30 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Semi-Final 1: Live Performances


Sit back and enjoy live performances of sixteen of the songs that will be represented at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.

Many of the videos are taken from either a national final or from Eurovision in Concert that recently took place in Amsterdam, Holland.

This is a playlist, so once "play" is selected each video will automatically follow the previous one.

What are your thoughts about these performances?

Eurovision 2013: Greece: Alcohol is Free

KOZA MOSTRA FEAT. AGATHON IAKOVIDIS


In mid-February, four acts battled it out to represent Greece at Eurovision this year and Alcohol is Free performed by Koza Mostra featuring Agathonas Iakovidis eventually won the right to travel to Sweden.

I want to like the Greek song. I probably would if I were a drunk guest at a Greek wedding or in a Corfu bar with the lads during the summer. I can only describe it as the Come On Eileen of this year's Contest. Imagine a group of inebriated tourists, arm in arm, trying to complete a traditional Greek dance while attempting to stay on their feet. This song would be their soundtrack.

Full of the ethnic vibes of Greece, Alcohol is Free is bound to liven up proceedings in Malmö - especially as it is sandwiched between two ballads in its semi-final. It's fun, fast and frantic (and full of kilts). With a little luck, it should make the Final. Expect some mid-table voting. 7/10.

Greece perform in ninth place in the second semi-final on May 16.

Is this song one of your favourites?


Image: Promotional photo

29 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Germany: Glorious

Cascada Germany

In mid-February, Cascada was chosen by the German public (and jury) to sing its song, Glorious, in Malmö on May 18.

About Cascada

Along with Bonnie Tyler, Cascada is the most internationally successful act to appear at this year's Eurovision. Comprised of DJ Manian, Yann Peifer and lead singer Natalie Horler, the trio have been pumping out hits since 2004 when Miracle became a European smash and its follow-up, Everytime We Touch, scored big in America.

Since then, the group has released four successful albums, both in Europe and the US, as well as securing a Number One single in the UK with the track, Evacuate the Dancefloor. While the hits have dried up outside of Germany and Austria, Glorious promises a return to the music charts across the Eurovision catchment area and beyond.

Song Review: Glorious

The song has become one of a few hot favourites to win this year's competition. Albeit that it is a near replica of last year's winner (all plagiarism claims have long been debunked), this Eurodance track has certainly created some Eurovision fever among some quarters. Were it not for the fact that it's a Cascada song, it may well have been consigned to the scrap heap as just a thin copy of what has gone before.

This doesn't seem to be the case among the Eurovision hardcore however, but what will casual viewers make of it on the night? Somehow, I feel they're not going to fall for it. It'll certainly pick up some substantial points, but probably not enough to secure the win. Expect a Top 5 finish from Germany this year though.

How do you rate Glorious by Cascada?

Pin It

27 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Georgia: Waterfall

Sophie and Nodi / Eurovision 2013 / Georgia
Sophie and Nodi to Represent Georgia

In early February, Georgia chose the song Waterfall to be its representative at Eurovision 2013. It will be sung by Sopho (Sophie) Gelovani and Nodiko Tatishvili.

About Sophie and Nodi


Both Sophie (29) and Nodi (26) have been involved with music from an early age, both of them graduating from schools/universities with musical backgrounds.

Sophie has previously appeared on television in the show Morning Star, and later in a venture called 10+10. As well as TV appearances, she has also participated in several music festivals throughout the Caucasus region, winning a competition in Moscow. She was also the runner-up in Georgia's version of Pop Idol: Geostar.

Nodi, meanwhile, also travelled the region singing in music contests and was involved in Geostar during the previous series. He went on to win Season 4 over runner-up, Vajha Mania. Since then he has been involved in several musical roles and released his first album, I Am Georgian, in 2011.

Song Review: Waterfall


The song has a connection with last year's winner, Euphoria, in that it's written by prolific Eurovision composer Thomas G:son. Unfortunately, that's where any similarity ends.

Whereas Euphoria reflected a popular niche of modern music, Waterfall is closer to what one would expect from a Eurovision, romantic ballad. That's not to say it is awful. By no means. It has soaring vocals (albeit the lyrics are obscured by heavy accents at times), a nice chorus and a clever key change. However, we've heard it all before and, for me, it does not stand out from the crowd.

All of this notwithstanding, Waterfall will benefit from its later placing (15th out of 17) in the second semi-final on May 16th.

What are your thoughts about Georgia's song?



Image: Promotional photo.

26 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: France: L'enfer et moi

Amandine Bourgeois

It was confirmed in January this year that the internal selection of L'enfer et moi (Hell and Me) sung by Amandine Bourgeois would be the representative for France in Malmö.

About Amandine Bourgeois


Like several of the singers in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, Ms. Bourgeois is a product of a reality TV show. In 2008, she was the winner of the French version of Pop Idol: La Nouvelle Star

Following this success, she has since released two albums: 20 m2 (a Top 5 hit in France) and in 2012, Sans amour mon amour which was recorded at London's Abbey Road studios. Her connection with London has also seen her appear at the Royal Albert Hall as the support act to Johnny Hallyday.

Song Review: L'enfer et moi


One of the more unusual offerings at the 2013 Eurovision is this bluesy rock number that showcases Amandine Bourgeois's vocals perfectly. The melody is driven by a pounding guitar riff that steadily intensifies throughout the song. This is complemented by Amandine's rasping voice which grows evermore wild as the track progresses.

If I were a betting man, I would put some money on this song. The more I hear it, the more I enjoy it. However, as one of the Big 5 nations, it will not be performed in full at the semi-finals and could suffer as a consequence. If it has visual appeal and is performed well, then there is no reason why this should not secure a Top 10 placing. 8/10.

France has automatic entry to the Final on the evening of May 18.

What do you think of its chances?



Image: By Albin Olsson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

25 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Finland: Marry Me


Back in early February, a very close run national final in Finland chose Krista Siegfrids and the song Marry Me as its Eurovision representative in Malmö.

Ms. Siegfrids is a stunning blonde with a sassy attitude who came to public attention in her homeland through the television show, The Voice of Finland. Now signed to Universal Music, Eurovision is her big break and she will be hoping she can bring the trophy home for the first time since Lordi won for Finland in 2006.

A victory will obviously depend upon Eurovision viewers' reaction to Marry Me. A self-professed admirer of Lady Gaga, Krista Siegfrids rather delivers the song in a style that is very similar to Katy Perry. The fact that it is one of a very few uptempo, party numbers may help it and a strong, visual performance will do it no harm. I can't say it's a song that has bowled me over, but I suspect that it will qualify from its semi-final.

Finland is involved in the second semi-final on May 16 in which it will perform in fifth place.

Do you like the Finnish song?

The Eurovision Song Contest Song Reviews

24 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Estonia: Et uus saaks alguse


This year's Eurovision entry for Estonia is Et uus saaks alguse (New Beginning), sung by the gorgeous Birgit Õigemeel.

Hailing from Tallinn, Birgit first came to public attention in her homeland as the 2007 winner of the Estonian version of Pop Idol: Eesti otsib superstaari (literally, Estonia is looking for a superstar). This has led to the release of three albums of music so far and two previous attempts to represent Estonia at Eurovision (2008 and 2012).

At her national final this year, she was up against ten other entries vying for a place in Malmö. Et uus saaks alguse qualified for the two song super final and, following a televote, won the right to be performed in Sweden.

This song is one of several ballads travelling to Malmö this year. Unfortunately, its country flavouring is going to get lost in the mix of stronger competition. It's a pretty melody, but ultimately it goes nowhere. There's no real hook and, for me, it suffers from the constraints of the language barrier. There is an English lyric, but my understanding is that it will be sung in Estonian.

It's not awful, but then it's not memorable either. Unlikely to qualify from its semi final. 5/10.

Estonia will perform in second place in the first semi-final on May 14.

What are your feelings about this song?



Image: Promotional photo.

23 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Denmark: Only Teardrops

Emmelie de Forest
Image by Okras (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Denmark's 20-year-old Emmelie de Forest apparently holds the key to this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Her song, Only Teardrops, remains the favourite among bookmakers and much of the public alike.

While I can see the attraction: pretty girl, young, nice catchy song with English lyrics, I'm a little underwhelmed with the track. Unlike Euphoria last year, Only Teardrops does not reflect current musical tastes. In its musicality, it unearths a time when Ireland was winning the Contest on the bounce. At its worst, the song is a reminder of the late Sixties, when Boom Bang-A-Bang was completely out of step with the denim clad progressive rockers or hippie psychedelia. But then, look what happened to Lulu's song: joint winner.

It's certainly going to stay in your head after a couple of plays and this can only help its chances. Easily a qualifier from its semi-final and if it's not the winning entry, a Top 3 placing is assured.

Denmark will perform in fifth place in the first semi-final on May 14th.

Is Only Teardrops your winning song?

