Alfonso (song)

Last updated
"Alfonso"
Alfonso (song).jpg
Single by Levante
from the album Manuale distruzione
Released15 May 2013
Length3:32
Label INRI
Songwriter Levante
Levante singles chronology
"Alfonso"
(2013)		"Memo"
(2013)
Audio
"Alfonso" on YouTube

"Alfonso" is the debut single of Italian singer-songwriter Levante. It was released in 2013.

Contents

Background

The lyrics are based on Levante's autobiographical experiences. [1] It was released by the indie-focused label Inri, marking the label's first single by a female artist. [2]

For this song Levante was noted by Max Gazzè and chosen as opening act in his 2013 tour. [3]

Reception

First put in heavy rotation by Radio DeeJay, [4] the single became a surprise hit and was certified gold. [1] [5] The song has been described as 'one of these songs that suddenly becomes famous and everyone sings without realizing, at times, that there’s very little that’s actually cheerful in the lyrics.' [2]

Italian writer Vincenzo Rossini noted how the 'sudden and unexpected success confirms that, beyond its humorous tone, it has captured an irresolvable and widespread feeling of existential unease', and described Alfonso" as 'an effective depiction of a post-millennial obsession — the compulsion to socialize and the belief that personal fulfillment is possible only through social inclusion.' [6]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Alfonso"Levante3:32

Charts

Chart (2000-2001)Peak
position
Italy (FIMI) [7] 37
Italy Airplay (EarOne) [8] 46

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI) [9] Gold25,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. 1 2 Ligugnana, Mila (8 July 2024). "Levante, testo e significato di "Alfonso" a 10 anni dalla sua pubblicazione". Cosmopolitan (in Italian). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Sarà "Alfonso" di Levante il tormentone dell'estate 2013?". Fanpage.it (in Italian). 24 June 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  3. ↑ Riccardi, Claudia (28 October 2013). "Levante, il talento oltre il fattore X: "Buongiorno, vorrei andare a Sanremo"". la Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  4. ↑ Tortello, Letizia (25 June 2013). "La canzone dell'estate è nata alla Drogheria". La Stampa (in Italian). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  5. ↑ Redazione (15 May 2020). ""Alfonso" e la vita di Levante prima del successo". Metropolitan Magazine (in Italian). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  6. ↑ Rossini, Vincenzo (2019). "Alfonso". Unadimille: mille canzoni italiane dal 2000 a oggi, raccontate. Arcana. ISBN   978-88-6231-659-0.
  7. ↑ "Alfonso". FIMI (in Italian). Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  8. ↑ "Alfonso - Levante". EarOne. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  9. ↑ "Italian single certifications" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 2 November 2025.
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