23 January 2014

Eurovision 2014: Albania: Zemërimi i një nate

Herciana Matmuja
As has now become customary, Albania chose its Eurovision Song Contest entry from the participants at its annual Festivali i Këngës (Festival of Song).

Sixteen finalists took part in the show on December 28, allowing seven expert judges to ultimately decide that Zemërimi I Një Nate (A Night of Anger) sung by Herciana Matmuja would go to Copenhagen in May 2014.



As is usual with the Albanian entry, I am at a disadvantage with the language barrier, so a comment about the song's lyrics is impossible.

It's obviously very dramatic though; the title One Night's Anger (or A Night of Anger) conjures up thoughts of illicit lovers found out. Combine that with Ms Matmuja's vocal delivery and the orchestration, it becomes a true piece of theatre - even if a little overwrought at times. However, as the song overruns the competition's allotted three minute rule, the revamped version may allow for something less fraught.

The live orchestra adds to the sense of tension; an element that has been sorely missing from the main Contest for some years now. In fact, it's a delight to hear something other than a backing track.

Will it capture the hearts and minds of Europe, though? My predictions about Albania's entries are usually way off target. Rona Nishliu's similar 2012 effort finished in fifth place, a song I had written off completely. This one is competing in the first half of the first semi-final, so that may prove a disadvantage - particularly if it remains in its native language.

I'm probably wrong, but I don't see this one qualifying for the Grand Final - even if after repeat plays parts of the melody brings Seal's Kiss From A Rose to mind.

English version


How well do you think it will do?

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