Day: May 9, 2023

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Georgia, Greece, Lativa

Georgia: Echo by Iru

Georgia’s entry could be best described as an acoustic wall of drums, ethnic pipes and high pitch wailing that persist relentlessly for the full three minutes, coupled with possibly the most incomprehensible lyrics of the competition (‘life is love – thing is known – like in dream’). The flowing gowns could do well with heavy wind machines on stage though! Worst case, it makes it into the finales.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Greece: What They Say by Victor Vernicos

Victor is the youngest entry from Greece at Eurovision ever! He wrote this song when he was 14 and that is exactly what it is – messy emotions, drama, wooden lyrics, homogenous melody and somewhat devoid of rhythm. Despite a great voice and possibly the most excellent pairing of school uniform shorts with high lace up Doc Martins, what I would say is: no more than the semis.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Lativa: Aijā by Sudden Lights

Sudden Lights are a proper indi band performing a complex, delicate, lyrically sophisticated song that playfully pitches the vocals against an instrument heavy background. No key-change, little chance of wind machines, no crescendo, limited scope for on stage shenanigans and no catchy chorus for the in-house audience to sing along to. You know what that means…. exit in the semis.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

Portugal: Ai Coração by Mimicat

As a Brazilian I am always looking for a reason to criticise Portugal. This time I did not have to go very far. The song is a completely generic love song. The video clip does not match the actual lyrics. If I did not understand the language, I would conclude this was a party song and have a good time. Perhaps you can still do that.  

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Comment from Hansani: Very energetic performance, superb dancing, costumes are well-prepared and eye-catching.

Norway: Queen of Kings by Alessandra

After last year’s masterpiece, I was really looking forward to Norway’s entry this year. It was enjoyable, which is another way of saying mediocre. I like the theme of the song, and I think it had a nice mix of medieval with modern day music with just enough of a piraty vibe. Still, everything managed to fall flat, the lyrics, much like the videoclip, didn’t travel any seas; the outfits were boring, the setting was dull. Unlike the Queen of Kings, this song will probably not conquer much. 

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Sweden: Tattoo by Loreen

I love the line “you stuck on me like a tattoo” just because it is so inaccurate. Whoever wrote this clearly never got a tattoo and they don’t “stick on anyone, they are an engraving of pain, which is honestly a much better analogy of how relationships go, a bundle of painful lines that make a beautiful piece of art. 

The song itself is overly dramatic, the vocals, the lyrics, the effects. But all I could think is: what is going on with those nails? Yet another inaccuracy with the tattoo analogy, is that they don’t tend to leave – ever. So, it seems there is no one stuck to you. And this performance will not stick either.

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Switzerland: Watergun by Remo Forrer

This song has a beautiful message of human fragility. There is a subtle critique of toxic masculinity, and how boys are raised to be engaged in war, when the reality of war is so different than child’s play. I think the softness of the voice and the slow pacing really works well with the message. It also comes at a time when people need to hear it. Surprisingly I have nothing bad to say, but I do wish there were more verses and less chorus, as I think there is still so much more that could have been said.

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

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UK, Spain, Romania

UK: I Wrote a Song by Mae Muller

A catchy enough tune and some excellent life advice for people to take on board when they feel wronged. If only this song had come out a year and a bit ago. I can hand-on-heart say that the world would be a better place if old mate Vlad had written a sassy song instead of invading Ukraine. Just to add to the mental image I would also encourage him to get a manicure to match Mae Muller. This song is pleasant enough but probably not a title contender, however for giving me the mental image of Mr Putin with huge talon fingernails singing a song about how he feels betrayed I am giving this song a 3.5/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

Hansani: Energetic and creative performance, love the lyrics and music, very danceable song.

Spain: Eaea by Blanca Paloma

Blanca Paloma has an impressive and powerful voice. The dancers really got enthusiastic with their rowing performance, but it just didn’t feel like it had enough flair or pazzaz to win Eurovision, perhaps they’re saving their full potential for the big night. Also of concern is the fear that the lead singer is heading up the progression from high-waisted trousers to half-body trousers – a risk that we should all keep an eye on. 3/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

Romania: D.G.T. (Off and On) by Theodor Andrei

The highlight was a sudden wardrobe change which really sums up this entry. It appears to heavily rely on sex appeal, lacking a catchy tune or Eurovision style extravagance. 2/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

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Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands

Ireland: We Are One by Wild Youth

Love the beats. Lyrics just blew my mind. Hijacks my heart. Incredible presentation. Love the way they cover their faces and remain covered until the song finishes. What more can I say? Have to create new words for ‘great’. “We are one in one and thousands of the world if exist. Music has the power that can hold everyone in the world and beyond the world together in one frame. Ireland, and this song are definitely the winner for me. Listening to it and trying to get all the energy the song carries.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul

Switzerland: Watergun by Remo Forrer

The beats and music are just the thing that caught my attention when I heard it for the first time. No gun, no war, just peace। The desire of this song lies in peace. I feel like this song is a song dedicated to all and has the potential to make connections with many people.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul

Netherlands: Burning Daylight by Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper

I can feel the grief in their soft, slow pitch and repetition of the words “goodbye old life”. When listening to this song, I feel like this is my life. Constantly losing here, stumbling, getting knocked back again and again. There is no joy anywhere in life, if there is no joy there is no peace. Life is a burning day, a terrible night. Maybe this song gives sad vibes to some other people, I am getting energy from this song, good for my type. Hope for the best, let’s see how far it can go.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul