Welcome Back Mina: A Cheeky Look at ‘Gassa d’amante’
Ah, Mina! The grand dame of Italian music makes her return with her latest opus, enticingly titled «Gassa d’amante». At this point, you might be wondering, “What in the name of all that is good in music does that even mean?” Well, that’s the magic of Mina—she’s been singing songs you barely understand for decades, and yet here we are, lining up to hear her croon again!
The Cover Does Not Lie!
Let’s talk about the cover, shall we? Designed by the renowned Mauro Balletti, this artwork gives us a figurehead of a ship that screams more Giger than ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’ve ever imagined Anubis steering a Viking ship through the underworld, this is your jam. Or maybe it’s the inner workings of Mina’s artistic mind manifested visually—certainly more captivating than watching people argue over a throne made of swords. I mean, who needs medieval politics when you can have a ship inspired by dystopian horror?
The Golden Voice Reclaims the Stage
Now into her seventies, and already on album number 73—yes folks, 73!—Mina dives back into the music scene with ten new songs that scream, “Guess who’s back?” She begins with a cover of Fabio Concato’s «Non ti lascerò», which is basically Italian for “you thought you could escape, but here’s a ballad instead.” What a woman! If there was ever an album that demonstrates her ability to blend modernity with an air of classicism, this is it.
And let’s not forget the collaborations. We have the lovely Elisa and the ever-charismatic Francesco Gabbani adding their magical touches. The genre? Anti-toxic love! Because why settle for regular toxicity when you can raise your standards, right?
Mina: The Vocal Time Traveler
In a world obsessed with autotune (I mean, even your grandma’s karaoke machine has it!), Mina’s voice is a porcelain doll amongst plastic knock-offs. Her vocals resonate with an ethereal quality, proving that genuine talent cannot be faked. Even songs that seem less than original are endowed with this astonishing pathos, like a flower blooming in concrete. And, holy guacamole, if that sound doesn’t have you nodding along like a bobblehead!
Mina’s son, artistic director Massimiliano Pani, shares that the selection for this album wasn’t hastily thrown together during a lunch break. No, it involved long hours, meticulous choices, and maybe a touch of dramatic flair. Bringing in new musicians while also sticking with family helps give this album a unique vibe—like a family dinner where everyone brings their cat, except it’s actually good.
A Masterclass in Control
Mina’s control over her voice seems to defy the laws of physics. She exudes an aura that suggests she’s not merely performing songs; she’s making love to each note with uncanny familiarity. Scroll back in time, and one might remember her as a creature of magic and wonder. Now, she’s still in control but in a way that makes you feel like you’re in on the secret of her mastery.
No Time for Self-Indulgence
Interestingly, Mina is not interested in basking in the glow of her fame. Massimiliano gives us insight that Mina regularly flips the channel whenever she sees tributes. “Ussignur,” she exclaims in her Cremonese dialect. That’s Italian for “Oh my God, enough of this!” Now that’s the kind of humility we can admire in a world yearning for applause!
The Emotional Pinnacle: A Tribute to Mina
Finally, let’s wrap it up with Elisa, who expresses what every listener knows deep down: Mina transcends. Always will. “Hearing her sing one of my songs is a gift of life,” she says, and we all collectively swoon. It’s like the musical equivalent of discovering your old teddy bear still has a warm hug to offer. This isn’t just another album; it’s a symbolic return of the goddess of Italian music.
So here’s to you, Mina: may your voice continue to sweep us off our feet, one dystopian-themed album cover at a time!
The title – «Gassa d’amante» – evokes a connection to the sea, compellingly aligning with its identity as one of the most quintessential knots. The cover art, crafted by the renowned Mauro Balletti, is a strikingly pure rendition, transforming Our Lady of Song into a ship’s figurehead, reminiscent of the haunting and futuristic visions popularized by Hans Ruedi Giger, rather than the overused tropes found in “Game of Thrones.”
Ten captivating tracks reintroduce the legendary Voice to listeners, marking what appears to be her 73rd studio album, a remarkable feat. At the age of 84, Mina continues to challenge herself artistically. The album opens with a poignant cover of Fabio Concato’s «Non ti lascerò», originally from 2016, setting a reflective tone before Mina collaborates with contemporary artists Elisa and Francesco Gabbani. These selections reflect her unique blend of modernity and timeless elegance. Notably, the Triestine chanteuse revives the emotionally charged «Without making me hurt», a masterful anti-toxic love ballad that showcases her supreme vocal prowess. Each note resonates deeply, revealing the painful emotions associated with the end of a relationship, enveloped within rich melodic textures—lyrics unfold poignant sentiments: «Then to be honest at least this evening/ my life is enough for me, I’m enough/ and then the rest doesn’t matter». Additionally, her collaboration with the Carrara singer-songwriter produces the album’s lead single, «Throw it away», which similarly explores the heartache of a love gone awry.
In an era dominated by autotune, her ability to sing authentically emerges as a miraculous achievement, enriching every song with profound emotional depth, elevating even the most conventional tracks. The talented contributors feel like home, including her son Massimiliano Pani and the ever-reliable Samuele Cerri, who brings a sense of fluidity to “Dispersa,” as it gradually ascends into a uplifting climax. Familiar faces contribute significantly to the album’s soundscape, including Neapolitan artist Fabrizio Berlincioni, who shares vocal duties on the finale «Non ti lascerò» alongside Mauro Culotta, with additional collaboration from Alberto De Martini and Alberto Anelli, as well as Viola and Franco Serafini, and Matteo Mancini and Gianni Bindi. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Roberto Casu and Luca Tudisca, recognized from «Amici», add a fresh dynamic to the collection.
