Andrea

Just as successful overtures can set the mood for entire works, the opening track here, “Dell’amore non si sa,” showcases the dramatic arc of Andrea: tenor star Andrea Bocelli’s third classical crossover album. Gently rolling piano and mysterious strings set the dramatic foundation for Bocelli’s expressive singing before shimmering horns and an instinctive piano accompaniment develop, transforming the song’s tone from searching to declarative. With its crisp drum machine rhythms and ringing guitar, “L’attesa” offers explorative adult-Europop stylings. From the power balladry of “Un nuovo giorno” to the neo-flamenco–styled “Sin tu amor” (with acoustic guitarist Mario Reyes) to the widescreen drama of “In canto,” Andrea showcases Bocelli’s versatile voice in a pleasing variety of contemporary settings. His breathtaking version of “When a Child Is Born” provides a preview of the Christmas album he’d release five years later, while the bonus cut “Semplicemente (Canto per te)” is a surprising Afro-inspired electro-acoustic delight.