Bellissima! Modern Italian Pop Music
by Evlin Walsh
Of all European pop music, no country has more of that immense serotonin energy than Italy. With upbeat anthemic tracks characterized by a love of life, Italian pop music makes every day feel like summer. As someone who loves Italian pop music and feels that it doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, I’ve put together an article highlighting Italian pop artists and trends in hopes of exposing new listeners to the country’s vibrant music scene.
Pop music is the most popular genre globally, and one of the most appealing aspects of pop music for many listeners is its energy boosting serotonin vibe. And to me, the Italian artist that best encapsulates the joy of pop music is Alfa. Alfa (Andrea De Filippi), is a singer/songwriter from Genoa whose pop music exudes joy from lyrics to chords. If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky start to your day, or a sunset drive with your besties, Alfa is your guy. His signature color is yellow and it is no wonder why.
My top 3 Alfa songs:
Bellissimissima (Very beautiful)
Le cose in comune (The things in common)
Sul Piu Bello (Out of my league)
One of Italian music’s greatest features that stands out from the rest of Europe is Italy’s large modern disco pop and dance music scene, with hits such as “ITALODISCO” by the Kolors and “Disco Paradise” a collaboration between Annalisa, Fedez, and Articolo 31 topping the summer charts in 2023. Annalisa is one of Italy’s biggest pop stars.
A talented vocalist and performer, her music is characterized by the synthetic dance pop music that Italy adores. Her song “Sinceramente” featured at the 2024 Sanremo song contest.
My personal top 3 Annalisa songs:
Disco Paradise
Sinceramente (Sincerely)
Bollicine (Bubbles)
Italy’s Sanremo song contest that spans over five days each February pulls in millions of Italian tv viewers each year. Since 1951, the contest has been broadcast, displaying Italy’s new top talent. In it, 30 of the country's biggest new artists compete in a competition in which they must write and perform an original song.
Audiences at home and Sanremo jury members vote for their favorites, and the crowned winner is often nominated to represent Italy at Eurovision. This year’s winner was Olly with his song “Balorda nostalgia” (Bittersweet Nostalgia). Sanremo is not only viewed by music lovers within Italy, but can be streamed for free on RaiPlay from around the world. Meaning, next February, you too can vote for your favorite artists!
Italian music is so vibrant and full that there really is no place to start, but radio apps such as RadioGarden and Spotify’s Top 50 Italy playlist are always great options when diving into the world of Italian pop music, in order to discover for yourself the artists you enjoy.
Additional favorite songs:
- “Eschimesi” by Serepocaiontas
- “Chiara” by Colla Zio, Selton
- “Jack & Rose” by Cioffi, Emanuele Aloia
- “Vertigini” by Mazzariello
- “Medicine” by Santi Francesci
- “Inutili” by Anna Carol
- “Souvenir” by Michelangelo Vood