Neapolitan Songs No2 by Franco Corelli: A Timeless Slice of Napoli’s Soul
Let me tell ya, this album isn’t just music—it’s a vibe. Released in 1963 under His Master's Voice (you know, that iconic label with the dog and gramophone), Neapolitan Songs No2 is one of those records that grabs your heart like an old friend you haven’t seen in years. It’s got pop, folk, world, and country vibes all rolled into ballads so rich they feel like sipping espresso on a sun-drenched Naples balcony.
Franco Corelli? The man’s voice is pure magic—like velvet dipped in honey. And don’t even get me started on how he nails these Neapolitan classics. This ain’t some polished modern production; it’s raw emotion bottled up for us to drink in decades later. Tracks like “’O Sole Mio” are instant earworms, but there were two songs that hit me right in the feels and refused to let go.
First off, “Voce ’E Notte!”—oh my gosh. That track opens with this hauntingly beautiful melody, and then Corelli comes in, pouring his soul out note by note. You can almost picture yourself wandering through narrow cobblestone streets at night, moonlight bouncing off the sea. There’s something about the way he sings “voce” that makes you wanna close your eyes and just… breathe. Like, who knew longing could sound so dang pretty?
Then there’s “Passione.” Man, if this song doesn’t make you wanna grab someone you love and dance barefoot in the kitchen, I dunno what will. It’s passionate without being over-the-top, tender yet fierce. Every word feels lived-in, like Corelli’s not just singing—he’s telling you a story only he knows. By the time the strings swell near the end, you’re either crying or hugging yourself. Maybe both.
The rest of the album? Equally golden. From the bittersweet goodbye of “Addio, Mia Bella Napoli” to the cheeky swagger of “Guapparia,” each track paints its own little world. But honestly, it’s Corelli’s voice that ties everything together. He doesn’t just sing these songs—he lives them.
Here’s the thing though: listening to this record feels like stepping back in time, sure, but it also feels kinda timeless. Like, yeah, it came out in ’63, but these tunes still resonate today because they’re about universal stuff—love, loss, dreams, pride. Stuff we all feel deep down, whether we’re from Napoli or Nebraska.
And here’s the kicker—I listened to this album while cooking pasta one evening, and suddenly I wasn’t in my tiny apartment anymore. I was transported somewhere else entirely. Somewhere warm and full of life. Isn’t that wild? Music shouldn’t be able to do that, but here we are.
So yeah, give Neapolitan Songs No2 a spin if you want to feel things deeply—or if you just need a reminder that good music never really gets old.
