Artist: De Gregori Album: Calypsos

Year: 2006
Duration: 0:0-1

Taking a Deep Dive into De Gregori's Calypsos Album

Hello fellow music lovers! Have you ever heard of the Italian singer-songwriter, Francesco De Gregori? If not, let me introduce you to his album, Calypsos. Released in 1985, the album stands out for its unique combination of calypso and folk music. In this blog post, we will take a critical review of the album, discussing the history of the artist and music genre, highlighting the best songs, the most innovative parts, and concluding with a personal critique.

Let's start with a brief history of De Gregori. Born in Rome, Italy, in 1951, he began his music career in the early '70s as a folk singer. Over the years, his music style has evolved, incorporating elements of rock, blues, and pop. Calypsos, however, stands out as a unique departure from his usual style. The album was inspired by his travels to the Caribbean and the African continent and features a fusion of Italian folk music and calypso rhythms.

The album features ten tracks, each highlighting De Gregori's storytelling skills. One standout song is Rimmel, which tells the story of a prostitute and offers social commentary on the exploitation of women. The track features catchy calypso beats that make it impossible not to dance along. Generale is another standout track, featuring powerful lyrics and a marching beat that builds up to a dynamic chorus.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of traditional instruments, such as the accordion and the mandolin, blended with the tropical sounds of steel drums and bongos. This unique sound is most prominent in the track Natale, where the strumming of the mandolin blends perfectly with the calypso rhythm.

In terms of criticism, some listeners may find the album's fusion of genres a little disjointed. While De Gregori's storytelling skills are remarkable, his vocals can seem lackluster and dull at times. On the other hand, the album's unique sound may appeal to those looking for something fresh and unconventional.

In conclusion, De Gregori's Calypsos album offers an intriguing combination of Italian folk music and calypso rhythms. The album highlights the artist's skills as a storyteller and showcases the fusion of traditional and tropical sounds. While the album may not appeal to everyone, it is worth a listen for those looking for something new and unique. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts on the album in the comments below!