Review: “Festivali i Këngës 63” (Albania)

Albania will select its Eurovision 2025 entry via “Festivali i Këngës 63″.
The festival will last for 4 days, between the 19th and the 22nd of December 2024
The results will be based on jury and a public vote.

In this article, I will shortly review the 30 competing songs in the national selection.
The songs will be covered in alphabetical order (of the artists):

#1. Algert Sala – Bosh (Eng: Empty)

• It’s a mid-tempo dramatic ballad, with some ethnic elements.
• The song opens with a bold instrumental part. The verses are quite slow and rely on orchestral strings and piano playing. The pre-chorus is more dynamic. In the chorus, we get more oriental elements like flute playing. The peak of the song suggests a rich instrumental part.
• Algert performs the song with a warm voice and soulful singing. The chorus is the strongest part of the song.
• Overall, a very decent song. It is one of the songs that might work in Fik, not sure about Eurovision.

#2. Alis Kallacej – Mjegull (Eng: Fog)

• It is a RnB-soul-rock ballad.
• The song opens with piano playing. Alis sings in a mid-high tone of voice. The first verse progresses expectedly. The pre-chorus is more soulful, and we hear more of his voice. The chorus has some orchestral elements and minimal electronic production. The second half of the song has a higher tempo. The second chorus includes drums playing.
• The third part of the song relies on violin playing and choir singing. Towards the end, Alis sings with high notes.
• Overall, the song is dynamic and soulful. The composition hugs the listener. It isn’t one of the songs that comes with one element only, and that’s one of the advantages.

#3. Ardit Çuni  – Amane

• It is an ethnic pop song.
• The song opens with pre-recorded vocals. Later on, a strong electronic production and bass playing took the lead, with oriental instruments as well.
• The first verse is based on acoustic guitar playing. In the pre-chorus, some percussion elements are added. The chorus is also based on bass, drums, and oriental instruments. The second verse and pre-chorus are similar to the previous ones.
• The second chorus precedes an instrumental part that will probably be used as a dance break.
• We barely had upbeat male pop songs at the festival, which seems a refreshing choice that might work well with the international audience.

#4. Devis Xherahu – Ka Moment (Eng: There Are Moments)

• It is a pop-folk balld.
• Devis opens the song with a low tone of voice. The melody is based on acoustic guitar. Later on, piano playing is added as well. The chorus is similar to the verses and also includes backing vocals.
• Overall, a flat song that goes nowhere. Sadly, I will also say it is forgettable.

#5. Djemtë e Detit – Larg (Eng: Away)

• It is a folk-rock song.
• The song opens with a wild cyclic keyboard and guitar playing. The first verse opens with outcry and a repeat of the word “Larg”. Along the song, we hear 2 performers: Djemtë and Detit, one of them sings in a more smokey voice.
• The chorus is more kicking, as the rock elements are bolder. The cyclic keyboards are back. The second verse features violin playing as well.
• Towards the end, we get a quite long and diverse instrumental part.
• You can tell the artists are faithful to their own creatures. However, I think it isn’t competitive enough.

#6. Elvana Gjata – Karnaval 

• It is a dance-pop song.
• The song opens with a long instrumental part, which is composed of different string elements and piano. Later on, we hear a more festive trumpet beat. The first verse is based on a mid-tempo pop beat and guitar playing. The pre-chorus brings more power. The chorus is uplifting and festive, with some Latin pop elements (as well as Spanish lyrics). The outro relies on a trumpet beat and drop.
• It sounds like a song that was designed for a live performance. It is fun listening to it, but I am not sure it is as spectacular as some people tend to consider. I feel the song needs more shapes and curves, while the intro is a bit questionable,

#7. Endrik Beba – Ishe ti (Eng: It Was You)

• It is an acoustic pop ballad.
• The melody is based on acoustic guitar and electric guitar stringing. Endrik performs the song in a husky voice. The chorus continues in the same line but with a warmer tone. After the chorus, we get an instrumental part with an electric guitar solo. Towards the end, the song gets a more unplugged direction
• It is a radio-friendly song. However, I felt it stayed in the very same shape and structure. In addition, it brings nothing new to the table.

#8. Epos Grup – Kurajo dhe Zharr (Eng: Courage and Fire)

• It is a rock song.
• The song opens with a strong combination of bass and electric guitar. The intro contains very few words. Later on, drums are added as well. The lead singer performs in a mid-high tone of voice. Before the chorus, we get some backing vocals. The chorus is more energetic. Thereafter, we get an instrumental part (composed of bass, drums, and guitar). Later, the tempo gets higher and faster. The song ends with another chorus and another transition part.
• The vibes are of the 1990s rock era. Sadly, here it feels more like a pale imitation.

#9.Erma Mici – Mbaje (Eng: Hold On)

• It is a power pop-rock ballad.
• The song opens with piano playing, and orchestral string elements are added later. Erma sings with an alt voice. The chorus comes quite fast, she is backed by backing vocals. The chorus is quite catchy due to the framing of the word “Mbaje”. The first chorus is more orchestral. In the second verse, we get a mid-tempo accompanying beat. The tempo of the song gets higher before the second chorus, as drums as added. After the second chorus, comes the bridge where bass and electric guitar lead the composition. Towards the end. her singing is powerful, and a bit more raspy.
• Overall, this is a bold power ballad that will be elevated by the live performance. I think that adding some contemporary elements would have made it even better.

#10. Frensi Revania – Rreziko (Eng: Take a Risk)

• It is a disco dance-jazz song with influences of the 1970s and 1980s music.
• The song opens with a short disco intro. The first verse is based on monotonous acoustic guitar playing. Frensi sings it effortlessly. The chorus is more uplifting, featuring trumpet and keyboards playing. It develops into a disco danceable beat. The second verse is a bit faster. The second chorus comes after, making the song cyclic.
• The advantage of this song will be the fact it is unique in the line-up. Nevertheless, I am not sure this genre will talk to many people.

#11. Gjergj Kaçinari – Larg jetës pa ty (Eng: Away From Life Without You)

• It is a rock song.
• The song opens with a short instrumental part composed of electric guitar and bass. Gjergj opens the song with his familiar, low tone of voice. The first verse has a very specific rate, led by the electric guitar. From time to time, we can hear keyboards playing. The pre-chorus is more modern.
• The chorus is more of a hymn and catchy. He sings it with a mid-tone of voice, supported by some backing vocals. The second verse is served with a lower tone of voice. Towards the end, we get an electric guitar and bass instrumental part.
• Gjergj is a great performer. I feel like the pre-chorus and the chorus are stronger than the verses. But overall it is a pleasant song to listen to, even for non-rock lovers.

#12. Gresa Gjocera – E vërteta (Eng: The Truth)

• It is a pop power-ballad.
• The song opens with a dramatic intro, copmosed of piano and string elements. The first verse is a bit mysrious. In the pre-chorus, male backing vocals are added. and the production is more tensed. The chorus is a bit more classical, and gives her more space for vocal expression. The second verse comes right after. The bridge comes after the second chorus, it is faster and denser. Towards the end, the production starts laid back and then gaining power from the electric guitar.
• For me, the song is quite old-fashioned, and there’s something not appealing in the whole package. It is part of the songs we can find in each edition of the festival.

#13. Jet – Gjallë (Eng: Living)

• It is a mid-tempo pop ballad.
• The song opens with piano playing and orchestral string instruments. Jet opens the song with fragile and soft singing, utilizing a high tone of voice and female backing vocals. The pre-chorus is more energetic, and the melody is based on piano and drums. He sings in a rock interpretation. It builds up to the chorus, which is served by powerful and painful singing. The drum beat continues into the second part of the song. After the second chorus, we get a short instrumental part which leads to one last chorus.
• Jet sounds like a promising vocalist. It is easy to hear that he tells a story. Overall, it is a well-cooked ballad, and I would date to say: the best male ballad in the festival this year.

#14. Kejsi Jazxhi – Kur bota hesht (Eng: When The World is Silent)

• It is a dark pop ballad.
• The song opens with keyboards playing. Later on, drums are added, and Kejsi starts singing. The first verse suggests a bit of a rocky vibe, maybe due to the bass guitar. The pre-chorus relies on orchestral string instruments. The chorus comes quite late, she sings it with a bit longer notes and some raspiness. The chorus ends with violin playing. The second chorus has a more classic vibe. The song ends with tense singing that empowers the drama.
• It is a song that grows on me each time I listen. Maybe with a shorter first verse, it would have been better. But overall, I am happy to have this song and Kejsi in the line-up. On its merit, this is a a song with staging potential.

