The Euro-Vine
This is an authentic, powerful ethno-bop with potential to do well if the staging is strong. I love the instrumental to this song: the string sections are lush and I love the traditional instrumentation throughout, especially the Balkan sounds that come through. The introduction is dramatic, immediately hooking us in before the subdued first verse. […]
I hope you all enjoyed the reviews (well, reactions) of the songs competing to be Albania’s entry in Rotterdam next year. Here are my top 20 songs, with tonight’s finalists in bold. Elvana Gjata – “Me tana” Albërie Hadërgjonaj – “Ku ta gjej dikë ta dua” Arilena Ara – “Shaj” Wendi Mancaku – “Ende” Devis […]
Robert Berisha – “Ajo nuk është unë” This song has some stunning musical moments in it, but doesn’t really work for me as a whole. Whilst the backing singers do a lovely job of introducing the song, creating a mysterious vibe, they take valuable time away for musical development later on. Robert has a lovely […]
Kastro Zizo – “Asaj” This is not really my cup of tea. Kastro has a very unusual style of singing- he speak-sings with his raspy voice- and while the emotion is palpable, it’s not easy on the ears and the mood behind the song feels extremely forced to the point where the intended effect is […]
Bojken Lako- Malaseen I have very mixed feelings about this song. I’ll start with what I loved- the chorus is catchy and the melody has a nostalgic feel to it without seeming too dated. The clarinet over the top gives an ethnic vibe which works absolute wonders with the song, and Bojken’s vocals in the […]
Tungjatjeta! Happy start of Eurovision Season everyone! The first national final is well and truly underway, and by tomorrow, we will know the first song of ESC 2020. The Albanian selection show began on Thursday night, and the first 10 artists competed. The reviews will be fairly short, and my initial reaction is what I’m […]
The Albanian national final is back for its 58th edition, and the 20 artists competing have been announced by broadcaster RTSH. With the first semi final less than a month away, let’s take a look at the list, featuring some familiar names. Albërie Hadërgjonaj Aldo Bardhi Arilena Ara Bojken Lako Devis Xherahu Eli Fara & […]
The Euro-Vine