Stones / ZiBBZ / Switzerland | Review

ZiBBZ to represent Switzerland in Lisbon

ZiBBZ was probably one of the more highly favoured acts going into the Swiss national final – with many Eurovision fans backing the duo against the five other creditable entries. However, as the Eurovision platitude goes, it all comes down to the performance on the night – with ZiBBZ unmistakably superior in lane one, proving victorious with both the jury and the public and achieving a clear-cut triumph with their entry, Stones.

The song's success was not overwhelmingly supported by all on the international jury, though. Just four points separated Stones from the obviously popular runner-up: Compass performed by Alejandro Reyes. Being the best of this bunch may have been sufficient for ZiBBZ to guarantee a trip to Portugal, but the divided international jury suggests that they might encounter more challenging opposition once they arrive in Lisbon.

The song is probably the right choice for Switzerland, though. It's a reasonably convincing confection of strident rock and pop with an easily memorable chorus - always a plus for a Eurovision entry. There’s a nice contrast between its pounding rhythm and the catchy melody and is ably supported by a heavy drumbeat and a raspy lead vocal by Corinne Gfeller. Thankfully, it maintains its energy throughout the entire three minutes – something many of the Swiss entries haven't managed over recent years.

So, the overall effect feels like a giant leap in the right direction for Switzerland, but is it enough to really hook listeners and make them pick up the phone to vote? This has become a continuing headache for the Swiss, who rarely nominate genuinely appalling entries but have a habit of sending unremarkable ones.

The good news this year is that the Swiss delegation should not need to waste much time having to make too many tweaks to Stones. Siblings Corinne and Stee have written and produced the entry themselves (along with Laurell Barker), and the song clearly demonstrates the notable writing skills the pair already possess. The entire production has the capacity to be a solid, polished Eurovision moment that could transport ZiBBZ to the final.

Whether it has a genuine hope of qualification remains to be seen, but - particularly with so many songs still to be announced - for Switzerland to make the cut after three years in the wilderness would be a triumph in itself.

SWITZERLAND 

Artist: ZiBBZ

Song: Stones 

Semi-Final 1 | Second Half

Image by ZiBBZ (ZiBBZ Bilderarchiv) [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Eurovision 2017: Review: Switzerland: Timebelle: Apollo

Switzerland: Timebelle: Apollo

Switzerland, once a powerhouse at the Eurovision Song Contest, has picked by public vote the Swiss-Romanian band Timebelle to represent them at this year's competition with their offering Apollo.

It has been nearly three decades since Switzerland has enjoyed that winning feeling at Eurovision and, in 2017, this lively pop band from the nation's capital is aiming to follow in the footsteps of (now) superstar Celine Dion's 1988 victory. But can they do it?

The Swiss public certainly think it's a possibility having given Timebelle nearly half of the votes, thereby blowing their competition out of the water. However, from what was seen of the presentation at the national final, it's going to take more than this package for a pan-European audience to pick up their phones en masse.

There's no denying that lead singer Miruna Mănescu is easy on the eye and that her voice is more than capable of hitting the high notes. The problem here, though, is the song. Unfortunately, Apollo is neither as heavenly as one might hope, nor likely to rocket up the left-hand side of the scoreboard.

This mid-tempo ballad is a fine example of what now appears to be a continuing problem for the Swiss: their songs aren't awful but, more often than not, they are forgettable. While the chorus here has something of a hook, it really is not memorable enough to maintain the listener's attention over three minutes. Somehow, it feels as if this entry is going to sink among what are likely to be bolder and edgier songs.

For that reason, Switzerland seem destined to miss qualification for a third year in a row.

What do you think?

6/10.

Eurovision 1976: And The UK's 12 Points Go to...Switzerland!

Switzerland's Peter, Sue and Marc

"And our twelve points go to..."

In 1976, the Eurovision Song Contest moved to The Hague in The Netherlands following Teach-In's victory with Ding A Dong the previous year.

The same scoring system that was introduced in 1975 continued. Each jury awarded (the now familiar) twelve points to their favourite song, followed by ten and eight points etc to their next favourites.

Of course, 1976 was a special year for the United Kingdom, when the nation secured a second victory via The Brotherhood of Man's memorable ditty, Save Your Kisses For Me.

But what of the UK's twelve points? What was the country's decision?

The consensus among many of the nations which hadn't given their top mark to the UK was that France's Catherine Ferry should be 1976's winner. However, members of the British jury had other ideas. They liked Ferry's Un, deux, trois, but much preferred Switzerland's entry presented by Peter, Sue and Marc called Djambo Djambo.

