Favorites from QF1 based on running order:
Shetland Islands, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Russia, Monaco
Shetland Islands, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Russia, Monaco
DSFE 78: The Ny-Ålesund of Music!
10 of 30
What's Hot?
Bosnia - BALKAN TRASH <3
Serbia - Amazing find, love it
Switzerland - Just brilliant <3
What's Not?
Belarus - Oh dear
Kosovo - No thank you
Shetlands - Can't access the video
Not a bad QF although a little dreary.
Bosnia - BALKAN TRASH <3
Serbia - Amazing find, love it
Switzerland - Just brilliant <3
What's Not?
Belarus - Oh dear
Kosovo - No thank you
Shetlands - Can't access the video
Not a bad QF although a little dreary.
Originally Posted by ChickenFromKiev:
“What's Hot?
Bosnia - BALKAN TRASH <3
Serbia - Amazing find, love it
Switzerland - Just brilliant <3
What's Not?
Belarus - Oh dear
Kosovo - No thank you
Shetlands - Can't access the video
Not a bad QF although a little dreary.”
“What's Hot?
Bosnia - BALKAN TRASH <3
Serbia - Amazing find, love it
Switzerland - Just brilliant <3
What's Not?
Belarus - Oh dear
Kosovo - No thank you
Shetlands - Can't access the video
Not a bad QF although a little dreary.”
If you can't access the video, don't send in your votes yet, and find a link that you can access.
Not being able to view the video was one of the reasons why close to nobody voted for my 77 Bombay Street song 2-3 contests back, and I remember feeling that it was unfair knowing that it could have qualified if more people had been able to view the studio version so I wouldn't want that to happen to the Shetlands user here too.
I am NOT Shetlands btw.
QF1 Review
Lebanon: This is okay but it got a bit boring as it went on. The chorus is way better than the verses.
Ireland: A bit boring but I really like his voice. Hope it does well. (Very Irish)
Kosovo: Not good. I found myself watching the time on the video and losing concentration on the actual song - not that I was missing out on much.
Shetland Islands: It's alright. Feel like I've heard this type of ~alternative~ song 100s of times before. Good chorus.
Estonia: Not bad but definitely not going to be a favourite of mine.
Liechtenstein: I wonder if Kesha has ever heard of Liechtenstein!? Regardless, I'm a fan of hers and I really like this. #FreeKesha
Switzerland: I really like the video, gosh atleast I know I'm not the only ugly crier out there, but the song is a bit elevator music-y. Doesn't do anything to stand out.
Hungary: Her voice is good but not fully captivated by the song. Prefer the second half of the song.
Azerbaijan: Aw, I love Safura. But this song isn't one of her best.
Belarus: Alexander is such a cutie. The song is a bit much though, isn't it? Cheese.
Belgium: This is one of the better 'quirky' indie entries. Again doesn't do anything different or anything to stand out.
Italy: A bit dull but I like this. Totes emosh.
Cyprus: No thanks.
Serbia: Sorry but these guys always annoy me with their songs. A bit TOO Irish for me.
Russia: Oooh here we go. Really love her voice. The first song this QF that could challenge my top points later on. Good song and yay something that finally stands out.
Monaco: Not overly fond of this. The beat is too loud and annoying.
Bosnia: Aw these types of songs give me a throwback to the 2011 contests prior to Indie/American bands takeover. I like it.
TOP FIVE:
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Italy
Russia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Lebanon: This is okay but it got a bit boring as it went on. The chorus is way better than the verses.
Ireland: A bit boring but I really like his voice. Hope it does well. (Very Irish)
Kosovo: Not good. I found myself watching the time on the video and losing concentration on the actual song - not that I was missing out on much.
Shetland Islands: It's alright. Feel like I've heard this type of ~alternative~ song 100s of times before. Good chorus.
Estonia: Not bad but definitely not going to be a favourite of mine.
Liechtenstein: I wonder if Kesha has ever heard of Liechtenstein!? Regardless, I'm a fan of hers and I really like this. #FreeKesha
Switzerland: I really like the video, gosh atleast I know I'm not the only ugly crier out there, but the song is a bit elevator music-y. Doesn't do anything to stand out.
Hungary: Her voice is good but not fully captivated by the song. Prefer the second half of the song.
Azerbaijan: Aw, I love Safura. But this song isn't one of her best.
Belarus: Alexander is such a cutie. The song is a bit much though, isn't it? Cheese.
Belgium: This is one of the better 'quirky' indie entries. Again doesn't do anything different or anything to stand out.
Italy: A bit dull but I like this. Totes emosh.
Cyprus: No thanks.
Serbia: Sorry but these guys always annoy me with their songs. A bit TOO Irish for me.
Russia: Oooh here we go. Really love her voice. The first song this QF that could challenge my top points later on. Good song and yay something that finally stands out.
Monaco: Not overly fond of this. The beat is too loud and annoying.
Bosnia: Aw these types of songs give me a throwback to the 2011 contests prior to Indie/American bands takeover. I like it.
TOP FIVE:
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Italy
Russia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Quarter Final 1
The following are preliminary grades only and may be upgraded or downgraded as the contest goes on!
