Finland might not have the best record at Eurovision, but thanks to recent representatives such as Krista Siegfrids and Softengine, it’s become one of our favourite countries in the contest. While the former is busy recording new music, the boys of Softengine are teasing their upcoming EP with the release of “Free Rider”.
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The Eurovision 2014 group dropped the song early on Friday morning, and we’re happy to report that it’s right up there with their best work. The track continues the sonic experimentation which they previously finessed on the likes of “Big Fat Bass Drums”. They urge us to “party like it’s 1999”, but this is so 2016. The opening beats set a mood of epic proportions. Topi Latukka’s rockstar vocals add to the atmosphere, making this a stadium worthy anthem.
Yet the story at the heart of the song is a simple one. A former wild child has sobered up and is taking his first tentative steps on a path of redemption — “I found my way, first day sober”. But all work and no play makes Softengine a dull band. The boys face their demons while simultaneously living life to the fullest. It makes for a clever juxtaposition.
The song itself owes a lot to the late American singer Prince. Speaking to Soundi, the group explains that they received the original demo for the song one afternoon and by the evening news broke of the music legend’s untimely death. The “party like it’s 1999” lyrics are a reference to “1999”, one of Prince’s signature hits.
In the same interview, the “Something Better” band also shared some details about their as yet unnamed EP. The record will be their third collection of songs after the 2014 album We Created The World and 2015’s From Earth, From Ashes, From Dust EP. Asked to describe it in just three words, Topi says “foggy, rock, brilliant”. Colour us intrigued!
Softengine “Free Rider” (Official Audio)
What do you think of “Free Rider”? And are you looking forward to Softengine’s new EP? Let us know in the comments below.
Interview with Softengine on Eurovision Cruise 2014
Softengine — Free Rider Lyrics
Hey, I found my way
First day sober and I talked to the universe
Don’t tell me that it’s over
Cause my world view has changed
Life is not a getaway
So here’s my confession
I’m a free rider
But I don’t wanna be a free rider to you
So let me give you a free ride, yeah
Baby, I know the highway to paradise
And we’re gonna have a good time
Party like it’s 1999
For you, it’s a free ride
I been facing my demons
Been shooting for the stars
Mistaken but still hopeful
That the sky’s no limit for love
Don’t tell me that it’s over
Cause baby, I have changed
When I look into your eyes
I can see the universe
So let me give you a free ride, yeah
Baby, I know the highway to paradise
And we’re gonna have a good time
Party like it’s 1999
For you, it’s a free ride
I don’t wanna be a free rider no more
Let me show you to paradise, paradise
For you, it’s a free ride
Baby, I know the highway to paradise
And we’re gonna have a good time
Party like it’s 1999
For you, it’s a free ride
It’s a free ride
I don’t wanna be a free rider no more
You might also like to read:
- Softengine gets romantic on their new single “All About You & I”
- Softengine join forces with Finnish superstar Robin on “Salamatie”
- Earth, Ashes, Dust: Softengine mix it up on enchanting new EP
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I just ???? love that song, the music is amazing !
good song!
yeah, the band from 2015 was very underrated. And so many insensitive and silly vcomments from certain ESC-fans! They should be ashamed of themselves…:coming from the same fans who praised Conchita for her “fight for tolerance”. obviously it only matters for gays….duboule standards anyone! Those fans were as intolerant as could get! And the song was brilliant!
They had a brilliant song in 2014! (And way better than Austria of course!). I love how Finland enters rock often to ESC. GREAT – we need more of that. Keep on rocking Finland 🙂 Best Nordic country in ESC! Last year was really the most underrated song of ESC 2015. Too bad the dull Spanish song stole a top 10 place for Finland in 2014. My 2nd best of 2014, after Netherlands