Hello, k-dreamers! It’s time to kick off Eurovision season with a visit to some past alumni. In particular, we’re catching up with some acts from the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. Today we are checking out “Kolima” by Eleni Foureira and Display (Cyprus), “Give You Love” by Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo (Australia), “Rezisto” by Renis Gjoka and Eugent Bushpepa (Albania), and “Обещай не скучать” by DoReDos (Moldova).
Eleni Foureira, Display – Kolima
Eleni Foureira still has the eyes of a lioness in her new song. “Kolima” is a very danceable and fierce track complete with choreography and catcalling whistles. I wish I could say that I enjoyed “Kolima”, but something about this song felt a little clunky. Perhaps the whistles were a bit too distracting, or the beat was a bit too repetitive. It’s not a terrible song by any means, but I don’t see myself listening to it more.
Worth a revisit: NO
Jessica Mauboy ft. Jason Derulo – Give You Love
Jessica Mauboy is back at it again with another heartwarming song. This time, she is accompanied by American singer Jason Derulo. Whenever I listen to duets, I like when neither vocalist overpowers the other. This was the case with Mauboy and Derulo. And you guys know I’m a sucker for these types of soulful songs with amazing vocals. “Give You Love” is corny in the warmest way possible.
Worth a revisit: YES
Renis Gjoka & Eugent Bushpepa – Rezisto
These guys have the two most opposite voices imaginable. There’s the rumbling timbre of Renis Gjoka, then there’s the screeching rocker vocals from Eugent Bushpepa. That makes this song even harder to sing given how wide a vocal range you would need to pull it off. “Rezisto” is quite uplifting and it was nice being able to headbang to it. I don’t gravitate towards heavy rock often, but it’s nice to indulge in some rage-filled music once in a while.
Worth a revisit: NO
DoReDos – Обещай не скучать
If you’re wondering how to pronounce the title of this song, it’s “Obeshchay ne skuchat’.” This is not a style of music I expected DoReDos to perform. For an EDM song, it was pretty chill to listen to. It also has a more melancholy feeling to it, especially compared to “My Lucky Day”. The song’s title translates to “Promise not to get bored” and I believe it’s a breakup song. Either way, the members of DoReDos still sound great together. I mean, why wouldn’t they if they’ve been together for the past twelve years?
Worth a revisit: YES