'The exception') is the fifth studio album by Italian singer-songwriter Carmen Consoli, released in 2002.

[1] It was recorded in Sant'Alfio between February and June 2002 and mixed at Sterling Sound in New York.

[1] Two days before its release, the album was anticipated by a "Carmen Consoli Day" on MTV Italia, i.e. a 24-hours program schedule dedicated to her, including a live concert where Consoli premiered several songs of the album.

[1] It also include as hidden track an English-language version of "Matilde odiava i gatti" with a vocal contribution of Max Gazzè.

[1] It has been described as "a proof of maturity", where "melodies seem more polished and effective than ever before" and "horizons expand, [...] between South American influences and electronic accents".