Fabrizio De André cover

Fabrizio De André

Fabrizio De André · 1981

40 min · 8 tracks · traditional folk music

A haunting blend of traditional folk melodies and poignant storytelling that captures the essence of Italian cultural narratives.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Quello che non ho Start here — This opening track sets a reflective tone for the album with its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics that explore themes of loss and longing.
  • →
    Fiume Sand Creek — An evocative narrative recounting historical injustices, this song showcases De André's ability to blend storytelling with social commentary, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    Se ti tagliassero a pezzetti — The emotional intensity of this track is palpable, as it delves into themes of personal sacrifice and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong storytelling through varied arrangements and cohesive themes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong narrative in 'Quello che non ho', featuring layered instrumentation that builds gradually.
  • Each track features a distinct arrangement, often incorporating traditional Italian instruments alongside modern elements.
  • The lyrical content is deeply rooted in storytelling, with several songs exploring themes of loss and identity.
  • The final track, 'Verdi pascoli', concludes the album with a reflective tone, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • introspective storytelling with depth
  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • poignant melodies that linger
  • in-order listening for full impact

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked a significant return and solidified De André's reputation.
Themes
historical injustices· Italian folk narratives· personal loss
Career context
This self-titled album, released in 1981, marked a significant moment in Fabrizio De André's career as it was his first studio release after a five-year hiatus. Following the success of his previous albums, De André returned with a fresh perspective, incorporating diverse influences while remaining rooted in his folk traditions.
Stylistic neighbors
Lucinda Williams· Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen

Tracklist

  • 1 Quello che non ho Start here 5:51
  • 2 Canto del servo pastore 3:13
  • 3 Fiume Sand Creek 5:37
  • 4 Ave Maria 5:30
  • 5 Hotel Supramonte 4:32
  • 6 Franziska 5:30
  • 7 Se ti tagliassero a pezzetti 5:00
  • 8 Verdi pascoli 5:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata