Umberto Tozzi
Tozzi

The eponymous album by the Turin singer-songwriter, written in collaboration with Giancarlo Bigazzi, was released in 1980 under the CGD label. Also known as "Poste 80" due to the postal stamp on the cover, the record is not merely a 33 RPM adaptation of "Stella Stai," but a much deeper and more intense narrative that unfolds through the listening of eight splendid tracks. After the various hit successes that have established him in Italy and worldwide, Tozzi turns his gaze to his rock past with Data and the beautiful melodies of his early solo work, surrounding himself with excellent musicians, including the fabulous guitarist Lee Ritenour. The album opens with "Stella Stai," but while the single slips... slips... slips away, here comes the piano intro of the intense "A Cosa Servono Le Mani," followed by "Calma" and the beautiful "Fermati allo Stop." Switching to the other side, "Dimmi di No" is another hit that will become a single, then another very intense track "Gabbie," followed by "Nemico Alcool" and "Luci ed Ombre." So, not just themes of love; the album, however, achieved good sales success, but following the events of the record company, it just managed to meet the compact disc before going out of print. It was later re-released with the title of the single in question and the addition of older tracks (including Gloria) replacing "Calma" and "Nemico Alcool."

Is it really so strange that someone well-versed in rock could appreciate this album?

Tell me no!