Music is the universal language of mankind.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet
Italian music has been an integral part of world music culture for centuries. Italy is the birthplace of opera and has produced some of the most iconic musicians and singers of all time. The history of Italian music is so rich and diverse, one article is not enough to do it justice. However, a selection of the most popular music from Italy is doable, starting with this overview of the top songs this article covers:
| Song Title 🎶 | Artist 🎤 | Release Date 📆 | Genre 🎼 | Album 🎧 | Notable Fact 🏅 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) | Domenico Modugno | 1958 | Pop | Single | Won two Grammy Awards |
| Azzurro | Adriano Celentano | 1968 | Pop | Una carezza in un pugno | Covered by multiple artists |
| Tu Vuò Fa' L'Americano | Renato Carosone | 1956 | Jazz | Single | Sounds just like American rock'n'roll from that era. |
| L'italiano | Toto Cutugno | 1983 | Pop | L'Italiano | its popularity resurged after Cutugno played it for a charity concert after Italy's 2006 World Cup Win. |
| Quando, Quando, Quando | Tony Renis | 1962 | Schalger & Volksmusik | A Man Without Love | Famous refrain, covered internationally |
| A Far L'amore Comincia Tu | Raffaella Carrà | 1976 | Pop | Forte forte forte | Remixed by Bob Sinclar in 2011 |
| Parole Parole | Mina & Alberto Lupo | 1972 | Pop | Julien... | Available in 14 languages besides Italian. |
| Musica è | Eros Ramazzotti | 1988 | Pop | Eros | Boosted fame in Italy and Germany |
| 'O Sole Mio | Luciano Pavarotti | 1898 | Opera | O sole mio: Favorite Neapolitan Songs | Performed by Caruso and Pavarotti |
| Felicità | Al Bano & Romina Power | 1982 | Schalger & Volksmusik | Felicità | Received a Golden Globe Award for its massive commercial success. |
| Ti amo | Umberto Tozzi | 1977 | Pop | È nell'ari...ti amo | Ti amo is the 52nd best-selling single of the 21st century in France. |
| Bella Ciao | Original artist is unknown | 1953 | Folk | Covers of the song are featured in many albums | Originally created to protest against bad conditions workers faced in Northern Italian paddy fields. |
| Con te Partirò | Andrea Bocelli | 1995 | Classical | Bocelli | First performed at the 1995 Sanremo Music Festival |
| Funiculì, Funiculà | Luigi Denza | 1880 | Classical | Single | Commemorated the opening of a funicular |
| Gloria | Umberto Tozzi | 1979 | Pop | Gloria | Covered by Laura Branigan |
| La solitudine | Laura Pausini | 1993 | Pop | Laura Pausini | Based on Pausini's personal life |
| Senza una donna | Zucchero | 1987 | Pop / Rock | Blue's | Zucchero re-recorded it in English, with Paul Young |
| Buona Sera, Signorina | Louis Prima | 1956 | Rock | Buona sera signorina | Popular on TikTok |
| Più bella cosa | Eros Ramazzotti | 1996 | Rock | Dove c'è musica | Won Best Song at Europe's MTV Music Awards |
| Sara perche ti amo | Ricchi e Poveri | 1981 | Pop | ...E penso a te | Platinum success in Italy |
| Vivo per lei | O.R.O | 1995 | Classical | Vivo per.... | Bonnie Tyler was supposed to release the song in English, but due to record company disputes it was never released. |
| Cose della vita | Eros Ramazzotti | 1993 | Pop | Tutte storie | The song gained international traction with its bilingual version featuring Tina Turner. |
Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) - Domenico Modugno
Here, is a song full of emotion that Italian music and heritage delivers to us. Translated as "Flying", this title became a monument from its first performance at the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest, when it ranked third.
This version of "Volare (Nel Blu Dipinot Di Blu)" by Domenico Modugno has also been awarded a number of world prizes.
Among them, the Grammy Award for Recording of the Year and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1959. This timeless tune, which we all know resolutely, places it as an Italian standard, which makes the country shine with this melody recognizable among thousands.
Release Date
1958
Genre
Pop
Azzurro - Adriano Celentano
Adriano Celentano's 1968 Azzurro is one of the most famous songs in the world. Far from the Italian melodic tradition of the times, Azzurro became a great success. It topped the charts in Italy and abroad, and is still one of the anthems of the Bel Paese.
Adriano Celentano is famous for 'Prisencolinensinainciusol', an 'anthem' for rising Americanism.
This song means to sound like English - and it does, but its lyrics are pure nonsense.
Tu Vuò Fa' L'Americano - Renato Carosone
As though proving our assertions about Italy's sudden love for Americana, we present Renato's You Want to be American (1956). It sounds like 1950s rock'n'roll, but the song's mildly insulting lyrics prove that not everyone was happy about this influence. They describe a youth who walks around like he's American, but still has to beg his parents for an allowance - ouch!
L'italiano - Toto Cotugno
It appears that, by 1982, Italy was done with its America impression. Toto Cotugno's L'italiano is one of the musical emblems of Italians abroad. The Italian has since been translated into various languages including Finnish and Chinese. The song features in numerous films, both Italian and international.
Quando, Quando, Quando - Tony Renis
Singer-composer Tony Renis released Quando, Quando, Quando in 1962. The song was a resounding success, becoming another milestone of the Italian song catalogue. Famous all over the world, it's enjoyed extended airplay through numerous remakes and covers. As a testament to its enduring popularity, it became a part of the soundtrack for the 2022 Korean hit series, Our Blues.
A Far L’amore Comincia Tu - Raffaella Carrà
An icon of eroticism and emancipation, Raffaella Carrà sings about an unconventional woman who asks her husband to take the initiative in bed. Upon its release, in 1976, it became an international success, particularly in France and Germany.
Many speculate that this raunchy song wouldn't have received the same level of airplay, had DJs in those countries understood what the lyrics meant. That's another benefit of Italian lessons: being able to understand and appreciate the country's music.
Parole Parole - Mina & Alberto Lupo
In stark contrast to the eroticism of the previous song, we have the upbeat-yet-sad words at the end of love. He says how much he loves and admires her, she says it's all just words. Mina and Alberto Lupo recorded the original version in 1973. It was later translated into French, so superstars Alain Delon and Dalida could deliver their take on the story. So popular is this duet that we heard it in 15 different languages.
Musica è - Eros Ramazzotti
This 1988 single made Eros Ramazzotti the most famous Italian artist of the 1990s. Many affirm that he is the best Italian singer of his generation, and he is still performing today. Eros Ramazzotti has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, and Musica è was something of a breakthrough for him, propelling him to success in Germany as well as his native Italy.
O sole mio - Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of the famous Neapolitan song "O Sole Mio" is a stunning introduction to Italian culture and its musical heritage. His powerful voice breathes new life into this timeless classic, originally composed in 1898.
Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti versions aside, we recognize Elvis Presley's rendition as arguably the most renowned English version. However, the lyrics don't quite match up, as my Italian tutor showed me:
What a wonderful thing a sunny day
The serene air after a thunderstorm
The fresh air, and a party is already going on…
What a wonderful thing a sunny day.
It's now or never, come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling, be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late, It's now or never
My love won't wait.
Felicità - Al Bano & Romina Power
This infectious melody well matches what this song's lyrics describe. It's all about happiness - felicità, and the sense of great things already here to enjoy. Things like holding hands with someone you love, or a glass of wine and a sandwich. The fact that one of the most famous Italian duos in 80s music recorded it might have boosted its popularity, but we like to think its message did all the heavy lifting.
Ti amo - Umberto Tozzi
If you live on another world, you probably don't know this song, or rather this hit, known all over this world. Released in 1977, Ti Amo is a hymn that all generations have taken up over the years. Umberto Tozzi gives us a masterful interpretation of a typically Italian song whose lyrics are an ode to love.
Indeed, while Ti Amo literally means "I love you", there is no doubt about the lyrical nature of these words and music, which makes everyone's heart beat faster. While French singer Dalida covered it, Umberto Tozzi himself did a version mixed with Molière's language in 2002, with the singer Lena Ka. It is the title Ti Amo (just those words, not the song itself), which is now used from time to time in movies.
Indeed, while Ti Amo literally means "I love you", there is no doubt about the lyrical nature of these words and music, which makes everyone's heart beat faster. While French singer Dalida covered it, Umberto Tozzi himself did a version mixed with Molière's language in 2002, with the singer Lena Ka. It is the title Ti Amo (just those words, not the song itself), which is now used from time to time in movies.
Bella Ciao - Original Artist Unknown
Bella Ciao's lyrics have their origins in Northern Italian folk traditions, particularly a song called Fior di Tomba. It was originally an Italian revolt song, which celebrated the commitment of partisans and resistance fighters during the Second World War. Since then, Bella Ciao has become an international anthem, performed all over the world. Thanks to its simple, repeating lyrics, you might even study it in your Italian courses.
Con te Partirò - Andrea Bocelli
The same goes for this monument of a song, created by Francesco Sartoriet and performed by Andrea Bocelli in the 1990s. Originally sung at the San Remo festival, this song did not win the competition, but the global success it has met is worth that little defeat.
Translated into several languages, including English and Spanish, Con te partiro ("With You I'll Go") is the embodiment of an Italian success, which then leads to multiple covers. One could mention Donna Summer's, who in 1999 brought her a pop-dance touch with "I Will Go with You".
Here too, many movies and tv series take ownership of the message, musicality and rhythm, to match their stories as closely as possible. If this Italian singer is known today, it is thanks to this track, a mixture of slow, vocal power, and Italian culture.
