So the 10 songs to move on have been chosen — has Europe got it right? Mostly.
I divided the songs into rough genres:
Ethnic
This was the largest group here, befitting a country-based contest. It contained my 2 favorite songs of the night, both updating ethnic styles to pure now energy. Greece with Opa and Serbia with Ovo Je balkan were fun, fun, fun — one with extra testosterone, the other more ambiguous yet infectious. I hope these will make it to the top 10.
Also — Russia with Lost and forgotten, a beautiful nostalgic song, though the presentation a way too cheesy with that little picture and staged verbal exchange between the guys. Slovakia with Horehronie deserved to move on, but perhaps all these “magic creatures” presention took way from this lovely song. Also not making it were Finland with their 2 cute accordionists but way-too-old-fashioned song and Poland with Legenda that brought new meaning to over-singing and over-dancing, Poland tried so hard to convey “a story” with all these apple-biting and shirt-tearing that it set an example as to what not to do.
Dance
All 3 entries in this genre have moved on — Dance is usually a safe bet when there are many mediocre entries. Moldova with Run Away was the best of the bunch, if only for the instrumental hooks and funky outfits. They were the first song of the night, and the director was still getting warm, practically missing most of their antics — better luck in the final, guys. Iceland with Je ne sais quoi featured a chunky diva in a hummable if nothing-new song, while Albania has a straight-forward nothing-special It’ All About You. Expect these songs to cancel each other out.
Slow Songs and Ballads
Portugal made it through with a lovely tune that stood out having no real competition — something that will change in the final. Belarus with Butterflies were no faves of mine — a forced song with unnecessary butterfly wings to bring out the “message” — well, good for them. Malta with My Dream was of little interest, again having wings popping behind the singer — a sure sign that they ran out of ideas.
Rock
Here Europe got it wrong. They accepted Bosnia & Herzegovina with the cutely sung but a lackluster tune, rejecting the superior entry from Macedonia, a Bon Jovi sounding tune with much variety and a better hook, Alas, the singer was not that handsome and the almost-naked dancers behind him were more pathetic girls-for-hire than a portrayal of his virility.
POP
Belgium with Me and my guitar was a safe choice, rewarding “artistry” but it is hardly a real threat in the final. Latvia with What for? (Only Mr. God knows why) is really one of those fine tunes that cutely raises existential questions and should not be mistaken for entertainment; and this was not.
Alternative - -
What a misfire! You CAN sell alternative if you have a coherent vision. Estonia with Malcolm Lincoln singing Siren did not do it — except for the quirky fainting of on performer at the end, they were mostly lacking an “alternative” or any other coherent vibe. It was a bit smug (“we are better because our song is not meant to be catchy”) but mostly just boring.
So — what would I have done? I would have chosen the rejected Macedonia and Slovakia over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Belarus, but that’s just me.
What’s next? The second semi-final presents some real contenders, such as Azerbaijan with Drip drop, Israel with Milim and Denmark with the catchy but tired In a moment like this . Also strong are Croatia with Feminnem singing Lako je sve and Georgia with the song Shine. Some that are strong but I am not a fan of are Sweden and Armenia. I do like the Bulgarian entry, but I suspect it will get no respect. Too bad.
Tags: eurovision 2010
