L'IMBOSCATA

It was since the first commercial successes of the 80s that a Battiato album was not selling like this one. Again, after some experiments Battiato was able to find a balance between his various "souls" and release a tasteful mix of ingredients.

The lyrics written by Sgalambro are still eclectic, sometimes cryptic and full of reminds to literature and historty. The music is based on the electronic pop of the 80s but highly contaminated by his original kraut and psychedelic influences. The electronic intrusions of classical orchestrations, voices, speeches and noises are not invasive so the occasional listener can even ignore them and the tracks can be passed by the commercial radios.

All the songs are averagely good, but a mention is deserved by "La Cura" which was the hit single taken from the album, a heavy dramatic love song with excellent lyrics which is still a classic that in Italy can be find on.the air even today. It's not my favorite song in this album, I prefer things like the closer "Serial Killer" which is more rock or "Splendide Previsioni" which is a good mixture of his various souls.

This album relaunched Battiato to the mainstream public. A lucky coincidence as I don't think that Battiato was looking for the commercial success. It only happened that the album (or better the single "La Cura") was highly appreciated by the mainstream public and critics. In prog terms just a good album, in my opinion a perfect fit in the three stars definition.