Tutti morimmo a stento
Fabrizio De André · 1968
33 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A haunting tapestry of folk melodies intertwined with dark poetic narratives that explore mortality and existential despair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cantico dei drogati Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a somber tone with its exploration of addiction and despair, showcasing De André's talent for weaving poignant narratives through music.
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Ballata degli impiccati — This powerful ballad combines historical references with a modern existential crisis, reflecting the struggle against societal injustice while highlighting De André's lyrical prowess.
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Corale (Leggenda del re infelice) — This track closes the album with a climactic emotional depth, using rich imagery to encapsulate themes of sorrow and loss, epitomizing De André's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's narrative depth and cohesive structure highlight its significance in Italian folk music.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of interconnected tracks that blend spoken word interludes with traditional folk melodies, creating a narrative flow.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure, particularly in the vocal arrangements, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and strings, which contribute to the haunting atmosphere that permeates the record.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 narrative progression throughout
- haunting storytelling with depth
- melancholic atmosphere for reflection
- short interludes enhancing engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album significantly impacted the Italian cantautori movement and expanded De André's recognition.
- Themes
- social justice narratives· folk traditions· addiction commentary
- Career context
- Released in September 1968, 'Tutti morimmo a stento' was Fabrizio De André's third studio album. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in Italian music, moving beyond traditional folk into deeper thematic explorations. This album followed his breakthrough work 'Volume I' and showcased his evolving lyrical complexity and musical sophistication.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucinda Williams· Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen
Tracklist
- 1 Cantico dei drogati Start here 7:07
- 2 Primo intermezzo 1:57
- 3 Leggenda di Natale 3:14
- 4 Secondo intermezzo 1:56
- 5 Ballata degli impiccati 4:20
- 6 Inverno 4:11
- 7 Girotondo 3:07
- 8 Terzo intermezzo 2:10
- 9 Recitativo (Due invocazioni e un atto di accusa) 0:47
- 10 Corale (Leggenda del re infelice) 4:58
What to play next
Nuvole barocche
1969
Continues dark themes with rich folk soundscapes, enhancing the emotional depth.
Volume 3
1968
Sets a foundation of poetic narratives and folk influences leading into this album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Shares poetic storytelling and melancholic themes, steeped in folk tradition.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Captures a haunting atmosphere with introspective lyrics and delicate melodies.
Diamonds & Rust
Joan Baez
Features traditional folk elements and poignant narratives addressing social issues.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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