With just over 24 hours to go, excitement is building more and more to Unser Song 2017, Germany’s selection show for Eurovision. Last week we discovered that each of the five finalists has recorded versions of the two songs in the selection: “Wildfire” and “Perfect Life”. ARD has now released each artist’s version of both songs on the Eurovision app!
Of course, the rules of the contest mean that we’ll actually only ever hear five of these songs performed live. As a reminder, the first round of the show will see each act perform a cover song. Even before we get to the first of the Eurovision songs, two acts will be sent home.
The second round will see each act perform one of the two Eurovision songs, before a third act is sent home. The remaining two will then perform their second Eurovision song, before the German public chooses their favourite two performances still available. The fourth round pits those two performances against each other — but that could either be one from each artist, or one artist by themselves!
Okay, breathe, y’all. Now you’ve got that sorted, head over to the Eurovision app. There, you can find 90 seconds of each song, from each act’s rehearsals. You can also find some more clips from rehearsals below, as well as each act’s cover song:
Unser Song 2017 — Competing Songs
Axel Feige
Wildfire
Perfect Life
Cover Song — “You Know My Name”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlvxEYgddQI
Felicia Lu
Wildfire
Perfect Life
Cover Song — “Dancing On My Own”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLpnC53TDDM
Helene Nissen
Wildfire
Perfect Life
Cover Song — “Folsom Prison Blues”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1GrhwOh_Dk
Levina
Wildfire
Perfect Life
Cover Song — “When We Were Young”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMgoS8RpVHQ
Yosefin Buohler
Wildfire
Perfect Life
Cover Song — “Love On Top”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY2i0tziSC4
There are some performances we’ll definitely see tomorrow night. One of them in particular stands out: a medley by Eurovision winners, performing winning songs…by other artists. Ruslana will perform Loreen’s “Euphoria”, Nicole will perform “Merci, Cherie” whilst Conchita tackles “Satellite”. We’ll also see performances by Tim Bendzko and Matthias Schweighöfer.
Eurovision fans from around the world can also help Germany have their say through the Eurovision app. Whilst only those in Germany can vote, the app will allow fans to have their say through the “Eurovision Vibes” section. Whether the German fans decided to listen to Europe’s opinion is up to them, though!
So, which is your favourite song — and who is the act performing it? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!
It’s really difficult to predict, how we (I’m from Germany.) will vote..
I’m just sure about Helene and Yousefin failing to reach the 2nd round..
I’m hoping that Levina will win with “Wildfire” 🙂
Here you can find a Spotify Playlist with each of the 10 Songs:
https://open.spotify.com/user/1141011438/playlist/6Z0VM3qmKHrEtLKV5nEJxw
Acutally, I like the studio version (even if there’s nothing special..).
I’ve already stated it before, the process in Germany is just plain stupid IMO. However, now I get why they won’t let all five finalists perform both songs – because they all sound the same. Remember Israel’s 2016 selection? They all had the same song, but the versions were actually DIFFERENT.
I honestly don’t think that Germany will do well with any combination, the songs are just flat. If I had to choose a singer, it would be Axel though.
What a horrible concept of a national final! There are only two Versions that I think sounds Nice – and thats Axel’s “Perfect Life” and Felicia’s “Wildfire” – the rest is either BAD or plain boring. The scary thought is that maybe neither of them reaches the final two…. what a let Down. I wouldnt be surprised if The big 5 all ended up bottom 5 again. And With GOOD reason !
I think Germany may just go Top 5 or better if they send Felicia Lu Kürbiß with her Wildfire version 🙂
-love from the Philippines
@UKeestikid, thanks for bringing that, you’ve made me deadly exited. I hope wiwi’s team won’t mind me for long link for Eesti stuff (SF2)
http://menu.err.ee/v/galerii/08a40481-956f-4ec4-9515-4688bd145011/galerii-eesti-laulu-ii-poolfinaali-voimsad-etteasted
I’m not gonna lie, only Axel and Felicia’s versions sound good… the rest is plain forgettable.
Lol I noticed that Axel’s voice does have similarities with Kirkorov’s. He is fine in ‘Perfect Life’, but I feel song will fall flat unless it’s smart staged. I liked Levina with ‘Wildfire’, but the song is really weak. Overall It’s quite confusing process but with better songs (not like we’re somewhere around 2012) it would’ve been way more promicing. The positive thing is that they are trying to diverse songs with tempo and arrangements, I even thought that could work well with Ghosts last year.
