I mali del secolo
Adriano Celentano · 1972
38 min · 9 tracks · pop music
A playful blend of rock and roll with whimsical Italian storytelling that dances through nostalgic pop melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ready Teddy Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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La ballata di Pinocchio — This track stands out for its clever narrative that reinterprets the classic tale of Pinocchio through a contemporary lens, highlighting Celentano's storytelling prowess.
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Forse eri meglio di lei — Its introspective lyrics explore themes of love and regret, showcasing Celentano's emotional depth while maintaining an engaging melodic structure.
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L'albero di trenta piani — This song exemplifies Celentano's knack for blending whimsical imagery with social critique, creating a memorable listening experience that captures his artistic essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends playful rock with storytelling, showcasing distinct melodies and lyrical satire.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rock and roll cover, then shifts to whimsical storytelling in tracks like 'La ballata di Pinocchio' that feature playful melodies.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending narrative with song, particularly evident in 'Disse' and 'L'ultimo degli uccelli'.
- The final two tracks present different language versions of the same song, creating a unique contrast in interpretation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful narratives with whimsical charm
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- engaging storytelling for sing-alongs
- light-hearted energy for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense, fast-paced music
- seek profound emotional depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a significant point in Celentano's career, showcasing his innovative style.
- Career context
- When 'I mali del secolo' was released in 1972, Adriano Celentano was already an established figure in Italian music, following his successful album 'Il ragazzo della via Gluck.' This album marked a pivotal moment in his career as it showcased his unique ability to combine different genres, such as pop and rock, with social commentary, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon in Italy.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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La ballata di Pinocchio
The narrative shifts from whimsical fantasy to poignant reflection as the character grapples with the consequences of their choices.
This transition deepens the story's emotional impact, contrasting light-hearted elements with profound moral questions about identity and growth.
Tracklist
- 1 Ready Teddy Start here 3:07
- 2 L'albero di trenta piani 4:04
- 3 Forse eri meglio di lei 5:27
- 4 La ballata di Pinocchio 6:47
- 5 Disse 4:23
- 6 La siringhetta 4:39
- 7 L'ultimo degli uccelli 4:50
- 8 Quel signore del piano di sopra (versione in lingua celentana) 2:49
- 9 Quel signore del piano di sopra (versione in lingua italiana) 2:30
What to play next
Nostalrock
1973
Continues the playful energy with a nostalgic twist, enhancing the storytelling vibe.
Er più - Storia d'amore e di coltello
1971
Sets up the whimsical tone and narrative style that flows into 'I mali del secolo'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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