiful progressive piece showcasing this artist's versatility, drawing from traditional Russian music with surprising ease. The album closes fittingly with the melancholic "Lucia".

In short, what more can be added? Fans won’t be able to do without it, while for newcomers, this review is meant to entice them to purchase: clear your mind of prejudices and don't be stingy: it is time to smash the piggy banks and take out the 10 euros needed to bring home this essential work that should not be missing from the collection of any lover of good music.

P.S: Some skeptics had me in stitches, those who had written off Pupo as a singer (having officially retired from the scene to dedicate himself to his second great love, TV): Sanremo was a moral slap for those gentlemen, seeing that Pupo along with Paolo Belli and the legendary Youssur n'Dour gave us a great opportunity, namely the opportunity to listen to "L'Opportunità" a song about the delicate theme of giving an opportunity to who-knows-who.

Pupo, you are great!! (in a figurative sense)