Albums We Love: Sanremo Grande Amore (2015)-Il Volo

The latest release from Italian superstars Il Volo has quickly become one of our favorites. In fact, it just might be one of the top 5 albums we can’t live without. We hope we’re not sounding too biased, as we’ve already featured Il Volo a few times on this blog recently, but Sanremo Grande Amore is so good that it’s worthy of endless praise.

Image Credits: Daniele Barraco

The EP, which has a wide appeal, is a glowing testament to the quality and timelessness of Italian song. Brilliantly produced, it is composed of seven modern yet classic remakes of popular Italian songs (with the exception of the original track “Grande amore”) including Sanremo winners from decades ago.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the legendary Italian music festival, Sanremo is a singing competition that has taken place every year since 1951, and it’s kind of a big deal. It serves as a platform for artists to premiere songs, many of which have gone on to be classics. Countless stars, such as Domenico Modugno, Eros Ramazzotti, and even recent X Factor winner Marco Mengoni have presented and won at this festival, and now we can add Il Volo to this incredible list.

Our thoughts on Sanremo Grande Amore:

1. “Grande amore”

This 2015 Sanremo winner was Italy’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest this year. Like we’ve said before, the drama of this song is unbelievable (in a good way), so much so that it’s addicting and, at times, awe-inspiring. There’s not really much else we can say. The song speaks for itself.

2. “Ancora”

Although quite powerful and even heartbreaking, there is a delicate affection present on this track that conveys the beauty of love and the power it has despite its absence. See it featured on our Best of Il Volo list as well.

3. “Vacanze romane (2015 version)”

This song will immediately transport you to paradise. Ok, so maybe that sounds a little over the top, but really “Vacanze romane” is a glamorous track that makes us wish we were living in a different decade.

4. “Canzone per te (2015 version)”

The 2nd single from the EP competes with “Grande amore” in vocal luxury. With a beautiful instrumental arrangement, we especially love the richness that baritone Gianluca Ginoble brings to this track. See it featured on our Top 5 Italian Songs of the Moment (May) and "The Best of Il Volo" lists as well.

5. “Piove”

This song is deceptive! Although vibrant and upbeat at first listen, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a love story coming to an end. We love it anyway, though. It’s so catchy!

6. “Romantica”

“Romantica” speaks to the inspiration and joy created by romantic love. Sweetly alluring, we can't help but be swept away by this light and airy track.

7. “L’immensità (2015 version)”

Touching upon the human desire to love and be loved back, the deep lyrics of this song most definitely tug at the heartstrings. Tenor Ignazio Boschetto truly shines on this track.

Originally released in February, Sanremo Grande Amore was recently re-released as a special edition CD/DVD combo. Simultaneously tender and powerful, this EP has beautifully demonstrated Il Volo’s growth as artists, and it will no doubt become a classic in its own right.

We can’t wait for their new album release this fall. Check back in with us for our review!

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