Måneskin’s journey from energetic young buskers on the streets of Rome to international superstars is truly a modern rock fairytale. Formed in 2015, this Italian quartet captured hearts nationwide on Italy’s X Factor (finishing in second place) before achieving global fame with their electrifying victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. This win catapulted them onto the world stage and solidified their position as a force in contemporary rock music.
Since their Eurovision triumph, these indie glam rockers have collaborated with legendary figures like Iggy Pop and Tom Morello, toured with The Rolling Stones, made numerous appearances on late-night television shows, and dominated global charts with a string of vibrant singles. Their unique blend of glam rock aesthetics and raw musical talent has resonated with audiences worldwide, proving that rock music is not only alive and well but thriving in the 21st century.
As Måneskin continues their ascent to even greater heights, we take a look back at their impressive discography so far. So, get ready to embrace the Måneskin spirit as we count down ten of their best songs that have cemented their status as the hottest act in modern rock. These tracks showcase their evolution, their musical versatility, and their undeniable ability to craft songs that are both catchy and meaningful.
Gossip
It’s easy to make snap judgments about a band as flamboyant as Måneskin, but Gossip stands out as a powerful example of their defiance against superficiality. Through lyrics that directly confront shallow interactions and idle “gossip,” the band delves deep in this bass-heavy track, blending sharp wit with undeniably catchy riffs. Featuring a blistering guitar solo from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Gossip delivers a rhythm that feels like the rug being pulled out from under you, resulting in an irresistible, all-out rock anthem. This collaboration with Morello further underscores Måneskin’s ability to bridge generations and genres, appealing to both classic rock enthusiasts and contemporary music lovers.
The Loneliest
Released in 2022, The Loneliest surprised many listeners. Known for their high-energy, rock club-ready anthems, Måneskin unveiled a deeply sentimental ballad that was significantly darker and more introspective than their previous work. “It’s a personal song, but I hope you can all relate to it in your own way,” shared frontman Damiano David. His vocals are raw and emotive, throbbing with a palpable angst that perfectly complements the song’s melancholic melody. The accompanying music video, reminiscent of scenes from The Notebook, features the band in funeral attire, dramatically drenched in rain, adding to the song’s theatrical and emotionally charged atmosphere. The Loneliest demonstrates Måneskin’s range and their talent for crafting relatable yet multifaceted songs that resonate on a deeply personal level.
Supermodel
Initially skeptical about the exaggerated portrayal of fame and status obsession in movies, Måneskin’s time in Los Angeles while recording their third album revealed the stark reality of this mentality. Repulsed by the superficiality they encountered, the band channeled their feelings into the creation of a fictional character named “Supermodel.” Teaming up with songwriting powerhouse Justin Tranter (known for his work with Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande), Måneskin crafted Supermodel, a summer anthem driven by breezy guitar riffs and shrewdly cynical vocals. The song captures the essence of the Californian sun, hot and alluring, but with an underlying sleaziness, much like a cocktail in a martini glass with a cocktail umbrella. Supermodel is a commentary on the dark side of fame, delivered with Måneskin’s signature blend of rock edge and pop sensibility.
Mammamia
Bassist Victoria De Angelis playfully described Mammamia as “very silly” and “careless,” yet its simplicity is precisely where the song’s strength lies. Anchored by a distinctive, honking bassline and a brisk, infectious chorus, this 2021 single teeters on the edge of sounding like a spontaneous jam session. However, it’s this very looseness that makes Mammamia incredibly fun and engaging, akin to being swept away on an electrifying alt-rock carousel. The song is further amplified by an NSFW music video where each band member humorously takes turns “murdering” vocalist Damiano David at a wild party scene. Mammamia embodies “silliness” at its most rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing the band’s playful side and their ability to create infectious, high-energy tracks.
I Wanna Be Your Slave
I Wanna Be Your Slave, from their second studio album Teatro d’ira: Vol. I, boldly captures rock music in its most primal form. Serving up provocative lyrics that are sure to make some blush, this track is drenched in sexuality, but in a way that feels empowering and inclusive rather than oppressive. It’s a celebration of sexual freedom, both voyeuristic and welcoming, conveyed through smoky vocals and a straightforward, riff-driven rhythm that is dripping with lip-biting sass. I Wanna Be Your Slave extends an invitation to everyone to join the party, an invitation that was famously accepted by Iggy Pop, who contributed guest vocals to a 2021 re-recording of the track. This song is a testament to Måneskin’s ability to push boundaries and create music that is both edgy and universally appealing.
Zitti E Buoni
While Måneskin had already achieved significant recognition in Italy following their X Factor success, Zitti E Buoni was the song that launched them onto the global stage, securing their Eurovision victory. It also perfectly exemplifies their brilliance when performing in their native Italian. Damiano David’s rapid-fire delivery in Italian is captivating, his words flowing with a vibrant urgency that complements the song’s fiercely energetic verses. Culminating in a chorus as explosive as a firework, it’s impossible not to understand why Zitti E Buoni propelled Måneskin to become one of modern rock’s most formidable new acts. The song’s raw energy and powerful message resonated across language barriers, solidifying their international breakthrough.
Coraline
Stepping away from their usual penchant for catchy riffs and booming choruses, Måneskin revealed their softer side with the romantic alt-rock ballad Coraline. Clocking in at five minutes, Coraline is an enchantingly tender indie lullaby, structured in three distinct parts. Beginning with soothing guitar melodies, Damiano’s vocals gracefully dance around the cascading melody, his voice softening into a honeyed croon that returns in the outro. As the song progresses, it swells with a wistful longing, introducing crashing drums and wandering basslines, culminating in one of the band’s most contemplative and emotionally resonant tracks. Coraline showcases Måneskin’s versatility and their ability to explore different sonic landscapes while maintaining their core musical identity.
Beggin’
While Måneskin’s cover song choices might initially raise eyebrows (like The Killers’ Somebody Told Me), their talent for revitalizing forgotten tracks and bringing them back into the mainstream is a key factor in their appeal to younger generations. Their rock rendition of The Four Seasons’ 1967 hit Beggin’ is a prime example. With its raspy vocals and laid-back guitar licks, their version is effortlessly cool from beginning to end, demonstrating their “Midas Touch” in musical restoration. Beggin’ became a global sensation, introducing a classic song to a new audience and further cementing Måneskin’s reputation for musical innovation and genre-bending creativity.
In Nome Del Padre
In Nome Del Padre explodes into action with an exhilarating riff that packs enough punch to restart a heart. Fueled by a thunderous, gritty bass and pounding percussion, Damiano abandons his usual seductive charm, instead baring his teeth in this furious rocker. Featuring sharp, cutting lyrics that translate to “And you, stay a hand breadth from my ass, you asshole,” In Nome Del Padre is a raw and unapologetic display of Måneskin’s rebellious energy and their willingness to push lyrical boundaries. This song is a live performance staple, known for its intense energy and crowd-rousing power.
Kool Kids
Many contemporary bands attempt to recapture the classic “drugs, sex, and rock ’n’ roll” lifestyle in their music, but often end up sounding like pale imitations of their idols. Måneskin, however, are redefining what it means to be inspired by rockstar excess by rejecting the outdated and irrelevant aspects. While lines like ‘But cool kids, they do not use drugs (they do not) / Only weed ’cause it’s not that strong’ might unsettle old-school rock purists, Måneskin are here to defy expectations and have fun while doing it. Demonstrating their refusal to be confined by genre, Kool Kids sees the band move away from their signature alt/glam rock sound towards something that could easily be mistaken for an IDLES track, showcasing their evolving musical identity and their commitment to staying fresh and relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.
