Tobson's Big ESC 2018 review, part 2

There is always something to be unhappy about. The fans are in general not fond of the fact that the running order is sequenced by a producer instead of the result of a draw. They would want things to be more random.

However, as the songs were revealed for this year's contest it turned out the first semi seemed way stronger in most people's minds compared to the second semi. This was seen as deeply unfair. Maybe people would want the draw of the semis to be less... random.

This is just the way it happens. It should be no job of a producer to decide what is good and what is bad in order to create a balance between semis. We just have to live with it, I suppose. And these are the final nine songs of the first, stronger semi.

11. FYR MACEDONIA
Eye Cue / Lost And Found

An ambitious entry co-signed by one of the country's most prolific hitmakers - a daring mix of different styles and tempi and sounds all joined together in a three-minute experiment. Would deserve a spot in the final not least because of its sheer nerve and its bravery but that is not how it works.

Qualifier:
No. There are bit too many sudden turns in this entry and the televoters will lose interest before they realise what an interesting piece of music this is.

My grade: 3/5

12. CROATIA
Franka / Crazy

Croatia did pretty well since their comeback two years ago but still nowhere near living up to their potential. This year they internally selected a real pop starlet who revitalised her own career lately. Her entry falls into the popular "Could have been a Bond track"-category and this is a classy piece of craft. Only not engaging enough to break through.

Qualifier:
No. In the second semi it would have qualified but while the song sounds good - and Franka is a solid performer - it lacks that last piece of sparkle needed to turn it into a vote magnet.

My grade: 3/5

13. AUSTRIA
Cesár Sampson / Nobody But You

This one puzzles me as it is quite highly rated by fans. I tend to like Austria way more than most and defend their songs to the bitter end. All I see and hear this year is a decent but pretty anonymous attempt at gospel, performed by somebody who is not exactly burning through the screen.

Qualifier:
No. I don't think it will be enough when placed against a whole bunch of stronger contenders in this semi.

My grade: 1/5

14. GREECE
Yianna Terzi / Oneiro mou

I must applaud Greece for going back to their roots. I love the sound of this as well as the general atmosphere in this entry. Yianna has an enchanting voice and presence and the whole thing brings in an air of older traditional Greek pop that I loved in my youth. I should love this to bits and yet I am not blown away. I don't know what is missing but if I don't get blown away by this, how could I expect anyone else to be?

Qualifier:
Borderline. It will depend very much on the staging but I'm afraid this could turn out to be a flop in the voting.

My grade: 2/5

15. FINLAND
Saara Aalto / Monsters

Some of my initial doubts have blown away. Not all of them, mind you. I still fear some decisions taken concerning styling and choreography and I still doubt Saara's ability to keep her calm when it matters the most. However, this entry is very much helped by its spot in the running order.

Qualifier:
Yes. This is the right song at the right time. Catchy, contemporary and with the right sort of climax.

My grade: 4/5

16. ARMENIA
Sevak Khanagyan / Qami

Another piece of carefully written etno performed in the country's own language. Well sung and with a nice climax towards the end but still lacking something to make it dramatic enough. Having Greece coming so close before it could also be a really bad thing for the Armenians.

Qualifier:
Borderline. Probably yes - Armenia is good at making its way into the final - but it is far from sure. It would be pretty interesting if both Armenia and Azerbaijan would miss the final the same year. Is that when time breaks and the universe melts?

My grade: 2/5

17. SWITZERLAND
Zibbz / Stones

Switzerland never made a name for themselves as a European stronghold for rock music - maybe for a cause - but these siblings moved across the big blue water and made careers for themselves over there. They represent their own homeland with quite some gravity and energy. As a rock song, this is not half bad and far more engaging than any Swiss entry has been for many years.

Qualifier:
Borderline. Which is a good thing for Switzerland. On a good day, they could grab an 8th place and a spot in Saturday's line-up. But then they better not mess up live.

My grade: 3/5

18. IRELAND
Ryan O'Shaughnessy / Together

I saw the really cute video clip and fell headlong both for it and this melodic and uncomplicated little song. It was a nice gesture of the RTÉ to make a clip like this - it is not gay baiting when a straight performer decides to show an lgbt storyline in a clip, folks - and this is clearly the best Irish entry for year and years. And yet...

Qualifier:
Borderline. Probably no. In Lisbon, there will be no clip and everything comes down to how interesting you can make this look on stage. I would be very happy to be positively surprised here.

