Eurovision 2014: Greece: Rise Up

Greece: Freaky Fortune

For a while, it seemed as if Greece would not be able to celebrate its fortieth year in Eurovision. Financial crises and failing broadcasters were working against the country returning to the competition, but there was a reprieve in November in the shape of NEPIT (the newly-formed Greek public station).

Consequently, Rise Up appears to be a wholly appropriate title as the Greek entry for 2014. Winner of a four act national final in mid-March, Freaky Fortune ft. Riskykidd offer one of the year's more contemporary songs.

It's essentially a dance club effort, combining elements in its mix from a few genres. Beginning with some rap (never a good thing in Eurovision), it progresses to a pure pop number with both Latin and Balkan flavours, such as that incessant trumpet riff.

It will, no doubt, appeal to young "Urban" voters as it could easily be a reminder of long, hot club nights in Ibiza or Ayia Napa. It's certainly very catchy, if overly repetitive of the title. On the other hand, is it likely to appeal to Eurovision's core audience, which tends to be older and more traditional? Probably not. But that hasn't stopped some unlikely winners before.

That's not to say that Greece are likely to be victorious this year. I'm not convinced by its live rendition and there are other better constructed songs in the competition. But it is infectious, features three handsome young guys and, at the time of writing, leads the second semi-final poll by quite some margin.

This should make it an easy qualifier and, because of the plethora of ballads this year and the ever faithful Greek diaspora, this memorably catchy entry is likely to see a Top 10 finish.



Image by Freaky.fortune (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons


Rise Up [feat. RiskyKidd] - Freaky Fortune