Song #2- Bulgaria- Growing Up is Getting Old
This touching little ballad is heartwarming, hopeful and haunting all at the same time: it’s an ode to younger times when the world was less complicated, when life was simpler for us all, and where we all felt safe. The underlying clock tick both signifies the inevitable passing of time and acts as a metronome setting the song’s gentle pace, and Victoria’s beautiful voice guides us through the journey from shy and broken to hopeful and accepting of the harsh reality that we can’t stop growing, however much we may want to. The lyrics, while a little weak in places, match the song’s mood perfectly, and seem so magical yet grounded at the same time. I adore the instrumental to this- it’s so melancholic and almost tragic in the way the music swells, almost like it can’t stop itself, and the transition from one guitar to a contemporary number with vocals as instruments to a full orchestra filling the space is just spectacular, taking us on a magical journey with Victoria. Because that’s the best way to describe this instrumental- magical. And Victoria’s heartbreakingly pretty voice on top of it, so vulnerable yet powerful at the same time, really touches my soul and makes me lose myself in this little world. The way the song builds up and up gives me goosebumps, and the full swell of the orchestra in the final chorus is truly special. I love the full backing vocal as well- it really hammers the vulnerability of the final verse where Victoria sings on her own. This wraps up the song so well as she’s finally able to stand on her own feet and face the world, and offers a message of hope to the listener. I love the ending- unique, and exposed, but Victoria feels strong now, and doesn’t need the music to guide her. She’s stepping out of her childlike world with its comforting music, and facing up to reality, harsh and unmusical it may be. But she’s still singing, and it proves to us that it’s okay to leave our comfort zones. Yes, the ‘Growing up is getting old’ phrase is repeated a lot, and for those who don’t quite follow the song in the way I do, it may get old quickly. But for me, this is stunning. An emotive, powerful, contemporary ballad that just transcends music and becomes pure art: this is truly special. I know this song will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t thank Victoria enough for sharing this magical ballad with us. It’s beautiful.
Prediction. This is qualifying, and that’s that. It’s contemporary and powerful, which will attract juries, and viewers will be moved by this and vote. I know I will be voting for Bulgaria on Thursday. In the final, I’d predict top 5. This is a unique entry this year, and will do extremely well, especially with younger viewers who like this indie style of music. Still, I would not be surprised if this took the trophy- it’s not a favourite at the moment, but this song will touch people, and I reckon there will be a lot of support for this.
Photo credit: Lora Musheva
3. Finland- Dark Side
4. Lithuania- Discoteque
5. France- Voila
6. Russia- Russian Woman
7. Ukraine- Shum
8. Malta- Je Me Casse
9. San Marino- Adrenalina
10. North Macedonia- Here I Stand
11. Cyprus- El Diablo
12. Azerbaijan- Mata Hari
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 