For some time, I was convinced FYR Macedonia would be one of my favourites this year. Then they had a change of song and I had a change of mind.
Esma & Lozano - Pred da se razdeni (FYR Macedonia 2013)
To have a living legend and iconic superstar like Esma Redžepova represent you at Eurovision should qualify as a major accomplishment and something to be proud of. Somehow I get the idea that these people do not share my sentiment.
The original song choice was pop-goes-etno by the numbers, predictable but good and easily accessible, placing Esma firmly in the centre of attention, using Lozano more as a sidekick. Like it should be.
The new song, then? Biggest problem - it isn't really a song. It is two songs crammed into one without fitting together the slightest. Lozano does a generic Balkan ballad thingy without any disturbing amount of conviction, then Esma crashes the party with a very ethnic breakdown.
I've been trying really hard to like this song but to no avail.
The transition between the two parts is about as smooth as two trains crashing into each other. The last chorus, where they are trying to merge the two parts together is not pretty at all.
But the worst thing is still that the new song diminishes Esma, who finds herself reduced to a special effect or an ethnic alibi. And that's no way to treat a Lady.
Qualifier:
No. This is too much of a mess to hit home with a wide audience.
My grade: 1/5