Originally from Bern, the trio was no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest having already participated in 1971 with Les illusions de nos vingt ans which placed twelfth in a field of eighteen. In 1976, however, with the help of the United Kingdom's twelve points, Switzerland managed to climb the scoreboard to finish with a total of 91 points and a highly respectable fourth place.

Djambo Djambo was typical of continental Europe's Eurovision output of the era. While ABBA had tried to inject a modicum of modernity into the Contest, Peter, Sue and Marc - who appeared to be Switzerland's sub par answer to Peter, Paul and Mary - kept it firmly in the middle of the road. A folky pop number - its staging was a little reminiscent of Mouth and MacNeal's I See A Star from 1974 - it told the story of an ageing clown named Djambo Djambo, recalling his glory days of performing in the circus.

With lines like..."And sometimes you can see him on the side-walk with little boys and girls around his feets," it had its obvious problems. Nevertheless, it succeeded in being a jaunty sing-along tune - even possessing an obligatory key change - something that seemed to appeal to British Eurovision sensibilities.

Although Djambo, Djambo ranked well, Peter, Sue and Marc decided to soldier on in their bid to win Eurovision. Sadly, it was to no avail. A failed attempt in 1978 led to a return to the Finals in both 1979 (10th place) and 1981 (4th place).

A solo effort by Marc Dietrich in 1987 could only secure the runners-up spot in the Swiss finals - the last time any of the vocal group attempted to compete for a spot in the main Final.

While they could never win the competition, Peter, Sue and Marc nevertheless left behind their own piece of Eurovision history. They represented Switzerland on four occasions, singing in four different languages: French, English, German and Italian.

The UK's Eurovision Top 3 in 1976

Switzerland: Peter, Sue and Marc: Djambo Djambo - 12 points
Ireland: Red Hurley: When - 10 points
France: Catherine Ferry: Un, deux, trois - 8 points

Eurovision 2016: Review: Switzerland: Rykka: The Last of Our Kind

Rykka is a Vancouver-based singer who has received
several nominations for music awards in Canada

After what seemed like months of Eurovision haggling, the Swiss selection for the 2016 Contest came down to a six horse race where Rykka, with The Last of Our Kind, was chosen to represent the country.

The Canadian-born singer has all the elements to make a big impression in the world of pop: she has the look of a young Kim Wilde, the vulnerability and sexiness of Marilyn Monroe - all wrapped in the energy of Pink and Sia.

While performance and perception are a huge part in helping an artist on their way to stardom, so is the delivery of the product.

In Rykka's case - most definitely in her live rendition of The Last of Our Kind - her bid for stardom could easily be derailed. The song itself wants to be liked - and in many respects it is likeable, if not loveable. However, it's Rykka's vocals which make you want to turn down the volume or switch it off altogether.

Yet the studio version is a wholly different kettle of fish. It sounds fresh and modern and, most importantly, in tune! Here, Rykka's voice is more mesmerising than mutilating. Her vocals mix well with the mid-tempo melody which eventually cajoles its way into your subconscious. Just as you reach the second chorus, you find yourself humming along to the song - something it was difficult to achieve during the live final.

Therein lies Switzerland's problem: a good song sung by a not so good live singer. If Rykka repeats what was heard during the Swiss national final, it's highly unlikely The Last of Our Kind will participate in Stockholm's arena on May 14. Improve the vocals, however, and the song could surprise everyone.

What do you think?

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Eurovision 2015: Switzerland: Mélanie René: Time to Shine

Mélanie René: the 2015 Swiss representative

Following a selection process that began last July, it was announced this past Saturday evening that Time to Shine, written and performed by Mélanie René, would represent Switzerland at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

She was one of six performers who took part in Die Entscheidungsshow (The Decision), Switzerland's live national final broadcast from the city of Kreuzlingen, which lies in the north-eastern part of the country.

The contestants were not only asked to present their respective Eurovision prospect, but also a cover of a well-known hit. Mélanie chose Sia's recent chart success, Chandelier.

When you hear Time to Shine, Chandelier was not really a surprising choice by the 24-year-old, who was born in Geneva of Mauritian heritage. It follows that song's indie pop / synth pop feel, while throwing in elements of Eighties electro and a short guitar solo for good measure.

Even so, of all the entries so far announced, Time to Shine sounds the most current and, in doing so, at least tries to appeal to a younger demographic. As well as Sia, comparisons could also be made with other modern female singers: the stripped back sound of Lorde comes to mind, as does the urban beat of Katy B. It's certainly a song which one could imagine hearing on contemporary radio shows.

Does this mean the composition could do well at Eurovision? Compared to the few entries which have already been announced, it rates very favourably. For me, it's the type of song that should do well - but quite often what is good and what works well at the Contest are two entirely different entities.

