letmecomplainnow
european capital of culture 2018
Probably overanalysing Eurovision/Melfest. Feel free to message me to validate my opinions and taste (or just to talk I need Eurovision friends lol).
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Melodifestivalen 2020 Deltävling 1 Review
01 // Move // The Mamas
For the most part, it's what I expected. Catchy, inoffensive, gospel-influenced Swedish pop. But The Mamas sell it so well! The pre-chorus, bridge, and final chorus are full of so much power. As this is such a crowd pleaser, I can see this closing the final - and potentially competing for the win.
However, really don't understand the choice to have a chorus in which the melody is carried by an instrumental/off-stage vocalist when the performers are this strong.
02 // Moves // Suzi P
Oh, how I've missed Melfest ❤️. I was expecting something more mid-tempo, similar to Amare - but this was a nice surprise! The studio version is such a bop. I've been trying to learn the lyrics all week.
But, let's talk about the stage performance. She was so STIFF! It was rather painful to watch her be upstaged by her backing dancers in a song about dancing. However, her stage performance was so lazy/messy I kind of stan it for that?? It's like Tempo last year - just a messy, fun time.
Also, hey Edin 😍😩💦
03 // Take A Chance // Robin Bengtsson
Oh good god, why? Constellation Prize wasn't bad, I Can't Go On is okay, but this is just the opposite of my taste. Singing about a girl you just saw on the tube (which Robin has NEVER been on), Ed Sheeran influences, painfully uplifting, boring stage performance. It's everything I dislike. So, of course it went direkt.
And it feels WAY to early for him to try and return. There's been 2 melfest since he won. Ugh.
04 // Ballerina // Malou Prytz
Now this is what I'm talking about! Yes, it's very Sia and we've heard it before - but it's catchy, full of power, and it's fantastic to see another side of Malou.
Plus, the vocoder effects in the pre-chorus and bridge are a nice touch to keep things interesting and provide some contrast. Also, ISA served as a backing vocalist.
05 // Inga Problem // OVÖ
I still can't remember how any of this song goes! I don't hate it, but it just leaves no impression on me whatsoever. Not even Edin can make this memorable for me :/
06 // Sluta aldrig gå // Sonja Aldén
In any other year she would have finished 7th. Once again, I don't mind it at all. But it just makes very little impact on me.
07 // Boys With Emotions // Felix Sandman
This was DESPERATELY needed after the last two performances. I really liked this. The song has a really important and unique subject matter - but it doesn't verge on preachy like many songs with 'messages' do. Plus, the staging is just stunning. The song is pretty nice too! It doesn't really have immediacy, and its simplicity can leave you disappointed on first listen. So, I think this can definitely rise by andra chansen with radio play and multiple listens etc.
Can it win? I doubt it since it's unlikely to appeal to ALL ages, which is needed with the current melfest voting. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.
Prediction After the Performances
Final: Felix, Malou
AC: Mamas, Robin
5th: Sonja
Personal Ranking
Final: Felix, Malou
AC: Mamas, Suzi P
5th: Sonja
#eurovision#eurovision 2020#melfest#melodifestivalen#mello#suzi p#the mamas#robin bengtsson#felix sandman#sonja alden#ovö#malou prytz
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remember when france entered a song about a person who had everything except a moustache and it was meant to be a metaphor for the singer’s inability to develop relationships filled with love, happiness, friendship, etc.
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40 - Moldova 🇲🇩 - Stay - Anna Odobescu
There have been many recent accusations of staging plagiarism in Eurovision. Sergey and Greta copying Måns and Hovig using Loïc's background visuals. Whilst I think it's always good to promote originality when it comes to delegations creating their staging, calls of plagiarism have always been debatable.
However, Moldova had no shame this year. Mika Newton didn't invent sand art, but why on earth would you replicate such a unique performance? And then downgrade it by not even doing the sand art live? It was so painfully obvious that what was happening on stage wasn't happening on the screen. Oh sorry, I meant snow art.
And they threw in an "Oooh she disappeared and reappeared gimmick". Booooo.
Moldova is usually a really fun Eurovision country but this just goes to show they shouldn't attempt 'serious'. They just can't execute them properly.
And what was even more unbelievable was that the juries ranked this as a qualifier! Thank God for the televote having some sort of taste.
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41 - Germany 🇩🇪 - Sister - S!sters
Wow this was lifeless! I disliked the song before the contest but I don't know if I can say a single positive thing about this entry.
