IL VIAGGIO

Fabrizio De André's discography consists of two unequal parts - singles period (1960-66, called, by the name of publishing company, periodo Karim) and album era (1967-1998). Early songs made De André popular and became all-time Italian classics, some of them were re-recorded for later studio albums and were often performed live during his entire career.

"Il viaggio" presents, though not in chronological order, all De André's singles recorded between 1960 and 1966. Even his first single "Per i tuoi larghi occhi"/"Fila la lana" (1960) made it evident that this guy is something special, Faber's deep sensual voice was instantly recognizable. If "Per i tuoi larghi occhi" was a simple love song, "Fila la lana" contained references to medieval history. With newer songs new themes and heroes appeared - life stories and social problems ("La città vecchia"), world of criminals ("Delitto di paese", "La ballata del Michè"), victims of war ("La ballata dell'eroe", "La guerra di Piero"). Of course love is the main subject ("La canzone dell'amore perduto", "Valzer per un amore", "Amore che vieni amore che vai"), even if it often goes hand in hand with death ( "La canzone di Marinella", "Geordie"). And De André had a good sense of humour (sometimes black humour, like in "La ballata dell'amore cieco").

It's a good bonus if you are fluent in Italian. If not you can simply enjoy Fabrizio's voice and music. These songs have wonderful melodies and orchestral arrangements are excellent (many of them made by Giampiero Reverberi who later worked with De André on such great albums like "Tutti morimmo a stento" and "La buona novella", many other Italian bands and artists and produced some of the best albums by LE ORME). Music has obvious 60s feel, but these songs are timeless, like timeless are the classics of, for example, Sinatra or Elvis.

These initial versions of Faber's songs are not included in numerous BMG/Ricordi compilations (due to copyright reasons I guess), but some CDs like this one give us the possibility to listen to them. "Il viaggio" is the best and most complete collection of early De André's classics. "Il viaggio" CD is out of print now, relatively rare and quite expensive, but it worth every cent spent. Despite mono sound (all 1960-66 singles were recorded in mono) and some tape hiss the sound is warm, rich and natural.

Progressive rock did not exist in the days when these songs were created, so if you want prog touches go to Fabrizio's later works. But these little wonders are an essential part of great Italian bard's discography, after all these years they still sound fresh.

My personal rating - 5 biggest and brightest stars, 4 stars for this site.