Following the release of the single “Inuyasha” back in February, Mahmood has released his sophomore album Ghettolimpo. The album continues to expand Mahmood’s expansive references and influences in a soundscape of futuristic pop.
At over 50 minutes and consisting of 15 tracks, Mahmood’s second album is both a throwback to pre-streaming pop music in its expansiveness and a nod to the future of Italian pop music. Of course, with Mahmood drawing from his fondness of aspects of Japanese culture, Greek mythology and his own heritage, Ghettolimpo transcends the borders of his home nation.
In an interview with Italy 24 News, he discusses the influences behind the album, and gives his reaction to Måneskin’s win, the edition after he came so close to the win himself.
I’m very happy that they won, they were the best. For me it went very well even if I didn’t win, it gave me the opportunity to do a European tour. In my brain it is as if I had won. It was a wonderful experience, unique, it teaches you a lot.
Mahmood speaking to Italy 24 News
You can stream the album below:
New Music Friday
If you use Spotify, you can find the track “Kobra” alongside the latest releases from other Eurovision and national final alum via our New Music Friday playlist:
About Mahmood
In 2016, he made his Sanremo debut in the Newcomers Section with the song “Dimentica”. Following this, he released a number of singles and features. In late 2018 he was announced to be returning to Sanremo with Soldi. Although an outsider, he ended up winning a surprise victory in the super final over the likes of Ultimo and Il Volo. Although controversial at the time, he has since become a huge star in Italy, as shown by the success of Soldi and its parent album Gioventù bruciata. He was originally unsure of whether he would accept the offer of Eurovision participation following the backlash he received, but ultimately confirmed his place. The song went on to achieve second place in Tel Aviv, with 472 points.
After placing second at Eurovision, he embarked on his first European tour, with multiple sold-out dates. Not to mention, the first stop of this tour was the European Parliament! He also won an MTV EMA for Best Italian Artist. After the success of Elodie’s ‘Andromeda’, he returned to Sanremo 2021 as a writer for Francesca Michielin and Fedez’s “Chiamami per nome” and Noemi’s “Glicine”.
What do you think of the album? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