The entire message came across as inauthentic. The vocal performance was loud and unpleasant. And I'm not going to go into great detail about the original staging which featured lots of stock images of lesbian couples.
I don't think there was a moment from this Eurovision where I felt as uncomfortable as when the camera was circling them on the catwalk. It was awkward and just odd. How was this entry even supposed to make the listener feel?
0 televote points is always harsh but I can't say I'm surprised. Furthermore, I don't get how this got any jury support anyway.
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Eurovision 2019 Post-Show Top 41 Incoming!
The off season is in full swing and oh my god I'm so bored. So what better to do than reflect on all of the performances from this year's Eurovision?
I'll review them from worst to best but like before, this is a very loose ranking. My opinions change from day to day but I'll try my best lol
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Eurovision 2019 First Rehearsals Reaction
Okay I don't really have time to review ALL the rehearsals but I have thoughts so let's go. (I reviewed Day 3 in another post so won't mention them).
Cyprus 🇨🇾 is interesting, I wouldn't have styled it like this. The song seems more colourful than the staging suggests. But still, the choreography looks good and I'm sure the camera work should be slick.
Not sure about Poland 🇵🇱. I think I would've used the grungier black and white music video theme rather than the red. The turntable seems like an odd choice too.
Slovenia 🇸🇮 looks beautiful I hope the camera work is good.
Belarus 🇧🇾 fully slapped. I saw a clip on ZENA's Instagram story of the TV feed and she looks so confident on stage! Still not gonna qualify but I'd be happy to be surprised. Come through Junior Eurovision.
Serbia 🇷🇸 looks nice. Easy to stage a dramatic ballad effectively like this.
Belgium 🇧🇪 is a goddamn mess. The Renaida jacket, Hungary 2016 drums, and red backdrop. None of it seems to blend together. I don't understand what they're going for at all. I'm hoping that they change things up for the second rehearsals or that it makes more sense with camera work. Otherwise, I don't think this has any chance.
Georgia 🇬🇪 looked great! Think I might be warming up to this.
Australia 🇦🇺 is insane. I guess this is better than the national final but it doesn't appear to tell the song's story like I was hoping. But who knows yet. Will still come across as a joke act to those who thought it was a joke at the national final though.
San Marino 🇸🇲 is bringing that production! Could be a sneaky 10th place but I doubt it.
Malta 🇲🇹 looks awesome. The choreography in the rehearsal clip is really cool and Destiny brings fantastic backing vocals. I hope Michela feels more comfortable on stage for the live shows. However, I think this could fall into the same traps as "Dance You Off". Concentrating on looking like a music video rather than engaging with the audience. Not a good sign for the televote.
Russia 🇷🇺 seems intriguing. Looks like they're telling a story on stage and Sergey's vocal sounds very strong. Not a let down from them.
Albania 🇦🇱 feels like a bit of a let down. Nice dress but lacking in concept.
Norway 🇳🇴 is just as messy as before. Also missing a concept.
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 feels kind of underwhelming to me. I understand that it's supposed to be stripped back and vulnerable. But then it would be a much greater choice to give him a mic stand instead of hiding him behind a weird piano. The lasers seem a little out of place. This feels like Duncan is performing on a chat show as the guest artist rather than representing his county at Eurovision.
Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 did that! His broken heart is being replaced with a bionic heart by robots. And at one point his soul literally leaves his body. I'm sold! I'm so excited to see this on TV. The press centre's reaction to the hologram moment is probably the biggest response from them yet, also demonstrated by their surge in the odds. This is like Bones if Bones had a stage concept and it was actually Zhana hitting the loud ethnic notes. Damn, Chingiz can sing! I don't think I've been so excited about a Eurovision moment since everyone went crazy over Iveta's holograms. So hyped.
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Day 3 Rehearsals
🇦🇲 ARMENIA
Knee high boots, tick. I'm pretty happy with this. They haven't kept the boring black and white theme from the video. It sounds intense, almost like they've taken inspiration from LoveWave. Looks like they've done what they needed to do. Doesn't massively impact their chances though.
🇮🇪 IRELAND
Let's look back and see where they went wrong. The minute anyone came up with this concept. The song doesn't match the 50s theme, the colours are garish, none of it works. This comes across as Junior Eurovision staging. Not good.
