Review: “Benidorm Fest 2024” (Spain)

Doron Lahav

2 years ago

16 artists will compete in “Benidorm Fest 2024“. The festival will include 2 semi-finals (On the 30th of January, the 1st of February) and a grand final (on the 3rd of February)
8 artists will compete in each semi-final. 4 artists will qualify from each semi-final.

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Music

#1. Almácor – Brillos platino (Eng:Platinum glitters)

It is a modern Latin dance pop with rap elements
The song opens with a keyboard made instrumental partץ
The first verse is performed with some effects over the vocals. The singing is airy, and the singer performs in a mid tone of voice. The singing rate is quite fast, even though the melody is “calmer”.
In the pre-chorus we can hear a dance beat build up and accelerate the tempo
The chorus is faster, and the singing is more effortless. The dance beat is the main element. Thereafter, it moves to a kind of rap.
The second chorus is festive and memorable.
The song communicates with popular music in recent years, and that’s why it might be impactful.
It is the kind of song that works perfectly in the studio (where you can use as many effects as you wish). However, we should see about the live performance: If he succeedes, it will be a contender.

#2. Angy Fernández – Sé quién soy (Eng: I know who I am).

It is a pop rock song, that was written by Swedish writers: Dino Medanhodzic, Henrik Lundberg, Thomas G:son and the singer herself.
The intro is based on a guitar playing
A constant drum beat builds the first verse melody. Angy sings in a mid-high tone of voice.
Pre-chorus is more energetic, as we can hear more of the drum beat.
The chorus is based on drums and bass, that comes with high volume singing.
The second verse continues on the same line, with guitar playing. This time we can hear more backing vocals.
There is a rocky outro with powerful singing and strong drums and bass, accompanied by electric guitar as well
The bridge is performed with some shouts to exhance the message, and the same goes for the last chorus
The melody and the arrangement reminds me of the song “Segunda Parte” by Soraya (who represented Spain at Eurovision 2009)
It isn’t one of the most original songs in the line-up, it sounds like more of a girl band song from 2012. However, vocally she delivers and it can be another color in the line-up.
Still, I can’t see this winning,

#3.Dellacruz – Beso en la mañana (Eng: Kiss in the morning)

It is a Latin dance pop song.
The song starts with a short intro that comes with echo and fading effects.
The melody is based on a cyclic electronic piece composed of keyboards.
In the pre-chorus, a beat is added and the singing is faster.
The chorus is more catchy, and singing is much faster. The electro dance beat takes over the melody and the general vibe is of a summer hit.
The second verse is based on guitar playing, and a mid-beat.
Thereafter, another pre-chorus and chorus came. The outro is based on echo singing and 2 combined beats. The bridge is more electronic.
The last part starts with drums and bass, and therefore breaks the framing a bit.
The song is decent, but I can’t say it moved me. The chorus is much more memorable.

#4. Jorge González – Caliente (Eng: Hot)

It is a Latin pop song.
The song starts with a short intro composed of a combination of trumpet and keyboard.
The first verse is based on acoustic guitar, Jorge starts with a kind of sensual whisper. He continues singing in a low-tone voice.
A drum beat takes us to pre-chorus, which suggests a different vibe, obtained by the trumpet. He sings some parts of it more softly.
The chorus is based on multiple backing vocals. He repeats the word “Caliente” several times. The beginning is unplugged and sounds more like speaking. Later on, the trumpet returns and it is more festive.
After the chorus, we get a short instrumental part, composed by the trumpet as well.
The second verse is more sassy, and it is based on a mixture of English and Spanish.
The pre-chorus is similar to the former one.
With some wind instruments and uplifting beats, it turns into a more stadium hymn. As the song progresses, it sounds more like Latin pop from 2002-2005.
The song reminds me a bit of “La Lola” by Famous (“Benidorm Fest 23“).
I feel like it has been made especially for Eurovision, and maybe it follows “Eurovision recipe” too much. I can also recognize how it tries to borrow “SloMo” motives.

#5. Lérica – Astronauta (Eng: Astronaut)

It is a mid-tempo indie pop song.
The song starts with a guitar intro.
The first verse is based on guitar playing, the performer has a husky voice. The second singer has a higher tone of voice, but sometimes it sounds like he needs to control his breathing.
They sing the pre-chorus together. The melody is based on guitars and keyboards.
Surprisingly, the chorus is a long instrumental drop, almost without any singing. I guess that we will get some dancing on the stage during this part.
The production reminds me of arcade music (or the games from the 1990’s))
The second verse is based on guitar, keyboards and keyboards. It is faster than the first one.
The second pre-chorus features an additional tempo.
The second chorus relies on more words in its lyrics. The hook is more of a party or dance club.
The bridge is more of Latin pop and then we get the last chorus.
Overall, the final outcome is quite catchy and memorable. However, not a lot is happening there on the singing or lyrical level.