@Polegend Godgarina – As stared, many singers don’t perform their ‘own’ (self-penned or written for them) songs, but they do find themselves in the song and feel it! I will watch the German finals tonight, but their selection process is truly dreadful. They picked two average ESC-sounding songs and spread the offer among (presumably) unknown young singers. There is no any feeling of the singer and song ‘belonging’ to each other, like with Naviband, Lucie or Norma John. Germany is just ‘participating’ with minimal passion. I don’t mind, I like as many countries in, and not all can be in… Read more »
@poledgend godgarina
That is exactly what happened with Lena, and it paid off for them. And let’s be fair, 90% of current chart hits are a finished production where a random singer gets to put their face and voice to it.
I’m also extremely embittered by the fact that these people are mere singers, and not artists. They literally took 5 people and gave them 2 songs and told them, “lol sing it”. It shouldn’t work like that. Each of them should have a song representing them, not something they’re forced to sing.
I also think that Axel is the only option, both songs seem to be created for male voice, or for a female voice like Diana Golbi has.
Better song is ”Wildfire” because has more energy, and Axel seems confident from the beginning. ”Perfect life” has a repetitive and weak chorus.
@Robyn – You have an EXCELLENT point! How to judge in general – by live performance (which can be polished till May) or by studio version (which can hide a weak vocal)? For me, it’s a bit of both. I try to focus mostly on aspects they have in common – lyrics, melody, memorability, impact. Although really good/bad live performance can make me change my mind about the song. But one thing is certain; I may like or dislike the snippet, but I restrain from my final judgement or rating before I hear the WHOLE SONG at least twice. –… Read more »
I listened to the studio versions on Spotify, and… the early 2010’s called; they want their sound back. I totally thought I was listening to “Titanium” when Levina’s “Perfect Life” started.
The songs that I liked (for their production, mostly) are: either Levina’s or Axel’s “Wildfire,” and Felicia on “Perfect Life.” I also kinda like Axel’s “Perfect Life,” but the bridge doesn’t sound like it belongs with the rest of the song at all.
Axel is the only option, Wildfire over Perfect Life though.
I was thinking…maybe Germany and UK should take a break from Eurovision…a few years maybe… Not long, but enough to find the right mechanism for Eurovision. They need new teams in charge with young people, innovative ideas, good producers, and so on. Like Italy did, they were out for like 18 years (too long, maybe) and they came back in style… What’s the purpose in just participating? I don’t get it…. It’s like participating in an Olympic race and a country is sending its worst runner, or maybe not the worst but still, not the best either…. Turkey is out… Read more »
I would never, ever, ever vote for any of these songs. No matter who is singing what song… Come on Germany, 2 songs for 5 artists? Was it that hard to find another 3 songs? Or maybe they were convinced the 2 songs (Wildfire and Perfect Life) were that good?!? Trust me, they’re not! In fact, “Ghost” (2016) and “Black Smoke” (2015) were a million times better than the songs in this year’s race for Germany, and still they got poor results. It’s such a pity….
What made they think that a Marit Larsen album reject written in 2012 was a good idea? The Germans are not to blame at all for this because they have very little choice, but their country will end low given these songs…
Poor Germany… Last place in the Final for the 3rd year in a row? It’s not impossible…They’re trying so hard, revamping their national selection but still…the songs are even worse than the ones in the Spanish selection. I just can’t imagine why big countries like Germany and United Kingdom, with a strong music industry…they are taking Eurovision for a granted sending the worst songs possible. Just look at small countries like Bulgaria, they are making and effort. Last year their effort was rewarded (4th place in the Final). Look at France, another Big 5 country… In 2016 they put an… Read more »
Axel with Wildfire, I think is right for his voice that Bruce Springsteen style.
i like perfect life! it has raggae vibes and such a sucker for that genre.
Please Guys, listen to the studio versions before you judge!
The songs are at their full studio versions in Spotify
i like axel with perfect life but i am disappointed in germany national selection this year : (
They’re better than any of the songs in the Spanish NF, but I can’t see Germany getting higher than 24th with these two. Hopefully there’s something better coming up…
@Colin
That’s not so surprising: big music industry, poor Eurovision results, declining image of the contest, less interest from said music industry.
oh my god no germany
i thought the spanish national final was bad well wtf are these bland walmart-pop garage band demo songs im shrieking
I like Axel the most, but they need to give him a different song, more his style.
