Bei tempi cover

Bei tempi

Roberto Vecchioni · 1985

45 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A melodic blend of introspective lyrics and rich orchestration that captures the essence of Italian pop-rock in the mid-80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bei tempi Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's nostalgic themes through vivid imagery and a sweeping melody, serving as both an introduction and emotional centerpiece.
  • →
    Piccolo amore — This song highlights Vecchioni's talent for blending romantic narratives with captivating melodies, making it one of the standout love songs of his career.
  • →
    Fratel coniglietto — With its playful tone and engaging storytelling, this track showcases Vecchioni's ability to weave humor into poignant moments, reflecting his unique songwriting style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical storytelling and varied musical arrangements typical of mid-80s Italian pop-rock.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered orchestration, setting a rich sonic landscape that continues throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, notably moving from soft verses to more powerful choruses.
  • Lyrically, the songs often employ storytelling techniques, with vivid imagery and character-driven narratives.
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
6/10

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

  • nostalgic reflections on time
  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • introspective moments of solitude
  • engaging storytelling through melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks instant gratification
  • prefers standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped cement Vecchioni's status in the Italian rock scene.
Career context
When 'Bei tempi' was released in 1985, Roberto Vecchioni was already an established figure in Italian music, known for his poetic lyrics and storytelling. This album followed his 1982 release, 'Samarcanda,' which marked a significant turning point in his career, expanding his audience and solidifying his reputation as a prominent songwriter.

Tracklist

  • 1 Bei tempi Start here 4:52
  • 2 Livingstone 3:12
  • 3 La mia ragazza 4:55
  • 4 Piccolo amore 4:38
  • 5 Gaston e Astolfo 2:30
  • 6 Millenovantanove 6:25
  • 7 Fata 5:53
  • 8 Fratel coniglietto 3:04
  • 9 Calle mai più 3:03
  • 10 Pesci nelle orecchie 6:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata