Giuseppe Cucè explores ancient legends on new album ‘21 gammi’: Listen

Hailing from Sicily, songwriter and producer Giuseppe Cucè has made a name for himself through his powerful yet intimate soundscapes. With the release of his latest offering, he is continuing to reach an even larger audience as he explores the themes of an ancient legend.

With massive traction for the project growing across the USA, Mexico, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, fans are connecting with Giuseppe Cucè as he explores the theory that the human soul weighs 21 grams. It’s a bold and intriguing project and immediately draws listeners into its sweeping instrumentation and lush layers of orchestration throughout.

È tutto così vero

Kicking off the album, È tutto così vero is a celebration of spirit and art. The bright horns and swelling strings, and percussion rise again and again throughout, uplifting the listener and drawing them into the spirit of the project. Cucè carefully layers the track with emotion throughout, using each element as an entry point to the concept of the soul, and whether an Italian speaker or not, welcoming a spiritual journey for all.

Ventuno

For the album’s second track, Giuseppe Cucè slows things down a bit, delivering a waltzy energy, deep in the energy of an Italian or Spanish ballad. It is contrite and focused, allowing the arpeggiated guitar and subtle percussion to provide a powerful foundation for the emotive vocals. The songwriter speaks to the soul, unburdening himself for nearly three and a half minutes, and allowing every soul that hears it to sit back, relax, and join in on the powerful pronunciation.

Dimmi cosa vuoi

For the third track on 21 gammi, Cucè leans into a religious atmosphere, leading with an organ reminiscent of religious houses worldwide. Whether a true believer or not, the songwriter demands that all parishioners of his works stand and praise the congregation. The repetitive vocal lines harken to the concepts of group sing-alongs, and whether a person of faith or not, it is clear that this is a spiritual journey that is ready to invite all who listen. It is a breath of fresh air, a minute for the soul and spirit to reflect, and a beautiful segway into the next section of the album.

Fragile equilibria

It is here that the energy rises again. Cucè has his full musical powers and prowess on display as he delivers an anthem that perfectly serves his themes of vulnerability, desire, memory, and rebirth. With help from Riccardo Samperi, as well as a combination of incredible Italian musicians, the energy bursts forth from the speakers as the chorus of Fragile equilibria jumps out, practically demanding all listeners sing along to every perfectly constructed note and phrase.

La mia dea

At the halfway point of 21 grammi, fans are escorted to a lush introduction of keys and vocals. It sounds like a stark ballad of the region, sad and sweeping as a violin joins the procession several measures into the track. It is haunting and wonderful. and quickly disrupted as the full power of the musicians joins in around the 45-second mark. It serves to uplift the entire atmosphere and spirit of the track, raising the energy and allowing a clear evolution into the second verse, and its simple yet driving piano melody pulls the track along.

Cuore d’inverno

Get ready for all the feels and emotion. A layer of strings and keys is backed by a simple yet poignant timpani drum, allowing Cucè’s vocals to shine above the lush instrumentation. Of course, he doesn’t write songs to box in an emotion, and Cuore d’inverno evolves and builds into a powerful ballad, full of decisive leads, strong string orchestration, and an uplifting array of voice and instrument.

Tutto quello che vuoi

Still keeping listeners engaged and on their toes, 21 grammi continues with a racing arpeggiated acoustic guitar. Over 2/3rds through the album, and it is the most radio-ready, pop-focused piece yet, and it helps to lighten the mood, carefully curated from the preceding tracks. The percussion races in, and with help from a harmony of lush strings, Cucè delivers a powerful statement, never rushed, but full of spirit and focus that entrap the listener.

Una notte infinita

The second-to-last song of the album, a bridge to the finish, yet fans are hoping that the ride slows down just enough to fully inhale the final moments of the experience. Giuseppe Cucè clearly reads the room, providing a synth with an ear-friendly progression, ensuring listeners ease into this final lap of the release. This is a piece of true art, beautiful and powerful, but written to sound infinitely more simplistic than the intent, energy, and message that remained entangled in the work. This is the perfect comedown from Tutto quello che vuoi, a spiritual awakening that comforts the listener and ensures that the journey is coming to an end, but that the needs and spirit will be well cared for before the final exit.

Di estate non si muore

The TRP Vibes and distributed by EGEA Music release is at an end. The cost of a soul has been debated, lamented, and obsessed upon, and the ending reveals a reminder of the uncertainty of any such construct. The melody and percussion demand that the hips begin swaying as the guitar and vocals serve as an ultimate command for participation. To say Cucè saved his best for last would be an unfair indictment of the entire piece of music, but Di estate non si muore is the perfect cap to this profound project. Here, the questions of the soul rejoice in a party of music, spirit, and rhythm.

Listen to 21 grammi from Sicily’s Giuseppe Cucè below: