" Exit "
I almost did not buy this album for fear of being burned on the content based on the last couple of cds she has produced.  No need to worry.  Exit is a wonderful album that recalls the Alice of several years ago...haunting vocals filled with richness that adapt so well to slow ballads that you just want to listen again and again (as I did).  I missed the Alice of this album for the last few years as she experimented with various sounds and styles.  A strong majority of the 13 cuts will leave you craving more of her music.  Fans can add this piece to their collections and novices can safely take a chance if they enjoy haunting vocals that relax and fill you with warm familiarity.  If you enjoy the album, go back a few years to some of her earlier works for some equally satisfying listening.

back up

" Accadueo "
The resurgence of Eugenio Finardi continues with this likable album whose title means H2O.  In listening to the 12 cuts, I was, more often than not reminded of the previous "Occhi" album.  In fact, this work acts as more of a natural extension of the style of that album with its mix of pop, rock and ballad-like songs.  If I had to choose between the two albums, I would give the nod to the previous album for its stronger feel.  For Finardi fans this album is a nice addition to round out the collection.  Others may want to try Occhi or one of the select previous albums to get a better sense of what Finardi is capable of in words and music.

back up

" La favola di Adamo ed Eva "
Max is one of the new breed of young cantautori on the music scene.  He sang with Nicolo' Fabi on the song Vento d'estate.  His music is a combination of sounds that does not fit easily into one category.  It covers various styles and includes a bit of pop that is of very high quality and combines a variety of ethnic genres.  Overall, I enjoyed what I heard on this first effort and look forward to what he can accomplish in the future after his Sanremo appearance with Una musica puo' fare. The title cut along with Cara Valentina, L'amore pensato, Vento d'estate and the Sanremo piece are among my favorites on the album which both delightful and worth a good listen.  This is one of the artists who appeared at the festival that you want to follow up on by getting the album.  It is a pleasant and worthwhile first effort.

back up

" Certe Piccole Voci "
Finally!!  Fiorella Mannoia has released a live album after years of recording some of the best songs in Italy.  It has been worth the long wait.  Fiorella is, in my opinion, one of the most consistent and certainly one of the best Italian female singers today, and this album proves the point with certainty.  The album total 24 of her hits plus one new song, L'amore con l'amore si paga.  This is another must buy both for her fans and for those who want to discover a voice that covers the range of ballads, melodia leggera and a bit of pop.  Among my favorites are I treni a vapore, Il fiume e la nebbia, Belle speranze, Oh che sara', Le notti di maggio, Lunaspina, Il cielo d'Irlanda and Quello che le donne non dicono... okay, I could probably add a few more but it would mean typing out the contents of the entire album!  You will not regret purchasing this double live.

back up

" Cosi' e' la vita "
This album is a nice introduction to Mariella Nava. It captures her abilities quite well in melodies that range from soft and
delicate to rhythms bordering on pop.  The duets she does with Mango and Amadeo Minghi are worth the price of the album
alone.  This another album you should add to your collection.  Give it a few listens and you too will learn to appreciate the great
talent that Mariella has as a singer and a song writer.

back up

" Senza Pieta' "
This is one album that all Oxa fans should grab and hold of and listen to and enjoy.  The album is a blend of rock/pop tunes and
ballad-like pieces that display her full range.  Among my favorites: Le stagioni dei disinganni, Verrai, Senza pieta', Chissa,
Camminando cammminando, Come dirsi ciao and Don't cry, sweet love.  The album is both sensual and wickedly
delightful.  Do not miss out on the cd.  It will give a good insight into Oxa for non-fans too.

back up

" Animebelle "
Marina Rei returns with a well-produced effort that builds on her strengths and opens her up stylistically to new avenues.  Several cuts present the soulful, funky Marina.  Other cuts show us a pop/rock side and depth many of us may not have expected from her.  Overall the album is worthwhile for both fans and those willing to explore strong emerging artists.  Give it a couple of spins if you can and you will find yourself liking it more and more as you realize her abilities as both a writer of words and music.

back up

" Sardinia "
I will begin by telling you right off  the bat that this is a biased review of the cd.  I have fallen in love with the culture, people, music, food and land of the island of Sardinia.  Tazenda was the hot group in the early nineties and hit their peak with their double live album "Il Popolo Rock".  Subsequent albums have been very disappointing with a lack of definitive style and worthwhile songs.  Now they are back with a new look and one less member.  When I saw this cd in the store it came as a surprise; it appeared without any fanfare.  That is all the more surprising when you consider that this is a nice album to listen to.  The cd is a mix of rock, pop and slow ballads all performed in the sardinian dialect.  The rock and pop have a very lyrical sound that beckons you to hum along.  The ballads have a touch of mournful sadness that make you want to stop and think.  My favorites include Sardinia, S'istrumpa, Su dillu est goi, Passu Torrau de Truddas in conca, Ninna nanna fizu 'e Deu and Sonnios de bolos.  Overall, the album is one to consider for those who remember the old Tazenda and their early successes.  You have to be  willing to experiment with this cd as it is entirely in sardinian with text translations in italian accompanying the songs.  If you are starting out and want to test the waters, consider this cd over the previous two the group produced.

back up

" Sogna ragazzo sogna "
What can I say...Roberto Vecchioni proves to be remarkably resilient and on point with his latest album.  Sogna, ragazzo, sogna is the title track and sets the tone for the entire cd.  Vecchioni has the ability to be soft, introspective and orrecchiabile all in one.  His album is a work of careful craftsmanship that runs from ballads to soft melodies and touches you with its truths about life and children and their dreams for the future.  I have been a Vecchioni fan from the days of Monte Cristo and Robinson and have listened to him  produce many wonderful pieces of music.  He has gotten better with age and remained relevant in a music scene that is always running to the latest fad.  He has been true to his roots as a cantautore and it comes through brilliantly inthis album.  Listen to the title track, Canzone per Alda Merini, Alamo, Incubi ricorrenti del sognatore Olsen and some of the other songs to understand what a craftsman and conveyor of stories dreams and life Roberto Vecchioni really can be.

back up