L'arca di Noè cover

L'arca di Noè

Franco Battiato · 1982

28 min · 7 tracks · new wave

A kaleidoscopic blend of electro-pop and progressive rock, laced with philosophical musings and vibrant melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Radio Varsavia Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its electronic rhythms and introspective lyrics, showcasing Battiato's ability to merge pop sensibilities with deeper themes of communication and modernity.
  • →
    Voglio vederti danzare — This upbeat anthem stands out for its infectious melody and celebratory lyrics, encapsulating the joy of dance while contrasting with the album's more serious undertones.
  • →
    Clamori — The track features a compelling blend of atmospheric sounds and lyrical depth, reflecting on societal issues while maintaining an engaging, rhythmic flow that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative genre fusion and strong arrangements, marking Battiato's transition to mainstream success.

What we noticed

  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, blending electronic elements with traditional instrumentation.
  • The final track shifts to a more danceable tempo, creating a contrast with the preceding pieces and leaving a lasting impression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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

  • concise bursts of creativity
  • early peaks of excitement
  • engaging danceable rhythms
  • playful exploration of sound
  • quick, vibrant listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, sprawling albums
  • seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Battiato's shift to a more accessible sound, gaining mainstream recognition.
Themes
avant-garde pop fusion· philosophical exploration· Italian cultural renaissance
Career context
In 1982, Franco Battiato was transitioning from his avant-garde roots to a more accessible sound, and 'L'arca di Noè' marked this shift. Following the success of his earlier album 'La Voce del Padrone', this release solidified his status in the Italian pop landscape while allowing him to experiment with new wave elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· David Bowie· Roxy Music

Tracklist

  • 1 Radio Varsavia Start here 4:09
  • 2 Clamori 4:28
  • 3 L’esodo 5:14
  • 4 Scalo a Grado 3:33
  • 5 La torre 3:37
  • 6 New Frontiers 3:16
  • 7 Voglio vederti danzare 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata