Review: “Eesti Laul 2025” (Estonia)

Estonia will select its Eurovision 2025 entry via “Eesti Laul 2025″.
16 artists will compete in the final, which will be held on the 15th of February 2025.
The results will be based on the jury and a public vote. The top 3 acts will qualify for the super-final, where the public will select the winner.

In this article, I will review the 16 competing songs in the national selection.
The songs will be covered in alphabetical order (of the artists):

#1. An-Marlen – “Külm“ (Eng: Cold)

• It’s an electro-dance song.
• The song starts with fading keyboards, and An-Marlen sings with her distinctive voice. The electro beat builds gradually. The pre-chorus is slightly more rhythmic and faster, but her singing is still soft. The chorus starts with a fragmented dance club beat combined with synth elements. The chorus relies on the letter “k”, sticking to the listener’s mind (even if they don’t speak Estonian). The chorus ends with an echo-singing and electro drop.
• The second verse is richer, the keyboards are more dominant, as well as backing vocals. The second pre-chorus relies on a more continous beat. The second chorus features more lyrics, and the drop is longer. Vocally, she uses longer notes. An additional chorus follows after. The last one is a more dance-club piece.
• The song ends with gentle and fragile singing.
• Overall, the song is one of the most modern ones in the line-up. An-Marlen is well-known for delivering bops, and there’s no difference here. The fact that the song is in Estonian contribue to the added value. I find the song very catchy and exciting. I hope it will be possible to perform it live properly. Well Done!

#2. Andrei Zevakin ft. Karita – “Ma ei Tea Sind“ (Eng: I Don’t Know You)

• It is a dance club song with industrial elements.
• The song starts with the drum beat. Andrei opens the song with airy singing, which comes with some studio effects like reverb, echo, and metallic voice. He sings fast, the secondary beat builds slowly in the background, and the melody is based on an electronic guitar. The pre-chorus features calmer singing and backing vocals.
• The chorus is repetitive and demanding. Andrei sings with tons of effects, blending his voice in metallic sound. The beat is denser, and the singing is less melodic. Karita opens the second verse, which is quite similar to the first one. Shre sings is a mid-high tone of voice. The second pre-chorus is based on bass-beat. Her vocals are served with effects as well. The second chorus is even more “industrial”. The bridge starts with keyboards playing. From time to time, we can hear an alarm sound. The last chorus follows with electric keyboards, alarm and the known beat.
• In some cases, I found the chorus a bit too shouty from Andrei’s side. One problem that I can raise here is that it sounds like a song that fits much better in the studio rather than a live performance. Sadly, I feel like the song was partly lost between all the effects.

#3. Anna Sahlene – “Love Me Low“

• It is a mid-tempo pop ballad.
• The song opens with keyboards playing, and Anna sings the first verse in a lower tone of voice, with a bit of raspiness. The first pre-chorus features a string-made beat, as well as the keyboards. The chorus takes us in a more danceable direction. Anna is supported by backing singers, and the beat is based on a uniform drop composed of drums and digital keyboards.
• The second verse is similar to the first one, but it is faster. Some synth elements appear in the second pre-chorus. The second chorus serves as expected. The bridge is based on synth elements and a softer tone of voice. It ends with a long note. The last chorus is performed in modulation, taking Anna’s voice to a higher pitch.
• Overall, there’s nothing bad about the song. However, it didn’t leave me impressed. It sounds like it was taken from 2008-2012. Anna doesn’t bring anything new with this composition.

#4. ANT – “Tomorrow Never Comes“

• It is a modern ballad
• The song starts with piano playing, and Ant sings in a mid-high tone of tender voice. The pre-chorus is served with some manners, and we can hear wind instruments. The first chorus is exciting and slow, emphasizing his voice and the simplicity of the melody. He sings the post-chorus in falsetto.
• The second verse is more rhythmic, relying on a drum beat. He sings it in a bit lower tone of voice. The production continues in the same form in the second chorus, which sounds more contemporary. He decorates the second post-chorus with vocal twirling and a higher pitch. The bridge is based on piano playing with almost no production. He opens this part with a lower tone of voice, just to sing in higher notes later on. The song ends with a last chorus, where we get more of Ant’s voice.
• Overall, it is a well-cooked modern ballad. The song is radio-friendly and has some staging potential. I can’t say it is one of the best ballads I’ve heard recently. However, I am impressed by Ant as an artist, and it seems he will be able to deliver the song. Eurovision-wise, it seems like the song can grab more points from the jury.

