Mondi lontanissimi
Franco Battiato · 1985
31 min · 9 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and poetic lyricism that reflects Battiato's unique sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Via Lattea Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its cosmic themes and ethereal soundscape, showcasing Battiato's ability to merge technology with lyrical depth.
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Personal Computer — A satirical take on modernity and technology, this track cleverly juxtaposes upbeat melodies with thought-provoking lyrics about the impact of computers on society.
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Il re del mondo — This song stands out for its grandiose arrangement and philosophical lyrics, reflecting Battiato's introspective style and his exploration of existential themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Innovative use of technology and poetic lyrics create a distinctive sound in the Italian new wave scene.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered synthesizers and a steady drum machine beat, establishing an electronic foundation.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic vocals, creating a contrast between rhythm and lyrical delivery.
- The final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with an ambient soundscape that lingers after the music ends.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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 journeys
- introspective moments of serenity
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes for contemplation
- short bursts of thoughtful exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer lengthy epic compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Innovative use of technology marks a departure from earlier sounds.
- Themes
- philosophical musings· 1980s technological critique· avant-garde pop fusion
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Mondi lontanissimi came during Franco Battiato's prolific period, following his critically acclaimed album Fisiognomica. By this time, he had already established himself as a prominent figure in the Italian music scene, known for blending genres like progressive rock and experimental pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· David Bowie· Roxy Music
Tracklist
- 1 Via Lattea Start here 4:52
- 2 Risveglio di primavera 3:32
- 3 No Time No Space 3:27
- 4 Personal Computer 2:41
- 5 Temporary Road 2:49
- 6 Il re del mondo 3:27
- 7 Chan‐son egocentrique 4:13
- 8 I treni di Tozeur 3:09
- 9 L’animale 3:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Computer World
Kraftwerk
Shares a similar exploration of technology and its implications through synthetic pop soundscapes.
Low
David Bowie
Combines avant-garde textures with introspective lyricism, echoing Battiato's experimental approach.
Spirit of Eden
Talk Talk
Offers a blend of art pop and ambient sounds with philosophical themes, akin to Battiato's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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