Spirito DiVino

Overview

It is his first album in three years, after the "darker" Miserere, and when started to see things more positive after the divorce which affected him. The album's title is wordplay of "Spirito Divino" (Divine Spirit) and "Spirito di Vino" (Wine Spirit).

As it is the case with his studio albums, it includes notable guest collaborations. The New Orleans Gospel Choir, Clarence Clemons, David Sancious, Jeff Beck (on "Papa perche"), Sheila E. (on "Alleluja", lyrics written by Italian rapper Jovanotti), and Francesco De Gregori who wrote the lyrics of "Pane e sale".

Release

The album topped the charts in Italy four weeks in 1995, and one week in 1996 at its 39th week on chart. With sales of 700,000 copies in 1995, and 400,000 in 1996, with 1.1 million copies in almost two years it was certified 10x Platinum in Italy. It also entered the Top 5 in France and Switzerland, being certified Platinum in both countries, selling over 2.5 million copies worldwide until December 1996.

Those songs in Spanish in the Spanish edition were translated by Fito Páez and Carlos Toro, while in English edition by Pat MacDonald, Angelo Palladino, Tena Clark, Mark Addison, Alberto Salerno, and Frank Musker.

Zucchero toured to promote this album in 1995–1996 with Spirito DiVino World Tour, with over 150 concerts in Europe and North America, an estimated audience of 1.4 million people.

Reception

The album has generally met with positive reviews. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic gave the (Italian edition) album 3/5 stars, concluding it is immaculately produced, but "most of the songs aren't particularly distinctive, lacking immediate melodies or memorable hooks", however "they were selected as showcases for Zucchero's charisma and they do a very good job of demonstrating the singer's charm and sex appeal".

Track listing

All tracks written by Zucchero Fornaciari, except where noted.