Buon Sangue

by Mariano PrunesThis 2005 release finds Jovanotti in good form after the slightly disappointing Il Quinto Mondo. Buon Sangue's great moments recall the laid-back, sunny approach of Capo Horn, as in "Voglia di Libertà" and "La Valigia," or in the hidden bonus track that gives the record its title, a throwback to Jovanotti's trademark melodic hip-hop. As usual with Jovanotti's records, however, the best three tracks are placed right at the beginning of the album, the funky opening "Tanto" and the hypnotic, sensitive love songs "Per Me" and "Mi Fido di Te" -- the latter being the one absolute classic that all Jovanotti albums seem to feature. After this powerful opening salvo, the album enters a slump of funk raves that render seven out of the ten remaining tracks all but virtually undistinguishable. Buon Sangue is indeed the most funk-oriented album of Jovanotti's career, boasting tight arrangements and performances from a great groove band -- but the songs that really stand out are the ones that deviate from the pattern. Another number one record in Italy for Jovanotti, Buon Sangue is a good, solid effort, if not particularly memorable.