Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has come, and all of the 40 competing songs of Eurovision 2022 have been revealed.
Therefore, we are ready for an extended review of them and of course ranking the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.
The first post in the series will be focusing on 6 countries that will participate in the first semi-final:
Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia.
Artist: Ronela Hajati
Ronela Hajati is a 32 year old Albanian singer, songwriter and dancer.
She started her career at a young age, participating in several local dancing and singing competitions. So far, she has released more than 30 singles.
Her debut studio-album “PRON” will be released in 2022.
Ronela is also well known for being a lead voice for body pride and self-confidence.
Selection Process: As always, Albania has chosen a song and an artist for Eurovision via the “Festivali i Këngës“. This year, it was the 60th edition of the festival. 20 artists competed in the 3 shows of the festival.
Ronela was announced as the winner, based on national jury voting.
At Eurovision 2022, she will perform the song “Sekret“
Allocation in Semi-Final 1: Albania has been drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 1
Musical Review:
The song starts with an acoustic choir singing, alongside piano playing. One can think it will be a soul ballad. Ronela starts on her own, but thereafter she is joined by others. We can hear some string instruments as well.
Thereafter, the melody is taken in a completely different direction. It seems like there’s Bulbul tarang playing. The song transforms from a soul ballad to ethnic pop. A cyclic beat with the sound of drums is added as well. Afterwards, we can hear Ronela saying “Ej, ej, ej, ej, ej, ej, ej” while an ethnic beat wraps the melody.
In the pre-chorus, Ronela sings in an aggressive way, something that can be classified as rap singing. The melody is upbeat and festive.
The ethnic beat decays until the chorus arrives again.
The change this time is that some remain of the upbeat part, present in the chorus.
Once again, we return to the direction of upbeat ethnic-pop with rap. At this time, the lyrics are different and their intention is to make the listener move its body.
towards the end, we have another chorus and then an instrumental part.
Lyrics [Translated from Albanian, credit to LyricsTranslate]
Hey, do you remember those nights?
They remained only a secret
Hey, do you remember those nights?
They remained only a secret
Hey, do you remember those nights?
They remained only a secretHey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
The lad is coming from the mountains
And to me tonight he’s gonna [get down and] pray
I don’t know if he’s gonna stop
Come on, come on, let’s forgive our sins
For this class you’ve had to come
And the entire world [you’ve had] to abandon
I am sun, I am not a shadow
You are mine, lad from Albania!Hey, do you remember those nights?
They remained only a secret
Baby your flavor, to my taste
has remained a fixation
Hey, do you remember those nights?
They are not a secret anymore
I do not know, I do not know
How I am gonna feelI do not know how you could leave me for another
And today I want to say it to you
And one, and two
One, two, three: May I take yours!
(May I take yours! May I take yours!)
(May I take yours! May I take yours!)
(May I take yours! May I take yours!)
(May I take yours! May I take yours!)You have made my life like a game, airplane
He has left me, he has left me
I don’t want another, because
He has left me, he has left meHey, do you remember those nights?
They remained only a secret
Baby your flavor, to my taste
has remained a fixation
Hey, do you remember those nights?
They are not a secret anymore
But I do not know, I do not know
How I am gonna feelI do not know how you could leave me for another
And today I want to say it to you
And one, and two
One, two, three: May I take yours!
(May I take yours! May I take yours!), KRRRAAA!
(May I take yours! May I take yours!)More slowly, more slowly, hey!
More slowly, more slowly, hey!
Poetry Analysis: The song tells the story of a short term relationship (or shall we say: one night standing) from the point of view of the woman. At the beginning, she approaches the man she met (however not in person). She confesses that she still remembers the nights they spent together, and at the same time she states that these special nights will remain their own secret.
At the first verse, she describes the man as a wild guy (he comes form the mountains). She also mentions that he has to pray for her, this is probably a hint that what they have done might be considered forbidden. When they are together, she feels guilty but also powerful at the same time (She describes herself as the sun, but also uses the word sins).
Even though their story has come to an end, it still feels very realistic to her. The sensual story remains in taste and smell. Even though she lost him, she wonders why he left her and preferred another.
Initial Personal Ranking: 16th overall, 5th in semi-final 1
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Albania, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, and Austria
Betting Odds: The final of the Albanian selection was held on the 29th of December 2021.
From January 2022 until the 16th of February 2022, the song was in 33-39 places in the betting odds (most of the time around 33 – 35 places).
