In the early '80s, Vasco Rossi began to lose his singer-songwriter style to savor a more rock taste.
An example is his third work: "Colpa d'Alfredo" from 1980. There are still traces of singer-songwriter verve ("Tropico del cancro", "Alibi") but also sharper lyrics ("Colpa d'Alfredo", "Sensazioni forti") compared to those of the previous records, often embellished by a punk-rock musical touch ("Susanna", "Asilo republic").
In the introductory songs "Non l'hai mica capito" and "Colpa d'Alfredo", Vasco is more ironic than ever, first being annoyed with a girl who prefers to study rather than go out, and then with a jerk who makes him miss a... good opportunity. In "Susanna", however, Blasco describes the double face of adolescent girls at home compared to what they show in the disco. The only slow and melancholic song on the album is "Anima fragile", which is supposed to be dedicated to his father Carlo, a truck driver who died of a heart attack while maneuvering his truck on October 31, 1979. In this case, our protagonist's voice is accompanied by a solo piano which gives the track greater intensity. After this sentiment, Vasco opens his eyes again. In fact, in the second part of the record, the socio-political themes of that time are addressed (metaphorically). Arrogance ("Alibi"), transgression ("Sensazioni forti"), the desire to escape ("Tropico del cancro"), and finally the student movements against the constitutions and society ("Asilo republic").
Overall, "Colpa d'Alfredo" is the first truly great album by the rocker from Zocca, because his true rock soul begins to emerge, also thanks to the entry of the Steve Rogers Band. In my opinion, we are not at the levels of the legendary "Siamo solo noi" or "Vado al Massimo", but this album remains a classic of the "Vasco" discography.
SONG RATINGS:
Non l'hai mica capito: 8+
Colpa d'Alfredo: 9.5
Susanna: 6
Anima fragile: 8
Alibi: 6-
Sensazioni forti: 6.5
Tropico del cancro: 4
Asilo "republic": 7+
TOTAL: 7
Vasco became increasingly ironic and aggressive, distancing himself from the intimate tones that characterized his early singer-songwriter style.
It’s impossible to remain indifferent to its sweetness, certainly the best moment of the album.