Tonight, Latvia will hold the national selection final “Supernova 2020“. In this post, I will review the 9 competing songs. The results will be determined only by public voting.
The jury will review the performances but won’t vote.
#1. Seleste – “Like Me”
The beginning of the song is attractive. However, the singing isn’t good enough. Her singing is lazy. The song could be darker and mysterious and by that being more interesting. The backing vocals are on point. I think that Seleste is still young and isn’t experienced enough for representing Latvia in Eurovision.
#2. DRIKSNA – Stay
It’s Pop-Rock ballad that the elements of guitars are the main issue. The verses are more interesting than the chorus. The song sounds like many others. It is a good song but hasn’t any message in the musical sense. The lyrics writer is Aidan O’Connor who wrote the lyrics of the Czech Republic 2016 Eurovision song – “I Stand” by Gabriela Gunchicoca
#3. Katrīna Bindere – “I Will Break Your Heart”
Katrīna Bindere is back to the national selection for the third time. Her last attempt was in 2015 with “Run To You“.The song is opened with a cyclic beat. The melody is composed by the piano. guitars and computer-processed beats. The song has potential and the singer is great. I want her to expose her vocal range more convincingly. Something in the melody should be changed especially at the last third of the song. The song has a sassy and edgy component that makes it better. As a demo version, it is good.
Jānis Driksna who also competed in the previous round of Supernova 2020 is one of the writers and the composers of the song.
#4. Edgars Kreilis – “Tridymite”
Edgars is back to the “Supernova” in the fourth time in a row. In the last two attempts, he finished in 6th place in the final.
Edgars always looks good on the stage. He is an excellent voice which lifts him up. This time, he sings a mid-tempo Pop ballad. The chorus is pretty catchy. The song contains some backing vocals which contribute to the whole package. I believe that the performance will be better, after revamping the song. Edgars’s vocal abilities are shown better in the chorus and at the end of the song. I think that his last year’s effort was better.
The song was composed and written by Edgars and Ingars Viļum (a member of “Brainstorm” that represented Latvia in Eurovision 2000).
#5. Katrīna Dimanta – “Heart Beats”
Katrīna Dimanta is a member of Aarzemnieki who represented Latvia in Eurovision 2014 and failed to qualify with “Cake to Bake“.
The song has Latin/Spanish foundations. Katrīna Dimanta is en excellent singer with her own interpretation and powerful voice. I don’t like the staging and especially not the dancer with his ridiculous movements. The rhythm of the song changes in an interesting way. It has elements of Folk, Jazz, and Ethnic music. In my opinion, the song isn’t suitable for Eurovision.
#6. Miks Dukurs – “I’m Falling For You”
Miks Dukurs tried his luck last year with his song “Life”, but he hasn’t been chosen to take part in the official line-up of the national selection. It will be his 6th attempt in the Latvian selection.
Without a doubt, Miks Dukurs is one of the best vocalists of the participants in Supernova 2020. It’s a Rock Blues love ballad. The style is American, but it doesn’t bother at all. He is just standing on the stage, playing the guitar and sings his heart out. sometimes simple is beautiful and sufficient. It’s totally radio-friendly and therefore accessible.
#7. ANNNA – “Polyester”
Another entertainment song is coming, but this time is wiser. The “T-Shirts” song describes relationships through the metaphors of clothes. The singer has limited vocal abilities which she tries to cover by dancing movements and cool vibes. The melody includes the sound of ringing cash register, as the spokeswoman in the song buys another cloth to improve her feeling. The song is more suitable for advertisements than Eurovision.
#8. Bad Habits – “Sail With Me”
The three members of the band, playing guitar together. The lead singer has a shaky and husky voice. There are some difficulties in understanding the sung lyrics of the song. The Genre can be described as an American Rock – Country – Middle of the road. The guitars play a main role in the performance. In my opinion, practicing the pronunciation the words can be useful.
#9. Samanta Tīna -“Still Breathing”
Samanta Tīna is one of the most familiar names and faces in the Latvian music industry. She is well known for her participation in the national selection over the years. Samanta tool part in the Latvian selection for Eurovision in the years 2012-2014, 2016 and 2019. In each of the years 2012 and 2016, she participated with 2 different songs. In the years 2012-2014, she always finished in the top 3 in the final of the Latvian selection.
The song was composed by Samanta Tīna and the lyrics were written by Aminata. Aminata represented Latvia in Eurovision 2015 and wrote and composed Latvia songs in Eurovision 2015 and 2016. It’s an Electronic Indie Soul Rock song. The melody and the production itself are modern, refreshing and interesting. Samanta Tīna always proves she has got the required attitude, talent and voice and beyond. The song talks about women empowerment. Despite the difficulties in life, she can grow strong and breathe. The section after the chorus is successful and Samanta is dancing in it. The song contains a short section of Rap but it gentle and has the right place in the song. The 3 backing vocalists are a great choice. They build a tension that is broken into the peak of the song. For me, it is one of the best from Samanta Tīna in the national selection and her musical repertoire. The song has a huge potential to take Latvia back to the grand final of Eurovision. The song is ready to be presented and it’s far from being heard as a demo version.
My Ranking
#1. Samanta Tīna – Still Breathing
#2. Miks Dukurs – I’m Falling For You
#3. Katrīna Bindere – I Will Break Your Heart
#4. Edgars Kreilis – Tridymite
#5. Katrīna Dimanta – Heart Beats
#6. Seleste – Like Me
#7. DRIKSNA – Stay
#8. Bad Habits – “Sail With Me”
#9. ANNNA – Polyester
My prediction
I predict that one of two followings will win the national selection and represent Latvia in Eurovision 2020:
Samanta Tīna – Still Breathing
Katrīna Dimanta – Heart Beats
Playlists are available here
YouTube (including official video clips/ studio versions)
YouTube (official auctions versions)
