Review: “Eurovizija.LT 2024” (Lithuania)

Lithuania will choose an artist and a song for Eurovision 2024 via “Eurovizija.LT 2024″.
10 artists will compete in the final, which will be held on Saturday (the 17th of February 2024).
The results will be determined by a combination of public and international jury votes.
In the second round, the top 3 acts will face another public vote.
In this post, I will review the competing songs.

#1.Aistè – We Will Rule the World

It is a soul-pop song with influences of American music
The song opens with an intro that’s composed of keyboard playing and string elements.
The first verse is based on keyboards playing. She emphasizes the first word in each row. Her singing is breathy, and we can hear some soul elements that she sings.
The first pre-chorus is slower. The keyboard playing is still one of the main elements. Towards the end of this part, it sounds denser.
The chorus is based on keyboards playing and string elements. Aistè sings this part some manners.
The pre-chorus continues the same line, and ends in the same way the chorus started. She repeats some of the words.
The second verse has a similar structure to the first one. However, this one sounds more 1990’s influenced.
The second pre-chorus features a curvy melody which challenges her to sing it.
The second chorus is mostly based on string elements and keyboards playing. Towards the end, we can hear some backing vocals. This continues with another chorus
For some reason, something in the melody of chorus (And especially the intro) reminds me of “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls.
The song is catchy, but the live performance was really disappointing. Aistè didn’t hit the notes in the majority of the chorus and pre-chorus. The song itself sounds like we could have heard it even 25-30 years ago.

#2. Žalvarinis – Gaudė Vėjai

It is a rock folk song, performed in the Lithuanian language.
The song opens with a short solo of bass guitar.
The first verse relies on bass guitar and drum playing. Initially, each of 2 singers sing alone, and later on they sing together. Their singing sounds like part of a traditional ceremony.
The chorus is catchier. They sing it together, and the guitarist joins as a backing singer. This part has a more specific framing, as words like “lelijo, lelijo” repeats. The melody is based on electric and bass guitar, while we can also hear drum beats from time to time.
A short instrumental part, composed of electric and bass guitar, takes us to the second verse.
The second verse is similar to the first one, but this time the electric guitar is more dominant and therefore gives it a more rocky direction. The 2 singers do some harmonies.
The second chorus is longer. We can hear all the band members sing it together. The melody is quite uniform, and the guitars are a bit held back. It continues with another guitar solo.
The bridge suggests a kind of modulation. They sing more energetically. The presence of the drums is greater. Later on, we can hear more of the guitars. The song continues with another chorus.
Overall, it is a kind of a different effort from the others. We also don’t have a lot of rock songs in the selection. The fact is is performed in Lithuanian adds to the value of it. However, I must say that at a specific point, it started to sound too repetitive, and it made me lose my interest.

#3. Pluie de Comètes – Be Careful

It is an indie jazz song with influences of 1980’s and 1990’s msuic
The song opens with humming and retro production.
The first verse is based on keyboards playing, electric guitar and slow drum beat. The interpretation is senaul and mysterious.
The chorus is more dreamy and relies on longer musical boxes. Her voice is well combined in the melody. The melody is more classic with keyboards playing and features orchestral string elements. She is supported by backing vocals as well. The electric guitar creates a framing of the
The bridge is based on soft electric guitar playing, the keyboards playing is mixed with warm string elements. The vibes of a winter night in a jazz club.
The second chorus comes after, Justė Kraujelytė sings with a more husky voice and some soul elements. The second chorus is more string oriented and feels magical.
The outro repeats the same pattern “never be the same”, but each time with a different composition. As it moves from being quite dark to more hopeful.
Overall, it is ear-warming and heart-warming. Justė is a great vocalist that just slips easily and effortlessly into this genre. I think it will be more jury appealing, but personally I love it a lot. I am not sure how competitive it is, but the fact is it isn’t a copy of other songs is already a big advantage.

#4. Silvester Belt – Luktelk

It is an electro dance song, performed in Lithuanian language.
The song opens with a short instrumental introduction, based on synth elements and electronic keyboards playing.
The first verse is based on a low volume beat, with uniform electronic keyboard playing. Silvester starts singing with a soft mid-tone voice. The production was quite minimalistic in the beginning. It relies on his vocals and the dynamic electronic keyboard playing.
The first pre-chorus is based on a faster keyboard playing, the production is based on electronic sting elements and increasing beat.
The first chorus started with a fast and catchy danceable beat. Later on, it continues to be an electronic string and keyboard.
The second verse is quite short and similar to the first one.
In the second pre-chorus, we are getting back to the mid beat, as well as some backing vocals.
The second chorus brings back the hook and the faster the beat, we can also hear a sampled alarm.
On the bridge, he sings in a slightly faster tone. This is followed by an instrumental part which is composed of the electronic beat.
The song ends with another verse and chorus, but this time both are based on the high tempo beat.
This is one of the most contemporary songs of this Eurovision season, and in particular the Lithuanian selection for Eurovision 2024. The song has a great hook, it is easy to remember and the Lithuanian language sounds magical. The performance is already Eurovision ready. Thisi the right way to create an electronic music song.
I can see it doing really well at Eurovision. In fact, it might appeal to the jury and the public. Who knows? Maybe Lithuania can achieve its best results ever (above 6th place)

#5. VB gang – KABOOM!!!

