O sole mio (My Sunshine)

1(0)001 Songs You Must Listen To

Being a millennial raised in a home with rock and pop music, Opera was something I have very little knowledge or experience in. How fitting that the first song in Robert Dimery's 1,001 Songs Book is one in a style I am not familiar with.

Right off the bat, I am knocked off my socks. Caruso's voice is a powerhouse, as he demands all the attention in this brilliant piece about love and heartbreak. Sung in Italian, a little translating reveals the poetic nature of the lyrics as Enrico's wonderful delivery helps encapsulate the beautiful tune. Although the recording is pretty "fuzzy", the backing orchestra also does a wonderful job at accompanying the music being sung.

I'm sure many have performed this song over the past 100 years, but I doubt any have done so as well as Enrico Caruso.

Verdict: Essential Listening beyond a shadow of a doubt.