Giuseppe Cucè’s “21 grammi” is more than an album. Taking its title from the persistent legend that the body loses twenty-one grams at the moment of death, the supposed weight of the vital essence, the soul itself, Cucè delivers a collection of songs that feels raw, emotionally charged, and intensely truthful touching on universal themes: love, loss, memory, identity, faith, and the fragility that defines us.
The album immediately establishes its dynamic range with the opener, “È tutto così vero”. With a Latin-infused groove driving its chorus, the song is built on a simple yet highly effective I-IV-V chord progression enriched by a brass section. Honestly, the track demands a dancefloor, even if that just means a solo headphone session in your living room, no dress code required. However, this energy is quickly channeled into deep introspection with “Ventuno.” This track shifts the mood, presenting a classic 6/8 power ballad filled with emotional depth, characterized by the sweet tone of the accompanying guitar.
The emotional core continues to resonate through the middle section. “Dimmi cosa vuoi” emerges as one of the album’s most melancholic highlights. It opens with the warm, organic sound of the organ, placing Cucè’s vocal delivery at the epicenter, this time supported by sweet backing vocals. Providing necessary contrast, “Fragile equilibrio” serves as the album’s uplifting moment, propelled by driving, punchy piano keys and an arrangement with classic synth elements without sacrificing its fundamental acoustic quality.
Cucè’s strength lies in his blend of lyricism and musicality. “La mia Dea” particularly showcases his songwriting talent, built on a foundation of warm piano chords and delicate string instrumentation in the verses before transforming into a more euphoric and energetic chorus. Similarly, “Cuore d’inverno” carves out a unique space, defined by a lively drum beat harmonizing with a rich string section, only to let saturated guitars work their way into the track’s texture.
Tracks like “Tutto quello che vuoi” utilize a chord progression that feels instantly familiar. The high BPMs do result in that sweet blend of pop-rock sound infused with strong doses of romance. The journey is carried forward by another example of a nicely crafted power ballad, “Una notte infinita”, which uses its standard chord progression to convey a powerful and universal message.
The album finds a hopeful resolution in its final moments. “Di estate non si muore” closes the record on a cheerful note, featuring a beat with clear funky elements that flirt with more electronic forms, suggesting a sense of closure and optimism.
As Cucè himself encapsulates it: “Inside those twenty-one grams is everything: what we have loved, what we have lost, and what still keeps us alive.”
Read Cucè quote again. That is the whole story.
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