ORO - The Best of ORO
review by Arin Vahanian
Ask almost anyone about the captivating ballad “Vivo Per Lei,” and they’ll swear it was originally written and sung by Andrea Bocelli. It’s an honest mistake, and you can’t blame people, since all they heard was Bocelli’s version all over the TV and radio.
But the real story behind this song is best explained by the band ORO, which originally wrote and performed “Vivo Per Lei” and many other great tunes, only to see the fame and adoration usually go to someone else.
However, the band is not completely without adoration, owing to a cult following which has stuck by the band since day one, and has been waiting a long time to listen to another release from ORO.
It’s been nearly six years since the release of ORO’s previous album, appropriately titled “Tre” (due to the band cutting down to only three members), and now ORO fans get to hear a new recording, even though the only original members remaining are vocalists Mauro Mengali and Valerio Zelli.
“The Best of ORO” is not a typical best-of CD, in that all the songs have been re-recorded and given a “live” feel, meaning that there is a definite rock guitar sound to most of the songs. And, as an added bonus, there are two new tracks on the album.
Included on the CD are many of the ORO ballads, such as “Per Te Per Noi,” “Se Una Donna Parte,” and “Quando Ti Senti Sola.” Those not familiar with the band’s songs should definitely listen to ORO’s version of “Vivo Per Lei,” as well as the other ballads, whose wonderful melodies and passionate lyrics weave a musical spell that will enchant even the most cynical of listeners.
Fans of the more upbeat material will appreciate songs such as “L’Amore E,” “La Rabbia,” and “Rose Rosse e Caffe,” whose soaring vocals and melodies will inspire you to heights you never imagined you could reach.
But the best moment on this CD is the new version of “Tienimi Dentro Di Te,” a ballad more emotional and personal than anything the band has ever written, and while listening to it you’ll swear that Mauro Mengali is singing it just for you.
As for the new songs, “Nel Sole Nel Male” is a jazzy ballad, mainly featuring the vocals of Valerio Zelli, whose softer, deeper voice is a good complement to Mengali’s higher, more powerful voice. And “Genny,” featuring the vocals of Mengali, is an acoustic ballad that shows another side of the band, since there aren’t many ORO songs that are completely acoustic.
Whether you’re a fan of ORO or not, “The Best of ORO” is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the band’s music and invite yourself into the magical world that ORO creates with its music, as the quality of the songs are second to none. The only complaint I have here is the muddy production, which doesn’t do the band justice. They are such a talented bunch of guys, but I’m afraid the production issues here may detract slightly from that.
In spite of the production issues, if you take the plunge, you’ll never get enough of this wonderful group, whose songs embrace and lull you into a dreamlike state of ecstasy. Just one listen to this band and you’ll understand why fans have waited for what seemed like an eternity for “The Best of ORO.” Indeed, you’ll come to realize that a few days without listening to this band is an eternity.
ORO Fan Club and Web Site
http://utenti.lycos.it/kissoro/
ORO Official Web Site