There is a hook - which is crucial. However, if you're like me, it may take several listens to fully appreciate it. Immediacy is not its friend, then. Nor is the slightly older core audience of the extravaganza.

That said, I'm hoping younger viewers of the second semi-final - Switzerland has the advantage of a second half performance place - will push it up the scoreboard far enough to allow it to qualify. Mélanie is obviously a talented young lady, who benefits from a great voice and is blessed with good looks. She deserves to be in the Final.

What do you think?

Intro image: Mélanie René - Facebook

Eurovision 2014: Switzerland: Hunter of Stars

Download: SebAlter: Hunter of Stars

On Feb 1, the Bondensee Arena in Kreuzlingen played host to the Swiss Eurovision National Final where six acts were competing for the ticket to Copnhagen. After the combined votes of the jury and the public were counted, SEBalter performing Hunter of Stars was announced as the winner.

I must admit that I didn't hear the other five songs from the Swiss Final, so I can make no comparisons. However, the whistling, violin, folk styling of SEBAlter might make some compare the presentation to last year's winner (as well as a certain Mr. Alexander Rybak).

Sebastiano Paulessi is a handsome young man, but for some reason his overall aura also reminds me of Lithuania's Andrius Pojavis from last year's Eurovision. It's all very melodic and pleasant, but his eyes and facial contortions during the whistling refrains can be slightly disturbing.

Sebastiano's diction is a problem, too. It's difficult to tell that the song is sung in English. As a native Italian speaker, it may well have been a better idea for him to perform it in that language. At the moment, there seems to be no advantage to him singing something that no-one else is going to understand.

That aside, Hunter of Stars - as awkward as the title is - is typical of what Switzerland has been sending to the Contest over recent years. Unfortunately, it does not fully catch fire, save towards its conclusion when the audience can join in with some hand clapping. It's great to see the various musicians at work, though. They're obviously enthusiastic for the song and that feeling should transfer well to the audience. Will that translate to votes from television viewers? With the right staging, it should.

With only seven songs determined so far, it's difficult to forecast Switzerland's ultimate fate. I've a feeling that its path may also be similar to 2013 Lithuania: a qualifier that lands in a lowly position on the Final scoreboard.

Eurovision 2013: Switzerland: You & Me

Takasa: You and Me

The Swiss entrants for Eurovision have been waiting since mid-December to go on stage and perform their entry, You and Me. During that time, the name of the group has had to be changed. They are now Takasa, rather than Heilsarmee (Salvation Army), due to an EBU ruling concerning religious and political content.

However, the content of the song is very much in keeping with the theme of this year's Contest: We Are One. It's nothing like what one would expect from a Salvation Army band, expect that the lyrics have a message of "unity in shared values":

Let it hear from near and far 

This is how it’s meant to be 

We’re together you and me

This rock ballad zips along nicely, with a memorable refrain and an anthemic chorus. I foresee lots of arm waving in the crowd along with a substantial amount of televotes. It should qualify easily for the final, but I don't see it worrying the current front runners for the trophy.

Switzerland also have the advantage of performing as the penultimate act (16th) in the second semi-final on May 16.

How well do you think the Swiss song will place?

 

Eurovision 2012: Sinplus: Unbreakable

Has it really been a year since I last posted here? Well, the new Eurovision season is well under way and several songs have now been announced.

One of the earliest to be decided was from Switzerland who are sending Sinplus to Baku with the song Unbreakable. This year the Swiss are going with some rock driven pop, not unlike a throwaway track from Irish legends U2.

Generally, these type of songs either do very well or completely bomb. If we look at the Turkish entries from the past few years, they've sent similar rock numbers which have fared very well.

One advantage for the Swiss is that Sinplus are pretty well known across Europe, so this shouldn't harm the group's chances in securing a Final spot. Is it the winner? Probably not. But, I've a feeling it will go down well with voters and see Switzerland back nearer the top of the scoreboard than in recent years.

What do you think?

Unbreakable is available on Sinplus' album Disinformation.

Eurovision 2011: Switzerland: Anna Rossinelli

Switzerland is the first nation to decide upon its song for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The country has chosen In Love For A While, which will be sung by vocalist Anna Rossinelli. It will be performed in the first half of the first semi-final to be held on May 10.

The song is a jaunty number with a catchy rhythm, sung in English. Having seen the video, it appears that Switzerland may be trying for the "Lena" factor, with the song and Ms Rossinelli's appearance and demeanour somewhat reminiscent of last year's German winner.

Is it strong enough to reach the Final? Tough to tell without having heard many of its contenders, but I've a feeling that it is a little too lightweight to progress past the semi-final stage.

What do you think?