1 Lebanon ₋ It's a shame there isn't a video. It's an okay start to the playlist, but I'm not really feeling it. (Grade B)
2 Ireland ₋ Really liking this and it should do well. Could possibly be a grower too. (Grade A)
3 Kosovo ₋ Definitely not my kind of music. It has a decent beat I guess and her voice is quite nice. It is basically just your typical Balkan club hit really but I do recognise Albania can be a difficult country to get. (Grade C+)
4 Shetland Islands ₋ I enjoy the beat and her voice. It also starts really nice with the verses, but then she gets a bit screechy which slightly ruins it for me. It is a good find though. (Grade B+)
5 Estonia ₋ Well it is certainly different for Estonia I'll give you that. Not my kind of music but I do appreciate it as a good find for a difficult country. She needs a new wardrobe lady though - rubbish dress sense. (Grade B)
6 Liechtenstein ₋ Bizarre choice I guess for Liechtenstein, but a decent entry. I love Kesha - I wish there was a video though. I think this could do well. (Grade B+)
7 Switzerland ₋ Emotional video. Good song though and I can see this earning a 'favourites' tag. I can't see it growing on me more for some reason though. (Grade A)
8 Hungary ₋ Another good song. A very good find for Hungary! (Grade A+)
9 Azerbaijan ₋ It's a little dreary, but I do appreciate how hard Azerbaijan can be. Lack of video could harm it too Picks up as the song goes on. (Grade C)
10 Belarus ₋ Words cannot express how much I hate Rybak and want to slap him any time I see him. (Grade F)
11 Belgium ₋ I picked this up to use in DSFE recently so not surprised to see it here. I like it a lot and it is a grower I think. (Grade A)
12 Italy ₋ Sam Smith wannabe? Not bad and a welcome change to the usual Italian dross ballads everyone goes nuts for here. (Grade B+)
13 Cyprus ₋ I do love the Greek language but I am not quite feeling this one... yet. It might grow on me. (Grade B)
14 Serbia ₋ This lot are always a welcome entry from Serbia. Will grow on me too I reckon. (Grade B+)
15 Russia ₋ I first heard this on a blog and couldn't quite get what people were banging on about. It's a little better on second listen so it looks like it will grow on me. (Grade B+)
16 Monaco ₋ What is hanging off his belt? And why is he trying to emulate Christine and the Queens? OK, but has that clubby sound. Meh for the moment (Grade C+)
17 Bosnia Herzegovina ₋ I am just not keen on those Balkan sounds - they do nothing for me. The wailing that they do on purpose with the singing grates on me too! I appreciate Bosnia is hard, but it is a no from me(Grade C)
The following are preliminary grades only and may be upgraded or downgraded as the contest goes on!
1 Lebanon ₋ It's a shame there isn't a video. It's an okay start to the playlist, but I'm not really feeling it. (Grade B)
2 Ireland ₋ Really liking this and it should do well. Could possibly be a grower too. (Grade A)
3 Kosovo ₋ Definitely not my kind of music. It has a decent beat I guess and her voice is quite nice. It is basically just your typical Balkan club hit really but I do recognise Albania can be a difficult country to get. (Grade C+)
4 Shetland Islands ₋ I enjoy the beat and her voice. It also starts really nice with the verses, but then she gets a bit screechy which slightly ruins it for me. It is a good find though. (Grade B+)
5 Estonia ₋ Well it is certainly different for Estonia I'll give you that. Not my kind of music but I do appreciate it as a good find for a difficult country. She needs a new wardrobe lady though - rubbish dress sense. (Grade B)
6 Liechtenstein ₋ Bizarre choice I guess for Liechtenstein, but a decent entry. I love Kesha - I wish there was a video though. I think this could do well. (Grade B+)
7 Switzerland ₋ Emotional video. Good song though and I can see this earning a 'favourites' tag. I can't see it growing on me more for some reason though. (Grade A)
8 Hungary ₋ Another good song. A very good find for Hungary! (Grade A+)
9 Azerbaijan ₋ It's a little dreary, but I do appreciate how hard Azerbaijan can be. Lack of video could harm it too
Picks up as the song goes on. (Grade C)10 Belarus ₋ Words cannot express how much I hate Rybak and want to slap him any time I see him. (Grade F)
11 Belgium ₋ I picked this up to use in DSFE recently so not surprised to see it here. I like it a lot and it is a grower I think. (Grade A)
12 Italy ₋ Sam Smith wannabe? Not bad and a welcome change to the usual Italian dross ballads everyone goes nuts for here. (Grade B+)
13 Cyprus ₋ I do love the Greek language but I am not quite feeling this one... yet. It might grow on me. (Grade B)
14 Serbia ₋ This lot are always a welcome entry from Serbia. Will grow on me too I reckon. (Grade B+)
15 Russia ₋ I first heard this on a blog and couldn't quite get what people were banging on about. It's a little better on second listen so it looks like it will grow on me. (Grade B+)
16 Monaco ₋ What is hanging off his belt? And why is he trying to emulate Christine and the Queens? OK, but has that clubby sound. Meh for the moment (Grade C+)
17 Bosnia Herzegovina ₋ I am just not keen on those Balkan sounds - they do nothing for me. The wailing that they do on purpose with the singing grates on me too! I appreciate Bosnia is hard, but it is a no from me
(Grade C)
Been getting varied reviews - thinking that I should qualify but not sure. My least favourite of my entries anyway! 
Will QF2 be up tonight?
Will QF2 be up tonight?
Well it's been a while since I've done one of these! Soz if I hate your song <3
Lebanon - I was expecting something terribly bland from the opening, but the chorus is surprisingly solid. It's nothing ground-breaking, and if it qualifies it will get drowned out by better entries, but it's better than the opening suggested.
Ireland - This kind of indie vibe usually does well here, and I fully expect this to do so too. However, it's missing the mark for me; it builds well but the chorus plods a little too much through the mud to be the rousing anthem it tries to be.
Kosovo - Okay, so before this started playing properly, I was with my housemate and said 'this is going to have a violin over a dancebeat. I just sense it.' There it is. This may have its fans but that kind of dance number will never do much for me.
Shetland Islands - The backing of this reminds me of Awolnation's 'Sail' an awful lot, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It slightly sounds like the demo of a bigger song to come, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.
Estonia - This sounds like it should be in Eesti Laul. Like what is it doing just being a normal song. Her accent is a little weird but I'll forgive it because it's at least unique. It doesn't seem to have much of a chorus, and it sort of stays at the same level through the entire song, but the EL vibes are nice.
