What does Scacchi e tarocchi sound like?

A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven into melodic folk rock with a distinctly Italian flair. Rooted in folk rock and canzone d'autore. Start with "La storia".

Is Scacchi e tarocchi a good place to start with Francesco De Gregori?

Yes, Scacchi e tarocchi is recommended as a starting point for new Francesco De Gregori listeners. A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven into melodic folk rock with a distinctly Italian flair. By 1985, Francesco De Gregori was already an established figure in Italian music, having released several successful albums since his debut in 1972. 'Scacchi e tarocchi' arrived after the acclaimed 'Rimmel' and continued to solidify his reputation as a master storyteller through song.

Who is Scacchi e tarocchi for?

Scacchi e tarocchi works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, evocative melodies for storytelling and poetic lyrics inviting contemplation.

How many songs are on Scacchi e tarocchi?

Scacchi e tarocchi has 10 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Scacchi e tarocchi

Francesco De Gregori · 1985

33 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven into melodic folk rock with a distinctly Italian flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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La storia Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Scacchi e tarocchi — The title track blends metaphorical imagery with rich storytelling, showcasing De Gregori's knack for marrying thematic depth with engaging melodies.
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I cowboys — This song stands out for its vivid portrayal of the American West juxtaposed with Italian identity, reflecting De Gregori's unique lyrical style and cultural commentary.
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Poeti per l’estate — This track encapsulates the essence of summer through poetic lyrics and inviting melodies, 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.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album features strong lyrical content and melodic structures, maintaining a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, reflective track that sets a contemplative tone, followed by a shift to more upbeat melodies in the subsequent songs.
Several tracks feature intricate guitar work that complements the lyrical storytelling, creating a rich sonic landscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
evocative melodies for storytelling
poetic lyrics inviting contemplation
background warmth for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic evolution and critical acclaim in De Gregori's catalog.
Themes: Italian identity· American West imagery· summer poetry
Moods: Introspective· Melancholy
Career context: By 1985, Francesco De Gregori was already an established figure in Italian music, having released several successful albums since his debut in 1972. 'Scacchi e tarocchi' arrived after the acclaimed 'Rimmel' and continued to solidify his reputation as a master storyteller through song.
Stylistic neighbors: Fabrizio De André· Lucio Dalla· Mogwai