#15. Klea Dina – Dashuri ndiej (Eng: I Feel Love)

• It is a James-Bond ballad.
• The song starts with piano playing, Klea starts singing in a soft, low tone of voice. The musical boxes are quite long. The song features some sound effects. The pre-chorus is a bit faster, and she sings it with a higher tone. The chorus relies on piano playing and cello playing. In the chorus, we get a more fragile and angelic singing. The second verse gives more place to the cello playing, and she expresses herself more vocally. Towards the end, she sings in falsetto while being supported by backing vocals and dramatic arrangement.
• The song entered the festival after another artist withdrew. However, it is one of the best songs in the line-up. I appreciate the high-quality dark character it brings. For me, it is one of the best ballads in the festival!

#16. Kleansa Susaj –  Ta dija (Eng: I Should Know)

• It is a pop ballad.
• The song opens with a simple piano and guitar playing. Kleansa opens the song with accurate singing. The chorus comes after, but the production is still minimalistic. In the second verse, we can hear a mid-tempo beat and guitars. In the second half of the song. we get more of her vocals.
• After the second chorus, the electric guitar is added with light oriental elements.
• Overall, it is a radio-friendly song and I am afraid this is where it stays, predictable and moving in a very specific direction.

#17. Laorjan Ejlli & Adelina Correj – A thu! (Eng: Do You Say?)

• It is a duet.
• The song opens with classic elements. Laorjan starts singing in a quite high tone of voice, and Adelina continues with an alt voice. Later on, they sing together, and the male vocalist sings as a tenor. The chorus is simple. The second verse relies on a denser string elements melody, with a more dramatic singing.
• For me, this song is quite kitsch and old-fashioned. When some people critic the festival for staying in the past, this song is a great example.

#18. Lorenc Hasrama – Frymë (Eng: Spirit)

• It is a power ballad.
• The song opens with piano and violin playing. Lorenc opens the song with a mid-tone of husky and warm voice, he is supported by backing vocals. We get the chorus quite fast, it is emotional and painful. The melody is simple, relying on a uniform drum beat and piano playing. The second verse is similar to the first one. After the second chorus, we get an instrumental part with echo vocals. The last chorus is even more powerful.
• The chorus is significantly stronger than the verses, and that’s why it is more memorable. The emotional delivery meets the expectations and beyond.

#19. Luna Çausholli – Qiell apo ferr (Eng: Heaven or Hell)

• It is an acoustic ballad.
• The song opens with a simple guitar playing. The first verse is slow, and Luna sings effortlessly in a soft and angelic voice. The flow is very linear and specific. Later on, keyboards are added. The chorus is a direct continuation. The second chorus continues directly. The song ends with more instruments and a higher tone of voice. The very last part relies on keyboards playing only.
• Something about this entry feels pure, or maybe too pure. It is minimalistic and premature.

#20. Mal Retkoceri – Antihero

• It is a pop-rock song.
• The song opens with an intro, which is taken from the chorus. The first verse follows, it is based on keyboards playing, fast beat, and singing, which is almost reciting. The chorus features drums as well, it is more repetitive and hymish. Some parts of the songs include vocal duplication. Towards the end, the electric guitar plays a major role.
• Something about this song feels too processed or too edited. Mal doesn’t fully express himself as a vocalist. However, it is one of the more modern songs in the line-up, and it sticks to your mind easily.

#21. Martina Serreqi – Nese qaj (Eng: If I Cry)

• It is an acoustic ballad.
• The melody is based on acoustic guitar playing, percussion elements, and keyboards. The first verse relies on a monotonous melody. The pre-chorus has some Latin elements. The chorus features more vocal expression, and something in the composition is warmer. Later, we get a short instrumental part composed of violin and guitar. The production is more laid-back in the second half.
• Overall, a simple and heart-warming song, and yet forgettable.

#22. Mihallaq Andrea – Porositë e babait (Eng: My Father’s Orders)

• It is a lullaby ballad.
• The melody is based on guitar and keyboard playing. Mihallaq performs the song in a low-tone voice, which tends to be a bit shaky. The second verse has a similar structure, with the addition of string elements. The chorus features a bit more tempo. Later on. More orchestral elements are added. Towards the end, he is supported by pre-recorded backing vocals.
• However, I found the whole composition boring. Nothing exciting happened here, and the vocal performance is problematic.