On the 17th of February 2022, the song want up to the range of places 29 – 31 for 3 days in a row.
Then, it decreased to the 35th place. On the 26th of February 2022, it increased to the 23rd place.
And then, it started to change on a daily basis with 2 trends.
On the 4th of March, the revamped version alongside the official video clip were released.
The song spend around a week in 23 – 28 place .
In the recent days, the song is in 28 – 30place .
Early Prediction: First of all, it is the first time in ages that Albania sends an upbeat song which also has nothing to do with rock. The song is catchy, Ronela has a great stage presence and it looks like she will bring something special for the staging in Turin. In addition, it is the only upbeat ethnic song in this semi-final, and therefore it will probably stand out and will qualify.
If Albania qualifies, I believe the country will finish in 11-16 places in the final.
Artist: The Intelligent Music Project
The band was formed in 2012 by the businessman Milen Nikolaev Vrabevski.
The line-up of the band has changed over the years.
The current line-up that will be present in Turin are: Ronny Romero (lead vocalist), Bisser Ivanov (guitarist), Slavin Slavchev (vocalist), Ivo Stefanov (keyboards), Dimitar Sirakov (bass) and Stoyan Yankoulov (drums).
So far, the band has released 6 studio albums. In their repertoire, you will be able to find collaborations with big names like TOTO, Black Sabbath, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins.
Selection Process: The band was internally selected to represent Bulgaria by the national broadcaster BNT. They were officially announced as the representatives for Eurovision 2022 on the 30th of November 2021. Their song “Intention” was released on the 5th of December 2021.
Allocation in Semi-Final: Bulgaria was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 1.
Musical Review:
It’s a rock song. The song starts with an instrumental part that’s composed of guitar and drums. Ronny opens the singing part with his smoky and raspy voice. The melody is based on bass and guitar playing. Later on the rhythm is built on drums playing. The pre-chorus is faster, and we can hear some backing vocals as well. The chorus continues the same line, the lead singer’s voice reached another level of hoarseness. This part sounds familiar for those who remember the commercial rock song on the different radio stations in the 1990’s. The second verse is shorter than the first one. However, the beat is in the center, as this time the drums playing is included in the melody. The pre-chorus is similar to the former one, but this time the singer gives more vocally. The chorus is quite memorable. From there, we are moving to the bridge where the melody changes, as it is based on a higher scale. The song turns into a more acoustic direction, but it is just a build-up for another instrumental part, composed by guitar and bass playing. The next chorus is performed namely by the backing vocalists, while Ronny supplies some vocal improvisations.
The song ends with drums playing.
It is a decent rock song, but at the same time it is predictable, from the raspy voice, to the guitar solo and so on. I think that some listeners might find it dated.
Lyrics
And I can move on from here
How simple, life goes on
Humble, that’s how I feel
Sparking hot flames, holding on
Younger days run so clear
Through my mind, replaying my crime
Tearing me up, spreading fear
Obsession in my own timeWhat life’s taken away, I’m not missing
Will I sit back and sigh?
A thunder of thoughts I’m dismissing
Too scared to even tryAnd in time I’ve always known
I’m never in the safety zone
I took the fight, but was I right?
They were sending me into war
And in time I’ve always known
I’m never in the safеty zone
I took the fight, but was I right?
They wеre sending me into warMy intention is strong and real
Only power steals my will
The illusion of safety’s surreal
Don’t let it go for the killWhat life’s taken away, I’m not missing
Will I sit back and sigh?
A thunder of thoughts I’m dismissing
Too scared to even tryAnd in time I’ve always known
I’m never in the safety zone
I took the fight, but was I right?
They were sending me into war
And in time I’ve always known
I’m never in the safety zone
I took the fight, but was I right?
They were sending me into warI don’t want to take on the pain
So, I go seek inner signs, or a calling
The more freedom I gain
The less real life I’m recalling (calling)And in time I’ve always known (always known)
I’m never in the safety zone (Yeah)
I took the fight, but was I right?
They were sending me into war (sending me into war)
And in time I’ve always known (always known)
I’m never in the safety zone (Yeah)
I took the fight, but was I right?
They were sending me into warI took the fight
But was I right?