Liechtenstein - Not only do I support Kesha, but I also feel that this is a rather strong song, and it's nice to see Zedd breaking away from his usual formula. It's dark and quite atmospheric in places, and Kesha's voice is also better than I remember. I personally wanted pretty big strings at the end, but I always do, and we can't have it all. Plus, the bells were pretty good.
Switzerland - Jaël is a new one on me, and tbh, she seems pretty great. The song itself seems pretty paint-by-numbers, particularly in terms of chord progression, but her voice is gorgeous and really delicate and is taking the song to new heights.
Hungary - Joni is always one of the strongest entries you can go for with Hungary (which is saying a lot considering I traditionally love Hungarian DSFE entries). I feel this would have been a major hit in like 2007, around the same time as Sara Bareilles' 'Love Song'. Solid entry.
Azerbaijan - So, the opening had promise, despite the blatantly fake strings. It just never really builds from the fragility of the opening quite enough, and so it becomes really bland. It's a shame because I feel the song had potential.
Belarus - I loved Alexander Rybak back in the day. Then I realised that a) he's a little self-entitled, and b) many of his songs sound really similar. Some of his songs ARE great, mind you - I just don't really think this is one of them.
Belgium - I don't really get this song. Her voice grates on me, and the chorus sounds more like an extension of the bridge. In fact, I just find her really annoying. I do, however, see this one being fairly popular.
Italy - This also suffers from 'weak chorus syndrome'; nothing particularly grabs me about it, and it all seems to go on a little. Again, nothing particularly wrong with it, but I'm not a big fan.
Cyprus - Cyprus is not a great country to be given, so considering, this isn't all that bad. I can imagine it being in Eurovision maybe 12 years ago - it's dated, but not terrible.
Serbia - Take Me High was one of the first DSFE songs that I truly loved, and so it's nice to see these guys back again. I also love anything folk-y, particularly when it's Celtic or Nordic. Perhaps a predictable entry and definitely not breaking any moulds, it's still rather pleasant.
Russia - I enjoy orchestral songs. I don't necessarily enjoy songs about peace, because they all get slightly predictable and cheesy in terms of lyrics after a while. This also isn't using the orchestra as well as it could have been, and so it's missing the mark a little. Definitely needs more bass instruments.
Monaco - I feel like I've heard the English version of this song, although I blatantly haven't. Also, Olivier Dion is pretty and I want 12 of him. The song isn't what I usually appreciate but for some reason I'm quite enjoying.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - As far as your typical Balkan fare goes, this isn't half bad. I expect it to do badly because this sort of song always does, but it's remarkably listenable.
Lebanon - I was expecting something terribly bland from the opening, but the chorus is surprisingly solid. It's nothing ground-breaking, and if it qualifies it will get drowned out by better entries, but it's better than the opening suggested.
Ireland - This kind of indie vibe usually does well here, and I fully expect this to do so too. However, it's missing the mark for me; it builds well but the chorus plods a little too much through the mud to be the rousing anthem it tries to be.
Kosovo - Okay, so before this started playing properly, I was with my housemate and said 'this is going to have a violin over a dancebeat. I just sense it.' There it is. This may have its fans but that kind of dance number will never do much for me.
Shetland Islands - The backing of this reminds me of Awolnation's 'Sail' an awful lot, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It slightly sounds like the demo of a bigger song to come, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.
Estonia - This sounds like it should be in Eesti Laul. Like what is it doing just being a normal song. Her accent is a little weird but I'll forgive it because it's at least unique. It doesn't seem to have much of a chorus, and it sort of stays at the same level through the entire song, but the EL vibes are nice.
Liechtenstein - Not only do I support Kesha, but I also feel that this is a rather strong song, and it's nice to see Zedd breaking away from his usual formula. It's dark and quite atmospheric in places, and Kesha's voice is also better than I remember. I personally wanted pretty big strings at the end, but I always do, and we can't have it all. Plus, the bells were pretty good.
Switzerland - Jaël is a new one on me, and tbh, she seems pretty great. The song itself seems pretty paint-by-numbers, particularly in terms of chord progression, but her voice is gorgeous and really delicate and is taking the song to new heights.
Hungary - Joni is always one of the strongest entries you can go for with Hungary (which is saying a lot considering I traditionally love Hungarian DSFE entries). I feel this would have been a major hit in like 2007, around the same time as Sara Bareilles' 'Love Song'. Solid entry.
Azerbaijan - So, the opening had promise, despite the blatantly fake strings. It just never really builds from the fragility of the opening quite enough, and so it becomes really bland. It's a shame because I feel the song had potential.
Belarus - I loved Alexander Rybak back in the day. Then I realised that a) he's a little self-entitled, and b) many of his songs sound really similar. Some of his songs ARE great, mind you - I just don't really think this is one of them.
Belgium - I don't really get this song. Her voice grates on me, and the chorus sounds more like an extension of the bridge. In fact, I just find her really annoying. I do, however, see this one being fairly popular.
Italy - This also suffers from 'weak chorus syndrome'; nothing particularly grabs me about it, and it all seems to go on a little. Again, nothing particularly wrong with it, but I'm not a big fan.
Cyprus - Cyprus is not a great country to be given, so considering, this isn't all that bad. I can imagine it being in Eurovision maybe 12 years ago - it's dated, but not terrible.
Serbia - Take Me High was one of the first DSFE songs that I truly loved, and so it's nice to see these guys back again. I also love anything folk-y, particularly when it's Celtic or Nordic. Perhaps a predictable entry and definitely not breaking any moulds, it's still rather pleasant.
Russia - I enjoy orchestral songs. I don't necessarily enjoy songs about peace, because they all get slightly predictable and cheesy in terms of lyrics after a while. This also isn't using the orchestra as well as it could have been, and so it's missing the mark a little. Definitely needs more bass instruments.
Monaco - I feel like I've heard the English version of this song, although I blatantly haven't. Also, Olivier Dion is pretty and I want 12 of him. The song isn't what I usually appreciate but for some reason I'm quite enjoying.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - As far as your typical Balkan fare goes, this isn't half bad. I expect it to do badly because this sort of song always does, but it's remarkably listenable.
My song is getting some decent reviews. So, I really hope it will advance.
Thanks for all the reviews so far. They're always entertaining to read.
Thanks for all the reviews so far. They're always entertaining to read.
QF#2
1 Latvia Karuselis ₋ Madara Grēgere & Roberts Pētersons
2 San Marino Se Avessi un Cuore ₋ Annalisa
3 Turkey Aşk Mı Dedin ₋ Ömür Gedik
4 Romania In Grija Ta ₋ XOXO
5 Ukraine Liar ₋ The Erised
6 Germany Dad ₋ Neele Ternes
7 New Zealand Step On Up ₋ Benny Tipene
8 Iceland Baby Take The Wheel ₋ Maria Olafs
9 Montenegro Na Tebe Da Ne Liči ₋ Goga Sekulić
10 Svalbard Dynasty ₋ Miia
11 North Africa Take Me Far Away ₋ Elisa Tovati
12 France Glowing in the Dark ₋ The Girl + The Dreamcatcher
13 Wales Thorn Tree ₋ Catrin O'Neill
14 Northern Ireland Lion's Heart ₋ Eliza & the Bear
15 England Burn The Witch ₋ Radiohead
16 Czech Republic Bezpečné Priepasti ₋ Katarína Knechtová
17 Jersey Send My Love (To Your New Lover) ₋ Adele
QF#2 PLAYLIST
- Please rank the songs above in traditional Eurovision format (12, 10, 8, etc.)
- You cannot vote for your own song.
- Please submit your votes to me by Thursday 2nd June at 7:30pm. Results will follow shortly after.
- Failure to vote will result in your country's disqualification, so make sure you vote!
- If you don't have a country in this QF, you can still vote.
Good luck!
1 Latvia Karuselis ₋ Madara Grēgere & Roberts Pētersons
2 San Marino Se Avessi un Cuore ₋ Annalisa
3 Turkey Aşk Mı Dedin ₋ Ömür Gedik
4 Romania In Grija Ta ₋ XOXO
5 Ukraine Liar ₋ The Erised
6 Germany Dad ₋ Neele Ternes
7 New Zealand Step On Up ₋ Benny Tipene
8 Iceland Baby Take The Wheel ₋ Maria Olafs
9 Montenegro Na Tebe Da Ne Liči ₋ Goga Sekulić
10 Svalbard Dynasty ₋ Miia
11 North Africa Take Me Far Away ₋ Elisa Tovati
12 France Glowing in the Dark ₋ The Girl + The Dreamcatcher
13 Wales Thorn Tree ₋ Catrin O'Neill
14 Northern Ireland Lion's Heart ₋ Eliza & the Bear
15 England Burn The Witch ₋ Radiohead
16 Czech Republic Bezpečné Priepasti ₋ Katarína Knechtová
17 Jersey Send My Love (To Your New Lover) ₋ Adele
QF#2 PLAYLIST
- Please rank the songs above in traditional Eurovision format (12, 10, 8, etc.)
- You cannot vote for your own song.
- Please submit your votes to me by Thursday 2nd June at 7:30pm. Results will follow shortly after.
- Failure to vote will result in your country's disqualification, so make sure you vote!
- If you don't have a country in this QF, you can still vote.
Good luck!
QF2 Review
LATVIA: Really like the male vocals. Song and female vocals are okay.
SAN MARINO: Basic italian pop. Not saying it's bad - it's decent - just not special.
TURKEY: What a heavy language. Very Turkish but didn't win me over
ROMANIA: Girlbands are usually at the bottom of my rankings but I surprisingly don't hate this one. Pleasant enough
UKRAINE: Thought we were going to get something interesting and artistic at the beginning but I was wrong. It's dull and it doesn't go anywhere
GERMANY: This screams TV commercial. Cheesy but has a charm.
NEW ZEALAND: At last something fresh and different. I like this of course
ICELAND: She's so disney. Song is cute ( I guess )
MONTENEGRO: Oh my God she has plastic air fans on stage :') It's so trashy that it gets cool but I still don't like it.
SVALBARD: Good
NORTH AFRICA: Not a very convincing robot. The track is fine
FRANCE: They are both still annoying but this song is better than their previous entry.
WALES: I get that this may be good for the people that enjoy this kind of music but I am not one of them. I appreciate its quality and the traditional elements though.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Nice song and nice video concept
ENGLAND: Radiohead are legends. However, some of their tracks - this included - are only for people with a very specific taste in music so I don't think this is a great pick for here.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Indifferent
JERSEY: Maybe the safest EF pick ever. Having said that, the song has a playful vibe that I really enjoy.
LATVIA: Really like the male vocals. Song and female vocals are okay.
SAN MARINO: Basic italian pop. Not saying it's bad - it's decent - just not special.
TURKEY: What a heavy language. Very Turkish but didn't win me over
ROMANIA: Girlbands are usually at the bottom of my rankings but I surprisingly don't hate this one. Pleasant enough
UKRAINE: Thought we were going to get something interesting and artistic at the beginning but I was wrong. It's dull and it doesn't go anywhere
GERMANY: This screams TV commercial. Cheesy but has a charm.
NEW ZEALAND: At last something fresh and different. I like this of course
ICELAND: She's so disney. Song is cute ( I guess )
MONTENEGRO: Oh my God she has plastic air fans on stage :') It's so trashy that it gets cool but I still don't like it.
SVALBARD: Good
NORTH AFRICA: Not a very convincing robot. The track is fine
FRANCE: They are both still annoying but this song is better than their previous entry.
WALES: I get that this may be good for the people that enjoy this kind of music but I am not one of them. I appreciate its quality and the traditional elements though.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Nice song and nice video concept
ENGLAND: Radiohead are legends. However, some of their tracks - this included - are only for people with a very specific taste in music so I don't think this is a great pick for here.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Indifferent
JERSEY: Maybe the safest EF pick ever. Having said that, the song has a playful vibe that I really enjoy.
Funny how you say that Germany screams TV commercial because it appeared in a Christmas commercial in Germany if I am correct
QF2 Review
Latvia: Ooh I quite like this. She has a really nice voice and I enjoy their voices together. Yass for Roberts making his big, long-awaited return.
San Marino: Last contest I spent like 2 days deciding between this & that Marco Mengoni song. I went Marco and didn't make the Finals so is it bad that I'm kinda hoping this flops? I wonder why the forum member hasn't used the official video?
Turkey: Sometimes songs in Turkish just come together and it's really impressive ... unfortunately this is not one of those times.
Romania: I didn't realise that Little Mix had Romanian heritage? Oh wait, it's just a Little Mix impersonator band? I really liked this up until that stupid dance beat, not in the mood to dance at this time of night!
Ukraine: This is different, which is nice, but I'm not sure if I'm overly indifferent to it. It's okay? Gets a bit boring and I was waiting for it to finish rather than hoping it doesn't end.
Germany: Love this. It's really cute and emosh and she's so pretty too. Her voice is so great - one of my early favourites.
New Zealand: The beat on this is really cool but I just wish his voice was a little bit better. Don't get me wrong though, I love the chorus.
Iceland: Haha I automatically read this as Jesus Take The Wheel at first... This is okay-to-good, but I can't help but cringe at how bad a live performance of it would be.
Montenegro: It's a no from me.
Svalbard: Another REALLY strong song. Love this - another young girl with a truly fantastic voice. Can see this being Top 5 in the final.
North Africa: The video for this just needs to stop ... for real. But it's okay? A very summery song - but not feeling too summery at the mo with a cold and sunburnt limbs.
France: Prefer this to their other song. Think I'm crushing on the guy a little bit ... and the girl is literally so pretty. Love the chorus - could do well? Alphabeat vibes.
Wales: Props for going for something a bit different but in all honesty it was a bit dirgey and just dragged.
Northern Ireland: I saw these guys lives a couple of years ago in London as a support act. Good to see they're still around! Not bad - sounds very similar to that other Irish song in this contest, potentially a little bit better.
England: Radiohead should've stayed in the 90s & early 00s.
Czechia: I feel like everyone is just waiting for queen Gabby to release another single and for it to slay the DSFE masses. This is good, but not great.
Jersey: Love Adele, and this song. Whether or not I love it in DSFE context is a different story.
TOP FIVE:
San Marino
Germany
New Zealand
Svalbard
France
Latvia: Ooh I quite like this. She has a really nice voice and I enjoy their voices together. Yass for Roberts making his big, long-awaited return.
San Marino: Last contest I spent like 2 days deciding between this & that Marco Mengoni song. I went Marco and didn't make the Finals so is it bad that I'm kinda hoping this flops? I wonder why the forum member hasn't used the official video?
Turkey: Sometimes songs in Turkish just come together and it's really impressive ... unfortunately this is not one of those times.
Romania: I didn't realise that Little Mix had Romanian heritage? Oh wait, it's just a Little Mix impersonator band? I really liked this up until that stupid dance beat, not in the mood to dance at this time of night!
Ukraine: This is different, which is nice, but I'm not sure if I'm overly indifferent to it. It's okay? Gets a bit boring and I was waiting for it to finish rather than hoping it doesn't end.
Germany: Love this. It's really cute and emosh and she's so pretty too. Her voice is so great - one of my early favourites.
New Zealand: The beat on this is really cool but I just wish his voice was a little bit better. Don't get me wrong though, I love the chorus.
Iceland: Haha I automatically read this as Jesus Take The Wheel at first... This is okay-to-good, but I can't help but cringe at how bad a live performance of it would be.
Montenegro: It's a no from me.
Svalbard: Another REALLY strong song. Love this - another young girl with a truly fantastic voice. Can see this being Top 5 in the final.
North Africa: The video for this just needs to stop ... for real. But it's okay? A very summery song - but not feeling too summery at the mo with a cold and sunburnt limbs.
France: Prefer this to their other song. Think I'm crushing on the guy a little bit ... and the girl is literally so pretty. Love the chorus - could do well? Alphabeat vibes.
Wales: Props for going for something a bit different but in all honesty it was a bit dirgey and just dragged.
Northern Ireland: I saw these guys lives a couple of years ago in London as a support act. Good to see they're still around! Not bad - sounds very similar to that other Irish song in this contest, potentially a little bit better.
England: Radiohead should've stayed in the 90s & early 00s.
Czechia: I feel like everyone is just waiting for queen Gabby to release another single and for it to slay the DSFE masses. This is good, but not great.
Jersey: Love Adele, and this song. Whether or not I love it in DSFE context is a different story.
TOP FIVE:
San Marino
Germany
New Zealand
Svalbard
France
Originally Posted by GreekFan:
“QF2 Review
MONTENEGRO: Oh my God she has plastic air fans on stage :')”
“QF2 Review
MONTENEGRO: Oh my God she has plastic air fans on stage :')”
I just saw the video now. And, I cannot stop laughing at this. I might give this points because of of the modest production budget.
Oh, I expected Svalbard's song to show up sometime. Norway/Svalbard might have a chance to get their 4th win so far this year.
QF2
Latvia - I hardly ever like duets. Madare works better solo. He's at least pretty to look at, although I'd prefer not to roll around with him in sand. It gets everywhere.
San Marino - One day Italy will finally see sense and let Annalisa win Sanremo. Yet again she proves a bad Annalisa song simply doesn't exist. #Slay
Turkey - I like how they filmed driving along that same stretch of road about 6 or 7 times. Summery Eastern beats always make me happy.
