La voce del padrone
Franco Battiato · 1981
31 min · 7 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic fusion of pop, progressive rock, and avant-garde experimentation that captures a unique Italian soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Summer on a Solitary Beach Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Centro di gravità permanente — This track stands out with its hypnotic melody and philosophical lyrics that explore themes of existential balance, encapsulating Battiato's unique lyrical style.
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Bandiera bianca — The poignant lyrics and haunting arrangement create an emotional resonance, reflecting on themes of surrender and vulnerability that remain impactful.
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Gli uccelli — A beautifully arranged piece that showcases Battiato's operatic influences and intricate musical composition, merging classical elements with modern sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Battiato's fusion of genres and thoughtful lyrics create a distinctive sound that stands out in Italian pop music.
What we noticed
- Each song features distinct shifts in tempo and mood, with some tracks incorporating spoken word elements alongside melodic sections.
- The lyrics often explore philosophical themes, which are complemented by the eclectic instrumentation that includes both traditional and electronic sounds.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 mid-tempo reflective flow
- captivating sonic landscape exploration
- introspective moments of clarity
- vibrant sounds for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Battiato's reputation and commercial success.
- Themes
- Solitary Beach longing· surrender in pop
- Career context
- Released in 1981, La voce del padrone marked Franco Battiato's commercial breakthrough, following his previous experimental projects. This album propelled him into the mainstream, showcasing his ability to blend diverse genres while reaching a wider audience across Italy and beyond.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· David Bowie· Roxy Music
Tracklist
- 1 Summer on a Solitary Beach Start here 5:02
- 2 Bandiera bianca 5:25
- 3 Gli uccelli 4:43
- 4 Cuccurucucù 4:13
- 5 Segnali di vita 3:40
- 6 Centro di gravità permanente 3:59
- 7 Il sentimiento nuevo 4:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Low
David Bowie
Shares experimental soundscapes with introspective lyrics, blending art rock and pop elements.
Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Combines eclectic production with vivid storytelling and emotional depth in a pop framework.
Spirit of Eden
Talk Talk
Explores atmospheric textures and a fusion of genres, creating a meditative listening experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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