What a bop! I absolutely love this sexy, mysterious pop-banger- it’s infectiously catchy, instantly memorable, and the instrumental is simply divine. The bass strings in the verses are sultry, underpinning Efendi’s gorgeous vocals, really setting the mood for the song. I love the percussion too, and the ethnic riffs throughout, giving this song real authenticity and flair. The callback to Cleopatra gives me a sense of throwback nostalgia, but if I’d never heard either song before, it would probably feel a little random and out of place, especially as no other famous women are mentioned in ‘Mata Hari.’ Still, it’s a nice touch for us fans. Efendi’s vocals are absolutely perfect for this song, especially those sensual low notes- she plays the part so well in this, and doesn’t have to shout or belt any showstopping notes out, because the instrumental is the strongest bit of the song, so she fits the vocals around that, and it works an absolute treat. The dance break in the chorus is just amazing- so powerful, unique and sassy. I do worry that the actual lyrics feel a bit generic and lack meaning, which isn’t a huge dealbreaker in a pop song, but they could be stronger. Plus, the bridge doesn’t really bring anything too new to the song- it feels a bit too much like filler, when they could really venture out here and do something huge and daring. It plays it too safe, following the obvious formula, making the song a little predictable. Although I love the beat in the final chorus with that ever increasing pace, it feels a bit underwhelming and like they couldn’t think of anything else to do at that point. Don’t get me wrong, I think this song is stunning, but it could be so much more powerful if it took a risk. Still, it’s sassy, sexy, catchy and just an all-around bop, which I cannot stop dancing to, and which stays in my head all day after I listen to it.
Prediction: This could be a shock non-qualifier- not because it’s bad, but because the competition is so brutal in semi-one. It might stand out because of the Eastern sound, but it could easily get swallowed up if the staging isn’t memorable. I honestly cannot predict how juries and televoters will approach this, but I’d love to see it in the final. If it qualifies, I’d predict 8-14.
Photo credit: Ictimai Television (ITV)
13. Netherlands- Birth of a New Age
14. Switzerland- Tout L’univers
15. Moldova- Sugar
16. Iceland- 10 Years
17. Spain- Voy a Quedarme
18. Israel- Set Me Free
19. Czech Republic- Omaga
20. Belgium- The Wrong Place
21. Croatia- Tick-Tock
22. Norway- Fallen Angel
23. Denmark- Øve Os På Hinanden
24. Latvia- The Moon is Rising
25. Sweden- Voices
26. United Kingdom- Embers
27. Romania- Amnesia
28. Ireland- Maps
29. Serbia- Loco Loco
30. Poland- The Ride
31. Greece- Last Dance
32. Australia- Technicolour
33. Germany- I Don’t Feel Hate
34. Albania- Karma
35. Austria- Amen
36. Slovenia- Amen
37. Georgia- You
38. Estonia- The Lucky One
39. Portugal- Love is on my Side
The Euro-Vine 