Romania - A girlband banger makes me even happier. They really need to hire a choreographer though.
Ukraine - I wouldn't expect chill out synths from Ukraine! It plods along nicely enough.
Germany - Definitely sounds made for film/adverts. I was waiting for it take off in the second half, but it didn't. She has a lovely tone to her voice though.
New Zealand - Guy with guitar fodder.
Iceland - Unbroken was robbed. Light-hearted pop and I like the plinky-plonky beats.
Montenegro - She has a lot of fans, Carola could never.
The only fans she does have I imagine. Delightfully trashy, but yeah it's doomed.
Svalbard - I can make an exception to my ballad hating for an anthemic angel with a hint of vocoder-y action going on. This would be good as a soundtrack on one of those young adult film series.
North Africa - I thought it was just Robyn that has an unnatural obsession with robots, this woman takes it next level!
It has a really nice melody and the Japanesey elements speak to me.
France - Better than the other duet and their voices match up better, but I still wish the guy could be ditched.
Wales - This is fantastic... for insomniacs. I do like the Celtic vibes, but it's too relaxation CD for me.
Northern Ireland - It's indie so I'm not keen, although that advert song of theirs was vaguely listenable.
England - It's Radiohead, so yeah another obvious no. I did at least enjoy the sinister puppets having their Wicker Man moment.
Czech Republic - Ah the pleading from the cliffs music video trope. A pleasing voice to the ear.
Jersey - It annoys me how much I bop along to the chorus. I normally can't stand Adull. WELP!
That was a lot less hard work than QF1 to sit through.
Latvia - I hardly ever like duets. Madare works better solo. He's at least pretty to look at, although I'd prefer not to roll around with him in sand. It gets everywhere.
San Marino - One day Italy will finally see sense and let Annalisa win Sanremo. Yet again she proves a bad Annalisa song simply doesn't exist. #Slay
Turkey - I like how they filmed driving along that same stretch of road about 6 or 7 times. Summery Eastern beats always make me happy.
Romania - A girlband banger makes me even happier. They really need to hire a choreographer though.
Ukraine - I wouldn't expect chill out synths from Ukraine! It plods along nicely enough.
Germany - Definitely sounds made for film/adverts. I was waiting for it take off in the second half, but it didn't. She has a lovely tone to her voice though.
New Zealand - Guy with guitar fodder.
Iceland - Unbroken was robbed.
Light-hearted pop and I like the plinky-plonky beats.Montenegro - She has a lot of fans, Carola could never.
The only fans she does have I imagine. Delightfully trashy, but yeah it's doomed.Svalbard - I can make an exception to my ballad hating for an anthemic angel with a hint of vocoder-y action going on. This would be good as a soundtrack on one of those young adult film series.
North Africa - I thought it was just Robyn that has an unnatural obsession with robots, this woman takes it next level!
It has a really nice melody and the Japanesey elements speak to me.France - Better than the other duet and their voices match up better, but I still wish the guy could be ditched.
Wales - This is fantastic... for insomniacs. I do like the Celtic vibes, but it's too relaxation CD for me.
Northern Ireland - It's indie so I'm not keen, although that advert song of theirs was vaguely listenable.
England - It's Radiohead, so yeah another obvious no. I did at least enjoy the sinister puppets having their Wicker Man moment.
Czech Republic - Ah the pleading from the cliffs music video trope. A pleasing voice to the ear.
Jersey - It annoys me how much I bop along to the chorus. I normally can't stand Adull. WELP!
That was a lot less hard work than QF1 to sit through.
What's Hot?
Czech Republic - nearly sent this for Slovakia last edition, beautiful
France - I prefer this to their last entry, very strong
Svalbard - My favourite of the two QFs so far, brilliant
What's Not?
England - Dreary and nothing else
Jersey - I just can't abide by Adele for England, sorry
Turkey - This is just odd
A much stronger QF - my top 6 in this QF would make it into the top 3 of QF1. Not much to say yay about after that.
Czech Republic - nearly sent this for Slovakia last edition, beautiful
France - I prefer this to their last entry, very strong
Svalbard - My favourite of the two QFs so far, brilliant
What's Not?
England - Dreary and nothing else
Jersey - I just can't abide by Adele for England, sorry
Turkey - This is just odd
A much stronger QF - my top 6 in this QF would make it into the top 3 of QF1.
Not much to say yay about after that.
Latvia - So in Eurovision proper, I'd disliked every single Latvian entry ever, until 2015, and now I have two that I love. In DSFE, it's very rare that I like a Latvian entry, but this isn't too bad. Their voices seem to work well together, although the harmony that they choose at the end isn't really what I would have picked. Decent opener.
San Marino - I adore Annalisa so much, but the last song that was entered of hers was weak. This is a step in the right direction, but I'm still waiting for something as marvellous as Scintille.
Turkey - A few years back, I got into some trouble for jokingly asking why Turkish singers insisted on singing in Turkish. I still say that Turkish isn't a nice language to sing in (disclaimer: I say the same about Welsh and I speak it fluently), but this song is also too 'ethnic' to work in English. Turkey's a difficult country at times and I sympathise but this isn't doing much for me.
Romania - I'm never really a fan of girl bands, unless they really know how to harmonise. XOXO seemingly don't. The song is a little generic and as such it never really grabs me.
Ukraine - The Erised? Is this a Harry Potter reference? It started in a really interesting manner but it didn't really continue on that path. The synth in the chorus gets irritating, and the verse is slightly too stripped back to be memorable.
Germany - This suffers from both four chord syndrome and the irritating voice breaks between vowels in the chorus. It's pretty, but simplistic.
New Zealand - He doesn't pronounce the letter P at the end of the word 'Up', and that's odd. It's got an interesting beat but I thought the chorus was going to be bigger than it was. Not bad at all though.