They were sending me into war
Poetry Analysis: It is a self-impowerment song. At the beginning of the song, the spokesperson says he has to continue to live his own life, even though he struggles with something. When he faces this problem, it feels like playing with fire, when fingers are close to dangerous flames. Without telling us exactly what bothers him, he mentions that he is restless and can’t forget about this. From this point in his life, he feels like he is in an endless war. He should fight every single day, without being sure this is the right thing. Therefore, he can’t remember how it was being in the safe zone.
He says that isn’t about freedom. In fact, being free of engagement will make him more focused on his own problem, something he tries to defeat daily.
Initial Personal Ranking: 35th overall, 14th in semi-final 1
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Bulgaria, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
Greece, Moldova, Albania, and Austria
Betting Odds: The song was released at the beginning of December 2021.
Until the 22nd of February 2022, the song was consistently in the bottom 3 of the table (39 – 41 places, before Russia was eliminated). On the day later, a Eurovision fan has spread a rumor that Kristian Kostov will perform the song, instead of the band. Their chances raised up directly and put the country in the 12th place (in fact, the song was even 4th with the betting odds, just after this rumor was spread out).
After BNT has gave a clarification that the rumor is false, the country went down as before.
In the first half of March, the country was 27 – 31 in the table.
Since the 17th of March 2022, the song is in 31 – 34 places .
Early Prediction: Bulgaria was the first country to reveal its Eurovision song. The hype was low, and maybe for a reason. The song isn’t bad at all, but at the same time it sounds like the ultimate song to make people indifferent and make them forget to vote in its favor.
At the moment, it looks like the higher chances are of seeing Bulgaria not qualifying.
Artist: Mia Dimšić
Mia is a 29 year old singer-songwriter.
So far, she ha released 2 studio albums, both of which topped the Croatian music charts.
6 of her singles ended as number 1 in the charts.
Her career started in 2014, when the band Džentlmeni invited her to accompany them on their tour in the US and Canada.
Mia has mentioned Norah Jones, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift as their main music idols and influencers.
Selection Process: Croatia has chosen an artist and a song for Eurovision 2022 via their national selection “Dora 2022“.
The national selection was held on the 19th of February 2022.
14 artists competed in the selection this year.
Mia won the first place by winning both the public vote and the national jury voting.
Allocation in Semi-Final: Croatia was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 1.
Musical Review:
It’s a singer-songwriter ballad.
The song starts with an acoustic guitar playing. Mia has a unique voice that captivates you from the very beginning. The first verse is a typical singer-songwriter’s song.
The pre-chorus includes some backing vocals and the rate is slightly faster.
The melody is composed of violin, keyboards and a cyclic gentle beat.
The violin stringing creates a frame for this part. The violin and guitar playing build the melody of the second part of the song. Once again, we get the backing vocals, sometimes they duplicate her singing, and sometimes it is arranged like a “question and answer” shape.
Lyrics
Dreamt of you last night
Woke up, you weren’t there
Five nights in a row
Of dreams I’d never shareYou come without a warning
Early in the morning
Timing’s never been our thing
Leaving me with guilt
The only souvenir you bringI’m with him and you’re a secret treasure
He’s devotion, you’re a guilty pleasure
I’m with him and this is real life, honey
Guess the joke’s no longer funnyI’m with him until the death do us part
But it doesn’t do for this hungry heart
I’m with him, but in my frantic head
You always come and say:“Would you run away?”
“Would you run away with me?”
“Would you run away?”
“Would you run away?”One love is enough
That’s all you ever get
Least that’s what they tell you
Still, I can’t forgetEyes like burning ashes
Till the sunlight flashes
Can’t recall what I’ve been taught
Captivated by the thunderstorm
In which I’m caughtI’m with him and you’re a secret treasure
He’s devotion, you’re a guilty pleasure
I’m with him and this is real life, honey
Guess the joke’s no longer funnyI’m with him until the death do us part,
But it doesn’t do for this hungry heart
I’m with him, but in my frantic head
You always come and say:“Would you run away?” (Would you run away?)
“Would you run away with me?”
“Would you run away?” (Would you run away?)
“Would you run away?”(Would you run away?)
In this real life, there’s no way
In this real life, I have to stay (Would you run away?)
In this real life, there’s no way
In this real lifeI’m with him and you’re a secret treasure
He’s devotion, you’re a guilty pleasure
I’m with him and this is real life, honey
Guess the joke’s no longer funnyI’m with him until the death do us part,
But it doesn’t do for this hungry heart
I’m with him, but in my frantic head
You always come and say, say, say:“Would you run away?” (Would you run away?)
