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The familiar cast of songwriter-collaborators (including Francesco Sartori, responsible for the smash success "Time to Say Goodbye") mixes with new blood; Bocelli himself unveils his songwriting talents on "Il Diavolo e l'Angelo." It's a highly produced affair, but behind all the gloss, Bocelli sings with a newfound, relaxed, even mellow quality. There are intimately touching moments--"L'Incontro," a tribute to his first son featuring Bocelli's own poetry as read by U2's Bono--as well as soaring flights of lyricism (the duet "L'Abitudine" with Italian singer Helena). And on "Mascagni," with its quotes from that composer's operas, Bocelli makes another nod to his classical affinities. But whatever the style, Bocelli is a singer who knows how to go straight to his listeners' hearts. --Sarah Chin

Album Description
Exclusive UK version of Bocelli's third pop release includes the exclusive bonus track 'Tornera La Neve' and CD-ROM. The album also features 'L'Incontro' a duet with Gerard Depardieu. David Foster co-composes some of the tracks on this album as well. 2001.

I own and have listened to this album. Andrea's voice and soul speak to me... his songs hit a cord. I'm not interested in his place in history, comparisons to Caruso or Pavarotti; merely that his voice and music make my life a little bit better. This is a quality album, with sentimental songs, sung with passion and heart. Andrea is a romantic singer.

I've seen him three times in concert (and will again next week in New Jersey), own all of his albums and thoroughly enjoy his work, personality and charm.

As for his reputation in Italy; if you know anything about Italians, you'll know that dispute is part of the culture. In fact, Italians do listen to him and you will hear his music throughout much of that country.

Andrea's music has comforted me, cheered me, made me reflect and made my life just a little bit better.

Isn't that what music is supposed to do?


Poignant and Visual Music   December 3, 2001
 55 out of 62 found this review helpful

I have read the reviews of 4 people who presume to be knowledegeable music critics and, as it happens, reside in the USA. One wonders how people can arrogantly criticize an artist's personal soul expression of his life experiences in his native land as those which are are represented in this album by Bocelli toward his beloved Tuscany.

As a musician myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with other artists from different areas of the USA and Europe. It has been a great honor and joy to hear them express their art often as a reflection of their home state, city or country. One learns quickly that music like painting is impressionistic at a soul level. Does this make an artist's personal experiential contribution less valid? Hardly.

Somehow, it seems to elude these self styled "critics" that Andrea Bocelli has a huge following for solid and very valid reasons. He does connect with counteless listeners at a deeply emotional and visceral place that some other opera greats, who may or may not be technically "superior", all too often do not. This does not discount the beauty of other artists' music, but it does say that Bocelli consistently creates a sonic environment where the listener can feel his emotion deeply. Moreover, it is impossible to miss the sweetness of his nature that is easily apparent when watching him sing such as on the video of this CD.

It is crystal clear how his environment's beauty affects this singer. Even though he cannot see he can hear the richness of the people and the experiences of daily life. His voice shimmers like a brilliant light upon the glittering sea. One aches with his emotional renditions that at times can make one find tears streaming just from its poignancy of expression. Very few artists are capable of this evocative expression. Bocelli is a rare artist and I adore him and his music.


Basta ! Enough Already!   November 21, 2001
 29 out of 59 found this review helpful

As you will note from my name I'm Italian. I also love music and especially classical music including opera.
having said that, I would like to warn Americans that Bocelli is pulling your leg with his sweet stylings and titles like Cieli di Toscana (Tuscan Skies). In Italy, Bocelli is played only for tourists and is not considered very highly - even Pavarotti, with his ...attempts to sing pop music and tax evasion problems, has been severely downgraded. I've followed Bocelli's career when he won the Sanremo festical in the a late 80's edition and he;s gotetn old if not worse. The songs are repetitive and the lyrics seem to be a regurgitation of past ones. Unfortunaltely, I can understand them and cna grasp the full extent of their banality. If you want Tuscan opera listen to Puccini, he was born in Lucca. If you want to hear Italian contemporary music, I can do little better than suggest Patty Pravo, Lucio Battisti, Clkaudio Baglioni, Paolo Conte and countless other real artists. Listening to Bocelli is like going to Rome - or to Florence (as it has become so pupular in Anglosaxon circles -- there's plenty more to Italy than Florence you know) -- and visiting only the tourist spots and eating a Big Mac. Get to know the real Italy and what Italians really listen to, I guarantee it's a worthwhile trip that has a lot more to offer than Bocelli.


Hasn't left my CD Player since it's release!   December 10, 2001
 21 out of 23 found this review helpful

This is my fourth CD purchase from Andrea. I also own Romanza, Sogno, and Sacried Arias. I have to say that Cieli di Toscana is my favorite from all of them. Although I do not understand one word of Italian, the music and Andrea's voice gives me goosebumps all over! I especially enjoy song #5 "Mascagni" as well as #7 "Il Mistero Dell'Amore". Both tracks are absolutely gorgeous! All of the songs are excellent, you won't find yourself skipping around at all. Get this CD - you will not be sorry!


Bravo Bocelli   November 2, 2001
 19 out of 20 found this review helpful

I am a BIG fan of Bocelli and I have traveled all over the US to his concerts. Needless to say I was eager to hear his new CD. The first time I listened I was disappointed. There is a certain sameness (is that a word?)to the sound, both vocal and instrumental, on all the tracks except Il Diavolo E L'Angelo. That is the only piece that really jumped out with real life to it. HOWEVER, after listening many times this CD has really grown on me and I like it alot. I can understand why Meloderamma was chosen as a single; it has a very sweeping, dramatic sound and feel that works wonderfully for Andrea's voice. I also like the gentle, flowing start to Resta Qui and the way the song builds as it progresses but I think Bocelli sometimes sounds strained.
On the whole Cieli di Toscana is as varied as the skies it's named for. It is a CD full of musical color, sometimes bright and sunny, sometimes dark but always subtly changing. This CD is the type of music Bocelli sings best, even though I do love to hear his classical CD's too. It's not as good as Sogno but I would definitely buy it and recommend it to anyone who likes adult contemporary music. I really like the UK release better than the US release because of the song "Tornera la Neve" which is not on the US CD. It is a fine song that Andrea sings well.