Iceland - Icelandic music is some of my favourite in the world, but this isn't part of the reason why. I'm not really sold on her voice, and the song is alright but not much more.
Montenegro - Montenegro isn't a great country to find music for. That top though...
Svalbard - Another 'four chord song', it nonetheless has more power than Germany does. The slight vocal effects are reminiscent every now and then of Imogen Heap, which is quite nice.
North Africa - The 'Take Me Far Away' part sounds just like anything that is in the charts at the moment, but the rest of it doesn't necessarily. Unsure of how I stand on this yet.
France - Vocal harmony is always appreciated. I enjoy his voice more than hers, but they work together well, and they add extra interest to the song. Probably my favourite so far.
Wales - I enjoy folk music, and the fact that there's a harp makes it even nicer. It perhaps goes on a bit, but the proper fiddle tune that comes in later is a welcome addition. Highly doubt this is qualifying, and I feel I'd enjoy it much more in a live setting, but I quite like it.
Northern Ireland - I think I'm just in a bad mood. The 'oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh's are annoying me, and the rest of the song fails to interest me, with the exception of the slight brass interceptions every now and then.
England - I didn't particularly know of Radiohead until recently, but my friend is obsessed so I haven't had much of a choice since. However, this has literally everything I enjoy in a song - strings, angst, and lots of changes between major and minor.
Czech Republic - This also has slight changes between major and minor in the verses, and I like them here too. I'm not keen on the effect used on the drums, but it's quite a pretty song.
Jersey - Also confused as to why Adele has been used, but there's no denying that her voice is great. It's also refreshing to see Adele being upbeat, although on the flip side there's a reason this didn't make the Top 40 (besides the fact that everybody already had her album).
EDIT: I've now read some other reviews, who all seem to agree that this QF is better than QF 1. I couldn't disagree more.
San Marino - I adore Annalisa so much, but the last song that was entered of hers was weak. This is a step in the right direction, but I'm still waiting for something as marvellous as Scintille.
Turkey - A few years back, I got into some trouble for jokingly asking why Turkish singers insisted on singing in Turkish. I still say that Turkish isn't a nice language to sing in (disclaimer: I say the same about Welsh and I speak it fluently), but this song is also too 'ethnic' to work in English. Turkey's a difficult country at times and I sympathise but this isn't doing much for me.
Romania - I'm never really a fan of girl bands, unless they really know how to harmonise. XOXO seemingly don't. The song is a little generic and as such it never really grabs me.
Ukraine - The Erised? Is this a Harry Potter reference? It started in a really interesting manner but it didn't really continue on that path. The synth in the chorus gets irritating, and the verse is slightly too stripped back to be memorable.
Germany - This suffers from both four chord syndrome and the irritating voice breaks between vowels in the chorus. It's pretty, but simplistic.
New Zealand - He doesn't pronounce the letter P at the end of the word 'Up', and that's odd. It's got an interesting beat but I thought the chorus was going to be bigger than it was. Not bad at all though.
Iceland - Icelandic music is some of my favourite in the world, but this isn't part of the reason why. I'm not really sold on her voice, and the song is alright but not much more.
Montenegro - Montenegro isn't a great country to find music for. That top though...
Svalbard - Another 'four chord song', it nonetheless has more power than Germany does. The slight vocal effects are reminiscent every now and then of Imogen Heap, which is quite nice.
North Africa - The 'Take Me Far Away' part sounds just like anything that is in the charts at the moment, but the rest of it doesn't necessarily. Unsure of how I stand on this yet.
France - Vocal harmony is always appreciated. I enjoy his voice more than hers, but they work together well, and they add extra interest to the song. Probably my favourite so far.
Wales - I enjoy folk music, and the fact that there's a harp makes it even nicer. It perhaps goes on a bit, but the proper fiddle tune that comes in later is a welcome addition. Highly doubt this is qualifying, and I feel I'd enjoy it much more in a live setting, but I quite like it.
Northern Ireland - I think I'm just in a bad mood. The 'oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh's are annoying me, and the rest of the song fails to interest me, with the exception of the slight brass interceptions every now and then.
England - I didn't particularly know of Radiohead until recently, but my friend is obsessed so I haven't had much of a choice since. However, this has literally everything I enjoy in a song - strings, angst, and lots of changes between major and minor.
Czech Republic - This also has slight changes between major and minor in the verses, and I like them here too. I'm not keen on the effect used on the drums, but it's quite a pretty song.
Jersey - Also confused as to why Adele has been used, but there's no denying that her voice is great. It's also refreshing to see Adele being upbeat, although on the flip side there's a reason this didn't make the Top 40 (besides the fact that everybody already had her album).
EDIT: I've now read some other reviews, who all seem to agree that this QF is better than QF 1. I couldn't disagree more.
Quarter Final 2
Again the following are preliminary grades only - I will most probably change my mind as the contest goes on.