It is an electronic song with K-pop elements.
The song starts with an electronic loop that sounds like a sampling of string elements, we can hear a quite childish voice saying “Kaboom”.
The first verse is based on constant mid-fast drum beat, percussion elements and danceable electronic beat. Gabija is the one who performs this part and she does it quite effortlessly.
The 2 singers perform the refrain together. Most of it is based on nonmeaningful words like “la la la”. The melody is based on Keytar and synthesizer.
The first pre-chorus is based on a faster beat and a greater presence of the Keytar. Gabija sings the main part, while Vidas is in charge of the secondary singing with its bass voice. The last part of this pre-chorus is performed in reciting.
The first chorus is mostly performed in Korean. The melody is the same cyclic electronic loop from the intro, combines with synth elements, Vidas sings this part.
The second pre-chorus is mainly performed by Vidas. The singing itself is mostly like speaking or rapping. Towards the end, the beat explodes and the female vocalist is the one who closes it
The song continues with another chorus with lyrics in Korean, This time the chorus is longer.
We get one final chorus where the energy is mixed with some craziness, and the singing is a bit pushing.
Overall, this is a colorful song with a colorful performance. However, I feel like it is more like a nice track with a lot of occurrences. I am not sure how strong it is as a song.

#6. Il Senso – Time

It is an opera ballad.
The song starts with a short instrumental part, composed of acoustic guitar and keyboards playing.
The first verse is based on dense and deep keyboards playing, featuring a constant mid-tempo beat. One of the male vocalists is the first one to perform. He sings in a baryton voice, his voice is deep and the singing is dramatic. Thereafter, he is replaced by another vocalist, a female singer who sings in an operatic voice. Her singing features some vibrato and high notes. The 4 members sing the last line of this verse together.
The drama and tension are increased in the second verse. In this part, the melody is more special, as we can hear some orchestral string elements. The 2 male vocalists perform together with low tone of voices. It continues to mutual singing of all members, and we can also hear electronic guitar added to the composition.
The chorus is based on playing electronic guitar and keyboards playing. In this part, the production is more uniform. At this part it sounds like a peace song (or self empowerment song). They all sing together.
The third verse is quite similar to the second one. The orchestral string elements are bold and combined with the electronic and bass guitar. This part starts with one of the male vocalists and one of the female vocalists singing together, their voices complete each other. The second female vocalists join them, while we can hear tenor singing from the male vocalist.
The bridge started quite unplugged. The 2 female vocalists sing it together a high tone of voice. The melody is based on calming keyboards playing. Later on, a mid-tempo beat is added. The male vocalists join, and drums are added.
The song ends with another chorus, where all of them sing together. The melody is beatless, and it is based on keyboards and guitar playing.
There’s something heavy about this song. Sometimes, I felt like I was watching an acting lesson, where the level of the drama was just too high. I believe this song isn’t that accessible.

#7. Shower – Impossible

It is a mid-tempo rock ballad with rap influences.
The song starts with piano playing. Shortly after the lead singer enters, he sings it in a quite low tone of voice. In some of the cases, it sounds like he recites part of the words.
The first pre-chorus is more melodical. The piano playing is more intense. He sings faster, and sometimes loses air.
The chorus is more interesting. Besides the piano playing, we can also hear drum playing. He sings this part more passionately. His voice is semi-raspy and sounds warmer.
The second verse features fast singing, in some of the cases it is hard to understand the words. We can hear a backing vocalist supporting him. This part is a kind of rap singing.
The second pre-chorus continues in the same way, but this time his singing is more soulful. The piano playing is still the main element in the production. Towards the end, we can feel his urge and energy better.
The second chorus is minimalistic. The melody is based on Xylophone playing, and this enables him to show a softer side of him. Towards the end, the drums are added. In addition, we can hear electric keyboards and electric guitar playing.
The song ends with intimate keyboards playing.
Overall, it felt like going though an emotional roller coaster. It is one of the songs that are elevated by live performance. I would like to get a softer interpretation in the middle of the song, as at some point is started to be a long monologue, which is hard to follow. On the other hand, I think it is one of the sincere songs in the line-up.

