Artist: Fabrizio De Andre Album: Storia di un impiegato

Year: 1973
Duration: 35:51

Fabrizio De Andre's Storia di un impiegato - An Intricate Look

Fabrizio De Andre was an Italian singer, songwriter, and poet who made waves in the Italian music industry during the 60s and 70s. Known for his exceptional storytelling and profound lyrics, his music often incorporates themes of love, social issues, and politics. One of his most revered albums, Storia di un impiegato, released in 1973, is considered a landmark in the Italian music scene. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the album, the genre of music it belongs to, the best songs on the album, the most innovative parts, and my critical review.

Storia di un impiegato is a concept album, narrating the story of a young man from a working-class background who is forced to work in a soulless corporate life. De Andre uses this fictional tale to highlight the struggles of the working class, the disillusionment of youth in the Italian society, and how the system crushes their dreams. The music in the album is highly influenced by the 'cantautore' genre, a type of songwriting that emerged in Italy in the 60s. The genre is characterized by storytelling and a focus on the lyrics, with simple melodies that often take a backseat to the lyrics. De Andre is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of this genre, and Storia di un impiegato is a testament to his mastery of the style.

The album features several outstanding tracks, with the most iconic ones being 'Il pescatore,' 'La guerra di Piero,' and 'Via del Campo.' 'Il pescatore' tells the story of a man who has lost everything and has nothing left but the sea, while 'La guerra di Piero' narrates the story of a young man forced to go to war, only to return and find that nothing has changed. 'Via del Campo' is a protest against capitalism and society's unrelenting pressure to conform. All three tracks are perfect examples of De Andre's storytelling ability and his message of resistance against an unjust system.

The most innovative aspect of the album is the way De Andre seamlessly blends different musical styles into a cohesive whole. Storia di un impiegato features elements of jazz, blues, folk, and even rock. The album uses a vast array of instruments such as the flute, accordion, and the piano to create a unique sound that embodies the feel of the story. The arrangements are intricate, with several layers that contribute to the overall texture of the soundscape.

However, while Storia di un impiegato is highly acclaimed, it is not without faults. The album is quite heavy with its themes and can feel quite overwhelming at times. The lyrics are sophisticated, and not everyone might grasp the message of the songs. Furthermore, the album is a product of its time, and some tracks have not aged well, with some of the instrumentation feeling outdated.

Despite the minor criticisms, Storia di un impiegato is still a masterpiece that continues to inspire generations of artists in the Italian music industry. It perfectly captures the essence of the cantautore genre and De Andre's masterful storytelling. It's an incredible album that tells the story of the working class and encourages us to resist societal pressure. It's a must-listen for anyone exploring Italian music, and I highly recommend it.