Ireland: Wiwi Jury reviews Laura O’Neill with You Don’t Remember Me

Earlier today, the Wiwi Jury – our in-house panel of music unprofessionals – took a break from sightseeing, and helped ourselves to hearty portions of Irish stew (or goulash as it is to you) as we listened to Laura O’Neill’s “You Don’t Remember Me”. Did we think it was truely memorable or instantly forgettable? Read on to find out.

Patrick: This could be a great movie-soundtrack, maybe for the next Bond film? Laura has a really strong voice, sometimes she actually reminds me of Adele. The chorus is amazing with its touching melody and feeling. At times I have a sense  that I’ve heard this melody already but I can’t say where. A really solid sound with nice lyrics and a good singer. It’s not the best ballad I’ve ever heard but it’s quite an emotive song. I don’t think it will have the best chance at Eurovision, the juries could love it but I’m not sure whether the public will. However, maybe Ireland will spring a surprise and send her to Copenhagen.

Score: 7.5/10

Katie: So it’s a ballad, but the singing is pretty good. I was waiting for a power chorus to add some spice to the song, but it didn’t happen. We have to settle for a wailing moan and a loud piano drowning the singing out. The essence of the song is clear within the first 30 seconds, and after that, I’m bored.

Score: 5/10

Angus: Her voice sounds like Adele and although the song doesn’t measure up the husky tone stands out. The bridge really makes this song and crucially gives it somewhere to go. It’s emotional and has the strength, assuming it makes it out of Eurosong, to make it to the Grand Final. The vocal runs are a bit excessive but that can easily be reined in pre-Contest.

Score: 7/10

Anthony: Sending a ballad such as “You Don’t Remember Me” to the Eurovision Song Contest can sometimes be a risky decision. It could impress the juries yet at the same time, fall flat with the televoters. This entry might go either way, although it could do with a bit more wow factor. Sadly, as the title suggests, I don’t think it’s memorable enough to secure a record eighth Eurovision title for Ireland.

Score: 6/10

Sami: My second favourite of these five and I think it could be the winner of Eurosong. Laura’s voice sounds very strong and the chorus is amazing! It’s a bit like “Más (Run)” in Spain. But even though I like them both, I kinda hope neither gets chosen.

Score: 9/10

William C: This song is rather good. We have heard her sing live and she seemed to be quite a treat. The song builds up and up and up. I like it and hope it does well in the National Final. I think this will be popular with the oldies and music lovers who want to make the right choice for Ireland. She has received support from previous Eurovision artists, but will she pull it off on the night?

Score: 8/10

Padraig: While Laura may not compare herself to Adele, I think the others are right to highlight the similarities. In terms of vocals “You Don’t Remember Me” is flawless, and I could almost imagine it snuggled amongst the modern classics on 21, but not quite. Whereas, Adele delivers an aural sucker-punch to the gut, Laura merely tut tuts. C’mon Laura! You gotta be fierce! That man has done you wrong and the whole world needs to feel your pain!

Score: 6/10

Zach: I really do like Laura’s husky vocals in the song, I think they leave a really good first impression, and do set her apart from the other singers. Unfortunately, the song itself is kind of underwhelming. I like the pseudo country alternative style (a tad odd it’s so prevalent in this year’s entries though). However, the song never really “lifts off” for me. The same, slow pace throughout, no huge vocal moments, just slow and steady, which isn’t terrible but it also can make televoters very fickle. I wouldn’t mind seeing this win, but I don’t think it will make a big enough impression to do all that well, the juries might push it into the final but that’s about it.

Score: 6/10

Deban: Laura has a good voice. The song’s lyrics are compelling, and her delivery has impact. I love this offering. It would have worked better as a wider general release, or the sound track to a James Bond film. It’s mature, seductive and classy. Great effort.

Score: 8/10

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 6.94/10 

You can read all of our reviews and rankings for Eurosong 2014 by clicking here. 

Do you think Laura O’Neill should represent Ireland with “You Don’t Remember Me”? If you do, make sure to vote for her in our poll before 26 February. And keep up with all the Irish news and interviews by clicking here.

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Photos: Laura O’Neill