Customer Reviews

Calogero

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Calogero began his career in the 80's as the singer of The Charts. When the band called it quit, he spent several years trying to gain personal recognition. Pascal Obispo brought him back in the spotlight. The discreet success of his first solo album was only a preparation for his explosion in 2002/2003 with the second, soberly called "Calogero". After 85 weeks of chart presence, this album was still in the top 20 in Belgium, while its follower "3" was in the top 5. It should give you an idea of the guy's popularity...

Calogero is a solid melodist. He can mix a rock oriented guitars use with his pop sense of songwriting and possess a flexible voice capable of rock grits as well as sensuous murmurs. The lyrics are often straightforward and talk about simple things of life as well as more serious issues. Most of them are signed Lionel Florence.

The album gave 4 hit singles. "En apesanteur" tells the fantasm of a man alone in an elevator with a beautiful stranger. "Aussi libre que moi" is an hymn to the perfect love partner, independent enough to build up her own life outside of the couple. "Tien An Men" is a reflexive ballad about the protection of personal rights ("Maybe Tien An men is closer than we think, that our small fights are also worth it but we don't see it"). "Prendre racine" talks about roots and building up a stable life and your personality by separating yourself from it (to better appreciate them).

Other tracks I'd like to pin point would be: the feel good "Prouver l'amour" (about living together with your loved one), "A la gueule des noyés" (story of a boy who lost a brother to the ocean but still wants to leave himself, between love and hate for the big wide open), "Une dernière chance" (written by Françoise Hardy, telling a couple's fight), the post breaking up song "Je vis ou tu m'as laissé". Note as well there is a hidden track ("L'européen") after "Partir ou rester".

His new album "3" keeps the same style, with a dirtier sound. I also recommend it.

I am an American but while touring in France I heard "En Apesenteur" on the radio and searched forever to find the artist of the song - I found at it long last and then did some research on the artist. I quickly found that most of his other songs are just as good too! It's a shame that "Prendre l'Air" isnt on this CD, but its awesome anyways!! Calogero himself isnt too bad looking either... ;-)

C'est un des meilleurs album pop rock fran?is.
One of the best pop rock french album.

This is one of the best CDs I've bought in a long time. I'm starting to learn French again after taking a break from it, so I understand some of the words Calogero sings. Anyway, his music is awe-inspiring. The combination of haunting vocals and a piano makes this CD well worth the price. One could dub him the French Coldplay, yet he definitely has his own identity.

Great Highlights Include:
En Apesanteur (In Weightlessness) - Catchy chorus.
Aussi Libre Que Moi (As Free As Me) - Awesome dance beat.
Prendre Racine (To Take Root) - Will pull at your heartstrings during verses.
Juste Un Peu de Silence (Just A Little Silence) - Great duet with Yvette Hammond. May make you teary-eyed.

Overall, it is one of the best albums to come out of France as well as anywhere in the world. Do not be discouraged because the words are in French. Calogero's music transcends language barriers and reaches into listeners' hearts and souls. Sound too good to be true? Check out the album for yourself.

For those who do not know Calogero but have some interest in french pop music, his voice and style may recall you another big french star, Pascal Obispo at his debut. A solid performance by Calogero who writes and performs all his songs. Just 2 tracks are below the average of all other songs in this CD (Prouver l'Amour, A la Gueule des Noyes). A very good introduction to the French Star System...

I don't understand the words he sings, but love his voice and the tunes.
Each song is so dramatic and precious...

Ah..., but he is not Antonio Calogero...
The Editorial Review on this page is wrong.
He is Calogero Maurici, and was born in France.