My grade: 4/5

19. CYPRUS
Eleni Foureira / Fuego

This is where my mixed emotions kick in. The final could definitely do with a commercial pop song like this, but doesn't it sound very much like a track Helena Paparizou would have left off her 2006 album or so? Slightly dated, slightly unsurprising. And how well can Eleni sell this on stage?

Qualifier:
Yes. The advantage of being the last song out will help. But we are hardly bound for Nicosia in 2019.

My grade: 3/5

Find part one of this review here.

Tobson's Big ESC 2017 Review, part 5

For the second year running we had a very late change in the lineup of the second semi. Last year Romania was kicked out due to a smaller mountain of unpaid bills. This year the EBU basically folded themselves double in order to keep Russia in the running, despite all sensible indications pointing towards them never fully intending to take part in Kyiv. For my review, I kept Russia in its place, just for comparison and to ponder what could have been.

01. SERBIA
Tijana Bogićević / In Too Deep

The second semi starts pretty much like the first semi ended: with a perfectly fine and perfectly contemporary pop number. It is slick, it sounds good, it is well sung - by one of Nina's crazy background singers from Düsseldorf 2011. It has pretty much everything anyone could ask for, except for any kind of profile or anything that would set it apart from anything else. Good and credible but too generic. Will need some really extraordinary and explosive staging in order to stand out.

Qualifier:

Borderline. There are so many of these radio-friendly, tailor-made for the commercial airwaves-type of songs in the lineup. Why would anyone remember this one in particular?

My grade: 3/5

Tijana Bogićević / In Too Deep (Serbia 2017 preview)

02. AUSTRIA

Nathan Trent / Running On Air

Ever since their last comeback in 2011 - and especially since Conchita's impressive victory - it seems like Austria would actually have a pop scene where quality stuff is being made. Quality stuff that could compete on an international level. Nathan Trent is surely the most charming male performer in the running but while his song sounds bang-up-to-date, it takes a disappointing turn in the chorus which is far from as strong as it should be.

Qualifier:

Borderline. Nathan will really need to knock Europe over in order to make up for the slightly weaker chorus. Far from impossible.

My grade: 3/5

Nathan Trent / Running On Air (Austria 2017 preview)

RUSSIA - not participating
Yulia Samoylova / Flame Is Burning

After many weeks of plot twists, Russian tv decided not to broadcast the 2017 ESC, rendering themselves ineligible for participation. This entry has been most revealing in many ways. It has showcased how naïve the EBU as well as many fans are in these times of information wars and propaganda machinery. It has also shown an alarming degree of ableism among ESC fans, quickly concluding how anyone confined to the use of a wheel chair could not possibly knowingly be part of a political scheme. Like Yulia was some poor vegetable, unable to understand the world around her. Instead of performing in Kyiv, she will headline a concert in Crimea on the day of the final. Oh well.

Would this have qualified?
Borderline. The song is really weak - as is the performance - and it's highly debatable whether it would have been enough. But that's also a highly hypothetical question. Russian tv never intended to compete with this entry. It was designed to be shark feed and nothing else.

My grade: 1/5



Yulia Samoylova / Flame Is Burning (Russia 2017 preview)

03. FYR MACEDONIA
Jana Burčeska / Dance Alone

After four consecutive semi final failures, FYR Macedonia has internally selected one of their best entries ever. Swedish Joacim Persson has co-written no fewer than three entries in this semi, which must be a record. What really set me on fire here was the fantastic video clip, which is captivating and heartbreakingly sad. If the same amount of emotion can be communicated in the live version, then this could be the republic's best showing to date. But on the other hand - no other country has been so consistently effective in ruining their songs on stage.

Qualifier:

Borderline. It all comes down to Jana's vocal performance and the staging of this number. Also, the single edit lacks some of the emotional depth of the version used in the video clip. But it is my own personal second favourite of the lot this year.

My grade: 4/5

Jana Burčeska / Dance Alone (FYR Macedonia 2017 preview)

04. MALTA

Claudia Faniello / Breathlessly

The Maltese clearly have determination. This is the kind of ballad they have failed with multiple times in the last ten years or so and yet they plunge headlong into competition with yet another version. Claudia tends to over perform more than a bit but is otherwise a good singer and through no fault of my own, this entry has grown on me. Just like Poland it has some really clunky and unfortunate lyrics here and there but the chorus is lush and luxurious. I fear it won't help much in the end.

