21 GRAMMI: THE WEIGHT OF EMOTION IN GIUSEPPE CUCÈ’S NEW ALBUM
Giuseppe Cucè’s new album 21 grammi, released this month, is an indie-pop project filled with emotional, catchy songs and a message that resonates universally. Broadcasting straight from Italy, Cucè brings everything to the table - songwriting, vocals, orchestration, and instrumentation - crafting an album that’s heartfelt, lush, and full of life.
The record kicks off strong with È tutto cosi vero, a charming, welcoming track. It’s a suave merengue-inspired jam, complete with bright flute lines that feel so playful and chipper you can’t help but dance. It sets the tone perfectly, making you eager and intrigued to see where the album goes next.
That energy transcends to Ventuno, an emotional, melodic piece overflowing with passion. Even without understanding the lyrics at first listen, you can feel its empowering nature. When translated, the song reveals reflections on the “weight of man,” the symbolic 21 grams of life — a theme that anchors the album’s title and emotional core.
This sense of liberation continues with Dimmi cosa vuoi, a heartfelt track about overcoming past mistakes for the sake of love and the people you care about; a song I’ll personally be singing over and over again. It’s followed up by Fragile equilibrio, a piece about the magic of finding balance, slowing down, and taking in life’s reality, even nodding to the cautionary tale of Dorian Gray.
La mia dea slows things down beautifully, with soft vocals, gentle orchestration, and a delicate piano melody. Cuore d’inverno arrives with a gorgeous build-up; a “winter heart” thawing into something exhilarating, liberating, and free. Tutto quello che vuoi switches gears into an upbeat indie-rock proclamation. The song’s rhythm fluctuates with lovely vocals that reminisce about home. It might possibly be my favorite song on the album.
Una notte infinita carries on the momentum with a dreamy, atmospheric pulse. Giuseppe’s vocals are a major highlight here– you can feel his soul pouring out of every note. By this point, your thoughts and emotions are fully immersed, embracing the album’s aura and the message behind it. The album closes on a high with Di estate non si muore, a dance-floor-ready hit perfect for late nights at a disco club. Completely different to the rest of the tracklist, it’s a fun, surprising ending.
From start to finish,21 grammiis a beautifully cohesive yet dynamic album. Each song carries its own personality and story, but they all share a hopeful, whimsical spirit — somewhere between Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Alejandro Sanz, — an expressive blend that takes you on an enchanting journey about love, forgiveness, and authenticity. It’s a sound so universal, it feels like it could bring peace to the world if played for the right people.
