Skip to main content

ESC 2016: SPAIN, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND UKRAINE REVIEWS

Another foursome of female voices.
SPAIN - BAREI - SAY YAY!
(Barei, Ruben Villanueva & Victor Pua)
Barei won the Spanish national final, and caused a major local storm as her song has no words in Spanish.

Blogilkar: I like this. I would have preferred a song in Spanish with a Spanish feeling to it, but Barei is very captivating and I even like her silly dance moves. Irresistible in a way. I don't think this song will be remembered in 10 years time but it's a good addition to the line up. 9
Jack: Spain is singing in English for the first time ever - and even though it caused some drama - I think Barei is set to give Spain their best result for years. Say Yay is incredibly catchy and she's also good live. I wanna go to Spain in 2017!! Hurray! 10
Peter: Great entrance, and very catchy number - wow - what a great time we would have at Eurovision in 2017 if it was in Spain !! For me I would love to see Spain with, but not sure it will happen. It's the one song that is constantly in my mind. 7
Robert: Spain got it this year. It deserves a top-5. A good modern pop tune with an enthuastic and energetic singer with some nice Spanish attitude. It really stands out among all the other songs done by female singers, I love it. 9
Michele: I agree with those who felt sorry for the lack of Spanish in the competition this year ... But Barei is strong and has an equally strong song. This is not one of my favorite genres but this has a  rhythm that takes you away and it's catchy. 7
Markus: Spain will never get it … They try sometimes more sometimes less. For me this is again just average and nothing special. I wish they come with something great soon. I fear this will be another fail for Spain …..3

GERMANY - JAMIE-LEE - GHOST
(Anna Leyne, Thomas Burchia, Conrad Hensel)
The freshly chosen the Voice of Germany 17-year-old Jamie-Lee Kriewitz won also the German national final that was set up quickly after the scandalous internal selection went all wrong.

Blogilkar: I like this a lot when I hear it. Then I forget it even exists. It's a good, non Eurovision song. Hard to say how it will work when average televoter hears it for the first time, maybe they will remember her for her (possible) manga look? But as said I do like it when I hear it so.... 8
Jack: Ohh, she's so cute! I do think Germany's song is really nice however I'm not sure if nice is going to cut it on the night and therefore I think Germany will be bottom five. But at least Jamie-Lee is set to win something - Barbara Dex! 8
Peter: Not a bad song, though I don't particularly like the beat, or the tune, it's not bad but it's certainly not a winner. Not a memorable song. 4
Robert: Germany's song was one of the first preselection songs I heard and loved. After it was elected it fell to the background when all the other other entries from other countries came out and Germany was new anymore, It is a very nice and pleasant modern pop tune with a singer who is still a bit young but has a great exceptional voice. I love it and it deserves to do well. 8
Michele: The song itself is modern, well produced and slick desite being very simple and generic. She sings a bit apatic but it's still fascinating. Can't really get me involved, with a risk of passing by unnoticed. 6-
Markus: Her performance in the German Final was just average for me but she was the favorite as she won the latest edition of THE VOICE GERMANY. Not sure if Jamie will catch the jury and televoters ….. I fear another disaster for them...... The song is not too bad...... 6

SWITZERLAND - RYKKA - LAST OF OUR KIND
(Rieder/James/Dawson/Livesey)
Canadian Rykka won the national final in Switzerland and hopes to follow the footsteps of fellow Canadians Celine Dion and Annie Cotton. Her hopes might go wasted. 