🇲🇩 MOLDOVA
SAND. MORE SAND. NEVER ENOUGH SAND. But once again, what were they thinking? They said the staging would be simple, focussing on the song. Then they give us this. It's a direct rip off of Mika Newton's 2011 performance, right down the the same sand artist. Not only that, but she's not even doing it live! The hand on the video moves ridiculously fast and there's no camera above the table. Who are they hoping to fool? Whilst I can see this getting some televote support becuase viewers may not remember Ukraine 2011, I think it's so painfully unimaginative. I doubt they will, but I will be fuming if this somehow makes it through.
🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND
Sacha Jean-Baptiste really gave us that Fuego copy and paste. The rehearsal clip shared shows Luca doing a solo dance break during the bridge before the four dancers join him again for the final chorus. Literally identical so far. However, I've seen a small clip from the camera feed and it looks fantastic visually. Should be televote top 3 in the semi easily.
🇱🇻 LATVIA
We're going to have to wait for the second rehearsal clip to judge this properly but it looks like they're keeping the same general idea. Doesn't affect their chances. Not sure about the choice to have it in colour this time. Or the hat. But that's about it.
🇷🇴 ROMANIA
Looking good! This looks over the top and dramatic, similar to the music video. I still don't like the chair being included in the performance, but the choice to include dancers should be interesting. I think this is boosting their chances a bit.
🇩🇰 DENMARK
Pretty identical to the national final with a few minor tweaks. Nothing in particular to say, this is what we expected.
🇸🇪 SWEDEN
Hmmmm. I was interested to hear Sweden were making some changes to the Melfest performance but I really don't know about this. The LEDs look like the ones from Nano's "Hold On". Rather than the performance feeling joyful and golden it looks a bit too... beige. And the light panel looks like a big lamp. It looks really stupid. Also, the strobe lights on the backing vocalists look much weaker. But we'll see how this looks on TV. Shouldn't affect their jury score too much but I can see the televote being even weaker because of the weak staging.
🇦🇹 AUSTRIA
Yes! It looks beautiful. Really reflects the music, allows PÆNDA's voice to shine, looking really good. I'm feeling positive about this.
I think Romania, Austria, and Switzerland are the biggest winners today. With Sweden and Ireland being the biggest losers.
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Pre-Rehearsal Predictions
This is obviously going to be based on a lot of guessing. But I can’t deny the chance to say I predicted x qualifiers etc. So!
Semi Final 1: Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Australia, Portugal, Serbia, Estonia, Belgium (Hungary as a reserve)
Semi Final 2: The Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Sweden, Malta, Albania, Armenia, Denmark, Austria (Romania as a reserve)
This is inevitably going to be completely wrong but good fun!
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SPECIAL MENTION - Ukraine 🇺🇦 - MARUV - Siren Song 😍
I couldn't leave out MARUV.
Siren Song is the very definition of a banger. It's empowering, unique, and has a killer hook.
Her confidence and stage presence is some of the best I've ever seen. She appears completely natural while nailing every mark of her choreography. The same goes to her backing dancers. She can do all this and she has a degree in radio physics. She's like, the coolest person ever.
I liked "For You", the song she was originally going to enter into Vidbir, but I thought the chorus was very weak. Siren Song was the answer to all of my prayers.
And the visuals were just stunning.
I also have to mention how awesome the song title is. The drop and 'Bang!' demand your attention due to the sheer volume, like a siren. But also, MARUV acts as a mythological siren, luring sailors to their death with her singing. So good.
The drop is probably the catchiest part of any song this year. The horns are just relentless. They remind me of some sort of ominous sea shanty that you'd hear on the "Return of the Obra Dinn" soundtrack.
It's a real shame we won't see this in Tel Aviv as this easily would have made my top 10.
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1 - Slovenia 🇸🇮 - Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl - Sebi 😍
I'm actually in love.
This song is like a 3 minute dream. I've mentioned how much I love songs that transport you into their own world. And I find it nearly impossible to interact with the everyday world while I'm listening to Sebi.
The instrumental is just sublime. The attention to detail creates such a gorgeous atmosphere that I'm not sure can even be described fully. And Zala's vocals glide over the song effortlessly.
The lyrics are stunning. Somehow, the lyrics make total sense to me. I don't speak a word of Slovenian and yet they communicate their message perfectly before I even look up the translation.