Check for Italian classes in the US here.
Funiculì, Funiculà - Luigi Denza
Luigi Denza wrote this song as a joke, to commemorate the opening of a funicular railway up to Mount Vesuvius. Like many things Italian, the original song focuses on a sweet and romantic setting, but this one takes a unique turn. A young man compares his love to a volcano before he invites his beloved to travel on the funicular to see the top of the volcano. It features in many of the best Italian TV shows, as well as advertisements for Italian restaurants and foods.
Gloria - Umberto Tozzi
There's a good chance you'll instantly recognize this song. It's Umberto Tozzi's second appearance on our list and a testament to his power at dominating Italian airwaves across all radio stations. American songstress Laura Branagan boosted this tune's popularity across English-speaking markets in 1982. However, Tozzi's original version has recently been getting more attention.
La solitudine - Laura Pausini
This song is proof that Italians know how to write a power ballad, it is one of the most famous Italian songs of its era, the 1990s. The title translates to "The Loneliness". Singer Laura Pausini has explained that the song draws on her own life experiences and relationship with a man called Marco.
Senza una donna - Zucchero
Zucchero penned this tune while living alone, trying to save his marriage. The song was deeply personal to him, but he felt it was too boring to include on the album he was working one. His manager convinced him to record it, and aren't we glad he did! A year later, he collaborated with Paul Young to record it in English, but the Italian version hits the heart harder.
Buona Sera, Signorina - Carl Sigman and Peter de Rose
This is another song that may well be best-known for its cover versions, including becoming a Tiktok featured song. Louis Prima released the most popular of all its versions in 1956. It reached number one in the singles charts in Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. It also features at number 3 on a list of the best-selling singles in Belgian charts between 1954 and 2014.
Sara perche ti amo by Ricchi e Poveri
Ricchi e Poverti is an Italian popular music group that you probably have never heard of. And yet, this is the same band that performed the great song Sara perche ti amo in 1981 which, chances are you've heard countless times in Italian TV shows and on Italian radio stations.
Presented at the 31st edition of the San Remo Festival, this song is now a hit but then it had only finished fifth in the competition.
Today, more than a million copies of this title have been sold and various versions (including one in Spanish, or another cover in French by Karen Cheryl) exist.
Più bella cosa - Eros Ramazzotti
Earlier, when he sang about loving music, we experienced how deeply Eros Ramazzotti feels. Now, we see his depth of feeling for his partner, who he later married. This more upbeat song wowed European audiences, not just Italian ones. As it turns out, The Most Beautiful Thing was both this song's inspiration, and the song itself.
Vivo per lei - ORO
If we had to translate the title of this song into English, it would be "I live for her". This is how Hélène Ségara and Andrea Bocelli interpreted this title in 1997. And yet, even though these are the most famous singers, Vivo per lei was first performed by the Italian group ORO in 1995.
Since then, this monument of an Italian song has toured the world and has seen more than one version. Among the love songs, this one is in a good position in the Italian ranking, showing the role of the composer as well as that of the conductor, between ballad and committed lyrics.
Cosa della vita - Eros Ramazzotti
The song "Cose della Vita," originally released in 1993 by Eros Ramazzotti, was reimagined in 1997 as a powerful duet featuring two iconic figures of the music world: Eros Ramazzotti and the legendary Tina Turner. This collaboration brought together Ramazzotti, one of the greatest Italian singers of his generation, with Turner's unmistakable voice and global stardom.
The result was a timeless hit that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. The song, with its infectious melody and poignant lyrics, gained new life in this duet, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the two artists.
It's hard to find someone who hasn’t heard or even hummed the memorable chorus of this track—its reach is that universal. The duet version not only reaffirmed Ramazzotti's standing in the music scene, but also bridged Italian pop with international appeal, making it a classic for fans across generations.
Learn Italian with Music
Music is a powerful tool for learning a new language, and Italian is no exception. By immersing yourself in the top hits from Italian artists, you not only enjoy catchy tunes but also pick up valuable vocabulary, grammar structures, and cultural nuances. Listening to songs in Italian can help reinforce pronunciation, expand your listening comprehension, and deepen your understanding of idiomatic expressions. From classics by Andrea Bocelli to modern hits by Måneskin, music offers a fun, engaging way to learn and appreciate the beauty of the Italian language.
However, combining music with structured learning can accelerate your progress even more. Superprof offers experienced Italian tutors who can tailor lessons to your specific needs, helping you break down song lyrics and grammar points, while guiding you on pronunciation and language usage. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to polish your Italian skills, Superprof tutors can provide the personalized support you need to confidently speak and understand Italian, making your language-learning journey more efficient and enjoyable.
Start your Italian language journey today with the help of a Superprof tutor and master the language through music and personalized lessons!
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If you had the english translation to the italian songs the sight would even be better.
Hello Jim! Thank you for the feedback! We will keep that into consideration when we update the article. 😊