So today we reach the halfway point of this year’s contestants by jumping into the second semi-final. It might just be me, but I think they saved some of the better music for this semi, and I can’t wait to get see what you all think about it.
1: Serbia: Željko Joksimović “Nije Ljubav Stvar”
I have to say, I love the music for this song. It starts out soothing, lilting, and beautiful and moves into a very powerful crescendo that I love. The lyrics are simple but really resonate with me. Maybe I’ve been in too many one-sided relationships, but it feels so right to hear someone else say “your love is my shipwreck.”
2: F.Y.R. Macedonia: Kaliopi “Crno I Belo”
Again, I enjoy the music in this piece. The violin is a nice addition that really brings out the power in the song, but I don’t enjoy this songstress’ voice as much. It almost has too much emotion in it, which overpowers what she’s trying to say (for me at least).
3: The Netherlands: Joan Franklin “You and Me”
This song makes me feel all groovy and kind of reminds me of Melanie Safka: very folky and poppy and happy without being super sweet and disgusting. It’s a difficult mix, so I applaud Joan for being able to pull it off. I do, however, really dislike her need to wear Native American garb while singing it. I get that it’s because of a childhood memory, but I feel like her costuming is more of a mockery of that culture than a celebration of her past. And I know this is probably my own feelings, growing up next to a reservation will do that to you, but even knowing it, I can’t put aside the feeling of, “Wow, that’s just inappropriate.”
4: Malta: Kurt Calleja “This is the Night”
This song grates on my nerves, not because of the lyrics or his voice or the music, but because of the combination. I think his voice would serve a different brand of pop better, if he must remain in pop. I can’t really describe what it is about his voice that doesn’t suite this song, maybe it’s the timbre. Whatever it is, I think he could have put forth a good entry for Malta, but instead he put together a rather jarring one.
5: Belarus: Lightsound “We are the Heroes”
For some reason, this song just reminds me of “We Need a Hero” and makes me chuckle. I definitely enjoy the song; it has a fun beat and ridiculous lyrics. What’s not to enjoy? I’m not sure I’d pick it for the big winner, but it’s definitely fun.
6: Portugal: Filipa Sousa “Vida Minha”
This is another of those songs that I really enjoy but wouldn’t necessarily pick to win. Her voice is amazing; the lyrics are inspired, and the music just blows me away. But somehow they don’t mesh perfectly together. Something is missing to make the balance work. Though I do think I’d rank it higher than the first two entries we’ve discussed today.
Overall for this week, I say The Netherlands takes it. I keep coming back to that song. It just feels good to listen to it and makes me think of better times. What do you all think?
7 replies on “EuroVision: 4 Parts Music, 1 Part Sideeye”
I agree; I like the Netherlands song the best, but the costume was…questionable.
The Native American garb has been discussed for a bit in the Dutch press ranging from ‘Child dress up’ to ‘Probably offensive?’ but I think it was concluded that it was just a nice part of the act. Yeah ..I just hope this doesn’t cross the pond in a big way.
I wouldn’t have been so frustrated with it myself if the back up dancers weren’t in the skanky version Pocahontas Halloween costumes. Bleh.
I’m with you on the back up dancers, especially since one is very well dressed and only two are completely slutty of the four. But I do like the homevideos playing on the screen to emphasize the childhood memory. It counteracts the skanky-ness a bit.
At best, it was cultural appropriation, at its worst, it’s definitely socially unaware racism.
With that Racist Cake going around you’d think they’d be a little more sensitive about these things… But meh.
Not that I’m excusing it or those costumes, but that cake was in Sweden, not the Netherlands.
Thank you for the correction!