The exemplification of a class act, not to mention consistency, veteran classical Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli shines bright on his 2018 album, ‘Sí.’  

“After fourteen years, this album marks my return to an anthology of unreleased pop songs.”  When a new album arrives courtesy of Italian classical-crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli, it’s “kind of a big deal.” Many seem to forget that the market for musicians in the mold of Bocelli is incredibly rich and lucrative.  The classical-crossover/vocal genre represents the sheer beauty and emotion of music, as well as being incredibly classy, refined, and sophisticated. Following his last ‘traditional’ album (Cinema, 2015), Bocelli, now 60, returns with the first no. 1 album of his career, Sí.  Unsurprisingly, for this enjoyable, well-conceived album, he’s able to secure a number of high-profile featured guests.  Who wouldn’t want to sing with Bocelli?

“Ali Di Liberta”

☑ “Ali Di Liberta,” composed by Italian singer/songwriter Davide Esposito, commences Sí gorgeously. Sung entirely in Italian, the lyrics (translated into English) are incredibly poetic and thoughtfully penned.  Vocally, Andrea Bocelli is in his wheelhouse, accompanied by piano and soaring strings.  According to Bocelli, “In this piece, the night is evoked to the set of values that define a person and give them their own individual importance.” Bocelli is joined by Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran on “Amo Soltanto Te.” Fittingly, Sheeran serves as a co-writer, alongside Italian singer/songwriter Tizo Ferro. Once more performed in Italian, the results are stunning.  Among the best moments are when Bocelli and Sheeran sing together.  The orchestra helps to fuel the fire.

Classical music enthusiasts won’t miss the fact that part of the melody of “Un’anima” is lifted from the beloved Pavane Op. 50, composed by Gabriel Fauré.  The results remain elite, though songwriters Marco Guazzone (lyrics) and Rick Blaskey and Dan McAlister (music) go beyond the Fauré classic.  According to Bocelli, “Un’anima” talks about impetus.  About man, aware of the finite nature of life, who looks upward and gradually comes to realize that it is more than just sand and dust. Bocelli taps another pop artist, this time Albanian-English sensation Dua Lipa on ☑ “If Only,” the first song from Sí performed exclusively in English.  Like the other songs from the album, Bocelli speaks about what makes it special – “It was…the last song Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto wrote together before the tragic death of Quarantotto.”  The vocal chemistry is awesome, and the huskiness of Lipa’s pipes is ‘bloody brilliant.’

“Gloria the Gift of Life”

Four songs into Sí, every song is incredibly special.  That said, perhaps the most high-flying of Sí comes by way of ☑ “Gloria the Gift of Life,” which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Mostly sung in English as well, there are a couple of Italian moments as well.  The case could be made that “Gloria the Gift of Life” is Andrea Bocelli’s best performance of the album. Furthermore, the choral vocals are like the ‘cherry on top.’ “Gloria…” was written by Jonas Carl Gustaf Myrin, Robert Alan Ezrin, and Ed Cash.

A very special guest joins Bocelli on ☑ “Fall on Me,” his son, Matteo Bocelli.  Also, worth mentioning are some high-profile co-writers – Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino [King] (A Great Big World), alongside Fortunao Zampaglione.  Matteo, who sings initially, performs in English, while his father opts for a verse in Italian.  As expected, there’s seamless chemistry when they join forces. If “We Will Meet Once Again” sounds familiar to the classical-crossover/easy listening crowd, that because it’s actually first appeared on Josh Groban’s 2018 album, Bridges. As expected, the vocal chemistry between these two prodigiously talented musicians is nothing short of awesome. We’d expect no less.

“I Am Here”

Of the radiant ☑ “I Am Here,” Andrea Bocelli comments, “Here the melody brings out all the trust, the sweetness and the strength of someone in love and a life spent together.  The song could be interpreted as an ode to family.” Indeed, “I Am Here” soars, and is characterized by its warmth and a sense of dedication and loyalty. On “Vertigo,” the featured guest is Raphael Gualazzi, who lends his pianistic skills.  It’s fitting, of course, as Gualazzi also composed the record, which features some truly unique melodic and harmonic moments. Bocelli himself characterizes it as “complex and challenge.” Nonetheless, worthwhile through and through.  Bocelli calls the Riccardo Del Turco-penned follow-up, “Vivo” “…a declaration of love, a soul realizing the regenerative power of love.” Regardless whether you speak Italian, you can clearly perceive the ‘amore.’

☑ “Dormi Dormi,” composed by Italian pianist, songwriter, and producer Mauro Malavasi, serves as the penultimate record.  Of “Dormi Dormi” Bocelli states, “A lullaby, like those that are sung quietly in a child’s ear, this song is inspired by Chorale ‘Jesus bleibet meine Freude’ from J.S. Bach’s Cantata BMV 147.”  The production represents some of the most creative, distinct, and unique of Sí. Sí concludes in chilling, dramatic fashion with “Ave Maria Pietas,” featuring Russian operatic soprano Aida Garifullina.  The liturgical lyrics are set to music composed by Danijel Vuletic and Mauro Malavasi.  The melody and the harmonic progression are superb to the nth degree.

Final Thoughts

Does Andrea Bocelli ever disappoint? No. Sí is yet another incredibly impressive album from the veteran Italian tenor.  Vocally, he continues to shine, and his choice of collaborators is equally impressive.  Adding more insight and meaning to Sí is the commentary he provides, explaining why each song is special to him.

☑ Gems: “Ali Di Liberta,” “If Only,” “Gloria the Gift of Life,” “Fall on Me,” “I Am Here” & “Dormi Dormi”

Andrea Bocelli » Sí » Decca » Release: 10.26.18

Photo Credit: Decca