#5. Elysa – “The Last to Know“

• It is a mid-tempo pop ballad.
• The song opens with keyboards playing. Elysa starts singing with an effortless mid-low tone of voice. The production features some digital effects over her voice. The melody of the first verse develops as expected. The pre-chorus is served more softly and emotionally. The first chorus starts slowly, with a higher tone of voice, and ends shortly after.
• The second verse is faster, the production suggests a higher tempo in this part. The second chorus is more powerful, and the production features drum beats. Elysa starts singing with longer and higher notes. Vocally, this part is more interesting. The melody features violin playing. The song ends with a short bridge and an additional chorus, similar to the second one.
• The song, as well as the video clip itself, seems like it was created in 2008. We can’t ignore the fact that Elysa brought something different (from her). However, I feel like the song isn’t appealing enough for Eurovision. It’s a radio-friendly song, but I fear that’s where it ends.

#6. FELIN – “Solo Anthem“

• It is a punk-pop rock song.
• The song starts with a fading beat that switches to electric guitar playing. Felin opens the singing part with a mid-low tone of a smokey voice. Her singing is full of sassiness and attitude. Something in the melody arrangement reminds me of a song by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The pre-chorus is short and relies on some effects. The first chorus is a pop-rock hymn based on drum and bass. This part is catchy and familiar. A short instrumental part leads us to the second verse, which is similar to the first one. The second chorus is energetic and hymn-like. The post-chorus continues in the same line, with some backing vocals. The Bridge is served with a calmer production and richer backing vocals. The song ends with one last chorus, where the bass and electric guitar are in the center. The song ends with the sound of heartbeats.
• It has been a while since we’ve heard a female rock song in Eurovision. The style reminds me of the wonderful female-rock era we had in the late 1990s – early 2000s. Overall, it is one of the songs I’ve enjoyed listening to, especially because it is a nice throwback to a music period I like. In my opinion, the song should have gone beyond; with a bolder production and stronger rock style in the chorus. It feels like it’s building up to something bigger, but the chorus is kind of pop-rock stadium.

#7. Frants Tikerpuu – “Trouble“

• It is a mid-tempo RnB-soul pop song.
• The song starts with keyboards playing. Frants opens the song with his distinctive raspy (but soft) voice. The first verse is considerably short. The melody is based on keyboards and a constant beat. The pre-chorus is very short and features a clapping beat. The chorus is based on keyboards, bass, and drums. It starts very raw and later on builds up to a well-structured piece. It features rich female backing vocals, which draw a form of dialogue in front of the listener.
• The second verse is similar to the first one but with more airier singing. The second chorus starts quite simply, with the keyboards playing in the center. A part of it is performed by the backing singers. The bridge is served with no production at all, Frants sings it emotionally with piano playing. The song ends with one last chorus, served with a slightly more raspy singing.
• Frants elevates the song with his warm voice. The song isn’t similar to any other song in the line-up, and it might stand out. The beat is catchy. Somehow it is the intersection of romantic and theatrical. Good effort, but not sure it is enough to win

#8. Gen 98 – “Psycho”

• It is an indie-rock song
• The song starts with keyboards playing, and later on, drums are added. The production is electronic. He starts singing theatrically, pulling his voice over the melody. Sometimes, he lengthens the syllables way too much. The chorus is based on humming, a moderated electro beat, and drums. Later on, it continues to another part where he is trying too much with singing. The third verse is longer than the rest, and the melody features bass. The last part of the song is more rocky, both vocally and because the electronic guitar controls the melody.
• Something is annoying about the interpretation of this song. Something in unclear about the structure of the song.