#23.Nita Latifi – Zemrës (Eng: Heart)

• It is a power pop-rock ballad
• The song opens with piano playing. Nita suggests a unique color of voice. The first verse is simple but effective, Nita performs it with some trillling. The chorus comes quite fast. in its first occurrence, it is based on guitar and keyboard playing. The second verse is faster, featuring a light beat and violin playing. The second chorus is more orchestral, Nita gives more vocally and it ends with an electronic guitar solo. The bridge links us to another rocky chorus.
• The song sounds like a classic FIK power ballad. I feel Nina didn’t get all the required space as a vocalist. On the other hand, the fact it isn’t “aggressive” isn’t trivial. The chorus works for me better. With a braver production, it could have bolded more.

#24. Orgesa Zaimi  – I parë (Eng: The First One)

• It is a fusion or electronic, rock and hip-hop music.
• The song opens with bass playing, an electronic beat, and pre-recorded processed vocals. The first verse is based on dramatic fragmented string elements melody, Orgesa sings it in a warm voice with trilling. The pre-chorus is served with a higher tempo and repeats the same phrase. The chorus starts laid-back, and its melody is based on piano and electronic guitar. The emphasise is on her voice. Thereafter, we get a part similar to the pre-chorus, and once again the pre-chorus.
• The second chorus is a bit faster, and the tension is more dominant, and it feature some oriental elements.
• Something in the melody reminds of the theme music of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?”
• Orgesa excels in vocal delivery, as always. The song doesn’t go expectedly: In fact, this is one of the most original compositions in the line-up. What I like about Orgesa is the diversity she brings as an artist. Well done!

#25. Rea Nuhu – Sot (Eng: Today)

• It is a Jazz-RnB song.
• The song opens with electronic guitar stringing, which converts into a cyclic melody. The first verse is quite short. Rea performs it with a soulful alt voice. The pre-chorus is warmer and a bit more sassy, and the guitar plays a major role. The chorus is more of an RnB piece, composed of wind instruments as well. while she is accompanied by backing vocals. After the first chorus, we hear a short instrumental part. The second verse is similar to the first one, but a bit faster. The second pre-chorus features feamle backing vocals and drums. In the second-chorus, we get more of her vocals, whille this part is arranged as a questions and answers.
• The main advantage of this song is that there isn’t any song similar to it in the line-up. I can see some American music influences in the melody. I am not sure if this genre speaks to the general voter, but I appreciate it.

#26. Ronaldo Mesuli  – N’zemër (Eng: In the Heart)

• It is an Ethnic mid-tempo ballad.
• The song opens with a pre-recorded speech. The melody is based on oriental string elements and keyboard playing. The first verse is based on effortless singing with emphasis on the melody. The pre-chorus continues in the same line. The chorus is bolder, and Ronaldo gives more vocally, as the oriental elements are brought to the center. The chorus is followed by a short instrumental part.
• The second pre-chorus features backing vocals. The second chorus is more laid back with orchestral string elements. The song is finalized with the ethnic choir singing
• Something didn’t work for me, mainly on the vocal essence: I feel Ronaldo is still premature. The song sounds like something that we could have heard in Eurovision 20 years ago.

#27. Santino De Bartolo  – Kur nata vjen si bora (Eng: When the Night Comes Like Snow)

• It is an unplugged ballad.
• The song opens with the viola playing. Santino opens the song with a lullaby singing, the melody is based on viola, keyboard, and guitar playing. The chorus stays on the same line. The second part of the song features more guitar playing. The last part of the song opens with a modulation.
• There’s something sleepy in his singing, heavily impacting the listening experience. I have waited for so long that it will be elvated.
• For me, it is one of the weakest songs in the festival.

#28. Shkodra Elektronike  – Zjerm (Eng: Noise)

• It is a electro-folk song.
• The song opens with an oriental string instrument playing. The female lead singer, Beatriçe Gjergji, suggests a unique kind of voice. The first verse is based on this instrument, processed backing vocals and a mid-tempo beat. The pre-chorus is based on piano playing and soft-angelic voice. The chorus is more upbeat and electronic, but it is also based on piano and orchestral elements. Towards its end, we can hear periodic pre-recorded vocals. Thereafter, a short instrumetal part comes and it is followed by a spoken-word part, performed by Kolë Laca. This part relies of drums and dark production. The second pre-chorus is classical and artistic. The secodn chorus once again suggests a fusion of oriental and electronic music.
• Overall, one of the pearls of this selection. The song suggests a unique fusion of modern and traditional. The melody is unique and stands out. It is a song of the kind that can work really well with the international public.

