Is Volume 3 a good place to start with Fabrizio De André?

Yes, Volume 3 is recommended as a starting point for new Fabrizio De André listeners. Traditional folk melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a tapestry of Italian cultural identity and personal reflection. Released in 1968, Volume 3 was Fabrizio De André's third studio album, following the critical success of his earlier records. At this point in his career, De André was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Italian folk music, blending poetic lyrics with traditional sounds, and establishing a unique narrative style that would define his work.

Volume 3 works well if you're into poignant melodies for reflection, short narratives with emotional weight and gradual build to thoughtful closure.

How many songs are on Volume 3?

Volume 3 has 10 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Volume 3

Fabrizio De André · 1968

27 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music

Traditional folk melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a tapestry of Italian cultural identity and personal reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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La canzone di Marinella Start here — This track showcases De André’s ability to weave a tragic love story through haunting melodies, making it one of his signature songs.
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Il gorilla — In this playful yet profound song, De André uses humor and absurdity to critique societal norms, demonstrating his unique lyrical approach.
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La guerra di Piero — A powerful anti-war ballad, this track highlights De André's unflinching honesty and commitment to social commentary, becoming emblematic of his artistic vision.
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Amore che vieni, amore che vai — This poignant love song reflects on the transient nature of relationships, combining melancholy with beautiful melodic lines that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional melodies with strong narratives, showcasing De André's distinctive voice in Italian folk music.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate traditional Italian folk melodies, while others experiment with more contemporary arrangements, creating a varied sound palette.
The sequencing places the most poignant and politically charged track, 'La guerra di Piero', near the end, allowing it to resonate after a series of more personal narratives.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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

poignant melodies for reflection
short narratives with emotional weight
gradual build to thoughtful closure
cultural storytelling in every track

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer album experiences
seek upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified De André's reputation with poignant storytelling and cultural impact.
Themes: Italian folk tales· war protest imagery· ephemeral love stories
Career context: Released in 1968, Volume 3 was Fabrizio De André's third studio album, following the critical success of his earlier records. At this point in his career, De André was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Italian folk music, blending poetic lyrics with traditional sounds, and establishing a unique narrative style that would define his work.
Stylistic neighbors: Lucinda Williams· Nick Drake· Leonard Cohen