Review: “Festivali i Këngës 64” (Albania)

Doron Lahav

5 months ago

Albanian broadcaster RTSH will select a song and an artist for Eurovision 2026 via “Festivali i Këngës 64″. The selection will take place between December 17th and 20th, 2025.

In this post, I will review my top 15 songs from the selection in a random order

The Playlist

#1. Inis Neziri – “Ta kam fal” (I have forgiven you)

It is an ethnic pop song.
The song starts with a short instrumental part, composed of string elements with ethnic elements. The introduction is quite epic. The first verse’s melody is based on string instruments, keyboard playing, and a constant mid-tempo beat. The first pre-chorus is a bit faster, and it enables us to hear more of Inis’ vocals.
The chorus is more festive. It starts with a growing drumbeat. Inis is supported by backing vocals. The post-chorus is an instrumental part composed of a variety of ethnic string elements.
The second verse takes us to the ballad region. The melody is based on keyboard playing and gentle production. Her singing is more emotional. The drum beats build gradually with the second pre-chorus. Long notes take us to the second chorus. It’s structured quite similar the the first one.
But this time, the backing vocals are more dominant.
Overall, it was refreshing to get a different genre from Inis (who usually performs power ballads).
The song is catchy and suggests a very accessible ethnic line. It is the first time we get a pop song from Inis.
Inis is a great performer who might push it through in her live performance

#2. Frensi – “Tresh” (Trio)

It is a R&B soul pop song.
The song opens with an instrumental part, composed of piano playing and fading wind instruments. The first verse is based on a constant mid-slow beat, whispering, and accurate singing. The production featured some electronic elements. The first pre-chorus is served with some backing vocals and a warmer atmosphere. The melody features clock ticking, bass, and percussion elements.
The chorus is memorable and easy to sing along. Frensi sings it with some soul elements. The melody features violin and piano. The backing vocals become more dominant.
The second chorus is faster; it is based on violin, drums, and bass. The second pre-chorus shows us more of her vocals, as well as some effects over the backing singing. Thereafter, we get the second chorus, which is quite similar to the first one.
The bridge is based on a simpler production. She starts it with a lower tone of singing. Slowly, it becomes more powerful, as we get longer notes from Frensi.
The last part is another chorus, where she performs it as a dialogue with her backing singers. The melody includes some electric guitars.
The atmosphere is very Western, but it combines well with Albanian. It is one of the catchiest songs in the line-up, well done!

#3. Enxhi Nasufi – “Dritë” (Light)

It is an experimental power ballad.
The song starts with a short instrumental part composed of piano playing.
Enxhi opens the first verse with gentle emotional singing in a mid-tone of voice. The melody is quite simple.
The first chorus continues in the same line, but the production is a bit richer. We can hear some backing vocals.
The song proceeds in a more modern direction. The melody is based on drum beats. We can hear some joik singing performed by a male vocalist. The production features some synt elements.
The second chorus is based on drums, piano, and violin. The bridge starts with pre-recorded vocals,as well as joik singing. It develops into powerful singing with the piano playing. Thereafter, she sings with longer notes. The song ends out of the blue.
Overall, it is a solid ballad. I am not sure it is engaging enough, but the genre mixing is interesting. I am sure Enxhi will push it live

#4. ThreeX – “Vite” (Years)

This is a fusion of Ethnic pop and world music.
The song starts with their vocal harmonies, performing the chorus with some backing vocals.
The first verse starts with ethnic string instruments. One of the girls is singing, while the beat is continuously built.
The pre-chrous is performed by all of them. Towards its end, we can hear some string elements.
The first chorus is based on piano, violin, and ethnic elements. The post-chorus is based on bass and drums, as well as the ethnic instrument.
The second verse is a bit faster. It is performed by another band member. It is based on a bit more intense beat. The backing male vocals play a major role. The second chorus follows. It is a bit more orchestral and relies on their beautiful vocals.
The song ends with fading vocals.
Overall, it is a catchy song that can work both for a young audience and those who prefer a more traditional sound. Ethnic direction, alongside their energy, can lead to top-tier performance

#5. Alis – “Nân” (Mother)