#9. Janek – “Frozen“

• It is a mid-tempo electro-pop song.
• The song starts with a constant electro beat. The first verse is based on the same synth-based beat and mid-tone singing. The pre-chorus is similar, but the production is more dynamic. Janek sings it in a higher tone, with some longer notes. This part also features pre-recorded backing vocals. The chorus is more epic, with a slower beat and orchestral string elements, this is where he sings more emotionally.
• The second verse is faster and relies on the same melody as the first. Right after, we get the second chorus with a faster tempo. The melody is based on keyboards, drums, and soft-electro production. The bridge takes us back to the orchestral direction with higher notes. The song ends with one last chorus with backing singing.
• Janek brings a new direction to him, and it is refreshing. One of the advantages will probably be his live performance, which relies on strong vocals. Whether it is a contender to win, is a question. But, for sure it one of the songs that stands out.

#10. Johanna Elise – “Eyes Don’t Lie“

• It is soul-pop song with Blues influeces.
• The song opens with the violin playing. The melody of the first verse is based on mid-tempo drum playing, bass, and piano. The first verse is served with attitude and a warm voice. The first chorus comes right after. It is based on backing vocals, some vocal improvisations, and a bit more classic direction: String elements, alongaise piano, bass and drums. The chorus is more souly.
• The second verse’s melody is sparse, making it possible to showcase her vocal abilities. The bridge follows, and the melody is based on piano and violin. Johanna sings it more softly with some high notes. Thereafter, we get another verse (similar to the first one). The song ends with an additional chorus and out-chorus, which features a different melody.
• Something is comforting about the song. Johanna delivers it sophisticatedly, but at the same time, it has the appeal to speak widely. What I especially liked about is the soul that shines from each line of it.

#11. Minimal Wind – “Armageddon”

• It is an indie-pop mid-tempo ballad.
• The song opens with a short instrumental part, composed of piano and orchestral string elements. The first part of the song is the chorus. Elizabeth Tiffany starts singing with a mid-tone voice, it develops slowly and the production is quite rich. The first verse follows: The singing becomes softer and with a higher tone. The string elements dominate the lyrics.
• The second chorus follows, this time relying on drum playing, taking the song to a more mid-tempo direction. Her voice is warmer in this part. Thereafter, we get a post-chorus that relies on humming, drums and guitars. The second verse follows, with a more fragile singing, the melody is based on keyboards-loop. Elizabeth finalizes it with a vocal twirling. The last chorus is more rocky, the melody is mainly based on bass and electric guitar.
• Overall, it is a high-quality song, with a cinematic atmosphere. The arrangement and production are well-planned. The lyrics are meaningful, putting the listener in the center. I am not sure the Estonian public will go after it, but for sure it will be appreciated by the jury.

#12. Räpina Jack ft. Kaisa Ling – “Tule“ (Eng: Come On)

• It is a country-folk song.
• The song starts with guitar playing. Räpina Jack‘s vocalist opens the singing with a notable low and thick voice. Later on, we hear some more string elements. The chorus starts with humming and choir singing. The melody is based on percussion elements, guitar, cello, and viola. Towards the end of the chorus, Kaisa Ling enters with high-tone vocal decorations.
• The second verse is similar to the first one, but Kaisa Ling is also heard this time. The song ends with one last chorus,
• I guess this one is just not for me. I found myself bored while listening. Maybe it is just too “local” or not competitive at all.

#13. Stereo Terror – “Prty Till The End of The World“

• It is funk-pop with rock influences.
• The song opens with a powerful electric guitar and bass playing. Thereafter, the song goes into a more electronic direction. The first verse is based on dense bass, drums playing and smokey singing. From time to time, we get electro-processed vocals. The chorus takes the song to a more commercial pop song. The singer who performs this part has a more “tidy” mid-high tone of voice. The melody is based on a blend of guitars and electronic beats.
• The second verse is based on a higher tempo and a more electronic production. The second chorus is more rocky, but still has a lot to do with funk-pop. The post-chorus is composed of growling and an electronic drop. Thereafter, we get one last chorus based on synth elements, drums and bass.
• Overall, I feel like the song is too blended and over-produced. It is diverse, but more importantly lacks a focus. It sounds like the average compromise between different writers who wanted to put different styles in the song.

#14. Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato“

• It is a fusion of Latin and Italian music from the 1950-1960s.
• The song opens with classic guitar and keyboards playing. Thereafter, the keyboards are in the center. Tommy enters with a low-tone of voice, resembling a tenor singing (even though it isn’t). Later on, the bpm gets higher, with a drum beat. The intro and the chorus are identical lyric-wise. The bridge is based on backing vocals and trumpet playing. The first verse has more swing, and the flow is more theatrical. The lyrics are full of cliches. The melody is based on monotonous trumpet playing. The chorus brings a slightly more “serious” direction to the song, but this time in a more danceable.
• The second verse is served with an exaggerated accent and broken Italian. The melody is uniform, and towards the end we get the guitars back. The song ends with one last chorus, which is followed by some “lalala” singing.
• I am addicted to coffee, but I don’t like to drink this Espresso Macchiato. There is something infantile about this song, which I strongly want to avoid.

#15. Tuuli Rand – “Rem“

• It is a RnB-pop mid-tempo song, performed in the Estonian language.
• The song starts by singing. The melody is based on keyboards and simple singing. The first verse is quite slow. The pre-chorus continues in the same way, but the production has more layers. The chorus is based on a deeper melody, with fragmented drums and bass playing. Her singing is more powerful. The second verse is based on fading backing vocals, tender singing and keyboards playing. A mid-tempo beat (composed of string elements) wraps the melody.
• The second chorus follows, quite the same as the first one, sometimes the singing sounds like pushing too much. The bridge is more laid-back; Tuuli sings in a softer voice with higher notes. The melody is more magical, and it creates an intimate atmosphere which breaks down with a shout and last chorus. The song stops out of the blue
• There’s something passionate and sensual about the interpretation of this song. I feel like the Estonian language really elevates this song, adding a dimension of curiosity and mystery to the song.

#16. Marta Lotta – “Tantsin veel” (Eng: I’m Still Dancing)

• It is a dance-disco pop song, with influences from 1980s music, performed in the Estonian language.
• The song opens with a short vauge instrumental part. The melody is based on keyboard playing and mid-dance club beats. Marta opens the song with an effortless mid-low tone of singing. The chorus is danceable, and feels like a good throwback to the 1980s. It is based on a catchy loop. Thereafter, we get a short instrumental part, based on a violin sampled part.
• The second verse is similar to the first one, but we get from her vocal-wise. The second chorus follows, and it is catchy. This is followed by a short post-chorus. The bridge is based on cyclic keyboard playing and spoken word part in French language. From there, we get another disco-oriented chorus.
• This song is really fun to listen to, and it resembles older periods of music in a beautiful way. However, the chorus is stronger than the verses. Once again, another case where the Estonian language proves its merits. As a wild-card winner, it is better than some of the songs that have been selected as direct finalists.

Prediction

In general terms, I think this “Eesti Laul” is stronger than the one we had in 2024. There is a variety of genres. Based on past experience, it is well known that Estonia has a tendency to pick a male vocalist. Therefore, I think the following songs will compete for the podium:

• Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato“
• Janek – “Frozen“
• Andrei Zevakin ft. Karita – “Ma ei Tea Sind“ (Eng: I Don’t Know You)
• ANT – “Tomorrow Never Comes“

I can see

My Personal Ranking

1. An-Marlen – “Külm“ (Eng: Cold)
2. Minimal Wind – “Armageddon“
3. Johanna Elise – “Eyes Don’t Lie“
4. Janek – “Frozen“
5. ANT – “Tomorrow Never Comes“
6. FELIN – “Solo Anthem“
7. Tuuli Rand – “Rem“
8. Frants Tikerpuu – “Trouble“
9. Andrei Zevakin ft. Karita – “Ma ei Tea Sind“ (Eng: I Don’t Know You)
10. Marta Lotta – “Tantsin veel” (Eng: I’m Still Dancing)
11. Elysa – “The Last to Know“
12. Anna Sahlene – “Love Me Low“
13. Gen 98 – “Psycho”
14. Stereo Terror – “Prty Till The End of The World“
15. Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato“
16. Räpina Jack ft. Kaisa Ling – “Tule“ (Eng: Come On)

Who is your “Eesti Laul 2025″ winner?
Who will win the selection?

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