Radio Free JarboEurovision Reportage 2018
Here it is fans, Radio Free Järbo’s rundown and commentary of every Eurovision 2018 entry.
Here’s how we do it: First we listen to every song in alphabetical order by country without watching the video or reading anything about the song or artist. As a radio station we think a song must come through just as it is and with just the title and artist’s name. After all, it is about the music and first impressions are important. We also know the country the artist represents. (In some cases, we might have known something about the artist before hand, however.) After playing the song we make notes, or whether we think the song is great or is a hot mess. Then we repeat the exercise by watching the video and reading the background notes on the artist, reading the lyrics in the original and in English, making further notes or revisions to them. In some cases, it is actually helpful to have the song explained, in some it actually hurts the song, and in some, it hardly matters.
Tune in later for our instructions on who to vote for in the semi-finals and to see the winners of our Best Video and Best Looking contests.
Albania: Eugent Bushpepa. “Mall”
Blind listen: This is a little bit of ballad with a good dose of pop/rock, and enough of that distinct Balkan sound to make it stand out. Reminds me a little of the song “St. Elmo’s Fire.” It builds nicely and is fun to listen to.
Video: It is rare to see black and white you would describe as “gorgeous,” but this is gorgeous black and white. Reading the words in English help to explain what is going on in the video (even if it should be vice-versa). Still like the song a lot.
First Semi Final
Armenia: Sevak Khanagyan. “Qami”
Blind Listen: This has enough of an Armenian sound to be interesting but enough of a western sound to be a hit. I like how the song builds from the beginning and the strings that ease their way in are well done. Would like to know more about what the words mean. I hope that it is not something banal like scrambled eggs.
Video: The video fits the mood and sound of the song. The shot at the end is the most visually stunning. We were glad to learn the song is not about scrambled eggs.
First Semi Final.
Australia: Jessica Mauboy. “We Got Love”
Blind listen: I am not wild about her voice when she is trying to hit the power notes, but do sort of like the song. It has a really nice beat, and while the words are NOT by Shakespeare, the message is positive. Europe just might vote for it.
Video: The song improves with seeing her sing it, even if I didn’t quite get or like much of the video. She has a good stage presence and that could help her when competing. I think she’ll go far with this one.
Second Semi-Final
Austria: Cesar Sampson. “Nobody but You”
Blind listen: I like Cesar’s voice, especially with that little bit of Hosier action going on at the beginning. It is an interesting song, even if not wholly unique—at the least not the usual Eurovision fare.
Video: I like the clever montage effects in the video, although I’m not sure how it explains the song. No matter, it is a good song that is enjoyable to listen to. He is pretty easy on the eyes as well. (What is it about Austrian guys running around in the snow on Eurovision videos?)
First Semi-Final
Azerbaijan: Aisel. “X My Heart.”
Blind listen: She has a nice voice, but the song is only good as something to dance to at a bar after a few drinks and you don’t care that words make much sense and care what you’re hearing as long as you are drunk and dancing (not that I’ve ever done that).
Video: The lush greenery and scenery doesn’t help the song. It really needs to be translated into English, even though it is in English.
First Semi-Final
Belarus: Alekseev. “Forever”
Blind listen: It starts really nicely, but the music goes a bit all over the place and the song is hard to follow. And then, it just stops abruptly. Too bad, because there are parts where I think the song brings out the best of his voice. I wonder what else he has done that is potentially better this this.
Video: I liked it a little better with the video. It doesn’t really explain the song, but it is better when you see him singing it.
First Semi-Final
Belgium: Sennek. “A Matter of Time”
Blind listen: The song started and I thought ‘Wow!” She has a nice voice that works this song well. The music was a bit mysterious and different. But in the refrain, when she raises the volume, her voice is not powerful enough to carry it through and the words are lost. Too bad.
Video: I’m not sure what the video means and how it relates to the words, but the song stood up to a second hearing.
First Semi-Final
Bulgaria: EQUINOX. “Bones”
Blind listen: While the song has some very nice moments in it, I think all the electric-ness of it detracted more than it added. The refrain didn’t work for me. So no, I didn’t like, but did find myself tapping my foot to the beat throughout the entire song, so it hit a chord somewhere.
(It is technically wrong to write their name not in all caps?)
Video: Pretty much the same reaction. It has a really good beat and that’s pretty much it.
First Semi-Final
Croatia: Franka. “Crazy”
Blind listen: There is something captivating about this song from the beginning. She does the semi-blues/jazz beat really well. I can imagine all kinds of things she could do on stage to make this a captivating number to see. But I didn’t really love it in the end; it doesn’t cohere into a complete listening experience.
Video: Planet of the Apes meets Lord of the Flies. Still like the beat, but the song leaves us flat.
First Semi-Final
Cyprus: Eleni Foureira. “Fuego”
Blind listen: If you like songs that sound like hundreds of others you’ve heard with no point to it, then this is your song. It you want substance and lyrics, not just noise, then you’ll be disappointed with this unoriginal mess. Hated it.
Video: Not even the soft core porn pyromania video can save this song (and that is saying a lot).
First Semi-Final
Czech Republic: Mikolas Josef. “Lie to Me”
Blind listen: Must admit to being a little at a loss for words on this one. While it started with promise as something that was reminiscent of the 1920’s, it morphed into rap and electro pop a little bit. It’s different, but not all that entertaining in the end. Hey, would Radio Free Järbo lie to you?
Video: The video is very cute and captures the energy and fun of the song, of music, and of dancing. He is also a very good performer and hopefully he can do that on the big stage in an equally captivating way.
First Semi-Final
Denmark: Rasmussen. “Higher Ground”
Blind listen: The song as sung is a bit of a production with all of those drums (were they left over from Emily Jävla De Forest?) and has a few nice musical moments. The words, while conspiring with the music to inspire, don’t really make sense. Surely words put to this much music should be empowering, right? If so, we couldn’t find it.
Video: Did the painter Odd Nerdrum design this set? It looks like one of his paintings come to life. The Uber-Viking look fits the look at the singers, but not so much the music. I think Europe will be as puzzled as we were come competition night, but the Nordic block will give it some big points, I would think.
Second Semi-Final
**Winner: Best Beard
Estonia: Elina Nechayeva. “La Forza”
Blind listen: She has got a lovely voice and can sing the hell out of this “popera” song. I kept waiting for it to really grab you completely and take you away, but it doesn’t quite go all that way. Some of the high notes come across a little screechy. But, maybe this is the year of the good song and nice voice over gimmicks. If so, she will do well.
Video: A big voice requires a big dress, and man, does she have one. I hope she can do a little more on stage than she does here so that the song comes across better.
FYR Macedonia: Eye Cue. “Lost and Found”
Blind listen: This song not like all the others songs around, I’ll give it that. At times the song loses its way then finds it again, and then loses it again. I do like her voice however, and hope she can find better material one day.
Video: Loses and finds itself as well, just like the song.
First Semi-Final
Finland: Saara Aalto. “Monsters”
Blind listen: She must have bought this song at same bargain store as Cyprus. This is one of those songs that, when it comes on at the disco, you use the restroom until something better comes on.
Video: She’s going for the gay vote on this one, although, here they play her “monsters.” Hmmm.
First Semi-Final
France: Madame Monsieur. “Mercy”
Blind listen: The song is certainly interesting and she is a good singer, but I wouldn’t call it “great.” There is clearly a meaning here so maybe one needs to read the lyrics and then listen again to really get it.
Video: It did need another listen to really get it. Having now read the translation of the text, the visuals in the video help explain the very topical meaning of the song. It is brave (but totally correct) to address the refugee crisis in Europe (and elsewhere) this way. Apparently, it is based on a true story.