Blogilkar: Yawn. This moves me - not. She comes across fake and plastic to me. The song doesn't go anywhere. No no no. 2
Jack: I really hope Rykka ups her game for Stockholm because she was pretty bad in the national final however the song is pretty good. Some even compare her to Sia. There's something about this song.. 7.5
Peter: Slow build up and a nice song, I really like Rykka's voice, though I'm not convinced this song will give a fantastic result as it just doesn't seem to have the punch that other songs have. I'm not convinced it will get to the final, but then I could be wrong.
Robert: Pretty decent song from Switzerland this year but I'm afraid it does not stand out among the others. The singer doesn't convince me completely either. But nice to hear time to time. Not on repeat though. 6,5
Michele: Everything to me here is far too understated. Melody, structure, arrangement, interpretation. I can not really say more. Fundamentally boring. 3,5
Markus: Ok Canada and Switzerland mmmmm yes I remember big times for them … But the mix 2016 is just another typical Swiss entry.... Do I need to say more ? Oh yes my points: 1

UKRAINA- JAMALA - 1944
(Jamala)
Susana Jamaladynova or simply Jamala won the Ukrainian national final, and caused quite a stir internationally thanks to her song's lyrics. EBU cleared it for the contest though so it's not political. Yup. 

Blogilkar: First I was shocked by the lyrics. Then I was fascinated. I had to go online and check the back story. Then the Tatar chorus was stuck in my head. And I do like Jamala. And even if it isn't supposed to be linked to recent events I can't but think it is. We in Finland feel it, too. We could be next. All this makes this even more important a song. And putting all that aside, Jamala is great performer, there's a tune and an intersting song in there. 9
Jack: The Marmite song of the year - some people adore it, whilst others simply cannot stand it. I'm in the first category. It's fab. Jamala's voice is perfection. The song itself is a bit weird but it works - and I read somewhere the performance is going be in 3D. Will it be a battle between Russia and Ukraine? I'm so pleased Ukraine are back. 10
Peter: Not a great song from my perspective, it's too light on the opening and the beat is not really catching. Along with the message in the song which is a bit too downbeat for me. I don't expect this to get to the final.
Robert: Jamala is a great singer and performer. I was very impressed when I saw and heard her perform and I felt the pain in her cry towards the end of the song. Self-penned with a personal, hostoric message it's a song with depth and meaning. My enthusiasm disappeared a bit among all the other contestants now but still one of my favoites. 8+
Michele: In this song you feel all the pain of who sings it. I can not go into details and reasons, when you get a thrill it is useless to look for explanations. 9
Markus: The message is very clear and we all know that. Happy to have a new language in the contest. She looks very friendly and humble and she can sing!!! 7

Check out the other reviews; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ESC 2016 WISH LIST: MARGARET FOR POLAND

Małgorzata Jamroży aka Margaret has also been tipped for Eurovision and apparently she did turn it down but she'd be perfect. She's got a look and persona you can't unnotice nor forget, she's got hit songs, she has been voted or nominated for everything from Trendy artist to the Hope of the Year, Fashion Icon and Glamour Woman of the year besides the usual best video, song, album, debut..... Oh she's also a fashion designer! She's very clever with social medias and would surely use it to her advantage if selected for Stockholm 2016. Her debut album is titled Add the blonde , do we need to say more? Except it includes mostly Swedish written pop tunes like Tell me how are ya , Wasted , Start a fire and Heartbeat . And of course her debut single and internationally noticed Thank you very much that you can enjoy below with all its anti-textil feel. I think she's Eurovision perfection, she's cheeky and fun, can we have her?

SONGS OF THE YEAR 2015: #5 KRISTA SIEGFRIDS - ON & OFF

Krista Siegfrids is delivering nice pop tunes one after another and this one is particularly catchy and soon you will be singing along..... Hopefully her Melodifestivalen entry will be equally good!

ESC 2013: SERBIA'S BIG GUNS

Serbia is one of the most succesful Eurovision countries in the recent years and this blogger 's favorites. This year I am again very curiously waiting for their entry and what they will offer us when they have a national final once again after last year's internal selection. Many bigger and smaller names have been rumored to have sent a song, or have confirmed so themselves. Among then a 63-year-old disco diva Neda Ukraden , Eurovision veteran Vukašin Brajić 's OT Band, Danijel Pavlovic who is Marija Serifovic's step-brother, national final veteran Ana Nikolic and other names like Nenad Cvijetic , Dejan Petrovic, Zejna , Ivana Pavkovic , Vanja Mijatovic .... Let's see who really are in when the final 15 out of 80 will be announced for the March 2, 2013 final. These 15 will be cut to five for the superfinal by televoting. Then we have Bojan Bjelic , who apparently was sending his song Mora before he decided not to blaming the contest is fixed and Serbian

GOODBYE, FAREWELL...