Zala and Gašper are quite Marmite on stage. You might find them alienating as they never acknowledge the camera or audience. Or you could be put under their hypnotic spell, entirely entraced by their obvious love for each other. (I swear to God if I receive news of their breakup I will never recover.) Hanna & LIAMOO wish they had this chemistry.
The EMA performance had astonishing visuals. I know the Eurovision performance will remain similar. I pray they keep close camera cuts, drawing us into their world rather than being tempted by live shots.
This reminds me of "O Jardim" in many ways, which I also loved. Except this is more intimate. Sort of like an electronic "Calm After the Storm".
I feel like this could go either way. This could pull a "Calm After the Storm" and finish in the top 5. Or it could fail to resonate like "O Jardim" and fail to even qualify. I just can't tell yet.
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2 - Belgium 🇧🇪 - Eliot - Wake Up 😍
Oh modern Belgium in Eurovision, what are you doing to me?
This dark synth pop is always my go to genre. Eliot's vocals are delicate and I love hearing his accent peek through at certain words. The entire entry feels so dreamy and beautiful. It was my winner originally, and it still could be. (I know being indecisive kind of defeats the point of making a ranking but whatever lol).
A lot of people complain about the chorus, especially the final one. However, I love the switch up. The chorus literally makes me feel like time is stopping. It's magical. The contrast between the 'Stranger Things' - esque verses and the brighter choruses is just wonderful. Also, I know the song is supposed to be about climate change and saving the world but I don't really understand the lyrics. I'm willing to overlook this because of how much I like the rest of the song lol.
Eliot's had some questionable live vocals. But I think he's improved throughout the season. He sings the verses fantastically. As long as he stops trying to shout through the choruses, he'll do fine.
Also, Belgium has been pretty hit or miss with staging (more miss recently). I just hope they come with more of a concept this year. The stripped back vulnerability worked for Blanche but I don't think it could work again for Eliot. As I said, he needs a concept like Loïc had.
The jury should appreciate this if it sounds okay on the night but I doubt it'll get much televote support. It could be enough to make the final. But we can't tell until we some idea of staging.
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3 - Iceland 🇮🇸 - Hatari - Hatrið mun sigra 😍
If an Icelandic techno-punk anti-capitalist band with BDSM styling singing a song about the meaninglessness of life and that hate will prevail doesn't sound appealing to you, then I don't think there's anything I can say to change your mind.
But yes. I love this so much. It's different and completely unique. I adore the industrial sounds and the stunning music video. Somehow it all just works, even the key change.
For about 4 years, the Icelandic entries have felt safe and pretty underwhelming. I liked Svala and Greta was okay. But they were both let down by their staging and live performance. Rather than being inoffensive and safe, Iceland are sending what is possibly the most provocative thing they can send.
Söngvakeppnin is one of the most unimpressive national finals in terms of production value. It looks like You Decide on a bigger scale. And still, Hatari put on an incredible show. If Hatari can produce such a spectacle on a stage like that, just imagine what they can do on the big stage in Tel Aviv. Also, it's kind of a good thing for them that Ukraine ended up withdrawing.
Based on how epic the staging is in Tel Aviv and if Klemens' vocals improve, I can see this being my winner.
This is incredibly divisive. This is a good thing for the televote but it'll be interesting to see how the juries react to this. This can qualify and come top 10. But unfortunately, I don't have much confidence in it winning.
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4 - Cyprus 🇨🇾 - Tamta - Replay 😍
It's not plagiarism if it's written by the same people!
Now, this is the epitome of fast food music. Not only is it lacking in real substance, it's trying to replicate the success of another fast food song.
But I can't ignore my lizard brain. This is probably my most played Eurovision song of the year. Somehow, I'm always in the mood for this. I never skip it. And this actually makes me admire the song. This is a pop song crafted with precision and expertise to maximise its ability to stick with you. This is pop music created like a science. I love it. Plus, I think the lyrics are kind of good? They flow nicely and feel much more imaginative than Fuego's lyrics.
The music video (probably my favourite of the year) gives me hope for good staging. But then again, Sacha Jean-Baptiste can be hit or miss; see Fuego and Tempo.
Will this replicate Eleni's success? Of course not. Although I loved Fuego as soon as it was released, it didn't go down a storm at first. People grew to love Fuego due to Eleni's personality, flawless performance, and probably because of the memes surrounding her entry. Also, Tamta doesn't seem as likeable or natural on stage. But we'll see. This should qualify safely but I think even top 10 could be a stretch.