“Would you run away with me?”
“Would you run away?” (Would you run away?)
“Would you run away?”(Would you run away?)
In this real life, there’s no way (Would you run away?)
In this real life, I have to stay (Would you run away?)
In this real life, there’s no way (Would you run away?)
In this real life
Poetry Analysis: It is a song that talks about a complicated relationship. The spokesperson in the song is a woman who talks about a man she loved, and they are no longer together. In the beginning, she confesses that she is still thinking about him. She describes 5 nights in a row when she dreamt about this man. When waking up in the morning, nothing is left of him, just this fading memory. She feels about him like a guilty pleasure – on one hand, she enjoys the memories about him, but on the other hand, she realizes it is forbidden somehow. Now the days passed by, she is in another relationship. She describes her new partner as one that dedicates himself to their relationship. She is worried about remembering her previous partner (“the joke is no longer funny”).
Nevertheless, she still has the hope that her previous lover will invite her to run away with him.
She tells herself that she has to be satisfied with her current love. Having said this, she sticks to the passion she had with her previous lover: his burning eyes and the way he captivated her like a thunderstorm. The song ends with the statement the she will stay with her current lover, until the death will separate them. But at the same time, she will always remember her previous lover.
Initial Personal Ranking: 19th overall, 8th in semi-final 1.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Croatia, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Betting Odds: The country has chosen its entry on the 19th of February 2022.
Since this day and until the 28th of February 2022, Croatia was in 29 – 33 places .
On the 4th of March it want on the 34th place.
Later on, it becomes stable in 31 – 33 places .
Early Prediction: I think that this question is one of the open questions regarding semi-final 1.
It is clear that it won’t be one of the songs to shine and end in a high place, but at the same time I don’t think it will be one of the songs to receive the lower scores.
At the moment, I think Croatia will be around 9 – 13 in the semi-final.
Therefore, qualifying is optional, but not the common option.
I think this song will be more supported by jury than the public.
Artist: Amanda Tenfjord
Amanda Georgiadis is a Greek singer who lives in Norway.
She is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter who was born in Oslo.
In her childhood, she lived in Greece, but later on, moved to Tenfjord in Norway (and that’s why her stage name is Amanda Tenfjord).
In 2020, one of her songs “Troubled Water” was included in the TV series “Spinning Out”.
Besides music, she is studying in the faculty of medicine.
Selection Process: Amanda has been internally chosen by the broadcaster, among at least 20 different artists.
The announcement on Amanda as the Greek artist for Eurovision 2022 came in December 2021. The final 5 artists for the internal selection were: Amanda Tenfjord, Good Job Nicky, Elias Kozas, Lou Is, Joanna Drigo (Ioanna Drigopoulo).
Amanda will sing the song “Die Together“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Greece was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 1
Musical Review: It is an indie-pop mid-tempo ballad. The song starts with an unplugged first verse. The emphasis is on Amanda‘s voice, alongside some sound effects. She sings this part in a semi-low voice. The pre-chorus finally comes with a melody, it starts with a soft wind instrument. She sings this part with sensitivity and a higher pitch of voice. There’s a sampling of keyboards playing as well. The chorus is more captivating. She uses a higher octave in this part. Some of the words are pronounced longer than usual. The melody is minimalistic, it relies on keyboards, duplication of voice and fading backing soundtrack. The second verse’s melody is richer, as it is based on percussion instruments, as well as keyboards and wind instruments. This verse is much more shorter than the first one, and at the same time slower. I’d even say it is a little bit mysterious. From there, we are moving to the pre-chorus, with the same elements. This time, we can hear more of the keyboards. The second chorus is more powerful. It starts with drum playing and string elements. The violin/cello playing continues along the chorus. Amanda sings is with some high notes, and it becomes emotional. The bridge is simple and exciting. It relies purely on her singing and guitar stringing. Amanda sings it with a soft and fragile voice. Afterwards, we get additional chorus with the string elements in its center. She sing it powerfully, until the big drop where she gives us a high and impressive note. The song ends with a powerful violin playing that decays until the end of the song.
I find it special, brave and impactful. Amanda has a beautiful voice with a wide range and it can be expressed in this song. The text is meaningful. I appreciate the combination of several different music instruments. In my opinion, it would even better with some more instruments presence in the first part. At the end, I’m happy to have a high quality Indie song in the contest.
