Song #1, and the Vine’s winner of 2021- Italy- Zitti E Buoni
WOW! Italy has gone with rock this year and given us all an absolute classic. This is easily one of the best rock songs ESC has ever seen, and possibly the first glam rock song to grace the stage. This song reminds me of the classic rock I’d listen to in dad’s car, but the lyrics bring a fresh, modern look to it. I love the song’s message, telling us to be whoever we want to be and to ignore anyone who seeks to judge us or put us in a box. There is so much pride in this song, and so much frustration, passion and just raw emotion. I love Damiano’s voice, and the band work so well together you can’t help but feel the chemistry oozing out of them. The guitars are fabulous in this, almost sharing the spotlight with Damiano, and that’s what I love about this song. Everyone has their own moment- the bass guitar in the bridge, the drums in the final pre-chorus, the guitar in the solos, and of course Damiano’s rap in the second verse. Everyone has their moment to shine, and their moments where everyone shares the limelight together, thus conveying duelling themes of being individual and finding your people who’ll support you as you are. The chorus is instantly catchy and memorable, whether you know Italian or not, and has an anthemic feel to it. I need to hear this in a full arena with a crowd screaming the lyrics back at the band- the thought gives me chills. I think my favourite part of the song is the bridge- Damiano’s voice may be amazing, but the guitars really steal the song here, showcasing the song’s powerful instrumental. And the rap before the second chorus! So fast! There’s just passion and attitude radiating throughout this song, and it’s impossible not to be impressed. The whole package, with the vocals, instrumental, it’s just amazing and I absolutely love it. Congratulations Italy, you’ve won my vote this year.
Prediction: God I want this to win so badly. The band are phenomenal live, and will get a lot of televote support both from younger viewers and older ones who appreciate the classic rock. I’m going to predict this song as the televote winner, but I just don’t know whether the juries will back this. It’s rock, and it’s out there, but it’s also really good rock, and it did win Sanremo, where critical support is needed. This gives me hope that Zitti E Buoni might just take the trophy. I will be voting and voting and voting for it on the night, that’s for sure.
And that concludes my reviews for 2021! Hope you all enjoyed reading them, and whether or not you agree with my rankings, that I did your songs credit with my critique. I can’t wait for the live shows this week, and will be putting my final, post-staging rankings and predictions out for you later on. Much love to you all x
Photo credit: Francis Delacroix
2. Bulgaria- Growing Up is Getting Old
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 