Eurovision 2013: Cyprus: An Me Thimase

On Valentine's Day this year, Cyprus presented its entry for Eurovision 2013: An Me Thimase (Αν Με Θυμάσαι) to be sung by Despina Olympiou.

Despina is a well established singer in Cyprus who has previously studied music in London. Her career began in the early 1990s, when her talent was called upon as a musical collaborator with a number of Greek artists. Since then, she has released six albums, all of which have met with tremendous success in her homeland and across in Greece.

This led to her selection as the singer of the Cypriot entry by the local broadcaster. An Me Thimase (English:  If You Think of Me) is a simple love ballad that would not be amiss if it was heard on a country music radio station in the US. It has a beautiful melody and for most of the song Ms Olympiou is accompanied by just a guitar, with the occasional presence of a piano.

While its simplicity and beauty are evident, it is not strong enough for Eurovision. There is a hook, but that hook is not going to land the voters of Europe, I believe. It's possible that it may make it through its semi-final and if it should, I foresee it being left in the dust by stiff competition. 7/10.

Cyprus presents its song in 14th place of the first semi-final on May 14th.

What do you think of Cyprus's chances?



The English version:

 

The Spanish version:

 

21 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Croatia: Mižerja

Back in mid-January Croatia chose the song Mižerja to represent it at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. By February, the six-man singing ensemble Klapa S Mora had been named as the artists that would be singing it.

Mižerja (English title, Hard Times), is a traditional Klapa song which is a style of a cappella singing that is popular in, and originates from, Southern Croatia. Unlike most klapa, the track does not only rely upon the voices of the singers, but also a rousing backing track that pushes the song along. In a nutshell, Mižerja is similar to the kind of output that one would expect from male singing groups, such as Il Divo or Il Volo.

All in all it's a relaxing listen, but having seen how France's Amaury Vassili crashed and burned in 2011, I don't hold out much hope for this. A nice song, but not this year's winner. 8/10.

Croatia will perform in fourth place in the first semi-final on May 14.

What do you think of the song's chances?

19 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Bulgaria: Samo Shampioni

Eurovision 2007-Bulgaria-Elitsa Todorova-Stoyan Yankulov
Elitsa and Stoyan to represent Bulgaria

Elitsa and Stoyan make a return to Eurovision for Bulgaria following their 2007 appearance where they secured fifth place with the song
Water (Voda). 2013 sees them performing Samo Shampioni (Only Champions).

This was not the song that originally won the Bulgarian national final. At that time, two songs tied for first place with Kismet securing the win due to the weighting of the televoting over the jury result. However, it was later announced by the Bulgarian broadcaster that Samo Shampioni would instead represent the nation due to copyright issues with the song Kismet.

Sung in Bulgarian, the song is a frenetic mix of drums and percussion layered over a backing of ethnic instrumentation. Written by Elitsa together with Kristian Talev, the vocals have a very hypnotic Eastern feel to them, although halfway through the song the lyrics dry up completely.

While both Elitsa and Stoyan are very adept with a pair of drumsticks, this will have a tough time qualifying for the final. 6/10.

Bulgaria perform in seventh place in the second semi-final on May 16.



Image by Indrek Galetin [see page for license], via Wikimedia Commons

Eurovision 2013: Belgium: Love Kills

 

Belgium have not qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest final since 2010, when the representative song was Me and My Guitar. This year the country is hoping for better things with the selection of Love Kills sung by 18-year-old Roberto Bellarosa.

Like Tom Dice, Bellarosa is a product of a TV reality show. In the case of the latter, it was as the winner of The Voice Belgique that brought him to public attention. On the back of this success, he has since released an album, Ma Voie, which took him into the Belgian Top 20. This prompted his choice as singer of the Belgian entry which has been written by Iain Farquharson and Jukka Immonen.

Having read comments from other Eurovision fans it seems that I am in a minority for liking Love Kills. Yes, it does sound like something you might hear from a substandard boy band, but it does have a strong hook and this is necessary when we're talking about this competition. It will no doubt have the audience up on their feet dancing along to its electronic back beat, which can only help its chances of qualifying.

Bellarosa will perform the song in 15th position of the first semi-final on May 14.

What do you think of his chances on advancing to the Final?

17 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Belarus: Solayoh

Alyona Lanskaya

Having been disqualified from the 2012 event, Alyona Lanskaya has returned to Eurovision in 2013 with the song Solayoh.

It seems tradition dictates that Belarus will change its original Eurovision choice and so it is not a surprise that it has happened again this year. Having selected Rhythm of Love at the Belarusian national final, news came in March that the local broadcaster had discarded that song in favour of Solayoh.

