Jovanotti

Lorenzo 1990-1995 Raccolta is the best introduction to Jovanotti anyone could hope for. An unassailable 16-track compilation culled from the four studio albums Giovani Jovanotti, Una Tribù Che Balla, Lorenzo 1992, and Lorenzo 1994, it also includes two new tracks, "Marco Polo," and the hit "L'Ombelico del Mondo." Tellingly, this compilation ignores Jovanotti's first two juvenile efforts, Jovanotti for President and La Mia Moto. This decision may pertain to copyright issues, or to Jovanotti's manifest intent to distance himself from his early image as a brainless party animal. In this sense, the album does not paint the complete picture; after all, Jovanotti's quick rise to fame was largely due to shock value (rather than good songs): he was the first Italian rapper, and a handsome reckless teenager all in the same package. In any case, the exclusion of his first hits certainly makes this collection a much stronger album, one that forces the listener to reconsider Jovanotti as a major talent to be reckoned with. Tracks are not in chronological order, yet the album flows seamlessly. This only reinforces Jovanotti's claim that he did not change overnight into a serious musician with Lorenzo 1992, but that all along an evolution was occurring that anyone who cared to listen would have noticed. The selections here are flawless, covering all the singles and some great album tracks, alternating riotous classics such as "Ragazzo Fortunato," "Ciao Mamma," or "Una Tribù Che Balla" with nocturne ballads such as "Gente Della Notte" or "Quando Sarai Lontana." In fact, with the possible exception of Lorenzo 1994, one could argue this collection is all that anybody needs to hear from the first part of Jovanotti's career. ~ Mariano Prunes, All Music Guide