Un angelo dal cielo un sole inutile: A Retro Italian Gem That Still Shines (Sort Of)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Un angelo dal cielo un sole inutile, the quirky 1970 album by Manolito and Orchestra Walter Rizzati. This Italian oddball straddles the line between rock and pop with a side of vocal theatrics and beat vibes. Released under Zeus Records—because who doesn’t love a mythological label name?—this record feels like a forgotten relic from an era when music was still figuring itself out. Spoiler alert: it’s not perfect, but dang if it isn’t memorable.
Let’s start with “Un angelo dal cielo,” shall we? The title alone screams celestial drama, like someone decided to mix church hymns with late-night disco fever dreams. And honestly? They kinda nailed it. The track opens with this lush orchestration that sounds like angels tuning up their harps while sipping espresso. Then Manolito comes in, crooning his heart out like he just discovered emotions for the first time. It’s over-the-top, sure, but also strangely addictive. You’ll find yourself humming along even as you question your life choices. Plus, there’s something about those strings—they hit you right in the nostalgia bone, like a warm hug from your nonna after she scolds you for forgetting to call her.
Now onto “Un sole inutile,” which roughly translates to “A Useless Sun.” Deep, huh? The song starts off all moody and brooding, like a teenager sulking in their room after failing algebra. But then BAM!—the beat kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported to some smoky Milanese club where everyone’s wearing bell-bottoms and pretending they understand existentialism. The vocals here are pure drama, dripping with so much passion you half-expect someone to burst into tears mid-chorus. Is it groundbreaking? Nah. Is it fun? Absolutely. There’s a reason this tune sticks in your head longer than most things you listened to last week.
What makes this album stand out—or maybe stumble forward—is how unapologetically Italian it is. It’s got that vintage charm, like flipping through old photo albums and laughing at hairstyles you swore were cool back then. Sure, some parts feel dated, and yeah, the production might sound like it was recorded inside a tin can, but hey, that’s part of its charm.
So why does Un angelo dal cielo un sole inutile matter today? Maybe it doesn’t. Or maybe it reminds us that music doesn’t always have to reinvent the wheel—it just has to make you feel something. Even if that feeling is confusion mixed with admiration for people brave enough to belt their lungs out in flared pants. Either way, give it a spin. Who knows? You might end up liking it more than you’d admit.
Oh, and one last thing—Zeus should’ve stuck with lightning bolts instead of trying to conquer the music world. Just saying.