Written by Mark Paelinck and Martin King, it is typical Eurovision fodder. Latin influenced pop that will have the audience on its feet in Malmö, the song is certainly catchy and will no doubt remain in voters' minds.  The live version I heard (below) did not sound too good. Ms Lanskaya's vocals are all over the place, but perhaps she'll pull things together for her semi-final performance.

Solayoh is one of a handful of uptempo songs this year and has an excellent chance of progressing to the final. A top 15 placing, perhaps.

All will be revealed on May 14 when Alyona Lanskaya performs the song in eleventh place of the first semi-final. 7/10.

 



Image By Serge Serebro, Vitebsk Popular News (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

16 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Azerbaijan: Hold Me


Azerbaijan is sending Farid Mammadov to Malmö with the song Hold Me as its Eurovision representative for 2013.

Mammadov is 21-years-old and has released previous singles before his selection for Eurovision. Involved in music for most of his life, this handsome singer became the nation's choice from a field of ten finalists at the Azerbaijani National Final held in mid-March.

The song Hold Me is written by Dimitris Kontopoulos, with lyrics by John Ballard and Ralph Charlie. It's a strong ballad with a very memorable chorus that will have many singing along after just a couple of listens. Mammadov handles the vocals very well and, along with his looks, will no doubt garner a lot of votes. This will easily qualify for the final and could secure a top five placing overall. 8/10.

Azerbaijan will perform in fourth place (out of seventeen) during the second semi-final on May 16.

 



Image: By Sergey Illin (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

15 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Austria: Shine


Natália Kelly: Shine
Austria will be represented at Eurovision 2013 by the song Shine, sung by 18-year-old Natália Kelly.

Ms Kelly is a former child star in her home country and has also appeared on the The Voice in Austria. In February, she was one of five acts competing in the Austrian National Final of Eurovision and romped home as the clear winner.

Co-written by the beautiful Natália, Shine is a mid-tempo, anthemic-style belter that, to be honest, does not light up this writer. Yes, there is an obvious hook in the chorus, but my feeling is that it is not strong enough to reel in the voters of Europe. It stomps along, going nowhere, until the final few seconds when Natália ramps it up with some vocal gymnastics. Sorry Austria, however, I'm not impressed this year.

Shine will be performed first in the first semi-final, which already gives it something of a disadvantage. It may just scrape through to the final, but there are some strong contenders that will feature on the stage in Malmö on May 14th. [6/10].

What are your thoughts about the Austrian entry?

 

  Natália Kelly on iTunes

13 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Armenia: Lonely Planet


Dorians Eurovision 2013 Armenia Gor Sujyan
Gor Sujyan
This year Armenia will be represented at Eurovision by the song Lonely Planet, performed by the group Dorians. Like Albania, Armenia brings rock to the 2013 Contest with a track written by Vardan Zadoyan and Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi.

With such renowned talent behind the song, you'd hope that it will do well. But is Eurovision really ready for several forays into the world of rock? If the songs are good enough, then it should be.

Lonely Planet is very much a "grower". On first hearing it, I didn't give it much of a chance. However, after several plays, it's now become something of an earworm. But is a tune that is a "grower" enough to take it through to the Final. I don't think so. The average Eurovision viewer will not have had the benefit of hearing the song regularly, so is unlikely to vote it through.

Armenia will perform in eleventh place of the second semi-final on May 16.

What do you think of Lonely Planet and its chances?

09 April 2013

Eurovision 2013: Albania: Identitet

Flag Albania
In recent years I've misjudged the appeal of the Albanian Eurovision songs among the voting public. So it is, I approach the nation's 2013 offering by Adrian Lulgjuraj and Bledar Sejko with trepidation.

Identitet was one of the earliest of this year's entries to be chosen and has since run into some controversy because of alleged similarities to a song called Plavi Safir by Bajaga.

However, having listened to the song a couple of times, I'm quite liking it. It can be best described as ethno-rock and as in years past it will be performed in the native language. With the Balkan connection now a dominant feature of Eurovision, this should not detract from its pull among many voters. However, the genre may not go well with the the Contest's usual demographic.

Voting for Albania this year will take place in the second semi-final on May 16, where Lulgjuraj and Sejko will perform in 14th place out of a field of 17. This will, no doubt, help the song's chances of qualifying, which I anticipate it doing. However, it's not this year's winner.

Song: 7/10.

 (Flag graphic courtesy of 3D Animated Flags--By 3DFlags.com)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...