:: Italia 2001

Various Artists

This is an excellent advertisement for some of the contemporary sounds emanating from Italy. Those interested in quality international music should look no further than this fine compilation of eighteen tracks. The album comprises some of the top-selling artists. Most of them have been “found” from appearances at Italy’s Sanremo Song Festival over the past few years and their careers have successfully been forged. Highlights include the popular rap-tinged style of Alex Britti with “Mi Piaci”, the rock star vocals of Irene Grandi. She can really let out a song in belligerent fashion, much stronger than the track on this CD, “La Tua Ragazza Sempre”. I have seen a good deal of her on Italian television and, although really at the start of her career, she reminds of Pat Benatar at her best. Other young stars featured here include Alice with "Il Giorno Del'Indipendenza”, a very breezy smooth-styled vocalist, and Mietta with perhaps my favourite track on the CD in “Fare L’Amore”. She delivers gorgeous vocals with wonderful instrumentation alongside. Two of Italy’s favourite singing stars are also featured, Nek and Giorgia. Both are excellent entertainers. Giorgia’s “E La Verita” shows a very polished performer at work, while Nek is a charismatic singer, with a great voice emphasised on “C’e Tutto Un Mondo”. Overall, Italian music lovers will adore this CD, whilst general music lovers should take in the pleasures of musical arrangements and singing styles of real quality.