Overall almost everything is bland and forgettable … ouch
Germany choose Axel – Perfect Life or bust, your choice
For anyone looking go to the Eesti laul page scroll to the section called “Uudised” Then click “Vaata Veel Uudiseid” at the side then scroll through the latest news looking for “Galerii: Eesti Laulu II Poolfinaali Võimsad etteasted” for SF 2 And “Galerii: Eesti Laulu Esimese poolfinaali salvestus” – sorry to go Off topic but just thought I’d say in case anyone is Following Eesti Laul
Meanwhile photos from the Eesti laul semi final pre-recordings have been made available on the Eesti Laul website showing the stage and staging of the acts of anyone is interested 🙂
Axel and Perfect Life is the best option but none are particularly impressive. I blame the songs rather than the artists.
Actually, the question of the day is how come Iceland (population of 332, 000) can send 12 songs that are all so good (either catchy or touching, depending on their purpose), while Germany (population of over 80 million) can send only two songs and both so safe and typical? How is that possible?
Thanks Robyn.Yeah I needed to update the app. 🙂
I voted for Axel in Round 1 and 3 and Felicia in Round 2. The two sounds are very bland – right hand side of the leaderboard for sure, bottom 5 likely. Axel and Felicia are the clear standouts and I hope they get to Round 3 so Germany can send something mildly respectable.
How many thousand songs have they received again??? These 2 sound SO SAFE at first! They are by no means bad, but I seriously don’t see the X factor here. How come there was more flair in the UK finals songs than in these? I mean, singers all seam good and one of them might make it come to life on the actual night, but so far, it seams like Germany is headed for another mid-list song, which isn’t a good sign.
First of all, I don’t really like any of the two songs.
However, I have to admit I’m confused. Listening to the covers and the different versions of the two songs, I don’t know. My head is a mess right now.
The singers are all good, I really liked Axel’s cover and the ladies are all good singers.
Generally, I beliieve we’ll see Germany in the bottom 5. Unfortunately.
Wake up Germany!
Again.
Axel with Perfect Life is their only decent option,imo.
Ein enttäuschender Vorentscheid Deutschland!
The songs are underwhelming to say the least. Both songs are flat with underwhelming lyrics and melodies and very similar in genre as well. Wildfire is 100% better than Perfect Life and it HAS to be uptempo to have any sort of impact, so either Felicia or Axel to go to Kiev to sing that please Germany! But I can’t see Germany doing well at all whatever they pick.
I was curious about the Wildfire song, as it was co-written by a guy who recently worked with Ilse DeLange/Common Linnets, but unfortunately this is not quite up to that standard. Booooring.
I don’t foresee either of these doing well, but Felicia’s version of Wildfire is the best. I enjoy Axel’s as well.
Although I am German. I hope they will be last again until there is a change. There have to be new people in charge. I believe they are willing to do well, but they have the wrong approach. In the videos you can that they use a live-band. That is not current for the ESC. Another point is that they still see the ESC as a singing competition an not as a TV-show in first place. The staging will be bad, too, because of this reasons. It is disappointing and that makes me saf, because a lot of people in… Read more »
Has anyone been able to use the eurovision vibes feature? I can’t seem to find it on the app
Felicia with wild Fire is the best! This should go to Kiev for sure.
Combine Axel Feige and Perfect Life for a Perfect Result for Germany
Can we just agree both these songs are bad? None of the versions will be able to get them top 15( heck maybe not even top 20). But going to the individuals, I love Axel’s voice but I dislike both his interpretations. I also quite like Yosefine’s voice and somewhat like her “Wildfire”, but I hate her “Perfect life”. I absolutely loathe Helena’s voice and songs, seeing how the world hates me she’ll be the one going through. Felicia has a nice voice( not great though) and I defenitely love her “Wildfire”(In my eyes this is the song that should… Read more »
Perfect life with Axel, definitely!
These songs are so meh! But I actually like Axel’s version of Wildfire. I really didn’t like any of the Perfect Life covers but I voted for Isabella. I really wish there was more of a variety in genres (where was rock, EDM, folk…?)
Felicia Lu the best 🙂
~coughs
Poor young people, they try hard to lift these songs…
All of these songs are dire. I do not see a good result for Germany once again.