Lyrics
I’m in your back seat
You are driving me crazy
You’re in fully control
It’s like you always know so
Are you having a good time?
Doesn’t seem like you’re all fine
We don’t laugh anymore
And when we cry we do it on our ownIt’s been a lovely year for us
Yeah, that’s what they say
It’s been a hell of year
And we’ve been living in fear
Close to giving upBut if we die together now
We will always have each other
I won’t lose you for another
And if we die together now
I will hold you till forever
If we die together, die together nowI love you, say that you love me too
That’s the only way we can get out of this hell we madeIt’s been a lovely year for us
Yeah that’s what they say
It’s been a hell of year
And we’ve been living in fear
Close to giving upBut if we die together now
We will always have each other
I won’t lose you for another
And if we die together now
I will hold you till forever
If we die together, die togetherTake my heart and rip it out
Bring it to the other side
Take my heart and rip it out
Bring it to the other sideTake my heart and rip it out
Bring it to the other side
Take my heart and rip it out
Take my heart and rip it outCause if we die together now
We will always have each other
I won’t lose you for another
And if we die together
I will hold you till forever
If we die together, die together now
Poetry Analysis: The song talks about the predicted end of a relationship. The song starts with a metaphor that already contributes to the understanding of how far they are. They are in the same car, while the spokesperson is sitting on the back seat. They could have sat together in the front, but for some reason they aren’t. She helps us understand what difficulties they face. Their communication is broken (She doesn’t even know how he is feeling). They are not happy anymore (“We don’t laugh anymore).
At the same time, they are not sensitive to each other, and they do cry, but separately and not for a good reason.
For their environment, it looks like everything is OK (“lovely year”), but in fact their relationship was poisonous and bad for both of them. They were afraid and tried to prevent the known ending of this relationship.
The chorus is somehow romantic, but at the same time. She marks the end of their relationship as a mutual death.
Initial Personal Ranking: 3rd overall, 2nd in semi-final 1
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Greece, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
Albania, Bulgaria, and Armenia
Betting Odds: The Greek song for Eurovision 2022 was released on the 10th of March 2022.
Since then, it is stable on the 5th place in the table.
Early Prediction: Greece has decided to go into a unique path this year. I trust Amanda as a performer and as an artist in general. What makes me curious is to see how will she perform the first part of the song, which includes some sound effects. This song creates a special atmosphere, especially when you hear it for the first time. I think the same should be delivered by the staging.
At the moment, I see it as a certain qualifier and even beyond.
With an excellent performance, it can sneak to the top10!
Artist: MARO
MARO (real name: Mariana Brito da Cruz Forjaz Secca) is a 27 year old Portuguese singer and songwriter. Her initial plan was to become a vet, but her passion for music made her choose a musical career instead.
As a musician, she has multiple talents, except of singing, she also plays the piano, guitar and bass.
The singer released her first album in 3 parts: “MARO – Vol 1“, “MARO – Vol 2“, “MARO – Vol 3″
In the recent years she graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Nowadays, she lives in Los Angeles, The USA.
Selection Process: As always, Portugal chose an artist and a song for Eurovision via their traditional music festival – “Festival da Canção“.
20 artists competed in “Festival da Canção 2022″. The festival included 2 semi-finals and a final. 10 artists qualified for the final.
With a voting system on 50% national jury and 50% public vote, MARO won the festival. She was ranked first in the public vote, as well as in the jury vote.
MARO will perform the song “Saudade Saudade“:
Allocation in Semi-Final: Portugal was drawn to perform in the second half of semi-final 1.
Musical Review: It is a mid-tempo indie-pop song, performed in English and Portuguese. The song starts with a dreamy bass and guitar playing. MARO enters the song with her unique voice that has a wide range and a special color. The first verse is slow and performed in English. Towards its end, we can hear the backing vocalists. Even though, she has a low alt voice, MARO shows some virtuosic capabilities. The chorus opens with percussion elements. She sings this part with the help of the backing singers. The sound of the chorus takes the song into a more ethnic direction. You can tell how meaningful is the message, by see the interpretation and intention, but the same time is calming and chilling. The rhythmic flavor continues to the second verse as well. The second verse lyrics are in the Portuguese language. This part is namely based on guitars playing and once again the backing singers play an important role. The bridge demonstrates a change in the melody. She sings it in a lower pitch, and still keeps on same excitement. As this change of melody comes unexpected, it sheds a non trivial light on the song.
