ⓒ La Repubblica
Cesare Cremonini’s latest album, “Alaska Baby,” marks a significant departure from contemporary Italian music. The album’s opening track, the title song, is a powerful statement, showcasing a vibrant and original sound that transcends typical Italian pop stereotypes. It’s not a transitional album, but a definitive step forward, blending the sounds of the Beatles and the Beach Boys with electronic influences and a groovy 70s vibe.
The album’s diversity is striking. It ranges from the driving beat of “Aurore boreali,” featuring Elisa, to the Elton John-esque ballad, “Ragazze facili,” a potential classic. The collaboration with Mike Garson, the renowned pianist who has worked with David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails, adds another layer of depth.
“Dark Room” offers a dramatic shift in mood. This dark, hypnotic track builds to a powerful crescendo, arguably the album’s highlight. The album also features a poignant collaboration with Luca Carboni on “San Luca,” a musical poem reflecting the atmosphere of Bologna. Other tracks, such as the captivating ballad “Un’alba rosa,” further demonstrate the album’s breadth of style.
While the album features electronic and rhythmic tracks like “Streaming,” “Limoni,” and “Il mio cuore è già tuo,” the Beatlesque harmonies of “Una poesia” and the piano, vocal, and string magic of the closing track, “Acrobati,” stand out. “Acrobati” is a fitting conclusion, capturing the essence of an artist’s journey. “Alaska Baby” is a refreshing exception to current musical trends, offering a collection of beautiful songs that confirm Cremonini’s artistic evolution.
