Album Review: O Sole Mio – Francisco Lazaro Sings Famous Italian and Spanish Songs
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into O Sole Mio, a little gem from tenor Francisco Lazaro that’s like sipping espresso on a sun-soaked Naples balcony—except sometimes the sugar doesn’t quite dissolve. Released under Eurodisc in Germany, this album is part of the pop genre but leans heavily into vocal and chanson styles, making it feel more like your Nonna’s favorite playlist than something you’d hear at a club. And honestly? That’s kind of its charm.
Let’s break it down. First off, props to Conductor Elio Boncompagni and the Mandolinenorchester Napoli for creating an atmosphere so authentically Mediterranean, you half expect someone to yell “Mamma mia!” mid-song. But let’s talk tracks because, let’s face it, no one remembers every song on an album unless they’re being paid to review it (oh wait…).
Track Highlights
“O Sole Mio!”
Duh. Of course, we start here—it’s the title track, after all. If you’ve ever heard this classic Neapolitan anthem before, you know it’s basically Italy’s unofficial national anthem. Lazaro delivers it with gusto, his voice soaring like a pigeon dodging traffic in Rome. The orchestra swells behind him, mandolins twinkling like stars over Vesuvius. It’s cheesy, sure, but also oddly heartwarming. You can practically smell the pizza baking nearby. This tune sticks with me not just because it’s iconic, but because Lazaro somehow makes it sound fresh without losing its old-school vibe. Bravo, amigo—or should I say, bravissimo?
“Ay, Ay, Ay”
Now THIS one gets stuck in my head faster than bad karaoke night. It’s upbeat, playful, and has enough “ay ay ay-ing” to make you wonder if Lazaro was channeling his inner parrot while recording. There’s a cheeky energy here that feels almost out of place among the other, more serious ballads, but maybe that’s why I love it. It’s like finding a slice of pineapple on your pizza when you weren’t expecting it—a pleasant surprise, even if purists might scoff.
Overall Vibes
The rest of the album follows suit: lush orchestrations, passionate vocals, and lyrics dripping with nostalgia for places most of us have only seen in travel brochures. Tracks like “Mattinata” and “Addio A Napoli” tug at the heartstrings harder than your ex’s Instagram stories, while others like “Jota” bring some fiery Spanish flair to the mix. Kudos to Lazaro for keeping things varied, even if the pacing occasionally feels like riding a Vespa uphill—beautiful views, but slow going.
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend O Sole Mio? Absolutely—if you’re into vintage vibes, dramatic vocals, and music that sounds like it belongs in a Fellini film. Is it perfect? Nah. At times, it feels a bit too polished, like those overly filtered Instagram photos where everyone looks flawless but kinda fake. Still, there’s something endearing about Lazaro’s earnestness, as if he truly believes these songs are gifts to humanity. Maybe they are.
Fun fact: Listening to this album made me realize how much I miss traveling. Or maybe it just reminded me that my kitchen could use better acoustics. Either way, hats off to Francisco Lazaro for delivering a musical postcard straight from Europe’s soul. Now excuse me while I go find some gelato to complete the experience.
