Nennè Impossibilmente Mia: A Raw, Unfiltered Blast from Italy’s Past
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Vittorio Marsiglia’s Nennè Impossibilmente Mia isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop album—it’s a gritty love letter to Italian roots, with just enough Folk and World vibes to keep you hooked. Released in 1980 under Storm Records, this thing hits hard where it counts. And yeah, Pippo Caruso on arrangement and conducting duties? That dude knew how to make magic happen. But enough with the formalities—let’s dive into why this record still sticks in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First off, “Impossibilmente Mia.” Man, this track is a gut-punch of emotion wrapped in Canzone Napoletana gold. The melody grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go, while Marsiglia’s voice carries that raw ache you only get when someone sings straight from the soul. It’s not perfect—there are moments where the production feels almost too stripped-down—but maybe that’s the point. This ain’t about polish; it’s about raw storytelling. You can practically smell the cobblestone streets of Naples as the song unfolds. If you don’t feel something deep in your chest during the chorus, check your pulse—you might be dead.
Then there’s “Nennè,” which slaps harder than a Neapolitan grandma disciplining her grandkids. This one leans heavy into Chanson territory, but with an Italian twist that makes it impossible to ignore. The rhythm has this hypnotic sway to it, like you’re swaying at a summer festa with a glass of wine in hand. Lyrically, it’s simple yet devastating—a lament for lost innocence or love (or both?). It’s the kind of tune that sneaks up on you late at night when you’re feeling sentimental and regretful all at once. By the time the strings kick in halfway through, you’re either crying or reaching for another cigarette. Either way, mission accomplished.
Now, credit where it’s due: Arpad Kertesz nailed the cover photography. It’s moody, atmospheric, and sets the tone perfectly for what’s inside. And Pippo Caruso? Dude deserves a medal for keeping these songs grounded without overproducing them into oblivion. Sometimes less really is more.
But here’s the kicker—the thing nobody talks about. Listening to this album in 2023 feels… jarring. Not because it’s outdated, but because it’s so damn real. In a world drowning in autotune and TikTok beats, Nennè Impossibilmente Mia reminds us what music used to sound like before algorithms took over. It’s messy, heartfelt, and unapologetically human.
So, next time you’re scrolling Spotify looking for something authentic, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if it ruins modern pop for you.