1 Latvia ₋ This isn't a bad find for Latvia. There's a lot of antics on the beach going on which is distracting me from the song. That in itself isn't bad, but not really engaging me. (Grade B-)
2 San Marino ₋ I quite like this and it has potential to grow on me even more. At least it is a fairly decent lyric video as I hope lack of video doesn't hurt it. (Grade B)
3 Turkey ₋ We all know Turkey is quite a difficult country and all things considered this isn't too bad, but I'm not sure of its hopes of qualifying from this quarter final (Grade C)
4 Romania ₋ I saw this not long ago and added it to my Romanian playlist. The verses are ok I guess, but I do like the chorus (Grade B+)
5 Ukraine ₋ Good find for Ukraine! not your usual stuff which I do appreciate. I am hoping that this is going to be a grower as it is a bit too chilled for me at the moment and not grabbing my attention, although it does build towards the end (Grade B)
6 Germany ₋ This is lovely if a bit sickly sweet. I may grow tired of it because of that alone, but for now it is a high grade. (Grade B++)
7 New Zealand ₋ It has an interesting beat and the sound that is popular at the moment, but not sure of where I stand on this at the moment. I like it, just not sure how much. (Grade B+)
8 Iceland ₋ I love a good tune I can sing along too easily in the car and this fits that category. I can see me getting this for my ipod to listen to in my new car! Me likey! (Grade A+)
9 Montenegro ₋ From the sublime to Montenegro God knows I know how difficult this country can be, but there is a reason why their music does not do well in DSFE. This is more of the same, although I appreciate that the FM probably had to listen to a lot of dire songs just to find one not quite so dire. The beat is quite good. (Grade C)
10 Svalbard ₋ Yes this is nice and I can see why others like it. It's going to do well in this contest no doubt. Can Svalbard win twice on the trot? (Grade A+)
11 North Africa ₋ I looked at this when I had North Africa last contest and decided against it. It's ok but just didn't say choose me at the time. Not sure on how it will do, probably quite well seeing as I rejected it. (Grade B)
12 France ₋ Another I like. I've looked at these recently and this is definitely one of their better ones. I expect this will do well and it will grow on me. (Grade B+)
13 Wales ₋ This is a lovely folk song, but that doesn't always do well in this contest. It lacks a bit of oomph(?) to really propel it forwards maybe. Not sure on its chances but I like it. (Grade B+)
14 Northern Ireland ₋ I like this lot as they always seem to do upbeat, rousing melodies and look like they are having a blast doing it Video is totally bonkers lol. I don't think this is their best song though. (Grade B++)
15 England ₋ I even have radiohead CDs but I just don't get this at all. It's ok but lacks something. (Grade C)
16 Czech Republic ₋ Yes, another one I like. I hope this does well too. She has a nice voice and the song is quite nice, but there is something I can't quite put my finger on that holds me back from loving it. (Grade B)
17 Jersey ₋ I don't get why people are so harsh on this. I like it. It's Adele, it's upbeat for a change and is within the rules and deserves to be judged fairly. (Grade A)
Again the following are preliminary grades only - I will most probably change my mind as the contest goes on.
1 Latvia ₋ This isn't a bad find for Latvia. There's a lot of antics on the beach going on which is distracting me from the song. That in itself isn't bad, but not really engaging me. (Grade B-)
2 San Marino ₋ I quite like this and it has potential to grow on me even more. At least it is a fairly decent lyric video as I hope lack of video doesn't hurt it. (Grade B)
3 Turkey ₋ We all know Turkey is quite a difficult country and all things considered this isn't too bad, but I'm not sure of its hopes of qualifying from this quarter final (Grade C)
4 Romania ₋ I saw this not long ago and added it to my Romanian playlist. The verses are ok I guess, but I do like the chorus (Grade B+)
5 Ukraine ₋ Good find for Ukraine! not your usual stuff which I do appreciate. I am hoping that this is going to be a grower as it is a bit too chilled for me at the moment and not grabbing my attention, although it does build towards the end (Grade B)
6 Germany ₋ This is lovely if a bit sickly sweet. I may grow tired of it because of that alone, but for now it is a high grade. (Grade B++)
7 New Zealand ₋ It has an interesting beat and the sound that is popular at the moment, but not sure of where I stand on this at the moment. I like it, just not sure how much. (Grade B+)
8 Iceland ₋ I love a good tune I can sing along too easily in the car and this fits that category. I can see me getting this for my ipod to listen to in my new car!
Me likey! (Grade A+)9 Montenegro ₋ From the sublime to Montenegro
God knows I know how difficult this country can be, but there is a reason why their music does not do well in DSFE. This is more of the same, although I appreciate that the FM probably had to listen to a lot of dire songs just to find one not quite so dire. The beat is quite good. (Grade C)10 Svalbard ₋ Yes this is nice and I can see why others like it. It's going to do well in this contest no doubt. Can Svalbard win twice on the trot? (Grade A+)
11 North Africa ₋ I looked at this when I had North Africa last contest and decided against it. It's ok but just didn't say choose me at the time. Not sure on how it will do, probably quite well seeing as I rejected it.
(Grade B)12 France ₋ Another I like. I've looked at these recently and this is definitely one of their better ones. I expect this will do well and it will grow on me. (Grade B+)
13 Wales ₋ This is a lovely folk song, but that doesn't always do well in this contest. It lacks a bit of oomph(?) to really propel it forwards maybe. Not sure on its chances but I like it. (Grade B+)
14 Northern Ireland ₋ I like this lot as they always seem to do upbeat, rousing melodies and look like they are having a blast doing it
Video is totally bonkers lol. I don't think this is their best song though. (Grade B++)15 England ₋ I even have radiohead CDs but I just don't get this at all. It's ok but lacks something. (Grade C)
16 Czech Republic ₋ Yes, another one I like. I hope this does well too. She has a nice voice and the song is quite nice, but there is something I can't quite put my finger on that holds me back from loving it. (Grade B)
17 Jersey ₋ I don't get why people are so harsh on this. I like it. It's Adele, it's upbeat for a change and is within the rules and deserves to be judged fairly. (Grade A)
BREAKING NEWS
Research scientists in Svalbard have made a ground-breaking discovery this morning.
Having analysed the qualification chances of a 'yoshi94' in one of the heats of the ongoing DSFE contest on the island, they can exclusively reveal the genuine existence of an entity with a value of less than zero - previously considered impossible. Further research will be conducted over the coming weeks.
Research scientists in Svalbard have made a ground-breaking discovery this morning.
Having analysed the qualification chances of a 'yoshi94' in one of the heats of the ongoing DSFE contest on the island, they can exclusively reveal the genuine existence of an entity with a value of less than zero - previously considered impossible. Further research will be conducted over the coming weeks.
To make up for very small reviews in the QFs I'll be going longer reviews for the SFs if I get there
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