A Swede who lives in Finland and who is lost in Euroland - the wonderful world of Eurovision
There is always some matter to discuss or just a song I want to share
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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Tobson's Ranking: #1 Sweden

A little bit predictable for me to have the same number one as most of the world, isn't it? But then again, some entries are just a little bit better than most.



Loreen - Euphoria (Sweden 2012)

Five years ago, in Helsinki, Swedish song-writer Thomas G:son contributed songs for two countries. Norway flunked in the semi, Spain sunk without any bigger trace in the final, and many people were certain that this more or less marked the end of G:son's success.

Instead, he went back to what he always did best anyway - take a distinct style and make it easily accessible for the masses. In 2011, Loreen had been too difficult for the Swedish viewers in Melodifestivalen. Now, given the G:son treatment, all the pieces fell into the right places.

There is an uplifting and refreshing simplicity about all the components in this entry. The melody line, the lyrics, the choreography - they are all very clean-cut, clear and accessible. It is art, but presented in a very user-friendly way.

And Loreen is a performer with a rare sensibility, a unique presence with a raw quality to it. She could probably make almost any old song work, and with a rare pearl like Euphoria it almost had to happen.

Victory for Sweden - hoping they won't lose their appetite for success after this.

Musically, this could be one of the most important victories for many years and open up the contest for even more chart-friendly music than before and make the ESC the natural showcase for domestic stars wishing for international success.

Fingers crossed for that.

My grade: 5/5

2 comments:

  1. Last year I loved Loreen from the very first beat of her song, I had goose bumps already at the first round in Melodifestivalen,
    you knew there's a winner.

    This happens very seldom,
    usually I'm with the loosers.

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  2. I completely agree with both of you. Loreen might just be one of the best ESC winners ever, alongside ABBA and Céline Dion.

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