The time has come. After all these years, 5,7 million visits, 12.000 articles I guess the time has come. As much as I love and care for Eurovision it just doesn't feel the same. The Corona years took their toll and the past two years and certain decisions have helped me to mature the idea that next year I will hear the songs for the first time in semi-final just like any so called local.  The bubble has burst. Add the toxicity in social medias and fandom. The arrogant teenagers who saw their first contest somewhere 2017 or even 2021 who think they know it all and only their opinion matters. Did I mention the toxic atmosphere on social medias? I'm too old for that sh*t. It's been a long ride that took me to various Eurovision on spot as a fan and tourist,  as a journalist, as a delegation member. I met some great people, made memories of lifetime. In stressful, sad periods of my life this blog has been my safe place, a place to escape and forget everything else for an hour o

Summer songs: Samantha Fox & Sabrina - Call me

Summertime is the time for cover versions and remixes. The late 1980's war of the boombs is over when Samantha and Sabrina put their bras together and cover Blondie's Call me in peace and harmony. Amore, chiamami!

ESC 2016 BELARUS: NAKED WITH WOLVES?

Today's funniest Eurovision related story comes from Belarus. Some sources claim Ivan wants to perform on stage naked and with live wolf or wolves. It surely would be a first on Eurovision stage! We have seen some forgotten underwear over the years, and some cardbox animals though..... Is it time to take things a bit further?  No, according the rules live animals are not allowed, and Eurovision being a family show nudity won't do either. (It seems to be ok to be half naked if you are a dancer though..... )

Et voilà! Anggun presents Echo (You and I)

So today we finally heard the French entry in Eurovision 2012 in Baku by Anggun. Echo (You and I ) is rather bizarre mix of many things and just when you think you get it the songs takes a turn to another direction. Whistling all along. Very catchy it is. Call it an earworm if you want. Still I wouldn't scream a winning entry but... we will see. In Patricia Kaas like ending me thinks.

Blogilkar Exclusive: RAMBO AMADEUS INTERVIEW

My flying reporter Robert met Rambo Amadeus in his hotel this morning and what an interesting and entertaining meet it was! Unfortunately the time wasn't enough as this man has lots to tell about many topics. However, here are the main things! Thank you Rambo for this interview and first of all, how an earth Montenegro wanted you to represent them in Eurovision? I don't know! I really don't know. I didn't want to ask any questions why they wanted me. So they came to you, you didn't go to them? Of course. Everybody comes to me..... And everybody knows you and that you are bit, maybe a lot, Eurovision skeptic. Why did they come to you then? Well, I think they want the audience to pay attention to them? I think the new, young and ambitious director of RTCG decided to do some kind of shock therapy. He probably thinks there's nothing to lose. I asked him "Are you sure? Do you know my work?" and he said yes. I think they are learning how to g

GREECE: HELENA PAPARIZOU HITS AGAIN WITH HAIDE

Eurovision song contest 2005 winner Helena Paparizou has been enjoying Top-5 hits every year since 2003 with the exception of 2010 and 2014, this latest one being already her 27th! And Haide is charting also in Bulgaria and Finland, of all places. The catchiness of her hits has changed less over the years than her face....  Here's the English version , below the Greek version. 

REMEMBERING MARILYN MONROE

It's 50 years since Marilyn Monroe passed away on August 5, 1962. Her legend still lives on and there's no doubt she got "it". Probably very much misunderstood and surely underrated she remains one of the biggest stars on this planet ever. How many fans have really seen her movies, I mean all of them? Not only the 2-3 most successful ones where she played pretty much the same dumb blond? Thee's so much more to her if you watch all her work.... And had she lived. She would be 86 now.  Like this .