The next chorus starts wit clapping. Once again we can hear the backing vocalists that add their own identity with different color o voice. The melody is based on guitar playing, but in this part we have some more “raw” moments. The song ends in the same way is starts. MARO sings it alone with some decorations over her voice. This last part if performed in English and simple guitar playing.
It is one of the songs, that the more you listen to it, the more you’ll fall in love with.
Sometimes, it seems she casts a spell on the listeners. And maybe sometimes, it all about simplicity and knowing how to deliver a message. MARO has a unique voice stamp and it makes the song stand out.
Lyrics [English + Translated from Portuguese, credit to LyricsTranslate]
I’ve tried to write
A million other songs but
Somehow I can not move on, oh you’re goneTakes time, alright
And I know it’s not one’s fault but
Somehow I can not move on, oh you’re goneSaudade
Saudade
Nothing more that I can say
Says it in a better waySaudade
Saudade
Nothing more that I can say
Says it in a better wayThere’s so much I carry with me
It was always my safe haven
And now nothing makes sense
I’ve lost my best friendAnd if it’s not too much
I ask for signs
There’s only one word leftSaudade
Saudade
Nothing more that I can say
Says it in a better waySaudade
Saudade
Nothing more that I can say
Says it in a better wayNothing more that I can say
Says it in a better wayI’ve tried, alright
But it’s killing me inside
Thought you’d always be by my side
Poetry Analysis:
Saudade is a Portuguese word to describe a melancholic longing or yearning which you can feel for something or someone you miss or for something that might never have happened.
It is a song that describes the emotion of deep longing. At the beginning, she says she has tried to avoid this feeling. She wanted to share with us a story, but there was nothing stronger than. She knew that she wouldn’t be authentic or faithful to herself, and therefore has decided to be brave by sharing her story with us.
Since her lover has gone, she feels like she can’t move on, it freezes her physically and mentality.
She says that sometimes it can take sometime to realize how deep is the longing or actually to share your emotions about it.
In the chorus, she confesses her longing and yearning are so deep that there’s no other word that an describe it, but Saudade.
In the third verse, she finally revealed what stands behind her emotions: she lost her best friend.
She felt safe by keeping it for herself, however the burden is too heavy now and she must find listeners to share her story.
She closes the song by confessing that it is to hard for her to continue on her own.
It is killing her inside, since she has never thought she would stay alone, without her best friend.
Initial Personal Ranking: 6th overall, 3rd in semi-final 1
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Portugal, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
France, Switzerland, Iceland, Armenia, and Latvia
Betting Odds: The songs in the festival were released at the end of January 2022.
In the following time period, the country was in 15 – 22 places in the table.
Between the 25th of February 2022 and the 6th of March, Portugal was 11 – 15 with the bookies.
Between the 7th of March 2022 and the 10th of March, Portugal was 15 – 17 with the bookies.
On the 12th of March, Portugal has picked their song for Eurovision 2022.
Since then, the country is in 11 – 13 places.
Early Prediction: I think that Portugal might be one of the dark horses of this year. With maximal simplicity and magical performance, I can see a lot voters (and namely juries) going after this. I am almost sure that this song will qualify.
About The results in the final, I can see almost any scenario happening.
But deep within me, I believe it will end-up higher that expected, so probably I’d say 7-13 in the final.
Artist: LPS (Last Pizza Slice)
LPS (Last Pizza Slice) is a Slovenian band that was formed in December 2018 in the music room of the Grammar School Celje-Center.
The band members are:
- Filip Vidušin – singer
- Gašper Hlupič – drums
- Mark Semeja – electric guitar
- Zala Velenšek – bass, tenor and alto saxophone
- Žiga Žvižej – electronic keyboard
Selection Process: Slovenia has used a long and complicated form of their usual selection process “EMA“.
As in 2020, the selection included 2 different paths:
- EMA Freš 2022 – This path included 24 young artists that are in their beginning of music career. They competed in multiple round that included weekly duels, a second chance round and semi-final. At the end, 4 of them have received a spot in the semi-finals of the Slovenian selection.
- EMA 2022 – The regular selection included 16 established artists and 4 young artists from “EMA Freš“. They were allocated to participate in 2 semi-finals. By a joint decision of the public and the jury, 12 of them made it to the final.
The band “LPS” who actually made the long way from “EMA Freš 2022“, went to win the selection and were set to represent Slovenia at Eurovision 2022.
Allocation in Semi-Final: Slovenia was drawn to perform in the first half of semi-final 1.
LPS will perform the song “Disko”:
Musical Review: It’s a disco pop song. The song starts with an instrumental part composed by keyboards, drums, guitar and electric guitar. The first verse continues the same line of melody, while the lead singer sings it with a soft and young voice. The guitar creates a light beat that becomes the main element. The second verse has a similar shape, but it gives more place to some wind instruments. The chorus is faster, and he sings it with a faster rate. However the chorus is very short. Then again, we get the same instrumental part as is the introduction.
The next part is another occurrence of the chorus. The third verse is faster than the previous until is slowly decays. The melody changes, and the song becomes more intimate and acoustic. The melody is slow, and we can hear more of the lead vocalist’s voice. Thereafter, we get another occurrence of the chorus with some vocal improvisations.
Unfortunately, I find this song basic and a bit boring. The verse aren’t catchy, and the verse is just OK, but has nothing special to offer. I’m not sure about the vocal stability of the lead singer, but what bothered me the most was the lack of charisma they had on the stage.
Maybe it has potential to be a local hit, but I can’t see people going after this one at Eurovision.
Lyrics [Translated from Slovene, credits to LyricsTranslate]
We were at the disco
When LPS was playing
My car was flashing some lights again
Žvižej fucked up the soloAnd I thought then
That you’re looking away too much
This gaze, full of infidelity
Was too known to me alreadyBecause I’m watching you
Leaving with another one without me
I want you
But you’re giving your heart away to another one
We’re dancing
But that’s only in my dreams
No, you won’t come backI’m watching you
Leaving with another one without me
I want you
But you’re giving your heart away to another one
We’re dancing
But that’s only in my dreams
No, you won’t come backPaintings are watching me from the wall
They accompany my every step
Each of them reminds me of a memory
My heart is soaking in tears
With each beat my blood blows slowerYou’re still here
Even though you’re not
Your scent
Wakes me up every morningBut from now on
I’ll be going to the disco on my own
And watch the same movie
In which I’m playing the main roleI’m watching you
Leaving with another one without me
I want you
But you’re giving your heart away to another one
We’re dancing
But that’s only in my dreamsNo, you won’t come back
You won’t be back anymore and I’m watching you
Leaving with another one without me
I want you
But you’re giving your heart away to another oneWe’re dancing
But that’s only in my dreams
No, you won’t come back
Poetry Analysis: It is a song that describes the experience of one directional love or unrequited love. At the first verse, the spokesperson describes they were in a party when his band played (self love is probably important).
He tells us about a girl that he saw. What distracted him was her glance. From his point of view, her glance and behavior hinted she won’t be faithful, probably because she looked at other guys that presented in the same club. In the chorus, it turned out that he was right, since she left club with another guy. He was left heart broken and can’t stop thinking about her.
Disco club are characterized by dance, but ironically the only dance they will have together is an imaginary dance, the one if his dreams.
She keeps accompanying him even in the morning after, with the memory of her smell.
Later on, he describes his solitude that can be seen anywhere – the walls of his room, the way his blood flows, the way he breathes and more.
He says he won’t give up on going to the disco, but it will remind her to him forever.
Initial Personal Ranking: 38th overall, 16th in semi-final 1.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1: Among the countries that usually vote for Slovenia, we can find the following countries in the list of countries that vote in semi-final 1:
Croatia and Portugal
Betting Odds: Slovenia has selected its entry for Eurovision 2022 on the 19th of February 2022.
From this say, and until the 23rd of February 2022, they were in 30 – 33 places.
Thereafter, they went down, almost on each single day, in the range of 34 – 38 places.
Since the 1st of March, the country is in the bottom 2, while being in the dead last place for more then 2 weeks.
Early Prediction: At the moment, I can’t see Slovenia qualifying.
The song sounds like a middle of the road and it just isn’t appealing.
The lack of charisma doesn’t add here value as well.
My prediction is 15 – 17 place in the semi-final.
In the next chapter, we will discuss about additional countries from semi-final 1
You’re welcome to read all about Eurovision 2022 on our homepage
Wow. ESCBeat is going to be really busy over the next few weeks.
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Yes, it will take time!
But it will be our special way to show out love to each country and artist this year.
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Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to meet some of the artists.