#29. Stine – E kishim nis (Eng: We had started this)

• It is a soul-pop ballad.
• The song opens with an electronic keyboard playing. The first verse is based on a constant melody. Stine sings in a mid-tone voice. Something about his singing energy feels a bit bounded. The pre-chorus continues in the same line, just with a different amplitude. The chorus stays in the same line, with more studio effects. Towards the end, we get a bit more modern production.
• Overall, the song is problematic in the means of dynamic and development, The melody is nice but basic. The song reminds me of 1980’s music.

#30. Vesa Smolica – Lutem (Eng: Please)

• It is an ethnic pop song.
• The song starts with unplugged electronic guitar stringing. Vesa opens the song with an alt and stable voice. The pre-chorus is airier, the production is more sparse, and we can hear some studio effects and electronic beats. The chorus is more oriental, featuring violin, cello, electronic keyboards, and more. The chorus is a bit repetitive and yet catchy, she sings it with some vocal trilling. The second verse is performed as reciting or fast singing, the rate is higher. Thereafter, we get the second pre-chorus, as planned. The song ends with 2 final choruses, with the latter relying more on string elements.
• Something about this song shows the beauty of the Albanian music and language. Vesa is a strong vocalist who elevates the song. The song is quite dynamic, and therefore feels more “alive”.

Prediction

In general, the festival suggests a diverse line-up. Some of the songs are less competitive. As I see it, there are 3 potential winners

• Elvana Gjata – Karnaval (Eng: Carnival)
• Ardit Çuni  – Amane
• Shkodra Elektronike  – Zjerm (Eng: Noise)

My Personal Ranking

1. Orgesa Zaimi  – I parë (Eng: The First One)
2. Shkodra Elektronike  – Zjerm (Eng: Noise)
3. Ardit Çuni  – Amane
4. Jet – Gjallë (Eng: Living)
5. Klea Dina – Dashuri ndiej (Eng: I Feel Love)
6. Erma Mici – Mbaje (Eng: Hold On)
7. Vesa Smolica – Lutem (Eng: Please)
8. Alis Kallacej – Mjegull (Eng: Fog)
9. Kejsi Jazxhi – Kur bota hesht (Eng: When The World is Silent)
10. Elvana Gjata – Karnaval (Eng: Carnival)
11. Algert Sala  – Bosh (Eng: Empty)
12. Rea Nuhu – Sot (Eng: Today)
13. Frensi Revania – Rreziko (Eng: Take a Risk)
14. Lorenc Hasrama – Frymë (Eng: Spirit)
15. Kleansa Susaj –  Ta dija (Eng: I Should Know)
16. Gjergj Kaçinari – Larg jetës pa ty (Eng: Away From Life Without You)
17. Martina Serreqi – Nese qaj (Eng: If I Cry)
18. Nita Latifi – Zemrës (Eng: Heart)
19. Luna Çausholli – Qiell apo ferr (Eng: Heaven or Hell)
20. Endrik Beba – Ishe ti (Eng: It Was You)
21. Mal Retkoceri – Antihero
22. Gresa Gjocera – E vërteta (Eng: The Truth)
23. Epos Grup – Kurajo dhe Zharr (Eng: Courage and Fire)
24. Stine – E kishim nis (Eng: We had started this)
25. Djemtë e Detit – Larg (Eng: Away)
26. Ronaldo Mesuli  – N’zemër (Eng: In the Heart)
27. Laorjan Ejlli & Adelina Correj – A thu! (Eng: Do You Say?)
28. Devis Xherahu – Ka Moment (Eng: There Are Moments)
29. Mihallaq Andrea – Porositë e babait (Eng: My Father’s Orders)
30. Santino De Bartolo  – Kur nata vjen si bora (Eng: When the Night Comes Like Snow)

Who is your “Festivali i Këngës 63″ winner?
Who will win the selection?

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland on the 13th, 15th and 17th of May 2025