It is a dramatic ballad.
The song starts in an epic way. It sounds like a prayer. Alis performs in a style resembling tenor. He is accompanied by several backing vocals whose singing is duplicated into several layers.
The first verse is based on keyboard playing, string elements, and a constant beat. He sings accurately, but almost effortlessly.
The pre-chorus is performed with a longer and higher tone of voice. The melody is mostly orchestral.
The first chorus follows with the dramatic beats. Alis performs it emotionally, while a powerful choir wraps his singing.
The second verse is based on keyboard, semi-electronic production, and percussion beats.
The second chorus opens with a ticking sound. The tone becomes more dramatic with drums, piano, and orchestral instruments. It continues with choir singing.
The song ends with soft angelic singing, piano playin,g and minimal production.
It is a song with huge drama potential. Alis is a strong vocalist and a great performer. I can see this song scoring much better with the jury.

#6. Evi Reçi – “Kodi i jetës” (Code of life)

It is a modern ethnic mid-tempo pop.
The song opens with an instrumental part, composed of violin playing. Later on, the sound becomes a bit more electronic. She performs the first verse sensually, starting by whispering.
The second verse is based on strings and piano. The rate is slightly faster.
The first pre-chorus is served with Latin guitars and ethnic elements. She performs with some twirling. The production combines some beats. Towards the end, the notes are longer. The melody is uniform, but the backing vocals vary. The post-chorus is instrumental and features some electric guitars.
The second pre-chorus is similar to the first one, but relies on more electronic production. The second chorus is based on an oriental flavor. This time, the string elements are more dominant. Towards the end, the variety of lyrics is thin, and it is mostly around some vocal decorations.
Overall, it is a very decent effort, but I feel like the chorus could have been pushed forward even beyond. Maybe a bit more modernization of production would have elevated it.

#7.Endri Kaçaçi – “Si Unë” (Like Me)

It is a lyrical ballad
The song opens with a violin and piano playing. Endri opens the first verse slowly with a crystal clear voice. The melody is based on piano playing. The tension is built carefully. He uses some vibrato in his singing.
The first chorus is more dynamic and modern compared to the first verse. He sings it with longer and higher notes. The melody is based on keyboards and a constant accompanying slow beat. Towards the end of this part, the violin becomes the center of the melody. The post-chorus is instrumental, composed of violin and piano.
The second verse is a bit faster and shorter. The melody features a mid-tempo beat, and he sings more soulfully. This time, the backing vocals play a more major role. It ends with a vocal show-off (but a successful one).
The song has a non-standard structure, with a few parts only, but each is quite long. It develops quite nicely (but expectedly). It has a huge staging and performance potential. Well done!

#8.Ghiti – “Okej!” (Okay!)

It is an alt-pop song.
The song opens with a cyclic keyboard playing. The first verse is still based on the same keyboard chords, but it is secondary to the electronic/synth beats. Her singing is breathy and flexible to the chords changing. The first pre-chorus is even faster, and the production is more contemporary and innovative. It is served with percussion beats and more oriental string elements, while the singing is more like reciting, featuring plenty of studio effects.
The first chorus starts with gentle singing; the melody is built on soft synth elements. Thereafter, the synth elements are more dominant and rich. Her voice blends well in the production. It ends with a percussion pause.
The second verse is short and kicks in “harder”, with electronic production. The second pre-chorus relies on vocal duplication. The second chorus opens with keyboards playing. It is gradually moving toward electronic sound. The post-chorus is an instrumental tail that decorates the melody. The song ends with a clapping sound.
It is sassy, catchy, and full of attitude. The melody develops interestingly. This is a kind of song that we have never heard from Albania, and that’s why I like it even more. Wonderful!

#9. Sara Kapo – “Të dua shumë” (I love you very much)

It is an alternative pop-rock song.
The song starts with guitar playing and semi-electronic production. The first verse is based on guitar and keyboards; her singing is smoky but clear. It is followed by an instrumental part and some vocal improvisation. The last part exposes a small portion of the chorus.
The second verse is a bit faster, and we get more of her vocal range in this part. The guitars are mixed with a percussion beat. The refrain is presented shortly with some effects and sophisticated production.
The chorus is served with breathy singing, and the melody takes on more curves. The lyrics are a bit repetitive, but they are hidden under the melody modification. This part is more rocky and modern. The keyboards add more mystery to the composition.
The general vibe is of an unrequited love story in a dark might at pub. The song structure isn’t standard, as the refrain is “hinted” along the verses, but appears officially toward the end.
Female rock songs are a minority, which we must get more of! Sara Kapo is a storyteller with excellent vocal performance. I can understand why the song isn’t for everyone, but we must acknowledge its quality.

#10. Sheila – “Zemra e Tokës” (The Heart of the Earth)

It is a deep house song.
The song starts with a keyboard playing and an oriental background melody and beat.
The first verse starts with 2 sounds tracks combined, one of them is a constant beat, and the other is a bit faster. She sings in a mid-high tone of voice. The tempo is very specific.
The first pre-chorus takes the song in a more oriental direction. She sings while twirling.
The first chorus feels more abstract. It is a direct continuation of the line presented in the former part. Some words are mixed with some improvisations. Vocally, we get some vocal duplications. Later on, her voice is mixed into the house beat. The sound is a bit like nightclub music.
The second verse is similar to the first one, but this time we can hear some electronic keyboards. The second pre-chorus builds the tension with more ethnic vibes. It precedes the big beat explosion.
The chorus is epic and catchy; her voice is sampled into the beat. The post-chorus relies on the repetitive dance house beat with a sampling of her singing.
The song suggests a very innovative sound. However, I am a bit concerned with the massive usage of autotune. Sheila, who won “X-Factor Albania” in the past, has a proven singing experience, but her natural voice is hidden under those layers. I guess it is one of the songs that we must listen and watch the live performance.

#11. Luna Çausholli – “Pa kufij” (Without borders)

It is a traditional pop song with rock elements.
The song opens with bold bass and electric guitars. However, very first, the song transitions into a less-rocky genre. The first verse starts with piano playing and fading string elements. She performs this part with an angelic, high-pitched voice. As this part progresses, the violin is more dominant in the melody.
The first chorus takes the song to a traditional and uplifting place. The melody is based on drum beat, bass, and violin. The lyrics are a bit repetitive. It ends with vocal fanfare. The post-chorus is instrumental, it is based on violin, as well as bass, drums, and electronic guitars, as well as a vocal choir and a male backing choir singing.
The second verse begins with keyboards playing, minimal production, and soft singing. Shortly after, we get the second chorus, which is quite similar to the first one.
The post-chorus is an ethnic vocal showoff with a variety of instruments.
It is a high-quality song that delves into plenty of genres. Luna’s angelic voice is somehow in contrast to the rock vibes. But this is part of the magic.

#12. Fifi & Tiri Gjoci – “Rri” (Stay)

It is a symphonic rock ballad.
The song opens with piano playing. Tiri opens the first verse with a mid-tone of voice, and then Fifi continues. The first verse is quite slow.
As we get to the first pre-chorus, the melody is richer, and we can hear some string elements in the melody. They sing this part together, and towards the end, we get some harmonies.
The chorus opens with orchestral and percussion elements. Fifi and Tiri sing this part powerfully and emotionally, while the production is more traditional. Towards the end, we get another melody change, through a more Balkan sound, based on guitars.
The second verse is based on percussion and guitar. Fifi opens this part, and later on, Tiri continues. They sing the second pre-chorus together. This time, Tiri sings with some rock elements.
The second chorus is based on keyboards, strings, and a more uptempo beat. Their voices blend well together. The post-chorus features some long and high notes, while the melody gets wild and more intense (is it a bagpipe in the background?).
The last chorus opens with a simpler production, mostly based on piano playing. This chorus is catchy as well.
Something in the whole package is very fine. Everything feels right about it: The production, their voices, the emotion conveyed, and more. However, something is still missing here. Maybe a tiny revamp will help. Nevertheless, I can see this as a contender.

#13. Kleansa Susaj – “Hije” (Shadow)

It is an R&B pop reggaeton song.
The song begins with an instrumental section featuring a classical guitar. The introduction is actually the chorus. It is based on pre-recorded backing vocals and some soulful singing. The tempo is very specific and easy to follow.
The first verse is a bit faster. Her singing is effortless and soft. The melody is based on guitar and keyboards, with a constant cyclic beat. The pre-chorus goes into mainstream Latin Pop vibes. The second chorus is similar to the first one.
The bridge follows, bringing a different melody, based on keyboards and some studio effects. She finalized with long, high notes. An additional pre-chorus appears, and it is followed by a chorus. This time, the emphasis is on vocal aspects, with some pre-recorded singing. The song ends with the same guitar chords as in the introductioמ. One of the biggest advantages of the song it differs from all the others.

#14. Rezarta Smaja – “Balukeprera”

It is an ethnic mid-tempo pop ballad. The song starts with semi-operatic backing singing.
The first verse melody is based on piano, string instruments, and bass. She opens it with a mid-high tone of voice. The basis of the melody is classic with some guitar riffs.
The second verse has a similar structure, but the drum beats take over. The chorus starts with backing vocals. She sings in it with some longer notes. The arrangement is more ethnic. The post-chorus suggests some electronic production. The third verse is based on violin and guitar riffs. Towards its end, the sound becomes more electronic. The second chorus is quite similar to the first one. The post-chorus is based on bass and ethnic elements.
It is followed by another chorus. The general effort is solid. But I am not sure the song converges into a big moment. Something about the chorus should have been more accessible

#15. Sihana Haxhnikaj – “Horizont” (Horizon)

It is a James Bond dark ballad.
The song opens with an instrumental past, featuring piano and soft synth elements. Sihana opens the first verse in a mid-tone of voice. She sings accurately and emotionally. The chords form a slow basis for the melody. The first pre-chorus is short, featuring piano and some orchestral instruments. She sings it with higher pitch and longer notes.
The first chorus is spic and its melody is rich. The melody is based on orchestral string instruments, piano, and slow drum beats. Vocally, she delivers both low notes and high motes.
The second verse follows; it is based on constant percussion beats and piano. The short pre-chorus comes after, she conveys emotions through long notes and soulful singing.
The second chorus is an anthem, creating a classical high-impact tension chapter with an orchestral framework. It ends with electric guitar riffs.
There’s an international quality in this song that might have a lot to do with its genre. I hope it can be a dark horse, as long as the live performance is convincing.

Prediction

I can see 4 contenders to win the national selection: Alis, Fifi & Tiri Gjoci, ThreeX, or Sheila

My Personal Ranking

Ghiti – “Okej!” (Okay!)x
ThreeX – “Vite” (Years)
Alis – “Nân” (Mother)
Luna Çausholli – “Pa kufij” (Without borders)
Sara Kapo – “Të dua shumë” (I love you very much)
Endri Kaçaçi – “Si Unë” (Like Me)
Inis Neziri – “Ta kam fal” (I have forgiven you)
Kleansa Susaj – “Hije” (Shadow)
Sihana Haxhnikaj – “Horizont” (Horizon)
Fifi & Tiri Gjoci – “Rri” (Stay)
Frensi – “Tresh” (Trio)
Sheila – “Zemra e Tokës” (The Heart of the Earth)
Enxhi Nasufi – “Dritë” (Light)
Evi Reçi – “Kodi i jetës” (Code of life)
Rezarta Smaja – “Balukeprera”
Rigersa Loka – “Albanian Heart”
Kamela Ismalaj – “Pa pretendime” (Without Pretending)
Lynx – “Nuk kthehem pas” (Eng: I’m Not Going Back)
Lorenc Hasrama – “Lamtumirë” (Farewell)
Savjana Vjerdha – “Dimër për dimër e vjeshtë për vjeshtë”
Malvina Likaj – “Përtej shpirtit” (Beyond the soul)
Gerta Mahmutaj – “Në krahët e tu” (In your arms)
2Farm – “Valle mbi hi” (Dance on the Ashes)
Kimi – “Prap diell del” (The sun is rising again)
Erik Lloshi – “Dy pika dashuri” (Two drops of love)
Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso – “Busulla e zemrës” (Compass of the Heart)
Vedat Ademi – “Kur fjala mbaron” (When the Word Ends)
Erand Sojli – “Të kam në fron” (I have you on the throne)

Who will win “Festivali i Këngës 64″?
Who is your favorite?

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.