Georgia: Ethno-Jazz Band Iriao. “For You”
Blind listen: Given the group’s name, I was expecting something jazzy, but instead, it is the Il Volo of the Caucasis. These guys have really nice voices and know how to do harmony, and work that harmony as the song builds nicely. And it blends in their regional sound. Although it is one of the most melodious songs in the competition, in the end, it left me wanting something a little more substantial.
Video: It is a pretty song, and they’ve presented it simply in this video with little to detract from their excellent singing.
Second Semi-Final
Germany: Michael Schulte. “You Let Me Walk Alone”
Blind listen: Germany finally grew a pair and picked a great song for Eurovision. This is a moving and beautiful ballad with lyrics that tell a full story while being sung simply and extremely well. His may not be the best voice in the field, but it matches this song, which he helped to write. And he sings clearly so that you hear every word. Not all ballads like this do well points-wise so we’ll see if he can manage to make Europe listen. I still can’t believe it’s Germany’s entry.
Video: The camera motion made me sea sick, but the song still captivates. A simple song needs a simple video. Still really like this song, among our favorites. And still can’t believe it’s the German entry.
Greece: Yianna Terzi. “Oniro Mou”
Blind listen: I must admit, for some reason I played this song with some dread, but was pleasantly surprised. I like the Greek plaintive musical sound mixed with the drumbeat and a more modern tempo. It works here.
Video: The video is very well done with great lighting and cinematography. It is hard to turn away from it, wanting to know what happens. Where is he going? And we still like the song.
First Semi-Final
**Nominee: Best Video
Hungary: AWS. “Viszlát Nyár”
Blind listen: Finally some rock. Too bad it wasn’t very good rock throughout; only parts were good. Someone needs to tell them that rock can actually be song and not just screamed out. It will stand out on broadcast night, and you’ll hear it. I think Europe will hate it, though. Rock doesn’t have a good track record.
Video: The special effects in the video and the home movie clips of (we presume) members of the bad, while interesting, don’t make up for a less than great song.
Second Semi-Final
Iceland: Ari Ólafsson. “Our Choice”
Blind listen: He looks like he’s 12 years old, so we weren’t expecting such a nice voice and polished delivery (with a couple of moments I would fix). The song wants to be inspiring but end up sweet, even a little trite. It will be interesting to see if he can captures Europe’s imagination.
Video: We liked it a little less with the video. I’m thinking that some electric strings to fill in the background along with the band would help a little bit.
First Semi-Final
Ireland: Ryan O’Shaughnessy. “Together”
Blind listen: Full disclosure: I am a total sucker for an Irish ballad, and this is a good one. It is very well crafted in both music and lyrics. He is the right singer for this kind of song. This is a complete number, real words, the right music, and the right beat. The only problem is that Europe never, ever, ever votes for songs like this. It deserves to do very well.
Video: Ireland, Europe’s dark horse, keeps surprising. The song writer is not gay and is singing the song to (or about) a woman. But Ireland uses two men in this beautifully filmed video which really fits this enchanting song.
First Semi-Final
**Nominee: Best Video
Israel: Netta. “TOY”
Blind listen: It’s a beat with intermittent music and random noises rather than a song. Yuck.
Video: They had a lot of fun making this, but it doesn’t improve the song any.
First Semi-Final
Italy: Ermal Meta and Fabrizio Moro. “Non mi avete fatto niente”
Blind listen: Italian sounds really lovely when sung even when sung quickly, and it does here. But the tune it is being sung to isn’t as good as past Italian entries, especially when judged on that standard.
Video: The song improves with seeing this very well done video, which helps explain the song to those of us who don’t speak Italian. We then looked at the lyrics in English. The song is very topical and moving. The tune still isn’t the best, but it does match the theme of the words at least.
Latvia: Laura Rizzotto. “Funny Girl”
Blind listen: This is a song that gets your attention from the beginning. I like the song’s slow bluesy music which her voice matches it quite well. It should stand out from the others because of its unusual beat.
Video: If she can perform this on stage and capture the audience the way she does in the video, this song will do well. She’s quite a good performer as well as a good singer.
