This is quite spectacular collection of music that was popular in Italy during early 1960s.
While Adriano Celentano and Mina went the other direction and ushered echoes of twist and rock on Italian scene (which immediately turned out to be hit with young audience, while elderly critics nicknamed them "screamers") Milva fiercely protected older, bel canto tradition which means she stood for dramatic ballads and full-blast lung power. But where 1950s singers sound pretty and sedate simultaneously (no doubt this was sign of the times and probably requested) than 23 years old singer went further and displayed such theatrical, passionate flair that in her hands everything turned into hair-rising operatic explosion. No wonder she quickly went on to be signed by "Cetra records" that also had bel canto veteran Claudio Villa amongst their stars - they took serious pride in young protege and supported her on all those fantastic San Remo festivals where she was constantly one of its biggest stars.
I was startled to count how many singles young Milva released up to this point - 60 in total - and this was just her second LP album, the first one being 1961 "14 successi di Milva" which judging by its title was compilation just like this one. All of her biggest hits of the time are here, including "Tango Italiano", "Il Primo Mattino Del Mondo" and Italian cover of "Et Maintenant" ("What not my love") and this gives you an idea about material - bombastic, quasi-operatic and good, old-fashioned Italian drama. Perhaps young singer was influenced by Edith Piaf but I hear Shirley Bassey here, in any case it was a glorious, heroic voice and it influenced a lot of singers in neighbourhood countries who tried to emulate her. Of course she went on to a never ending career later but this first chapter still sounds excellent today.
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