Sanremo Song Festival 2026: Initial Reviews and Lyric Analysis

As the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival approaches its opening next Tuesday, initial analysis of the competing songs’ lyrics reveals a trend towards averageness, according to Professor Lorenzo Coveri of the Accademia della Crusca. Coveri, a professional journalist and music/film critic, has been evaluating the lyrical content of the songs, sharing his assessments on social media.

A Lack of Standout Verses

Professor Coveri noted a surprising lack of truly exceptional verses, stating, “Never once did I jump in my chair while reading a verse.” He characterized the overall lyrical quality as prudent, a style reminiscent of previous festivals under Carlo Conti’s direction.

Themes and Trends in the Lyrics

The analysis indicates a prevalence of songs focusing on love, with approximately 20 out of 30 entries exploring themes of tormented, finished, or painful relationships. Few songs depict happy love, with many alluding to fragility hidden behind self-confidence. Ermal Meta’s song, a lullaby directed towards a little girl in Gaza, is highlighted as one of the best, though it avoids explicit political statements.

Songwriting and Poetic Devices

Coveri observed a move away from the traditional “song made especially for Sanremo,” with increased openness to young talent and influences from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While some traces of traditional rhyming schemes (monosyllabic rhymes like “me-te”) and courtly language remain, they are often employed ironically.

Notable Artists and Songs

• Dargen D’Amico and Ermal Meta: These artists are noted as exploring themes beyond typical relationship problems, though D’Amico’s work is less ironic and committed than in the past.
• Lightning: The song features an engaging text with a cinematic quality, using metaphors like losing house keys to represent disorientation.
• Patty Pravo: Pravo’s song, penned by Caccamo, includes a reference to the Iliad.
• Enrico Nigiotti and Tredici Pietro: These artists represent a modernized songwriting style, with Nigiotti collaborating with Pacifico.
• Fedez and Masini: Their song, “Necessary Evil,” employs a courtly language and abundant metaphors, aiming for a grand effect.
• Elettra Lamborghini: Lamborghini’s use of French languageisms is described as casual and cheeky, with pop elements reminiscent of Raffaella Carrà.

Language and Style

The lyrics demonstrate a shift towards more colloquial language, with a moderate use of swear words. Foreignisms, particularly English, are less prevalent than in previous years. The analysis also points to a trend of artists referencing external sources, such as Berlusconi and the death of Tenco.

Looking Ahead

While initial assessments suggest a lack of groundbreaking lyrical innovation, the Sanremo Song Festival 2026 promises a diverse range of styles and themes. The festival’s openness to new talent and evolving lyrical trends will be closely watched as the competition unfolds.