Jovanotti

Italia: 1988-2012

Released: August 7, 2012
Label: ATO Records (Universal Music Italia)
Website: soleluna.com
Reviewed by: Jill Stephenson

Jovanotti, although virtually unknown in America, is an Italian superstar. This album, released in North America exclusively, is Jovanotti’s introduction of sorts. It is a compilation of his work over the last 25 years with some remixes of his older work and some new tracks thrown in as well. Mostly in Italian, except for “New York for Life,” the album has a certain ease about it. Jovanotti is not a struggling kid, he’s older, he’s lived and his music reflects that. For an American girl who knee jerks at accents, the album is impossible to turn off. At this point I have listened to it so many times I’m beginning to believe I could carry on a conversation in Italian. The more upbeat tracks with rapping include “Con la luce negli occhi” and “Penelope” while “Mezzogiorno” and “La porta è aperta” feature just Jovanotti’s voice over soft guitar. Other standouts are “Scappa con me” which features some 80’s synth and the catchy track “Mi fido di te.” Hopefully America is in store for future Jovanotti releases and perhaps a longer tour in North America.