Several years ago, I first heard Jack Savoretti (or Giovanni Galletto-Savoretti) in ASDA. Still, I only knew who it was when I went to the Victorious Festival in 2016, where Jack performed seven songs before Ash took the stage. It was sad to see Jack performing every drop of energy on stage as most of the crowd talked among themselves or headed to and fro the bars and food stalls dotted around the field. It reminded me of when I saw Ed Sheeran on his “Red” tour in autumn of 2011 at the His Master’s Voice Forum in Hatfield, where one of the support acts, Passenger, was performing on stage while the crowd mainly ignored him. It prompted Passenger to say, “Don’t mind me. I’ll just create an ambience while you enjoy your conversation like you were having someone round for a cup of tea”. Fast forward nearly two years after that, that crowd wouldn’t give him such disrespect when ‘Let Her Go’ was in the charts. Anyway, back to Jack. Yes, my friend and I were waiting for Ash to come on, but we were one of a rare few who gave Jack the time of day. We listened to the majority of the artists and bands that day without ignoring them. It’s funny how the majority of people who gave Jack no respect that day will now listen to his songs. 

I mean, he now has a number-one album, so something went right.

I liked this record for its Nile Rodgers-esque sound, but Jack has drawn inspiration from his time in Lugano and Genoa. Just like what I did for the Doves’ latest record, I am going to do a brief track-by-track summary:

I Remember us: It sounds like Europop from France in the 1980s.

Secret Life: Goes more into that disco-funk sound for which Nile Rodgers is known. 

Who’s Hurting Who: Now, although it is a track that features the man Nile Rodgers himself with a terrific solo, I wasn’t overly impressed by it. 

When You’re Lonely: This song sees Jack draw inspiration from his time in Italy with its tender piano and his velvety vocals. 

More than Ever: This wonderful song is a sentimental auto-biographical ballad from his childhood in Italy. 

Too Much History: Again, this track returns to that Nile Rodgers-esque sound with its uptempo disco-funk and Jack’s vibrant vocals. It is my favourite off the album and made me want to listen until the end.

Dancing in the Living Room: Another disco-funk track and once again uptempo, and yes, you will want to do what the title suggests. 

Each and Every Moment: Right out of the 80s with its retro bass and uplifting tempo.

the Way You Say Goodbye: This has to be used on a cinematic soundtrack because it is apt to be played in that setting. The violins are heavenly.

Calling Me Back to You: Optimistic lyricism shrouded in energetic riffs.

War of Words: An emotional ballad that draws inspiration from the 80s to close the album.

As well as a brief track-by-track summary, I will end the review with my thoughts on the record; ‘Europiana’ is precisely what is necessary as we are still in these uncertain times; the upbeat nature of it fills your mind, body, and soul with the positivity that we all need at the moment. I found it odd because most of the album is highly inspired by Nile Rodgers and his disco funk, but he only produced one track. Cam Blackwood is the producer behind this beautiful record, and he has done a fantastic job of fusing both disco-funk and European music. 

I enjoyed Jack’s latest album, even on the downtempo and more reflective moments. Honestly, this is his finest work, and I have no idea how he can better it.

Song recommendations: ‘Too Much History’, ‘Dancing in the Living Room’, ‘More than Ever’

8/10