What an exciting group of acts to check out today! We have TVORCHI (Ukraine), Alika (Estonia), The Busker (Malta), Blanca Paloma (Spain), Gustaph (Belgium), and Albina & Familja Kelmendi (Albania).
Lyrics: There is always time to get back on track
If I could sum up my listening experience of “Bridges” by Alika in one word, that word would be “satisfying.” Every lyric lined up so beautifully with the beat that I was hooked onto every word. As a small critique, since the song deals with a turbulent moment in someone’s life, the lyrics might actually benefit from not lining up with the beat as much. In fact, “Dance (Our Own Party)” by The Busker has the opposite problem to “Bridges.” I found the lyrics to be a little cramped within the lines. If there was a way to iron out these lines so they were smoother, it would have lent to the laidback feeling of the song. I guess these artists have something to learn from each other.
Music: There is always time to hit the action move
I headed to our reigning champion’s entry with a little bit of trepidation. Then again, that’s always the case with songs that have a dramatic build-up to the chorus. But my worries were soon put to rest. TVORCHI had me bobbing my head when the beat kicked in. I especially love the way the synth hits line up with him singing the title of the song and the dramatic organ. I also agree with the fans about the Ukrainian lyrics sounding the best. Will it be enough to defend their title? We’ll see.
Vocals: There is always time to sleep by my side
I had chills listening to “EAEA” by Blanca Paloma. Her voice is so mesmerizing, I could listen to it all day. I love how this entry as well as last year’s entry have really leaned into the genres that Spain is known for. Speaking of last year, does Gustaph’s entry remind anyone of Michael Ben David from Israel? I don’t really have much to say about “Because Of You,” since it’s a pretty straightforward dance song with stellar vocals. I’m definitely looking forward to the live performance, though. Same goes for Albina & Familja Kelmendi. I noticed that they blended a traditional style of music with a rock instrumental to give it a modern twist. Also, what better way to demonstrate the importance of family than to have a family sing the song? Very sweet!
Check out all of the entries reviewed here: