Apriti sesamo cover

Released 14 years ago this October

Apriti sesamo

Franco Battiato · 2012

36 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A whimsical blend of electronic textures and lyrical introspection, Apriti sesamo invites listeners into a fantastical sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Un irresistibile richiamo Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Quand'ero giovane — This track stands out for its nostalgic reflection on youth, combining a catchy melody with introspective lyrics that evoke longing.
  • →
    La polvere del branco — The song's intricate arrangement and thought-provoking lyrics capture Battiato's signature blend of poetry and avant-garde soundscapes.
  • →
    Apriti sesamo — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's whimsical essence while offering a metaphorical invitation to explore deeper themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic sounds with introspective lyrics, showcasing Battiato's unique style but lacks cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that features layered electronic textures and a steady mid-tempo beat, setting a whimsical tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo, particularly noticeable in 'Caliti junku'.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal introspection and memory, with recurring motifs that tie the songs together thematically.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • nostalgic melodies for introspection
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
  • thoughtful listening during quiet times

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — A strong release in Battiato's later career, showcasing his continued creativity.
Themes
nostalgic reflections· Italian avant-garde· legacy and memory
Career context
By 2012, Franco Battiato had already established himself as a significant figure in Italian music, known for his eclectic style. Apriti sesamo arrived as part of his later career, following the release of his album Fleurs in 2009, continuing his exploration of new sounds and themes. This album showcases Battiato's ability to meld electronic music with deeply reflective lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· David Bowie· Roxy Music

Tracklist

  • 1 Un irresistibile richiamo Start here 3:34
  • 2 Testamento 3:33
  • 3 Quand'ero giovane 3:41
  • 4 Eri con me 3:58
  • 5 Passacaglia 3:22
  • 6 La polvere del branco 3:58
  • 7 Caliti junku 3:19
  • 8 Aurora 3:40
  • 9 Il serpente 3:30
  • 10 Apriti sesamo 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata