Raf
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Raf

Raffaele Riefoli, who performs as Raf, was born in Margherita di Savoia, Italy in 1959. His 1984 debut album 'Self Control' gave him an international hit with...

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Editor's note

Raf, the Italian pop voice behind 'Self Control'

His 1984 international hit defined a sound that's lasted decades.

If you only know 'Self Control,' try 'Il Re' next. It's a good example of how his voice settled into that later, steadier Italian pop sound.

That 'Self Control' single topped charts across Europe and still gets played everywhere. It's a synth-pop moment that feels both of its time and weirdly durable. Later songs like 'Il Re' and 'Malinverno' show he kept writing solid Italian pop long after the spotlight shifted.

He broke out with the 'Self Control' album in 1984. Since then, he's put out records like 'Metamorfosi' in 2004, working with folks like Vasco Rossi and Laura Pausini along the way. His band lineup changed over the years, with Paolo Costa and Maurizio Solieri playing on different albums.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 19
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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Raf
Background notes

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Raffaele Riefoli, who performs as Raf, was born in Margherita di Savoia, Italy in 1959. His 1984 debut album 'Self Control' gave him an international hit with the title track, which topped charts in multiple countries. That song remains his most recognizable work.

In the decades that followed, Raf released albums like 'Metamorfosi' in 2004 and 'Passeggeri Distratti' in 2011. His catalog includes songs such as 'Il Prestigiatore,' 'Iperbole,' and 'Interminatamente.' He has worked with other Italian artists including Vasco Rossi, Patty Pravo, and Laura Pausini.

Raf's music blends pop, rock, and electronic elements. His band has included Paolo Costa on bass, Maurizio Solieri on guitar, and Giovanni Marani on drums over different periods.

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Where should I start with Raf on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Self Control, Hoy No Tengo Un Dios, and Un Grande Salto so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for Raf?

LyroVerse currently has 116 visible lyric pages for Raf.

Does Raf have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 1 photo available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for Raf?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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