Song #5- France- Voila
France decided not to send a song this year. France have sent us pure art. This doesn’t feel like a song as much as it feels like poetry to music- something beautiful, timeless and theatrical. There’s a real sense of vulnerability to this, and it makes the song extremely powerful- there’s no massive harmonies, no gimmicks or fireworks, just something truly emotional that almost feels free from constraints. There’s no verse, chorus structure- the music fits around the words, not vice versa. And Barbara’s voice is just beautiful. So soft, yet so emotive, and so powerful at the end when the music swells and we reach that powerful climax. This song reminds me of the classic Eurovision years of the 50s and 60s- very minimalist with an orchestra and a voice. It’s absolutely magical, and gives me chills throughout. The instrumental is heaven to listen to- those gorgeous piano trills, mournful strings and that’s it. It’s kept very simple, and it works. The song feels very cinematic in a way- the music tells a story, even if you don’t understand the lyrics, you feel everything Barbara is saying. It’s dramatic too, especially with the crescendo in volume and increase of pace. I truly lose myself in this song, and can’t think of anything but how much of a masterpiece this song is. It’s absolutely unique, emotive, passionate, and just a work of art. I can’t fault a single aspect of it.
Prediction: This is finishing top 5- juries will respect the originality and musicality of this, and televoters will adore the classic, theatrical feel to it, just like they did with Salvador in 2017. With strong staging, this could win. It absolutely deserves to- this is stunning.
Photo credit: eurovision.tv
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 