Despite her age, or perhaps because of it, the entire album serves as a brilliant showcase of her remarkable capabilities. The richness in her lower registers is undeniable, complemented by an expanded chromatic range that captivates. Her phonetic execution, articulation, and rhetorical delivery reflect a level of mastery that appears effortless, making the seemingly ordinary extraordinary. While earlier works like «The thousand blue bubbles» focused on shock value, here it’s her stunning normality that dazzles listeners, as she effortlessly intones verses worthy of being interpreted as musical notes. As much as the lyrical content may not always merit the dedication of her engaging style, she continues to engage in the labor of sifting through subpar works to find gems. It might be all too easy—yet undeniably delightful—to imagine an album filled solely with original compositions crafted by the finest songwriters, custom-made for her illustrious voice.
Mina, however, dismisses such speculative musings, focusing instead on the present. «It’s always her who has the idea and decides», shares her son and artistic director Massimiliano Pani: «The selection of the pieces is a very long and patient job; she listens to professionals like Elisa or Gabbani, as well as fresh, emerging talents, piecing together a beautiful tapestry of sound.»
The iconic artist, perhaps more of a living legend than a monument, eschews celebration in favor of simply existing and conveying her art. «On TV, when there are panegyrics about her, she changes the channel and exclaims, in Cremonese, “ussignur”. She grows weary of watching herself, preferring the artistry of music and the depths of intellectual engagement. Mina transcends the character she portrays; her essence is far more powerful than any persona. While many artists find themselves tied to their public image, she flourishes independently, embodying that girl from Cremona who remains unbothered by the prospect of being forgotten. If someone loves her, it’s because of who she is—not merely a stage presence», continues Pani.
In closing, Elisa shares her thoughts: «Mina is beyond. Always and forever, everyone knows it, and of course, I feel the same. To me, she has always represented the pinnacle of vocal excellence in Italian music. Alongside Lucio Battisti, she was the soundtrack to my childhood and adolescence, shaping my musical journey. Hearing her sing one of my songs is a once-in-a-lifetime gift. It engulfs me in a whirlwind of emotions and leaves me deeply grateful and in awe of how this came to be. The mysterious story behind this song adds a unique touch; my original demo lay undiscovered for two decades, only now illuminated by her incandescent talent. Her voice encapsulates every phase of a woman’s life; I can hear the innocence of youth, the clarity in her timbre, and the touching transparency of her tone that reveals the soul at various moments.”
What themes and emotions are central to Mina’s latest album *Gassa d’amante*?
**Interview with Massimiliano Pani: A Glimpse into Mina’s Latest Album ‘Gassa d’amante’**
**Editor:** Welcome, Massimiliano! It’s such a pleasure to have you here to discuss your mother’s latest album, *Gassa d’amante*. This marks a remarkable 73rd album for Mina. What can you tell us about the essence of this new work?
**Massimiliano Pani:** Thank you! It’s a joy to be here. *Gassa d’amante* is all about reconnecting with Mina’s roots while also pushing towards modern sounds. This album showcases her ability to blend timeless elegance with contemporary vibes. We wanted to create music that resonates with listeners both emotionally and sonically.
**Editor:** The cover art has certainly elicited a lot of buzz! Designed by Mauro Balletti, it’s described as something that merges ships with dystopian themes. How does this visual align with the album’s musical journey?
**Massimiliano Pani:** Excellent question! The cover represents a journey itself—just like the songs. The figurehead design hints at strength and exploration, which parallels the themes of love and life we explore in the songs. Mina’s music always takes listeners on an emotional voyage, and this artwork embodies that spirit.
**Editor:** One standout track is the cover of Fabio Concato’s *Non ti lascerò*. What led to its inclusion as the album opener?
**Massimiliano Pani:** That song holds a lot of weight, both lyrically and melodically. It’s a poignant reminder that love is persistent, and Mina’s interpretation brings it to life in a beautiful way. Starting the album with this track sets a reflective tone and welcomes listeners into Mina’s world, preparing them for the rest of the emotional ride.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned collaborations, particularly with artists like Elisa and Francesco Gabbani. How did these partnerships come to fruition?
**Massimiliano Pani:** Collaborating with contemporary artists is essential for Mina, especially since she loves to explore new sounds and ideas. Both Elisa and Francesco are incredibly talented, and their styles complement hers beautifully. It’s always an enriching experience when generations come together.
**Editor:** With autotune dominating the current music scene, how does Mina maintain her authentic vocal style, particularly in this album?
**Massimiliano Pani:** Mina’s voice is unique and timeless, untainted by trends. She exudes a depth and emotional resonance that you can’t replicate. We focus on capturing that authenticity in each recording, allowing her natural talent to shine through the music—no gimmicks needed.
**Editor:** It’s remarkable how Mina’s humility remains intact despite her legendary status. How does she approach her fame and the tributes that come with it?
**Massimiliano Pani:** That’s true. Mina often rolls her eyes at tributes; she finds them overwhelming and unnecessary. For her, it’s all about the music—staying genuine and connected to her craft rather than basking in fame. It’s one of the many things that makes her an extraordinary artist.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners take away from *Gassa d’amante*?
**Massimiliano Pani:** I hope they feel a profound connection, both to the music and to Mina herself. This album is a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and artistry. We want them to feel the emotional depth that Mina delivers with every note—it’s more than just an album; it’s an experience.
**Editor:** Thank you, Massimiliano, for sharing such valuable insights into Mina’s latest work. We can’t wait to experience *Gassa d’amante*!
**Massimiliano Pani:** Thank you for having me! I hope everyone enjoys this journey with us.
