Six months on from Eurovision 2017 in Kyiv, Francesco Gabbani has been one busy monkey. Releasing and touring his latest album Magellano over the summer, the Italian representative has now released Sudore, fiato, cuore (Sweat, breath, heart), a new album recording his live performances across Italy this past summer.

Despite all his success over the year, including more than 166 million views on Youtube, the Italian stallion remains humble, insisting that he doesn’t have time to think about how his life has changed. Speaking to Italian media TGCOM24, he stated that he was pleased with his 6th place finish at Eurovision — despite being the bookies’ favourite prior to the contest.

“On the contrary, it was a confirmation that my approach was the right one, because I was not convinced of being favoured,” he said. “It was a wonderful experience that gave me the opportunity to give ‘Occidentali’s Karma’ an international breath.”

Fans may also have noticed that the ape which accompanied him to the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv has been noticeably absent in Gabbani’s recent performances. Gabbani explains that this is by no means an accident, but rather he and the ape have had a parting-of-ways.

“The popularity of the monkey is now falling…but it’s part of the game.”

“Many have focused only on that but at the same time it gave me the opportunity to draw attention to ‘Occidentali’s Karma’.”

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With insightful lyrics in his songs, Gabbani tellingly addressed the complexity of the meaning of his songs. Our review of his post-Eurovision hit “Pachidermi E Pappagalli” also left us scratching our heads. Luckily, Francesco sympathises:

“My songs are multi-level readable, so it’s just a matter of getting a piece on a superficial level, without fully understanding the meaning.”

Lyrically, at least, Francesco loves to go deep. And it’s paying off for him in spades, recently announcing that his post-Eurovision single “Tra le granite e le granate” has gone double platinum, selling over 100,000 copies.

And by the looks of it, he’s already made his Christmas list and checked it twice, recently filming the video clip of his newest single “La Mia Versione Dei Ricordi”. Bring the ho ho ho, Francesco!

Francesco continues to tour throughout Italy, concluding his multi-city tour in Florence on 20 January 2018.

Will you listen to Francesco’s new album? Are you going to miss the ape? Let us know in the comments below.

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Emy
Emy
7 years ago

I saw one of his concerts, it’s a volcano of energy. His songs are wonderful. He is intelligent and modest, plays different instruments, he is a complete artist!

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Definitely a successful year after Eurovision for Francesco!
All the best to the release of the live album! I’ll definitely listen to it!
He’s great at everything! And so talented! Keep up the good work!

Nikki
Nikki
7 years ago

I just love him, he became one of my favourite ‘Adoptees’ (Eurovision artists I begin to follow up after the contest) in no time.

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
7 years ago

I like his songs.

iI’s good that an ESC-participant who put a lot into the meaning of the lyrics. At the same time – I think they should have ditched the monkey on the stage, as people might have taken it for an “unserious” gimnick. But great lyrics about “Darwinsm in reverse”. Partly serious, partly humouristic

I think 6th place was just about right. A very catchy pop song, but maybe losing momentum after repeated listening – at least for my part.

Jo
Jo
7 years ago

Judging by his interviews in Italy, that’s probably true. One nice thing here is that the haters are finally backing off. If the favourite in 2018 won’t be Sweden or Russia, god helps us again!!

annabel
annabel
7 years ago

I had the opportunity to see him live this summer and I have to say that playing live Francesco is absolutely one of a kind. One of the best concerts in recent years. Francesco is lively, is very generous with his public and sings with true feeling. I was also impressed because he is an exceptional musician too. And yes it´s true, Francesco never thinked himself as The Favourite. Actually in many interviews he gave in Italy during Eurovision he always joked about his favouritism saying that being himself an outsider winner for two consecutive times at San Remo, “stealing”… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
7 years ago

Magellano is a very good album. His lyrics are smart and his sound is catchy. Francesco is for sure someone who deserves a long career.

buskyta
buskyta
7 years ago

I generally do not appreciate live albums so much, but listened the album this week ( that includes also songs from his previous albuns ) and I can say that most of the songs are even better played live. Francesco is a very talent musician playing incredible guitar solos, and his voice is highly favored with this kind of recording. One of the songs, when he plays just voice and piano, is really a magical moment. I would love to see him in concert, the album has such a fantastic energy! 🙂 I must say that the ape, in the… Read more »

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
7 years ago
Reply to  buskyta

I agree about what you said about the ape. The song might have fared (even) better without it. Especially among the juries.

Jerzz
Jerzz
7 years ago

Congrats to Francesco and kudos to us! I still love him with his album because Magellano will be making into one of Italy’s year-end albums charts. I looking forward to listen and I think he was one of the best Italian singers.

I was a fan of him and entire album along with Magellano gave me a 100% and good luck for his next albums.

buskyta
buskyta
7 years ago
Reply to  Jerzz

I highly recommend also his previous albums. Love his first album solo “Greatest Iz” that shows a different side of Francesco´s talent.

Michèle
Michèle
7 years ago

Love Francesco too and am enjoying his success since February. Looking forward to his new release and video this Friday, showing a quieter side of his talent. Continued success Francesco!

Jonas
Jonas
7 years ago

Italy’s return was the best thing to happen to the contest in years.

I love Francesco.

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
7 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

For once we agree about something. Very good to see Italy back, usually contributing with quality songs.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

This is not properly a “new album”… just a re-release of Magellano with no new original songs, just several live recordings from his tour. Either way Magellano is already Platinum in Italy (but if we include SEA and TEA, which don’t count for Italian certifications, it should be at over 200,000 units consumed).