UNA GIORNATA UGGIOSA

When listening to these sounds, I can't decide for sure, if I like it or not. If it means synth overloaded 80's, or sliding wave from end of 70's decade, if it's simplistic style, or more ambitious continuing trend of "golden era". It stands on the verge, it's not directly Prog (it's P-R) and it probably has something from both camps. There's for sure a lot taken from Italy pop, but I'm not so strong in this matter to judge properly.

It's not Prog, that's for sure on a first listen. And it won't be interesting for many people here, because many of us are used to listen Progressive music. Yes, I'm subtly trying to tell you that this is Pop. And as such, I'll rate it here on Prog site. I can listen to it, but I'm not enjoying it so much as I could have if it was Prog.

2(+), plus because this record is not trying to be something else, it's just Pop. Not unpleasant, nothing annoying, but still Pop.

Una Giornata Uggiosa (A Dreary Day) is the last Battisti's album to feature the collaboration with famous lyricist Mogol. It was recorded in London as the previous Una Donna per Amico.

It is certainly a product of its time (pop) but very well produced and plentiful (I said PLENTIFUL) arranged as it is clear for the memorable title track (wondeful guitar riff).

Battisti is helped by many valuable musicians; among others MEL COLLINS (obviously on sax), bassist John Giblin (BRAND X and SIMPLE MINDS), Frank Ricotti on percussions and Geoff Westley on keys. And keyboards are the cornestone of the record (to the detriment of typical acoustic guitar). They sound 80s even if neither cheesy nor impudent; fortunately elegant electric guitar riffs here and there are the saving grace of the album.

Other important hits are the fantastic closer "Con il Nastro Rosa" (With Pink Ribbon) with its relaxed electric piano base and rythm, and memorable melody (and lyrics) sung often in falsetto (as in other numbers) and the breezy an easy-going "arrivederci a Questa Sera" (with funny la-la-la-la-la singing and good sax' solo).