Most Popular Italian Songs
Italian music has long been celebrated for its rich melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and emotive storytelling. From Andrea Bocelli’s ballads to Adriano Celentano’s infectious rhythms – Italian songs about Italy have enthralled audiences worldwide. Here we dig deeper into Italian music’s vast world by discovering some of its finest tracks that honor its beauty, passion and cultural legacy.
Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare) by Domenico Modugno
Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare) was composed by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci in 1958 and became an instantaneous hit in Italy as well as internationally, topping charts around the globe.
Volare represents Italian happiness and optimism through its captivating melody and joyful lyrics, celebrating life, love, freedom and independence with an upbeat rhythm and infectious chorus that make listening to it an absolute pleasure.
L’Italiano by Toto Cotugno
L’Italiano was written and performed by Toto Cutugno in 1983 and quickly became one of the most iconic Italian songs ever, reaching number one on charts in various countries and becoming an international hit.
L’Italiano celebrates Italian culture, identity and pride through its lively rhythm, infectious melody and unforgettable chorus.
Caruso by Lucio Dalla
Lucio Dalla wrote and performed Caruso as an iconic Italian song in 1986, paying a moving and emotive ode to legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso with this powerful ballad which has since become one of the most beloved Italian songs ever composed and performed.
Caruso transports its listeners back in time and place with its emotive lyrics, taking them on a musical journey to Italy’s rich musical legacy and beautiful cities.
Azzurro by Adriano Celentano
Adriano Celentano’s Azzurro from 1968 is one of the world’s best-known songs. Deviating significantly from Italian melodic tradition, Azzurro became an unexpected success despite going against contemporary rhythms of its time. It topped charts worldwide and remains one of the anthems for Italy today; covered by such artists as Mina, Gianni Morandi and Fiorello with its remake also garnering millions of views online.
Quando, Quando, Quando by Tony Renis
If you don’t recognize this song by its title, chances are its memorable refrain is what brings it to mind.
Tony Renis made history when he released Quando, Quando, Quando by singing and composing in 1962 at the Sanremo Festival; it quickly became a worldwide hit. Remakes and covers by international artists including Englebert Humperdinck have taken place all around the globe since.
A Far L’amore Comincia Tu by Raffaella Carrà
Raffaella Carra was an international success, particularly in France and Germany, thanks to the beautiful song Far L’amore Comincia Tu by Raffaella Carra. An innovative song about an unconventional woman asking her husband to initiate sexual encounters, Raffaella Carra became an icon of both eroticism and emancipation at that time.
French DJ Bob Sinclair famously brought back to prominence the song with its successful dance remix Far L’Amore. Even its popularity may have increased had DJs from Holland or Germany understood what its lyrics meant – another benefit of learning Italian lessons!
Musica è by Eros Ramazzotti
Eros Ramazzotti rose to fame and top of the charts during the 90s thanks to ‘Musica è’, his 1988 Italian pop song that became one of the most-played Italian songs ever and had great success. Many consider him one of the greatest Italian singers ever and continue performing today; over 30 million albums worldwide were sold thanks to ‘Musica è’ and it cemented his standing both domestically in Italy as well as globally in Germany and elsewhere.
Italian music continues to adapt and innovate the music charts, with new generations of artists carrying on its tradition. Laura Pausini is one of Italy’s most successful singers, captivating audiences worldwide with emotive ballads like her signature and famous italian song La solitudine, which catapulted her to stardom back in the early ’90s and remains popular today.
With its poignant lyrics that hit home for anyone feeling isolated or heartbroken. Pausini’s emotive rendition hits home for listeners worldwide.
