Released 56 years ago this November
La buona novella
Fabrizio De André · 1970
35 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A haunting blend of traditional folk and poetic storytelling that explores biblical themes through lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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L’infanzia di Maria Start here — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of Mary's childhood, blending delicate melodies with rich imagery that reflects innocence and divinity.
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Il testamento di Tito — The narrative offers a powerful reflection on mortality and legacy, encapsulating De André's knack for storytelling within a compelling musical arrangement.
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Ave Maria — In this piece, the serene arrangement complements the reverent lyrics, creating an atmosphere that deeply resonates with themes of faith and hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's narrative and rich instrumentation create a compelling listening experience that rewards multiple plays.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure where each track tells a part of the story, creating a cohesive arc throughout.
- Instrumentation varies from track to track, with strings and acoustic guitar providing a lush backdrop that enhances the storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate choral elements, adding depth and a haunting quality to the overall sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady narrative progression
- contemplative storytelling experience
- deep emotional resonance
- reflective listening moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced intensity
- seek standalone hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album showcases De André's ambitious narrative and artistic growth.
- Themes
- Virgin Mary's childhood· spiritual storytelling· legacy and mortality
- Career context
- La buona novella marked a significant moment in Fabrizio De André's career as his third studio album, released in 1970. Following the success of his previous works, this album further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Italian singer-songwriter tradition, showcasing his ability to weave complex narratives into music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucinda Williams· Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen
Tracklist
- 1 Laudate Dominum 0:21
- 2 L’infanzia di Maria Start here 5:01
- 3 Il ritorno di Giuseppe 4:07
- 4 Il sogno di Maria 4:07
- 5 Ave Maria 1:53
- 6 Maria nella bottega d’un falegname 3:14
- 7 Via della Croce 4:33
- 8 Tre madri 2:55
- 9 Il testamento di Tito 5:51
- 10 Laudate hominem 3:29
What to play next
Non al denaro non all'amore né al cielo
1971
Continues the blend of storytelling with rich instrumentation, exploring deeper themes.
I viaggi di Gulliver
1969
Sets the stage with similar folk influences and narrative style, leading into La buona novella.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Both feature poetic storytelling with existential themes and a contemplative atmosphere.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Shares a haunting, introspective quality with folk melodies and deep emotional resonance.
Diamonds & Rust
Joan Baez
Combines traditional folk influences with reflective lyrics on love, loss, and legacy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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