Review: “Ethnikos Telikos 2025” (Greece)

Greece will select its Eurovision 2025 entry via “Ethnikos Telikos 2025″.
The national final will be held on the 30th of January 2025.
The results will be based on the jury and a public vote.

In this article, I will review the 12 competing songs in the national selection.

#1. Andy Nicolas – “Lost My Way“

• It’s a soft country-pop ballad
• The song starts with keyboards playing. Andy opens the singing part with a mid-tone voice. The pre-chorus is slightly faster. The melody features guitar playing and soft percussion elements. A short instrumental part leads us to the chorus. The first chorus is based on a monotonous loop. which is composed of electronic keyboards and drums loop. Vocally, he sings in a bit longer notes.
• The second verse is based on keyboards and percussion elements. the singing is simple, with some backing vocals. The pre-chorus follows, this time with a stronger drum element.
• The second chorus follows, and thereafter comes the bridge, which is served as an unplugged guitar piece.
• Overall, it is a very western-radio-friendly song, which develops as expected.

#2. BARBZ (Barbara Argyrou) – “Sirens“

• It is a mid-tempo electro-pop song.
• The song opens with piano playing, BARBZ enters with a notably husky voice, which adds a beautiful raspiness to the classic composition. The first verse is quite classic. In the pre-chorus, more layers are added, as the melody also features violin playing. Her singing is more fragile in this part. The chorus relies mainly on the orchestral elements. It opens with longer notes as the melody becomes more dramatic. She holds longer notes. The post-chorus is more electronic, the tempo creates another tension.
• The second verse continues the soft-electronic line, it is quite short and effective. The pre-chorus brings the violin to the front, and we get more of her vocals. The second chorus is more powerful: Its second part relies on electronic beat and digital keyboards.
• For some reason, this song sounds like it was created in Norway. It reminds me of songs that usually win a semi-final in “MGP:. Vocally, it is definitely a pearl, her voice appears in many layers and colors. But I also want to praise the professional production, Well Done!

#3. Evangelia – “Vale/Báλε“

• It is an Ethnic pop song performed in English and Greek.
• The song opens with a modern production of synth and keyboards playing, Evangelia sings in a mid-high tone of voice, The pre-chorus is a bit faster, relying on the same composition, Towards the end, she moves to sing in Greek. Surprisingly, the chorus goes in a different direction: A stadium hymn song. The melody is based on a drum beat, an electro beat, a percussion beat, and backing vocals. Thereafter, we move to a fast singing-speaking part (with some questionable lyrics). The melody is based on drums and percussion.
• The second pre-chorus is similar to the first one, but it is served by a higher tempo. The second chorus is similar to the first one, finalized by electronic drop. However, the bridge brings traditional Greek elements to the center, like the violin playing (which will probably feature some ethnic dance). Thereafter, we get more raw singing with a laid-back production. The song ends with one last chorus. with richer backing vocals.
• Overall, it is a decent entry. But I expected more from Evangelia. I enjoyed the verses and the pre-chorus more than the choruses. It started as something distinctive but has since developed into a stadium hymn since 2005-2008.

#4. Nafsika – “Unhurt Me“

• It is a ballad.
• The melody is based on keyboard playing. Nafsika starts singing emotionally with a mid-low tone of voice. Towards the end of this part, we can hear orchestral elements with a deeper voice and some vocal twirling. Shortly after, we get the chorus, which is based on piano playing and string playing. She sings this part in a bit-higher tone, and the atmosphere is quite romantic. The first chorus is finalized by a short guitar playing, back-up by a mid-slow beat.
• The second verse follows. This time, the melody is based on cello and piano. The second chorus comes after this time with a more contemporary interpretation. The out-chorus is performed rawer and straight-forward. Towards the end, we can hear the electric guitar. The bridge is based on keyboard playing and builds gradually with more angelic and powerful singing. The last chorus features backing vocals and vocal decoration.
• There is something very simple about this song. but yet beautiful. The production is raw, letting the artist be with a naked soul in front of the listener. It is definitely one of the best songs of this selection. The song fits to be a slow dance at weddings.

