Apicella (left) met the Italian PM in Naples in 2001

The CD, called Better a Song, was launched in a Milan jazz club on Wednesday, with singer Mariano Apicella playing some of the tracks.

The 14-track album includes songs called My Heart in My Throat, Without You and This False Goodbye.

Mr Apicella said Berlusconi's lyrics were "written from the heart".

Although the politician used to be a singer on cruise ships, he does not sing on the album. He co-wrote each of the tracks with Mr Apicella.

BERLUSCONI'S LYRICS Without you the day is empty and the night is sad From Without You

The songs are traditional Neapolitan ballads of mourning, lost love and jealousy.

My Heart in My Throat also includes the lines:

"With my heart in my mouth/Because your love is everything to me/I know you may make me suffer/But I'll never let you go/ Even if I have to fight/I will love you until the end."

Mr Apicella, 40, has been described as Berlusconi's private minstrel. He worked as a car-park attendant in Naples as well as singing in cafes and at functions. He met the Italian leader when he played for him at a hotel in 2001.

He now sings once a year for him at his retreat in Sardinia.

The Italian leader used to sing on cruise ships in his youth

Mr Apicella told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he thought the Italian leader liked music "too much".

"He's a great person... he's very friendly," the singer said.

In another interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera he referred to his opportunity, saying: "The tram passes just once. I've jumped on it and everyone envies me."

He said that "99 % of the time Berlusconi's musical decisions were the right ones.

The CD cover shows two figures holding hands, silhouetted against the sun. Inside there is also a signed picture of the Italian leader.