#6. Mantra – Me vas a ver (Eng: You will see me)

It is a young pop song, with light country/folk influences.
The song starts with a guitar playing.
The female singer opens the song with a quite sweet and angelic voice. Later on, the 2 other guys sing (each time someone else).
They sing the chorus together, the melody is based on guitar playing and drum beat.
The second verse is much faster, and has a different flow. Thereafter, he is joined by the others.
They sing the second chorus together, and this time the emphasis is on the female singer vocals.
The bridge is more of a sing-along piece with some improvisation and harmonies.
The last part starts with a modulation, and once again they sing together.
There is something pure and almost “innocent” about this song. It is ear warmer, but I’m not sure if it’s competitive enough.

#7. María Peláe – Remitente (Eng: Sender)

It is a flamenco song.
The song opens with a choir of male vocalists.
Intensive guitar playing comes before the first verse.
Maria opens the first verse with a warm and thick voice. The melody is based on guitar stringing (as in each flamenco song), but we can also hear some additional effects.
Through the second part, we can hear a clapping element as well. The chorus starts with a long outcry. Male backing vocalists keep on supporting her. The chorus carries the flag of traditional Spanish music. The chorus closes in the same way. In the second part of the chorus, she sings in longer notes.
Thereafter, we can hear a more modern flavor of music, coming from keyboard cyclic melody. This sounds leads the melody. She sings once again emotionally, and the pain can be well observed.
At some point, we can hear synthised vocals, and this part is performed in a kind of reproof, where singing is more like fast speaking.
The second chorus follows, it is emotional, painful and powerful. Thereafter, we can hear traditional intense guitar playing with choir singing.
The last part of the song suggests a combination of different vocals, with the known melody, until it is stopped by the sound of electronic shutting.
Overall, it is a heart-warming song, with traditional roots and modern spices. The interpretation is exciting and the story is well told.
Will Spain be brave enough to select another Flamenco song following Blanca Paloma in 2023 (with the low scoring with the public)? I’m not sure, but for sure this is one of the standouts in the festival. In addition, it is one of the only soulful songs in the line-up. Well done!

#8. Marlena – Amor de verano (Eng: Summer love)

It is a mid-tempo summer pop song.
The song starts with singing alongside acoustic melody, made by keyboards and guitar.
Thereafter, the production advances into more mid-tempo direction. We can hear backing vocals and a gentle drum beat.
The chorus is based on a mixture of English and Spanish.
The second verse is based on a soft synth sound.
The second verse is more up-tempo. The beat is faster.
The bridge includes some vocal effects, The melody is based on electronic keyboards. The singing is softer.
The third verse explodes into a an electronic beat, that crushes into the chorus
The third chorus is shorter.
The bridge that comes after is simpler, and the emphasis is on the lead’s singer vocals. We can heat some echo backing vocals.
The last chorus starts with effects over the main singer vocals, there is a use of metallic effect, as well as revarb. The song closes with the English phrase of the chorus.
The song is accessible and simple. I can’t say it is the most original song in the line-up, but something about it feels right. The lead singer has a unique color of voice.

#9. Miss Caffeina – Bla bla bla

It is a pop song with dance-club elements.
The song opens with the “Bla Bla Bla” hook, which is going to accompany us along the song.
The intro is based on processed vocals, in a plenty of effects. The melody is based on simple keyobards playing
The first verse continues on the same line, but this time without effects. The lead singer sings in a mid tone of voice. The first verse includes pre-recorded backing vocals and mid-fast singing. The melody includes a mid drum bear at the background.
The pre-chorus is slower. We can hear more of the digital keyboards playing. The pre-chorus explodes towards the end.
The chorus is simpler and catchy. There is a repeat on the phrase “Bla Bla Bla” with support of backing vocals. It is more hymnish.
The second chorus is based on more backing vocals. The melody is still based on the mentioned keyboards, and the lead singer sings effortlessly.
The pre-chorus steps into a richer production with a “galactical” sound of digital keyboards.
The chorus feels more festive this time. We can hear drum beats as well.
The outro is a dance club beat, the vocals are processed and it sounds like a dance club song from 2005-2010.
The song ends with one last chorus.
It isn’t one on the most sophisticated songs in the line-up, but still the production is on point.
They could have easily reached a situation where the “Bla Bla Bla” is overused, but here it is allocated thoughtfully.
Something about it gives the same vibes as Varry Brava (who competed in “Benidorm Fest 2022”)