#8. Monika Marija – Unlove You Starting Tomorrow

It is an acoustic country ballad.
The song opens with an acoustic guitar playing, while Monika enters with her soft and angelic voice. The melody rate is very common and specific.
The first pre-chorus is a bit faster, her singing is sometimes stronger, and she uses some manners and vibrato.
The chorus features guitars and bow instruments. The bow sound is quite deep and wraps the song in cinematic atmosphere. Monika sings this in a soft and high tone of voice.
The second verse also relies on soft drums and bass, but once again the heart of the melody is rooted in acoustic guitar and the bow elements. Monika is supported by backing vocaists.
The second pre-chorus continues in the same way and it is quite short.
The second chorus is simple, but even though the melody is quite rich.
The bridge is more emotional, and the country genre shines even more.
The song continues with an unplugged chorus, where Monika‘s voice is in the center. She sings it with a higher tone of voice. Guitar stringing leads us back to the main melody.
The song ends with a short instrumenal part.
Overall, it is a pleasant ballas to listen to, I can’t say it changed my life, but Monika is definitely a performer and song writer I am rooting for. The live performance is great, and she tells the story convincingly.

Note: Monika has released another version of the song, in which its melody is based on piano playing. It is still unclear which version will be performed in the final:

#9. Queens of Roses – Walk Through Fire

It is a mid-tempo dance pop song with wide influences of the 1990 – early 2000’s music and soul-gospel music.
The song starts with the intro. This part is based on a mysterious melody, which is based on keyboards playing and some studio effects. Each time another member of the band sings.
The first verse is based on a mid synth-drum and bass beat. They sing it a bit faster. The majority of this part is performed by one of the band members.
The chorus is performed by all of them together. They sing it in harmony, and their vocals are well combined. The melody is based on piano and string elements. Later on, trumpet playing and percussion elements are added.
The second verse is based on a higher tempo and quite monotonous beat. They sing it together
The second chorus follows, and once again we get the trumpet playing.
The post-chorus is quite similar to the chorus, but it is more danceable, sparser and has more instrumental parts. This part also features some backing vocals.
The bridge takes a step backward regarding the beat. They sing more emotionally and slowly. The melody is based on keyboards playing and sampled bass baet.
The final chorus comes after and it suggests a danceable pop piece, with some vocal harmonies and uplifting trunpet playing.
Something about this act put a smile on my face. I can’t say it brings something completely new, but even as a throwback it is nice. The best part of this is their energy and chermisty on stage. This is the kind of song that revives better in live performance.

#10. The Roop – Simple Joy

It is a country-pop song.
The song opens with whistles. The first verse’s melody is based on bass and keyboards playing. The lead singer sings in a mid-high tone of voice. Later on, we can hear him rephrasing some words differently and humming. We can also hear additional string elements and soft drum playing. Towards the end, backing vocals are added.
The first pre-chorus is quite short. The musical boxes are longer. We can also hear the effect of hoarse fingers.
The chorus is catchier. The lead singer sings it in a higher tone of voice and is supported by backing vocalists. The melody is based on a keyboard cyclic playing, combined with acoustic guitar playing.
Thereafter, we get a short instrumental part composed of simple guitar playing and whistles.
The second verse goes in another direction. It is more danceable, and more folky. The lead singer lengthens some of the words. The melody is based on acoustic guitar playing, and later on electric guitar.
A second pre-chorus follows. It is based on keyboards playing, acoustic guitar and uniform mid beat. Towards the end, we can hear the drums exploding the lyrics.
The second chorus comes after, relying on string elements, guitar playing and keyboard playing. Once again, we have another instrumental part.
The bridge is faster, the melody breaks into a different direction, and the guitar is absent from the melody, which is based on uniform mid-beat. The bridge feels somewhat less natural, or shall I say not on the same flow as the rest of the song.
The last chorus starts acoustically. The lead singer is accompanied by choir singing. The rest of the chorus continues as previously, with guitar and keyboard based melody.
The song ends with an outro, where Vaidas pushes a bit with his singing.
Overall, it isn’t one of the best efforts by The Roop. I felt like some of the parts were forced and were connected together just to fill the song.
As for the melody, I recognize less authenticity

Personal Ranking

Silvester Belt – Luktelk
Monika Marija – Unlove You Starting Tomorrow
Pluie de Comètes – Be Careful
Queens of Roses – Walk Through Fire
The Roop – Simple Joy
Žalvarinis – Gaudė Vėjai
Shower – Impossible
VB gang – KABOOM!!!
Aistè – We Will Rule the World
Il Senso – Time

Prediction

As I see it, the top 3 (the super-finalists) will be: Silvester Belt , The Roop, and VB gang.
I can see Pluie de Comètes and Monika Marija are doing better with the jury.
On the other hand, Il Senso might get more public votes.
I believe the tight competition for the trophy will be between Silvester Belt and The Roop,

Which song is your favorite one?
Who will represent Finland 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.
Finland will compete in the second half of semi-final 1.