Qualifier:

No. A better starting position could have helped but this one is very unlikely to pass. It's pleasant for as long as it goes on but will be forgotten as soon as it is over.

My grade: 2/5

Claudia Faniello / Breathlessly (Malta 2017 preview)

Semi 2: 08 FYR Macedonia / Dona

Kaliopi should represent her country at Eurovision every year. There. I said it. I love her to bits and get a bit blinded by her sheer presence.

That's where this review gets a bit complicated. Just like with her previous ESC entries I like this one but feel it is not perfect. Had it been performed by a lesser artist than Kaliopi, then I would possibly even expect this not to qualify.

And there's the big riddle. Will Kaliopi manage to spellbind Europe and make them vote for her a second time around?

Qualifier:
Yes. I want to believe that an experienced and expressive performer can make all the difference. I want to believe this one will be in.

My grade: 3/5



Kaliopi / Dona (FYR Macedonia 2016 preview clip)

Semi 1: 08 FYR Macedonia

Watching national finals can be most entertaining but you don't necessarily know an entry after seeing it win on home ground. All I could remember after seeing this one win the Skopje festival was Daniel Kajmakoski's yellow shoes.

They were nice shoes. Cool. I wouldn't mind having a pair like that. But I couldn't remember the song to save my life.

Some time later, I found the original studio version of it and melted like butter in direct sunlight. It opened up like a spring flower and I really enjoyed it, thinking this one will do well in the end.

Then came the big makeover with a change of language and a major arrangement facelift. The new package was completed by a cute cartoon video clip and it seems someone has invested quite a lot of time (and possibly quite a lot of money) in this project.

The new version is more professional and is more cleverly produced. It sounds slick and polished and radio friendly but it all came at a cost. Unfortunately most of the personality of the original studio version vaporised and the risk is that most people will enjoy this one for as long as it goes on and then forget about it.

I especially miss the switch to uptempo after the chorus, which was a welcome climax that I find myself missing and longing for now.

Qualifier:
No. This one would have needed more of an edge in order to convince voters. Also, FYR Macedonia has been notoriously bad at staging their entries lately and let perfectly good entries turn into a right mess on stage. A habit like that does not bode well for this one.

Grade: 2/5



Daniel Kajmakoski - Autumn Leaves (FYR Macedonia 2015)

Nobody's favourite but mine, part 3

What fun it has been making the list of songs I thought I was the only person alive under God's divine sky to like and enjoy. Part 1 and Part 2, however, taught me many people share my odd taste so here we go with five more songs that somehow seemed to appeal to the mainstream of eurofans.



Rikki - Only The Light (United Kingdom 1987)

I was only 11 years old at the time and didn't really understand what the Swedish commentator meant when he implied the UK was in an outright downhill and no longer delivered anything really convincing to Eurovision. I thought this song was fun and catchy, and Rikki's backing group provided dance moves even I could manage. What was there not to love?

Besides, the Swedish commentator had no idea what a REAL downhill looks like, and neither did the UK until some twelve-thirteen years later. Rikki did end in a 13th place - the worst UK placing until then - but somewhere in Liverpool a real disaster called Jemini was just waiting to happen.



Marty Brem - Wenn Du da bist (Austria 1981)

This is actually a really lovely little song. Gentle, sensitive, heartfelt. It is well sung and is overall a rather catchy ballad. It just tries really hard to distract anyone from noticing. The composer was quoted as being unhappy with the confusing arrangement in the beginning of the song. Had I been him I would have worried a whole lot more about the performance as such. Where do I begin?

I would have loved to have a look inside the head of the Austrian choreographer. What can he have been thinking? Some heavy dancing would be nice. Backwards dancing would be even better. And somebody has to wear a helmet. Dancing has never been stranger.



Pas de Deux - Rendez-vous (Belgium 1983)

When the expert jury overwhelmingly voted Pas de Deux as winners of the 1983 Belgian final it would be a real understatement to call the studio audience enthusiastic. They whistled, booed and most left the hall before the winner's reprise was over. I guess Belgian audiences prefer heartfelt ballads about mothers to more experimental stuff.

And experimental it was, made to annoy rather than please, with it's distinct rhythm, it's intense brass arrangement and its constant repetition of one single line that doesn't really mean anything. It is close to what Greece is doing this year - presenting a set of rhythms and hooks rather than an old-fashioned song - but back in the early 1980's it was far too avant-garde to go down particularly well. At least the Spanish jury liked it and gave it eight points.



Baby Doll - Brazil (Yugoslavia 1991)

Just to make one thing very clear: there isn't the slightest hint of irony here, no tongue in cheek. I really think this song is fun and happening and that Baby Doll is a most spectacular performer. If you are looking for fine singing this will perhaps be slightly disappointing but it is not likely do bore you at least.

Since Yugoslavia had done well four years in a row I was convinced this one would be top ten material and was a bit shocked to see it end second last with only one point from Malta, beaten by a whole bunch of soporific ballads.



Vlado Janevski - Ne zori, zoro (FYR Macedonia 1998)

Not too surprising that a televoting audience that had lived through endless ballads with flute and violin and pretty harmonies and an Irish win-athon would go for something more cheerful and upbeat when they finally got the power in their hands, but it is a shame that they overlooked this last song on the night. Vlado is a really cool cat who wrote himself a really good song - a sort of Leonard Cohen of the Balkans - that would have deserved a lot more attention than this. At least they would have deserved a neighbourly top mark or two.

Semi 2: 11 FYR Macedonia

Yes yes, this is a song contest and only the songs should count and everything else should be secondary. But you try eating a delicious dish served directly on the floor and then argue presentation is of no importance.



Tijana - To The Sky (FYR Macedonia 2014)

Presentation does matter and the first preview version - a very lacklustre playback performance in a tv-studio - was such a mess that I couldn't even listen properly and thought this was a bad song that would stand no chance.

Then I listened again - with my eyes closed - and suddenly heard a good hook and a powerful chorus. All I lack is a little bit of a climax, but it still sounds like a radio hit.

So the big question remains: what will this look like on stage in Copenhagen? Will the show help lift the song or will it ruin every chance there is?

Qualifier: Yes. A song of this calibre should make it to the final. But if the performance turns into a hot mess all hope is lost.

My grade: 3/5

Semi 2: these are my ten qualifiers

If there was pressure to predict the first semi final then this second one feels like a nightmare for various reasons. Mainly because it all seems very open and I have no idea whether to predict with my heart or with my head.

I feel sure about five of ten qualifiers, perhaps. Then it feels like the placings 6 - 16 or so are one big grand lottery. How will the points spread between the candidates? If they spread enormously you might need less points than ever to make top ten tonight. Then a couple of high points could be enough. Which opens up for basically anyone.

But again - I repeat my old mantra that this is just a game and nothing to be taken too seriously. If I tell myself that a number of times I might believe it in the end.

1. LATVIA Here We Go / PeR
Just like Austria, this is a very good opening number and for a long time I thought this would be the happy pill that would appeal to the audience in the end. But I thought the same about Trackshittaz last year. You've got to learn sometime.
Qualifier: No

2. SAN MARINO Crisalide / Valentina Monetta 
This is where the real prediction nightmare starts. If you are not a eurovision fan and you don't know how much Valentina improved since last year, all you are left with as a ballad that never fully develops and a dated beat from the Siegel factory, which hasn't worked since 1999. This prediction is more based on me wanting to see San Marino on a scoreboard for once. Heart wins over head.
Qualifier: Yes

3. FYR MACEDONIA Pred da se razdeni / Esma & Lozano
I still think this is a dismal song that merely uses Esma as a special effect and nothing more, but you could have way worse special effects than her. And I'd rather have her than many others on offer tonight.
Qualifier: Yes

4. AZERBAIJAN Hold Me / Farid Mammadov
A weak song enhanced by technology, pretty much like last year's Azeri entry. Of course it will work, at least at this point.
Qualifier: Yes

5. FINLAND Marry Me / Krista Siegfrieds
Catchy, instant, over the top, girl on girl kissing, wedding dress. This one will stay in the audience's mind and will sail into the final. Well done, girl.
Qualifier: Yes

6. MALTA Tomorrow / Gianluca
A very charming song with a very charming singer has, reportedly, turned unnecessarily dull and not striking enough on stage. I still want to think that an ukulele and eyes as charming as Gianluca's will be enough, but I'm not sure at all.
Qualifier: Yes

7. BULGARIA Samo shampioni / Elitsa & Stoyan
Despite liking them a lot in Helsinki six years ago, I did not predict them to qualify, neither did I see their top five placing coming in advance. So maybe the trick will work again, despite this song lacking everything that made "Voda" good. But I don't think so.
Qualifier: No

8. ICELAND Ég á líf / Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson
This is a pretty little ballad in many ways. Iceland has a way of squeezing themselves into the final where they ultimately don't do so well. It could work this time around as well, but the battle for ballad points is ferocious and Iceland would need a large portion of luck to make it this time.
Qualifier: No

9. GREECE Alcohol Is Free / Koza Mostra feat Agathonas Iakovidis
This is another truly divisive song that certain people will detest, but temper, attitude, forza and dancing musicians dressed in kilts will win in the end.
Qualifier: Yes

10. ISRAEL Rak bishvilo / Moran Mazor
One week ago I predicted that Iceland would make it and Israel would not. Today I swap them around. I still think the song would need more of a climax - I expect more than it ever delivers every time I hear it - but think Moran's intensity will beat the Icelandic cool in the end. And I doubt there is room for them both in the final.
Qualifier: Yes

11. ARMENIA Lonely Planet / Dorians
I really hate bringing up the subject of diaspora voting, but the Armenian Head of Delegation mentioned it herself in their press conference this week. In my mind, this is the weakest song of the second semi, but will potential friendship points be enough to take it to the final. For the sake of this competition, I hope not.
Qualifier: No

12. HUNGARY Kedvesem / ByeAlex
This is one of my top favourites this year. But I think this introverted but brilliant little gem will be too demanding from a grand audience on a Thursday night and that it could very well mean ByeHungary in the end. I would love to be wrong on this one, but I don't see it happening.
Qualifier: No

13. NORWAY I Feed You My Love / Margaret Berger
After all these question marks it feels wonderful to be this sure again. Norway is a potential winner this year and is a sure qualifier tonight.
Qualifier: Yes

14. ALBANIA Identitet / Bledar Sejko & Adrian Lulgjuraj
I like these rockers, I like their song and I like their sound. But just like in 2011, I think this will be a bit too much for Europe. Unfortunately.
Qualifier: No

15. GEORGIA Waterfall / Nodi & Sophie
Big voices and a big - albeit predictable - ballad. Will work wonders and steal lots and lots of points and ruin the chances for most other ballad entries - how many are there room for besides this one?
Qualifier: Yes

16. SWITZERLAND You And Me / Takasa
Alongside Armenia, my least favourite song in this semi. Three minutes of very little action and very little else. The big question is if people are prepared to vote for a group just because they feature the oldest person ever on a eurovision stage. And again, for the sake of this competiton, I hope the answer is no.
Qualifier: No

17. ROMANIA It's My Life / Cezar
Is this a good song? No, not particularly. Will people laugh at Cezar tonight? Quite a few will, yes. But perhaps the final needs a performance like this. To ensure entertainment value for everyone.
Qualifier: Yes

So these are my ten qualifiers tonight: San Marino, FYR Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Finland, Malta, Greece, Israel, Norway, Georgia and Romania. My heart is bleeding for Hungary, but I really don't dare hope that they will make it.

Am I sure? Not the least. Azerbaijan, Greece, Norway, Georgia and Finland will be in the final. Everything else is up for grabs. If I have more than five right tonight, that will be a victory in itself.

So bring it on, prove me wrong!

Semi 2: 03 FYR Macedonia

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

Tobson's Ranking: #9 FYR Macedonia

An honest day's work for Kaliopi, who did what she was expected to do: she sang, she shone and she took her country back to the grand final for the first time in years.



Kaliopi - Crno i belo (FYR Macedonia 2012)

Almost all of Former Yugoslavia used the same recipe this year - instead of organising a national final that most names would refuse to be a part of anyway, they internally selected a star to do the job for them. Not a bad idea at all.

But then there are stars and then there are stars. Not everyone who is a star in their own backyard will convince the entire continent of their own greatness. Many big names have failed in the international lime light.

But Kaliopi is the kind of star that is universally understandable. There is her elegance, her intriguing voice and, above all, that sublime presence that just fills the stage and demands your attention.

Regardless if you like her song or not, you just know that this is somebody you'd love to know better.

Frankly, Kaliopi's song is good but not excellent. It could surely have benefitted from a less dated sound and arrangement. But Kaliopi herself just rises above any objections of the kind, nails her scream, delivers her last chorus and keeps the audience fascinated up until the very end of her performance.

Pure class.

Now I just hope she will come back to the ESC in a few years with a sharper entry. Then things would really start to get interesting...

My grade: 4/5

The 2012 review, part five

One semi down, one more to go. Here are the first five songs of the second semi, complete with predictions and all.

1. SERBIA



Željko Joksimović - Nije ljubav stvar

Being the first song out can be a bit tricky these days, but Dino Merlin showed last year that it isn't a major problem when you are a Balkan star. Given how popular this kind of entry has been for the last eight years (since the success of "Lane moje") and what a convincing performer Željko is, this one will have no major problem in convincing the audience it deserves a spot in the final.

Surprisingly enough, it has a tougher job convincing me. I, who should be won over already by the first note, hear how well-crafted the whole thing is but find myself lacking something. A bit of a surprise element, perhaps? This is really Željko by the numbers, which is not bad. Just a tiny bit... predictable.

Qualifyer:
Oh yes. Nothing can stop Serbia at this point. The question is how far this will carry in the final. Top five? Top ten? Or is the whole formula in for an unpleasant surprise?

My grade: 3/5

2. FYR MACEDONIA



Kaliopi - Crno i belo

In a parallel universe Kaliopi would already have represented her country once in Oslo 1996, but that weird preselection mode used as a one-off that year kept her out of the running. This time she is back with a vengeance, with a song slightly more likely to hit a chord with the voting masses.

Sometimes it has proven a bit too demanding for the general audience when your entry changes its pace midway through, but Kaliopi's mere appearance and presence should be enough to keep all the bits and pieces together.

Qualifyer:
Yes, I really hope so. A fine song meets an excellent singer and stuff like that should be rewarded.

My grade: 4/5

3. NETHERLANDS



Joan Franka - You And Me

It really took me a while to make my mind up about this entry, as it contained several components that I liked. I kind of like the folksy feeling in this song, there is something enjoyable in the rhythm, and I sense talent under all those feathers. Joan has a quality of Joan-Baez-meets-Cher-at-a-funfair that is pleasant enough.

What really bothers me is the song - bursting full of tiny things that start to annoy me as the whole thing trots along. And whenever it leaps into the falsetto register, I reach for my remote control.

Qualifyer:
No. The Dutch have seen stronger songs than this pass unnoticed in the past. But I think the Dutch would deserve a bit of happiness, and if Joan would make the final cut I would be all smiles for them.

My grade: 1/5

4. MALTA



Kurt Calleja - This Is The Night

After Malta had made its comeback in 1991, I just kept waiting for them to win. They felt like serious contenders for victory almost every year, but now it feels like a while ago. The last couple of Maltese entries have felt a bit pale and washed-out, and this ditty is no exception.

What saves this entry a bit is Kurt himself, a cheerful chap with positive energy and perhaps the kindest eyes of all contenders. But what good will kind eyes do you when your song is not stronger than this?

Qualifyer:
No. This is too lean and uninspired to do really well, unless it stands out as a welcome little pause in the middle of more ambitious songs. I'd say that is pretty unlikely to happen.

My grade: 1/5

5. BELARUS



Litesound - We Are The Heroes

My first impression of this one was pretty positive - there is a clear sustainable chorus going on here and the group seems competent enough. And yet, when I have heard it a couple of times, the air starts leaking out. Like soufflé, it finds itself flat on the bottom of the baking tin.

There really isn't anything wrong with it. It just isn't engaging enough. Also, not everybody should wear trousers like those.

Qualifyer:
No. The unlucky draw, in the middle of some less remarkable entries, is probably sealing the fate of this group.

My grade: 1/5

FYR Macedonia 2012: Kaliopi presented her song

Last night, Kaliopi presented her entry for Baku in a show very much revolving around herself and her artistry. During ninety minutes, she sang a number of songs and had prominent guests talk about her and her ability of lending herself to very different styles and songs.

Of course! What would a diva otherwise do with precious television time like this?

In the end of the show, Kaliopi sang "Crno i belo", composed by her ex-husband and long-standing collaborator, recieving thunderous applause from the studio audience.

I can't blame the audience for being in love with her - I am perfectly smitten as well. She possesses an impressive ability of communicating with the camera and her voice is really something else.

Unfortunately, the song could prove a tiny bit too difficult to embrace on a first listening. I think it is a very good composition, but will it break through to the televoting audience?

I really hope for Kaliopi to perform on Saturday night, bringing her country back to the final for the first time since 2007, but I'm not willing to bet big money on it just yet.



Kaliopi - Crno i belo (FYR Macedonia 2012)

ESC 2012: worthy women from the Balkans

With the exception of Slovenia (who always used to walk their own ways anyway), all of Former Yugoslavia has opted for internal selections for Baku.

Three of them have opted for strong female performers with strong personalities:

Bosnia and Herzegovina has apponted Maya Sar to sing for them in Baku. She was in Düsseldorf as part of Dino Merlin's cheerful backing group, but will now perform as a solo singer.

She is an accomplished musician who worked as a backing singer for many of her country's top stars. Her first solo single was a big success and she is currently working on her first album.



Maya Sar - Nespretno

Croatia has decided not to select their ESC entry through the Dora festival this time, and Nina Badrić for the job. She used to work in a bank before becoming a top name in the 90's dance music scene. Gradually, she left the dance music behind and has grown into a mature pop star.


She participated four times at the Dora without success, now she will finally get to represent her country at the ESC.





Nina Badrić - Dat ce nam Bog

FYR Macedonia selected its first eurovision entry in 1996, but found themselves rejected at the odd, non-public semi final organised that year. Their entrant Kaliopi has since grown into a steadily established name in the domestic showbiz.

She has developed a very strong presence and popularity and has, finally, been appointed to represent her country again. This time she has been given pretty much free hands to do whatever she wants when it comes down to writing, recording and producing her entry. Will it pay off in the end?



Kaliopi - Ti

Personally, I am very pleased with all three choices that could, given the right decisions are made concerning songs and performances, result in all three countries going very far in the voting.

Sending experienced and personable performers could, and should, result in plenty of points. Fingers crossed.

Song of the Day: FYR Macedonia 2002

Apologies for the slight inactivity that has ruled this blog lately. Sorry for that, but I hope your new year has started well.

And we start off with a new Song of the Day, and this is a big favourite of mine. In fact, I think this is the best entry ever presented by the country in question.



Karolina - Od nas zavisi (FYR Macedonia 2002)

I could just as well have posted this under another old headline of mine: Songs only I like. It seems eurofans and the general audience alike have a hard time getting their head around this one.

I find it spellbinding, almost hypnotic, and very well delivered by Karolina. From the word go with the suggestive drum beat, to the chanting backing singers, I find this pure class.

Karolina has since blossomed into an even better performer and one of her country's top stars, and she came back to Eurovision five years later to better her scoring considerably with the admittedly more user-friendly "Mojot svet".

But for me, her 2002 effort stands out as a shining pearl in a line-up that felt fresh back then, but somehow failed to stand the test of time.



Karolina - Od nas zavisi (FYR Macedonia 2002 preview)

Song Of The Day: FYR Macedonia 1996

During all the years Former Yugoslavia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, TV Skopje did not manage to run off with victory even once. In 1996, they wanted to enter under their own flag for the first time, but it wasn't to be.

Kalopi Grill impress the jurors of the Skopje festival with her self-penned number "Samo ti", but in the odd, non-public, pre-selection for Oslo - where 29 candidates were cut down to 22 - the juries made thumbs down.

It's not that I don't see why. I can sort of understand why this passes over the heads of the masses.

But Kaliopi sings wonderfully and this song is an unusual, demanding and intriguing little soul number that could have made more than a tiny difference in Oslo.



Kaliopi Grill - Samo ti (FYR Macedonia 1996 - rejected in the pre-selection)

Tobson Ranking: #25 FYR Macedonia

My ranking moves into top 25, so all the songs listed from now on would have been in "my" final. And with the presence of this one, I even surprise myself.



Vlatko Ilievski - Rusinka (FYR Macedonia 2011)

As blog followers with good memory will recall, I didn't think much of this song when we all left for Düsseldorf. I found it silly, repetitive and the clip gave me the idea they all took it very, very seriously themselves.

On the contrary, I found the FYR Macedonian team to be pretty easy-going and light-hearted and their stage performance somehow underlines that this is just a little bit of fun.

It still is a silly song, but the packaging is just right to make it work. I found myself secretly hoping a bit for a surprise qualification for this one on the night of the second semi final.

My grade: 2 / 5

The 2011 review: part Seven

Halfway through the second semi final, time to have a look at starting positions 11 - 15.

11. FYR MACEDONIA



Vlatko Ilievski - Rusinka (FYR Macedonia 2011)

Another one of these entries that we have a few too many of this year. It is not exactly bad, it is just rather pointless and goes nowhere. When the first minute is through, nothing more of importance happens until it ends. Unexpected that a good composer like Grigor Koprov would put his name on a song this weak.

Vlatko is probably doing the best he can, but I can't help wondering what happened to the edge and wit that FYR Macedonia used to contribute with some years back? Where is Karolina Goceva when we need her?

Qualifyer:
No. Just like the last two years, they will get enough points from their good neighbours to avoid the very bottom of the ranking, but this will not be a heavy scorer.

My grade: 1/5

12. ISRAEL



Dana International - Ding Dong (Israel 2011)

Dana International is very brave to come back after winning Eurovision. Fellow winners Charlotte Perrelli and Niamh Kavanagh could tell her a thing or two about how ungrateful the audience can be when you offer them your company. Also, she could have been in need of a more direct entry, a real smash hit.

Her song this time around is a mature and elegant song, which is rather fitting as Dana herself has transformed from sharp dressed showgirl into a warm and motherly presence. I'm very fond of her and cross my fingers for Europe to warm to her as well.

Qualifyer:
Hopefully. But I fear the song isn't catchy enough and that too many people will be disappointed by the fact that this is not Diva part 2.

My grade: 3/5

13. SLOVENIA



Maja Keuc - No One (Slovenia 2011)

I must admit that my unconditional love for Slovenia has been slightly strained for the last few years. I used to love whatever they sent in, but the opera, string and yodel experiments has made me wonder what we first saw in each other.

Maja is a step in the right direction, but this song is more difficult than anyone would have asked it to be. I thought it would be easier to find a melody line to hold on to once the lyrics were changed into English, now I find myself longing for the Slovenian version instead. Maja works and works, but it doesn't help. This ballad is complicated rather than good.

Qualifyer:
No, unless Maja pulls off the performance of a lifetime and qualifies on the strength of her vocal abilities only.

My grade: 2/5

14. ROMANIA



Hotel FM - Change (Romania 2011)

Given the usual standard of Romanian entries, this entry is a complete let-down. It starts out nicely, but the chorus is as flat as a pancake and the whole thing sounds more like a jingle on children's television than a eurosong.

Then it doesn't help that the lead singer is charming, the whole thing just annoys me. The silly lyrics don't help much either.

Qualifyer:
Yes. Romania has a strange ability of making their stuff work when they need it the most.

My grade: 1/5

15. ESTONIA



Getter Jaani - Rockefeller Street (Estonia 2011)

I have been very keen on most Estonian entries since their debut back in 1994, and I am very happy to see them back in form. Young Getter really shines and delivers this ingenious and clever piece of pop candy in a most convincing way, and I can understand that most eurofans salute this one as one of the best songs of the year.

I don't quite share the sentiment. It is very good, yes. But not one of the best. Somehow there is a little bit too much calculation and too little heart in it for my taste, but all in all this is a very good year for the Ugric.

Qualifyer:
Yes, unless something goes very wrong during rehearsals and the whole thing falls apart in Düsseldorf, just like Iceland's entry in Kyiv 2005. But that seems quite unlikely to happen.

My grade: 4/5

FYR Macedonia goes Russian as well

FYR Macedonia does not go quite as far as the bad taste party put on by Belarus, but also their entry contains a nod towards the east.

Vlatko Ilievski sings about a Russian girl in his entry, underlined by some skillful background dancing.



Vlatko Ilievski - Rusinka (FYR Macedonia 2011)

I remember a time, not many years ago, when FYR Macedonia mainly sent in well crafted songs, often with some sort of modern pop vibe in them. I always liked them, I always cheered for them to do well.

But this is their third entry in a row without the shadow of international appeal. Vlatko is not the best singer and this chorus gets annoying long before three minutes have passed.

Sounds like a washed out version of this one, but without the fun.



The Nicole - Razborka (Sweden NF 2009)

(Oh, and one more thing. Me referring to this country as "FYR Macedonia" is not a statement or anything. I use what the EBU uses on the scoreboard. If you want tediously endless debates on this subject, go elsewhere. Any comments on this matter will get deleted. Thank you for the attention.)