#5. Dinamiss – “Odyssey“

• It is a traditional ethnic pop combined with trap pop.
• The song opens with a vocal harmony of the duo, as the melody is based on string and percussion elements. The first verse is based on an electronic beat. It starts with one of them singing effortlessly and in a sassy way. Then, the second vocalist takes her place with a higher tone of voice. They sing the remaining part together. The second verse is faster, with some metallic processed backing vocals. The singing is a kind of soft rapping. The pre-chorus is more melodic, with “na na na”. The chorus is similar to the intro, with a more oriental direction and an electronic drop. The melody is also based on drums. The first chorus is followed by an electro-dance instrumental part.
• The third verse resembles the first one, but it is faster with a more digital and “artificial” production. They sing it in a sassy way. Thereafter comes the second pre-chorus. The second chorus kicks in with the percussion and strings. The electro drop is even bigger this time, with some synth elements. The bridge has a middle-east music elements and it ends with a chorus in Greek.,
• I would classify this song as the dark horse of the selection. The duo isn’t that well known, but yet it sounds like they bring something very interesting to the selection. There isn’t a song in the selection which competed on the spot like this one. It is a bit of 2005’s music, but in a good way.

#6. Thanos Lambrou – “Free Love“

• It is a pop rock song.
• The song opens with bass guitar playing, and later on, drums are added. Thanos starts singing with a smokey voice. The pre-chorus features more string elements. The chorus is based on bass and electric guitar, and the melody develops as expected. The chorus ends with a short instrumental part. The second verse is similar to the first one, but backing vocals are added. The second pre-chorus brings the string elements to the center. The second chorus starts with drums and humming that exploded into the main melody.
• The bridge is based on constant drum percussion and raw singing, It is followed by a modulation that leads to the final chorus.
• The song sounds like a high-school musical song. Something about its melody reminds me of “Living On a Prayer”. Overall, I didn’t find this entry exciting. For me, it is standard and not competitive.

#7. Ricky (Píki) – “Elevator (Up and Down)“

• It is a punk mid-tempo pop song.
• The song opens with the sound of an elevator. The first part of the song is the chorus, Ricky sings it with cool vibes and swag and serves it with a high tone of voice. The melody is based on a constant rhythm. The first verse is based on keyboard playing and soft bass stringing. He sings this part with a warm and thin voice. The second chorus follows, and the melody is based on bass and guitar playing. This time, he sings it more theatrically, with some vocal decorations and backing singers.
• The second verse is based on keyboards and bass. It is quite short, and shortly after, we get an additional chorus similar to the first one. Bridge starts with a more chilled production. Some 1980s musical elements are added to the following chorus.
• Overall, I found the song like an unfinished demo. I have waited for something to happen, but it stayed in the very same line. It sounds like the majority of effort was invested in the chorus, which is very repetitive.

#8.Konstantinos Xristoforou ft. Kostas Karafotis – “Paradisos/Пapádεloo” (Eng: Paradise)

• It is an Ethnic ballad.
• The melody is based on piano, violin, and wind instruments. The first verse is slow, Konstantinos opens the singing part and, later on, is replaced by Kostas Karafotis. The first chorus follows. The both of them perform it together. The chorus is based on oriental elements, as well as drums. Towards the end, we can hear flute and some string elements.
• The second verse features modulation. Konstantinos opens it with a higher tone while Kostas accompanies him. The melody is based on Bouzaki and keyboards. We get an unexpected (and undesired) note change. The second chorus follows, this time, it is finalized by choir backing singing. This part’s melody is led by the string elements. They close the song with mutual singing in the background of a minimalistic melody.
• Overall, the word “Greece” is written in every single word of this song, But it seems like this can also be a disadvantage here, as the song might be “too local” for the international stage. For some reason, I feel like the majority of fans will be from Balkan countries and the older portion of the audience.

#9. Georgina Kalais ft. John Vlaseros – “High Road“

• It is a jazz-blues song.
• The song opens with keyboards playing, and Georgina opens the singing part with a high and thin voice. Her singing is soulful. After this short intro, we get the first verse. Drums and bass lead us to the first verse, which is more jazzy. She sings it intentionally. The pre-chorus is based on longer notes and backing vocals. The melody is simpler and relies on a constant keyboard loop. The first chorus is very repetitive, based on a single sentence. The melody is based on drums, electric guitar, bass and keyboards playing. They perform it together
• John opens the second verse with a mid-high tone of voice (which is too high for him). The melody is based on bass and keyboards. Thereafter, we get an additional chorus in the shape of “Question and Answer,” where Georgina opens, and John completes her. The last chorus is more laid-back, with a clap beat, raw vocals, and backing choir singing.
• It is a nice song to hear in a pub, but I can’t see it attractive for a national selection or Eurovision. The choice of pitch isn’t correct, and the song just passed by me. Sadly, the high road is more middle of the road.

#10. Xannova Xan – “Play It!“

• It is an Ethnic dance pop-song.
• The song opens with oriental string and wind instruments. Xannova opens the song with a mid-tone voice, while the melody is based on a dance beat. The pre-chorus is slower; she sings in longer notes and wraps her singing with twirling and vocal decorations. The melody is based on keyboards, wind instruments, and a fading beat. The first chorus is rhythmic, the tempo is higher, and the production is more of an oriental dance. She is supported by backing vocals, her singing is simples (more like speaking in some parts).
• The second verse is based on string and percussion elements. It has a quite fast flow. The second pre-chorus is slowed down, giving the singer space to show more of her vocals. The melody is more orchestral. It builds and explodes to the chorus. The second chorus is similar to the first one, but the production is bigger. The bridge opens with fast singing, while the melody is based on a constant beat and wind instruments. Synth elements and electronic production leads to the last chorus. where a vety high notes can be heard. The song ends with festive wind instrumsnts.
• Overall, I really enjoyed listening to the song. The production is on point, as it changes from one part to another. The intro captivates the listener immediately.

#11. Klavdia – “Asteromata/Aστɛpoμáta” (Eng: Starry Eyes)

• It is a Balkan ballad performed in the Greek language.
• The song opens with Acapella singing, relying on Klavdia‘s pure voice. She sings with a warm voice. As the first verse progresses, the melody is gradually added. In the beginning, it is based on keyboard playing. The first pre-chorus is based on drums, synths, and keyboards playing. The flow is different, a bit faster, and more tense. The first chorus opens with an exciting flute playing, cutting the whole production, She continues with a beautiful long note while the melody is based on a constant simple beat.
• The second verse continues with the same beat (but with a lower volume). The melody is also based on synth elements. This verse is much shorter, we get the second pre-chorus right after with some backing vocals. The second chorus is impressive, it goes even “wilder” with even longer and higher notes. The melody is based on wind instruments and keyboards playing. The song ends with Acapella singing.
• This is an excellent ballad. Klavdia is a great vocalist with a proven record in live performance. I can feel the story in my bones, even though I don’t speak Greek. It has a cinematic quality, that can be delivered wisely with the staging. For some reason, I imagine a dark staging with motives of sky, water, and stars. This can be one of the best Greek entries even if it will be sent to Eurovision.

#12. Kostas Ageris – “Gi mou/In Mou“ (Eng: My Land)

• It is an oriental song.
• The song opens with violin and ethnic string elements. The song starts with pre-recorded backing vocals and then transforms into the first verse. A short violin playing proceeds the first verse, where the melody is based on simple keyboard playing. The first chorus opens with violin and wind instruments. He opens this part with vocal twirling. The chorus is more festive, and features a beat.
• The second verse follows, it is based on keyboard playing and a resonating violin-based loop. The second chorus is somehow mystical and preserves the expected ethnic vibe. The bridge features some electronic production, choir singing, and rich instrumental. The peak point relies of faster singing (first by him, and them by backing singers)
• It sounds like a very radio-friendly song on local Greek radio. But I am afraid this is where it stays. However, it is blessed to have such songs with local appeal in the national selection.

Prediction

In general, it seems we will have a tight race between 2 acts:

• Klavdia – “Asteromata/Aστɛpoμáta”
• Evangelia – “Vale/Báλε“

I can see

My Personal Ranking

1. Klavdia – “Asteromata/Aστɛpoμáta” (Eng: Starry Eyes)
2. BARBZ (Barbara Argyrou) – “Sirens“
3. Nafsika – “Unhurt Me“
4. Xannova Xan – “Play It!“
5. Dinamiss – “Odyssey“
6. Evangelia – “Vale/Báλε“
7. Andy Nicolas – “Lost My Way“
8. Thanos Lambrou – “Free Love“
9. Georgina Kalais – “High Road“
10. Konstantinos Xristoforou ft. Kostas Karafotis – “Paradisos/Пapádεloo” (Eng: Paradise)
11. Kostas Ageris – “Gi mou/In Mou“ (Eng: My Land)
12. Ricky (Píki) – “Elevator (Up and Down)“

Who is your “Ethnikos Telikos 2025″ winner?
Who will win the selection?

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