Rimmel at 50: why the September 2025 anniversary reissue still matters
Half a century after its first release, Francesco De Gregori’s Rimmel returns with a special anniversary reissue— not just nostalgia, but a cultural reminder of the power of songwriting.
Italy in 1975: the album’s birth
When Rimmel was released in 1975, Italy was a country in turmoil: political tensions, cultural shifts, and a hunger for new voices. De Gregori brought a language that broke away from easy listening formulas: literary images, layered metaphors, and lyrics that evoked more than explained. In that context, Rimmel offered poetry as compass.
Tracks that shaped Italian music
The album opens with “Pezzi di vetro”, fragile yet sharp as real life itself. The title track “Rimmel” remains a masterpiece of metaphorical storytelling, a song of love and disillusion. “Buonanotte fiorellino”, deceptively simple, hides deep melancholy beneath its apparent sweetness. And “Quattro cani” is pure narrative force, timeless in its humanity.
Cultural legacy
De Gregori was not only a singer-songwriter but also a builder of imagery. Rimmel inspired entire generations of Italian artists, from the Roman school to contemporary indie songwriters. It proved that songs can be cultural memory, blending personal and collective voices.
The 50th Anniversary Edition
The September 2025 reissue comes on 180-gram vinyl and remastered CD, enriched with a booklet of unseen photos and essays. For collectors, it’s a chance to hold a piece of cultural history. For newcomers, it’s a gateway to a different way of understanding music: one that values longevity over instant consumption.
Shop Rimmel — 50th Anniversary & variants
Comparing with today’s music scene
Today’s Italian market is dominated by quick singles and disposable hits. Rimmel, in contrast, remains a reminder that depth and artistry make the difference. At a time when algorithms rule playlists, De Gregori’s songs still demand—and reward—slow listening.
Why it matters now
Listening to Rimmel today means discovering another pace: less frantic, more deliberate. These songs don’t chase relevance; they illuminate it. That’s why De Gregori is still essential. The anniversary edition is not a look back—it’s an invitation to bring real songwriting into the present.
FAQ
- What’s included in the new edition?
- 180-gram vinyl, remastered CD, and a booklet with lyrics, photos, and new critical notes.
- Why is Rimmel so important?
- It redefined Italian songwriting, blending poetry and popular music in a unique way.
- Is it worth buying if I already own the album?
- Yes—this reissue offers improved sound quality and exclusive collectible material.