Second Semi-Final
**Nominee: Best Video
Lithuania: Ieva Zasimauskaitė. “When We’re Old”
Blind listen: Ballads are not only for the men, and that is good. This is a well crafted song with a simple sound and easy lyrics. I am not a big fan of her voice, but this beautiful song would stand up with someone else singing it.
Video: The lovely video they have made only enhances how wonderful this song is. Listening to it would never get old.
First Semi-Final
**Nominee: Best Video
Malta: Christabelle. “Taboo”
Blind listen: Yet another “haven’t we heard this 100 times before” kind of song. Songs this bad should be taboo.
Video: Listen, Malta. This is a song contest, so the idea is to have a good song, and good singer, as your entry. You can’t take a crap song and dime-a-dozen sounds like everyone else singer, give it a very well produced (albeit confusing) video and hope it’s a winner. At the end of the day, a crap song is a crap song. OK?
Second Semi-Final
Moldova: DoReDos. “My Lucky Day”
Blind listen: While maybe not wholly original, this bouncy song has exuberance and is a lot of fun to listen to. I dare you to listen and not tap your foot or bounce your head to the catchy beat. I like the way their voices blend. Too bad the ending is so abrupt.
Video: Colorful, even under cloudy skies, the video highlights how much fun the song is and that is what music is supposed to be about.
Second Semi-Final
Montenegro: Vanja Radovanović. “Inje”
Blind listen: I had a feeling it was going to be a song like this when I set it to play. Like Italian, it is a beautiful language when sung and I am glad he chose not to sing in English. It is a nice ballad throughout, even if his voice isn’t always as silky smooth as the opening.
Video: To understand the song we also read the lyrics. This is a pretty song and a nicely done video, even if not quite fully up to the very high expectations one has for a song of this genre from Montenegro.
Second Semi-Final
Norway: Alexander Rybak. “That’s How You Write a Song”
Blind listen: He’s baaack. Knowing he plays the fiddle, the Superfly opening was unexpected. While I wanted to hate it, it just couldn’t; there is something contagious about the energy. I’m not sure his advice is right in terms of writing a song, although we like the idea of small things getting big in time.
Video: Not the most inspired video, but, yet again, it reflects the energy and the fun of the song itself. It really stands up—and improves—with a second listen. He really sells the song on the video. If he can sell it on stage, he should go quite far.
Second Semi-Final
Poland: Gromee (featuring Lukas Meijer). “Light Me Up”
Blind listen: Poland, which has had some good entries in Eurovision (I’ve still not forgotten “More tits, more butter” or last year’s entry loved by the public but unfairly slammed by the juries), sends this really good dance tune this year. It is not a winner, and not wholly original, but an enjoyable enough listen.
Video: Our opinion remains the same as the blind listen. Good song, nicely done, not going to bring the house down. Somehow we don’t think the video was filmed in Poland. Although I’ve never been, I don’t think they have palm trees.
Second Semi-Final
Portugal: Cláudia Pascoal. “O Jardim”
Blind listen: We see Portugal is sticking with the slow ballad theme this year. While this song has some really beautiful and compelling moments, I find her delivery a little uneven. Hopefully she is working on it for competition night. Then it could be quite competitive.
Video: The video is the from the night she presented it on Portuguese TV. Now that we read the lyrics we see that the song is quite beautiful and emotional, and hopefully she can convey that emotion when singing in front of the home crowd come game night. I wish her luck.
Romania: The Humans. “Goodbye”
Blind listen: Hello, Romania. You’ve sent us a really nice rock ballad. I like the tune and the mix of the rock instruments mixed with the nice vocals. The ending is a little abrupt, though. That blasted three minute rule!
Video: We liked it even better after seeing the video. It is a nice song and they perform it well. The electric cello is especially effective and I hope they have it live on stage when they perform.
Second Semi-Final
Russia: Julia Samoylova. “I Won’t Break”
Blind listen: While we like the song more or less, her voice isn’t easy to listen to. Not the worst Eurovision ever, but not the best by a long shot either.
Video: Hate the video, which doesn’t help the song. The fact that she looks like Ivanka Trump’s little sister doesn’t help either.
Second Semi-Final.
San Marino: Jessika (featuring Jenifer Brening). “Who We Are”
Blind listen: Too bad the competition isn’t decided solely on the lyrics, because I like the sprit and the idea of this song. The music doesn’t always work for it throughout, though.
Video: This is one of the better uses of “rap” even if rap light. Otherwise, we stand behind our original comments.
Second Semi-Final
Serbia: Sanja Ilić & Balkanika. “Nova Deca”
Blind listen: I will admit I do like, what we call, “eastern” inspired elements, so I was a sucker for this song from the beginning. Admittedly it isn’t everyone’s taste, but it stands out in this field of songs. It makes nice music to have a drink to, à la Buddha Bar. I think I’ll go mix a gin and tonic now.
Video: A second listen didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for this song, even if we think Europe will largely pass it by. Europe’s loss.
Second Semi-Final
Slovenia: Lea Sirk. “Hvala, ne!”
Blind listen: Call me old fashioned, but I always suspect that all of the electro-pop elements are there to hide a bad song or a weak singer. In this case, I suspects it hides both. Just when the song sounds like it is going break out in music, the electric beat comes back like a faucet that won’t stop dripping at night. Nej!
Video: It doesn’t improve with a second listen. Just dreadful.
Second Semi-Final
Spain: Amaia y Alfred. “Tu Canción”
Blind listen: We usually listen to the Spanish entry with a bit of trepidation—so many have just been so bad lately. This simple yet melodic song is an exception. Their voices blend nicely together and are just right for this music. I still think they’ll be overlooked in the voting.
Video: The video doesn’t help their case any, but at least it highlights their voices and that they are good singers.
Sweden: Benjamin Ingrosso. “Dance you Off”
A large percentage of our listenership is in Sweden, so we are a little biased. And this is not, obviously, the first time we are hearing this song, as we followed the Swedish Melodifestivalen quite closely. The song, while interesting and fun, is a bit thin in the music department and the lyrics, well, hardly challenge the intellect. The power here is in his stage presence and showmanship which carry the whole number. Luckily, this event is a television show. The video, for some unexplainable reason, doesn’t show off his stage presence and that’s a lost opportunity.
**Nominee: Best Looking Guy
Second Semi-Final
Switzerland: ZiBBZ. “Stones”
Blind listen: There are the makings of a decent rock song in there somewhere. It is too bad that it wasn’t allowed to fully come out, even if they have the best they could with the material they were given. I hope it isn’t too late to fix it.
Video: Interesting video, but it is still a good rock song to be, just not there yet.
First Semi-Final
The Netherlands: Waylon. “Outlaw in ‘Em”
Blind listen: There is something in the Netherlands that connects with Nashville. This rock and roll song has just the right amount of country as fits the theme of it. (Too much country would wreck it.) It will certainly wake up the audience. I just wish his voice was a little better. Overall, we liked it.
Video: There is an audience for this song somewhere. I think Europe will hate it unfairly, although we liked it better the first time around.
Second Semi-Final
Ukraine: Melovin. “Under the Ladder”
Blind listen: We found this a little bit formulaic and falling under the “haven’t we heard this before” category. We applaud his energy, though. Another good “get drunk and hit the dance floor” song.
Video: Pretty much the same reaction as before. It is doubtful we will remember it come next year.
Second Semi-Final
United Kingdom: SuRie. “Storm”
Blind listen: The world really needs a good optimistic song right now, and there were moments I thought that his would break out into one. It is upbeat, I’ll give it that, and there is an enjoyable quality about it. But it isn’t a strong, complete package.
Video: Nice fashion show, but the song is still the song. Gunnar says, “Annie Lennox 2.0.” I say even she couldn’t save this song.
