Sanremo 2026: A Crisis of Lyrics or a Shift in Italian Songwriting?
The annual Sanremo Music Festival is a cultural touchstone in Italy, and this year, the lyrics are under the microscope. The Accademia della Crusca, Italy’s oldest and most prestigious academy of the Italian language, has begun grading the song lyrics of the 30 competing artists. Initial assessments, led by Professor Lorenzo Coveri, are revealing a concerning trend: a lack of lyrical depth and originality.
The Crusca’s Harsh Assessments
Professor Coveri’s “report cards” are already showing a prevalence of 5s and 6s (on a scale where 10 is perfect), suggesting a widespread mediocrity in songwriting. He’s noted a significant departure from the “classic Sanremo song,” lamenting that he hasn’t been “jolted” by a single verse. This assessment aligns with the festival’s overall tone, described by Coveri as reflecting the “prudence” characteristic of host Carlo Conti.
Who’s Passing and Failing?
While a comprehensive review is still underway (the festival runs from February 24th to 28th), some artists are receiving specific critiques. Dargen D’Amico and Ermal Meta are highlighted as exceptions, exploring themes beyond typical romantic relationships, though D’Amico’s past work has been noted for greater irony and engagement. Fulminacci is considered a promising “songwriter,” with lyrics possessing a “cinematic” quality.
Patty Pravo receives praise for an “ambitious” text co-written with Caccamo, even referencing Homer’s Iliad. Enrico Nigiotti and Tredici Pietro (Gianni Morandi’s son) are seen as modernizing the traditional songwriting approach, while Fedez and Marco Masini’s collaboration relies heavily on metaphors, some more successful than others.
The Death of the Classic Sanremo Song?
Professor Coveri believes the traditional Sanremo song is fading, replaced by an openness to younger artists and the influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He observes a shift towards more conversational lyrics, a departure from the intricate rhyme schemes and poetic devices of the past. While remnants of traditional techniques like rhyming couplets remain, they are often employed ironically.
Love, Loss, and a Lack of Originality
A recurring theme in the lyrics is the exploration of love – often turbulent or painful. Coveri notes that out of 30 songs, only a few celebrate happy relationships, with many focusing on “toxic” dynamics. Ermal Meta stands out for offering a different perspective, with a song described as a “lullaby” that subtly references the situation in Gaza.
The Rise of Everyday Language
The utilize of slang and colloquialisms is also on the rise, a trend Coveri acknowledges as a natural evolution. While profanity is relatively limited, the lyrics increasingly reflect everyday speech, blending traditional poetic forms with contemporary language.
Sanremo and the Future of Italian Pop Music
The Crusca’s assessment raises questions about the direction of Italian pop music. Is the decline in lyrical quality a reflection of broader cultural trends, or simply a temporary shift in style? The festival’s embrace of younger artists and social media suggests a desire to connect with a new audience, potentially at the expense of lyrical depth.
Did you know?
Elettra Lamborghini’s song includes a self-reference, a technique previously employed by Vasco Rossi in his song “Luci a San Siro,” demonstrating a rare instance of intertextuality in this year’s competition.
FAQ
Q: What is the Accademia della Crusca?
A: It’s the oldest and most prestigious academy of the Italian language, dedicated to preserving and promoting the Italian language.
Q: Who is Professor Lorenzo Coveri?
A: He is an expert in the Italian language and is leading the Crusca’s assessment of the Sanremo 2026 song lyrics.
Q: What is the main criticism of the Sanremo 2026 lyrics?
A: The lyrics are generally considered to lack originality and depth, with many songs focusing on predictable themes and employing simplistic language.
Q: Which artists received positive feedback from the Crusca?
A: Dargen D’Amico and Ermal Meta were highlighted for exploring themes beyond typical romantic relationships.
Q: Is the “classic Sanremo song” disappearing?
A: According to Professor Coveri, yes. The festival is becoming more open to younger artists and the influence of social media, leading to a shift in songwriting styles.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Ermal Meta – he’s being positioned as one of the few artists pushing boundaries with his lyrical content.
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