Lambrusco Coltelli Rose & Popcorn

The archetypical sophomore album, Lambrusco Coltelli Rose & Popcorn repeats the producer, backing band, and songwriting style of Ligabue's debut, with similar -- if slightly less impressive -- results. The first album's success allows for a more expansive production (violin, accordion, a choir intro, tighter overall sound, etc.), but the material is not as consistently memorable. Even so, it still features quite a few classics from Ligabue's early period, such as the leading single "Libera Nos a Malo" and especially the terrific "Urlando Contro il Cielo" and "Sarà un Bel Souvenir." ~ Mariano Prunes