No, you got a problem!
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5 - Italy 🇮🇹 - Mahmood - Soldi 😍
This entry has, by far, the best story-telling of the year. The Italian lyrics are beautifully crafted. Even before looking up the lyrics translation, Mahmood's tone and emotion thorughout his performances help portray the story. Additionally, the instrumental tells the story. The verses are choppy and fast; they feel warm. However, the chorus is slower with this low distorted bass line. It feels much colder. Demonstrating his feelings towards his father. Oh my God it's so good. Oh, and the bridge is awesome too.
There's even good interaction with the audience due to the clapping in the chorus. I have to say though, I struggle to listen to this over and over. I really like the song and can appreciate it even though I wouldn't listen to it on repeat. Still, this isn't a terrible thing for a Eurovision song.
Can this win? I'm not sure. Even when the televote has been strong for Italy, the jury has let them down. Plus, I worry the performance in Tel Aviv won't tell a story like I want it too. I fear the stage will look empty and the performance will look awkward without a concept. Good staging is essential here. Even though this narrowly won the OGAE poll, I feel like The Netherlands has stronger chances.
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6 - Portugal 🇵🇹 - Conan Osíris - Telemóveis 😍
Making this part of the top was so difficult. Depending on my mood, all the songs between 3rd and 8th can probably switch around.
I can't help but love this. It's incredibly unique and experimental. The song combines modern and traditional elements seamlessly. Plus, the song creates a beautiful haunting atmosphere which is always a plus for me.
I was concerned that this wouldn't translate live due to the song's reliance on choppy, interjectory background vocals. Yet somehow, it worked.
To be honest, I don't really know what it's about lol. Something about connecting with the dead? And this is where I think the pitfalls are. The Festival da Cancao staging was over the top and Conan doesn't appear very likeable with his headgear and arrow finger things. And this is all because they're trying to be too artistic. But rather than coming across as edgy or avant-garde, it just seems weird. With more sophisticated staging, people may be able to appreciate this more seriously.
This seemed like it was going to do fantastically when it was released. But unless the staging is changed drastically I fear this will miss out on qualification. Those looking for something edgy and 'anti-Eurovsion' will just vote for Iceland. And jurors may confused this for a joke act and not take it seriously on the night.
But please Portugal. You owe it to yourself to prove us wrong and do this song justice.
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7 - Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 - Chingiz - Truth 😍
When the teaser for this dropped, I lost my mind. In a similar way to Sweden making a massive comeback in 2011 after their first non-qualification, I was hoping Azerbaijan would do the same thing. And I hope they keep this up.
This song has everything I love in a Eurovision entry. A dark beat, catchy melody, and ethnic touches throughout the song. And a performer that's easy on the eyes 😍.
Plus, the music video is just stunning. Some of the best visuals of the year.
Still, the song gets a little repetitive after a while. And I'm not a big fan of the Eurovision version, as this cuts out some of the ethnic flourishes in the shorter intro and bridge. Also, I can see people thinking this is too polished. Similar too a typical Swedish entry, technically good but lacking in warmth and emotion.
This should do pretty well with the juries and televote. I see this coming 3rd-5th in the semi final based on the performance and staging. I hope they also pursue a similar kind of staging to Dihaj in 2017. Something that stand out, is a little artistic, and makes the song sound much more meaningful than it is.
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8 - Austria 🇦🇹 - PÆNDA - Limits 😍
If you think The Netherlands deserves to win because of the vulnerability expressed in the song then so does Austria!
I sense that most people are apathetic to this because of their expectations for PÆNDA. We were expected a bold mid/uptempo electro pop song. Instead, we got a beautifully structured and produced electro ballad.
The attention to detail is just stunning. The more you pay attention, the richer and more beautiful you realise the soundscape is. PÆNDA's vocals sound smooth and soothing yet incredibly fragile at the same time.
And the lyrics are just heart-breaking. "The pressure on my chest becomes almost routine" really hits me.
And PÆNDA has proved herself to be a fantastic vocalist. I can see this easily slipping into my top 5 once we see the live performances.
I think they could improve the visuals from the music video. The focus should still be on PÆNDA but I feel the background images could be more vibrant and effective.
If the juries do their job, they should appreciate this. This could pull an "I Stand" and make it from the jury support or pull a "My Turn"/"Funny Girl" and miss out.
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