Andrea Bocelli’s first original single in 14 years: “If Only”

Andrea Bocelli just dropped the first single from his upcoming album, Si. The tune, “If Only,” was written and produced by Mauro Malavasi, who also played piano on the track. Si will be Bocelli’s 22nd studio album and his first release in 14 years.

“If Only” is very reminiscent of his 1995 international mega-hit “Con te partirò” (often referred to by its English title, “Time to Say Goodbye,” although it translates literally to “With you I (will) part”). Like that previous hit, “If Only” alternates verses and chorus between Italian and English, respectively.

Of course, Andrea has not been inactive over the last 14 years. He has been lending his outstanding vocals in collaborative efforts with artists like Ed Sheeran and Anastasia Petryshak, who happens to be the featured violinist on “If Only,” as well as giving concerts all over the world.

However, even if he hasn’t been out of practice, it’s absolutely astounding how phenomenal his voice remains, especially for a man who turns 60 this year. His low notes are still rich and his high notes are as piercing as ever. The last 45 seconds of “If Only” raised the little hairs on our arms and gave us the satisfying shivers that we’ve come to expect from this monumental classical star.

Andrea talked about the inspiration behind his new album in a press release:

“I wanted to go back to my memories of being a young man, playing at a piano bar. Obviously since then, I’ve produced lots of albums, sung lots of covers, performed many other things. But at a certain point I said to myself: ‘Maybe the time has come to put my effort into finding new songs.’ Like starting all over again, as it were, in my career.”

As for the title, Si, he explained:

“In this historical period we are going through right now, we too often say no. But yes is the word you say when you have your first kiss, when you agree with somebody, when want to make someone feel good. Sì is the word you say every time things will end well. For a thousand and one reasons, sì is the expression of a positive, powerful, human word and feeling and emotion.”

The sentiment mirrors the words of Pope Francis during his 2016 Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, in which he urged the importance of saying “yes” to God.

Si is scheduled to release on October 26, but look for Andrea performing “If Only” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on June 21.