On cover

Released 10 years ago

On

Elisa · 2016

49 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A shimmering blend of pop melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke both vulnerability and empowerment.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bad Habits Start here — Opening with a catchy hook, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of self-awareness and the struggles of personal flaws through upbeat instrumentation.
  • →
    Rain Over My Head — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics about emotional turmoil, paired with a haunting melody that showcases Elisa's vocal range and emotional delivery.
  • →
    No Hero — The track reflects themes of vulnerability and authenticity, featuring minimalist instrumentation that allows Elisa's raw vocals to take center stage, making it a memorable highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong production and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower, more reflective pieces.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • heartfelt introspection on love
  • uplifting moments of self-discovery
  • for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and strong presence after a hiatus.
Themes
personal flaws· emotional turmoil· vulnerable authenticity
Career context
When 'On' was released in 2016, Elisa was already an established artist in Italy, known for her powerful voice and emotive songwriting. This album marked her return after a three-year hiatus following the successful 'L'Anima Vola,' showcasing her evolution as a pop artist while maintaining her signature sound.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Love as a Kinda War

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to an exploration of relational conflict, illustrating the complexities of love through vivid imagery.

    The use of war metaphors creates an intricate contrast between tenderness and struggle, enriching the emotional landscape of the song.

Tracklist

  • 1 Bad Habits Start here 3:44
  • 2 Rain Over My Head 3:58
  • 3 Love Me Forever 3:17
  • 4 Love as a Kinda War 3:29
  • 5 Hold on for a Minute 3:08
  • 6 Waste Your Time on Me 3:06
  • 7 With the Hurt 4:24
  • 8 Catch the Light 3:17
  • 9 Peter Pan 3:19
  • 10 No Hero 4:15
  • 11 Ready Now 3:55
  • 12 Bruciare per te 4:56
  • 13 Sorrido già 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata