Norway
Maria
Hold on be strong
Too bad JESC wasn't around yet, when 15 year-old Mira Craig wrote that tune. This would have saved the real thing from this overhyped little entry, but as it *almost* sounds like a proper song, it stands a chance in this semi. 4/10.
Boog:
Unsurprisingly an early fan-favourite which pushes even more ESC buttons than the previous song. Again we have a verse which has value in its own right. Unfortunately the chorus strays into cossack territory, and you can just about imagine Taras Bulba lifting up his son with pride at the end of the song. (You’ve heard of mixed metaphors? This is mixed cultures. Maybe a forlorn attempt to gain a few Ukrainian televotes? Who knows? I certainly don’t. Birthe, my Brother-in-Law’s partner is here (remember I’m in the wilds of Perthshire as I write) on holiday too and she’s never heard of this. Tellingly, she’s heard ‘Hero’. I leave you, gentle reader, to make your own conclusions. Norway, the land of the 10 euro beer, so is it any wonder we never want them to win?
Personal Score out of ten (7) Winnschans (4%)
OK, I know I’m biased, but I really like this one. I didn’t like our entry last year and was only mediocre happy with “Alvedansen”. “Hold on be strong” has been criticized of sounding constructed and that the words don’t fit the music. I however think that just puts a charming identity to this song. Stumbling naïve lyrics written by a 15 y/o girl. I have no idea where this will bring us in the end and I don’t really care that much either. But it’s a good mid-tempo song, the retro orchestra arrangement works well and Maria is a very secure vocalist. Chances of qualifying: 40%
Frank:
Bad crimes, mad rhymes, it ain't Maria S's gig!
Harrow:
Nice song but growing a bit tired of it so try not to listen to it too often. If it aint right it is wrong! 9/10
Alexander-NL:
Even though I’m not happy that this won Melodi Grand Prix, in hindsight it may not have been a bad choice. It’s a song that makes me shrug, I don’t care for it particularly. I like the girl though! But after red canary, angel wings and Slovenian whore, this comes across as some normal decent music. So good job on Norway, I think a spot in the final should be in the bag, even though they shouldn’t be too confident of what happens when they get there.
6/10 (19th)
Ade:
This has such a cold vibe, but I'm not picking on that as a bad thing.
It's well structured and if you can overlook the shockingly awful verses
(in particular the first one), it builds nicely and flows well. Can't
help being reminded of Malene Mortensen and I wouldn't dismiss a similar
result. It ought to do better though if the performer can exude more
personality. There are moments during the song where I reckon I like
this A LOT. 6/10
Lobo:
It's a girl singing a ballad? A jazzy one? Not sure if i heard it.
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2 comments:
Some of the comments on Norway are the same as on Slovenia!! Mix-up!! ;) Thought I'd let you know!
Norway: I don’t know who wrote the English lyrics for this one, but they do not scan with the music very well. Having said that, this is good stuff. Soulful pop, and one of the best singers in the contest. Should qualify. 8
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