#10. Nebulossa – Zorra (Eng: Bitch)

It is a 1980’s synth pop song.
The song starts immediately with a known beat of the 1980’s pop, which starts as a cyclic keyboard playing and continues into a dance beat. The vocals are based on whispers.
The first verse is based on a constant slow beat, while the melody is based on keyboard playing. Her singing is airy, and her vocals are semi-husky, in a mid-low tone of voice. There’s a use of some effects over the vocals.
The chorus follows immediately after. The melody is based on a faster dance beat, while the melody is ricker is based on keyboards and drums. The chorus feels more epic, and it ends quite shortly after.
The second verse is based on the same dance beat. She phrases the words with some pauses after specific words. She performs this part more sensually, and the backing vocals taking a greater part.
The second chorus starts slowly, while the melody explodes into an additional beat, and then a drum beat is added. The composition changes during the chorus.
In the outro, the dance beat is sped up.
Thereafter, comes another chorus which is based on synth strings alongside the keyboards and the dance beat.
The last pre-chorus is performed more laid-back , almost unplugged. However, this is a build up for the last chorus that comes with a lot of backing vocals. The lead singer ends with singing in higher fitch.
The song brings to us a good throwback to the 1980’s, I loved the fact it proves that performer has no age.
It is a 100% of enjoyable synth pop, and there’s mothing to regret about it.
I’m still waiting to see whether is will pass the live performance test.

#11. Noan – Te echo de (Eng: I miss you)

It is a mid-tempo pop-rock song.
Noan has a husky voice which stands out between the different chords.
The first verse is based on condierably slow acoustic guitar playing.
As the pre-chorus begins, we can hear some backing vocals and the guitar stringing is faster with a faster tempo. He sings in a diverse range towards the end of the pre-chorus.
The chorus is uplifting and more catchy. It is romantic somehow and more hymnish. The melody is based on bass and drums.
The second verse is based on a sparse bass playing, that is joined by a beat. Once again, his rapsy voice is the main element.
The chorus is memorable.
On the bridge, his singing is even more powerful. There’s a use of the echo effect, and thereafter he moves to a softer singing. The song ends with one final chorus.
There’s something sincere and simple in this song. The level of sincerity is high, and it is well appreciated. Having said this, the song develops predictably.
As much as I like it, the song isn’t competitive enough.

#12.Quique Niza – Prisionero (Eng: Prisoner)

It’s a mid-tempo pop ballad.
The song starts with piano playing in minor chords. The singer joins immediately and sings in a low-tone voice. As the first verse progresses, we can hear more elements in the production like fading backing vocals.
The pre-chorus is pretty short and the production is simple.
The chorus has a higher tempo, as drums and bass are part of the melody. He sings powerfully, but also softly part of the time. The melody is also based on string elememts
The second chorus is faster, the melody is based on keyboards and guitars.
The bridge suggests a change in the melody, we can hear more drum beats and backing vocals.
The song ends with fragile singing.
Overall, a radio-friendly song, but not it doesn’t feel impactful enough.

#13.Roger Padrós – El temps (Eng: Time)

It is a mid-tempo modern ballad, performed in the Catalan language.
The song starts with an instrumental part composed of piano playing.
In the first verse, we can hear some string elements as well. the singing is quite slow.
In the pre-chorus, the production is more cleaner, and he sings is a semi-husky voice.
The chorus doesn’t go big either. It starts with precessions. He sings in a mid-low tone of voice. We can hear some effects in the production, like electronic beat, echo voice and fading backing vocals.
The post-chorus is performed simply and to the point, the melody is based on piano playing with some string element.
There after we get a kind of short verse, which comes with a soft electronic production.
The second chorus follows. The presence of orchestral elements is greater. This chorus is stronger.
He ends with long notes over percussion, piano and modern production.

#14.Sofía Coll – Here to Stay

It is an Euro-club song, that sounds like a LGBT anthem. The song is performed in 3 languages: Spanish, English and Catalan.
The song starts with digital keyboard playing. Sofia starts singing shortly after with a soft (but stable voice). It build up with a growing beat.
The melody is based on 2 main layers: An electronic beat and keyboard playing, In some cases, the first is more dominant and in other cases the second is more dominant.
The second verse is more melodic (while the production takes a step backward). She is supported by backing vocals. Vocally, she tries to reach to a kind of peak.
Surprisingly, we don’t get the chorus, but the pre-chorus, which is performed in English. It is build on a continuous drop. It is performed quite fast, and the singing is more of a spoken word.
The chorus is catchy and festive, and sounds like a typical song to dance to in an Euro club party. The dance beat is unified, and stands out. The chorus relies on very specific words.
The following verse is based on a “calmer” beat, and casual singing. Towards the end of this part, she sings in a half-raspy voice.
The pre-chorus this time is performed even faster, is a more sassy and determined way.
Immediately afterwards, we get the chorus, the drop is shorter this time, just to be follows by another hook. We can hear processed backing vocals.
The closure is more poppy and we can hear a fusion on the 2 beats that have been introduced previously.
The song immediately stick to your mind. I felt like each part took me to another turn in this journey. That’s why I see this song as one of the contenders in the running: It develops unpredictably (in a good way). The combination of languages actually works good.

#15. St. Pedro – Dos extraños (cuarto de cuerda) [Eng: Two strangers (Quarter string)]

It is an classic orchestral ballad.
The song starts with Latin guitar playing. Percussion elements are added, and we get the first verse. The singer sings effortlessly with a beautiful color of voice.
Before the chorus, we get short instrumental part composed of percussion, keyboards and strings.
The chorus continues similarly to the first verse. However, melodically it is more sophisticated. Towards the end we can hear the orchestral elemen
The second verse is bases on guitars and piano, with a mid-percussion accompany. He sings this part with a more warm and higher tone of voice.
The second chorus gives more space to the orchestral elements, but he keeps on hitting those notes.
Thereafter, we can hear the post-chorus which is serves with longer notes and more Iberian traditional. This part features richer backing vocals. The lead singer gives more vocally.
The song ends with a short bridge, that’s is more dreamy. He sings it unplugged, with almost no production. The bridge is based on piano and violin playing.
Overall, a very different song in the line-up. There isn’t any song similar to this one, and that’s why it shine better. There’s something brave about submitting such a song in a time-period where most artists have put themselves away from authentic music and creating music with orchestra.

#16. Yoly Saa – No se me olvida (Eng: Don’t forget me)

It is a dynamic singer-songwriter song, with some Latin and world music influences.
The song starts with acoustic guitar stringing, Yoly opens the first verse with angelic and soft voice that combines perfectly into the melody. Towards the end, we can hear fading baking vocals.
The pre-chorus is intimate, the melody is eternal and towards the end we can hear a build of percussion beat.
The chorus has a faster tempo, as it continues the line of the percussion beat from the pre-chorus. Her singing is more powerful, and the emotions delivery is sincere. If I am not wrong, we can hear viola as well.
The second verse is more unplugged production wisely. We are back to the guitar based melody, and fragility mode is turned on.
Intense guitar stringing takes us to the second chorus. The atmosphere is warmer, and the backing vocals wrap the guitar-strings composition.
Thereafter, we can hear choir singing that is followed by some auto-tune singing (a very short one though). Plenty of percussion and drum beat decorate the production. The elements are based on foundational Latin music, and I even can recognize African-tribal motives. There is a repeat on the song title along this part.
The song caught me from the very first note. The level of sincerity and sensitivity is incredibly high.
There’s something captivating about the performance: The fact this isn’t only a standard ballad, puts it as the one of the best songs in the selection.

My Personal Ranking

In general, the line-up isn’t that strong, but some of the songs are really good and can do well. If any of my top 6 wins, I will be delightful.

Yoly Saa – No se me olvida
Sofia Coll – Here to stay
St. Pedro – Dos extraños (cuarto de cuerda)
Marlena – Amor de verano
María Peláe – Remitente
Nebulossa – Zorra
Noan – Te echo de
Mantra – Me vas a ver
Roger Padrós – El temps
Miss Caffeina – Bla bla bla
Angy Fernández – Sé quién soy
Dellacruz – Beso en la mañana
Quique Niza – Prisionero
Lérica – Astronauta
Almácor – Brillos platino
Jorge González – Caliente

My Prediction

I believe we will see a tight fight this year.
Currently, where we have no clue about live performances, it looks like it will be between Sofía Coll and Almácor.

Who would you like to see representing Spain at Eurovision 2024?
Eurovision 2024 will be held in Malmö, Sweden.
The semi-finals will be held on the 7th and 9th of May 2024, and the grand final will be held on the 11th of May 2024

Don’t forget to visit our Eurovision 2024 Homepage