Kristina Pall
Kristina Pall

Earlier today, the Wiwi Jury – our in-house panel of music unprofessionals – admired the Solfar sculpture in Reykjavik. All of the deep thinking inspired us to review “You and I”, Páll Rósinkranz and Kristina Bærendsen’s entry for Söngvakeppnin 2017. Are we feeling this duet?

Páll Rósinkranz & Kristina Bærendsen – “You and I”

About Páll Rósinkranz and Kristina Bærendsen

This is an Icelandic/Faroese collaboration with a country-esque ballad written by Mark Brink. Kristina is from the Faroe Islands and has never entered Söngvakeppnin, but Páll is a veteran, having competed several times in the past. Páll admits that he has somewhat a love/hate relationship with the contest, and Kristina is learning Icelandic.

“You and I” reviews

Robyn: This is such an old-fashioned country song. Páll and Kristina sound good singing together, and capture the feeling of a long-term couple looking back at their relationship. That’s all nice, but the song drags. The music lets the singers down badly, leaving them to carry the song on their own. All up, it just doesn’t give enough to the listener.

Score: 4/10 

Jason: “You And I” brings some true American country melancholy to Iceland. I did not expect to enjoy this, but I really did. Páll and Kristina’s voices are so nice together, and the gentle production compliments them, rather than overshadow them. This is definitely my favourite duet of Söngvakeppnin 2017.

Score: 8/10

Chris: A dull, country influenced love duet. Great. Did I slip in to a coma from the 90s? The chorus — in both languages — is such a non-entity, that just screams of a real lack of effort. Eurovision has moved on from this kind of song. Iceland have consistently left songs like this behind recently in the national finals, and better versions too. Why even bother entering with it?

Score: 3.5/10

William: This is such a downer. From the very first verse I can’t help but think of popular anti-depressants like Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, and Lexapro — all of which sound more interesting than “You and I”. It’s from another era and not even the stellar vocals and chemistry can pull it into 2017. Now excuse me while I go check that I have a pulse.

Score: 2/10

Kristin: Páll used to front the metal band Jet Black Joe back in the day, and there is no doubt that he has one of the most beautiful voices ever. The unknown Kristina is a great match for him vocally. This isn’t the first time Páll has entered Söngvakeppni, but unfortunately he makes the same mistake every time, by singing outdated country ballads that fall flat, despite his on point vocals. “You and I” serves as this years toilet break, which pisses me off, because Páll and Kristina deserve so much more! Yawn.

Score: 4/10

Dayana: Yes, this may not be the most entertaining entry ever, but I’m loving the dreamy vibes of this song. The way Páll and Kristina’s voices match together just enhance the effect. A simple stage show would serve this well. And who knows, maybe this will go down a storm.

Score: 7/10

Luis: Gosh, what a snoozefest. It’s like a romantic comedy for turtles. Seriously, have they even thought what they are singing? Do they really want to present the world with such a dull, boring, plain, old-fashioned song? This song is like a family dinner you can’t avoid, in which you have to smile and be polite through six hours of your relatives showing you photos of their trip to Benidorm.

Score: 0/10

Deban: The simplicity in “You and I” is endearing, however, it nods to the lullabies of the seventies. That said, the voices shine individually, and they still blend together beautifully. If your penchant for music isn’t dictated by current trends, you’ll find comfort in this timeless composition .

Score: 7/10

In our Söngvakeppnin 2017 Wiwi Jury, we have 20 jurors but only room for 8 reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:

Antranig: 2/10

Bernardo: 4/10

Florian: 3.5/10

Forrest: 4.5/10

Jordi: 8.5/10

Josh: 2/10

Matt: 6/10

Mikhail: 3.5/10

Patrick: 2/10

Sami: 3/10

Sinan: 5.5/10

Steinunn: 2.5/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before calculating the average score, the highest and lowest scores are dropped. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 0 and a high of 8.5.

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 4.11/10

SEE THE FULL LIST OF SÖNGVAKEPPNIN 2017 RANKINGS HERE

READ MORE ICELAND EUROVISION NEWS

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Ed Jones
Ed Jones
7 years ago

It’s lovely, but not Eurovision. That’s about it, really.

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

I have no doubt their voices are beautiful and they sound good together. But the song is really dull.

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

It’s very 80s American country (one of my favorite genres) so I obviously love it. But for the Eurovision? Not a good choice.

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

I’m sorry, but I really can’t stand it. It’s the definition of ‘boring’. There is nothing interesting here, it’s just an outdated lullaby.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Only 4.11? Even if you find in monotone, there is no denying their two voices fit together perfectly and you can feel the connection. It’s definitely calming and sweet.

Bob
Bob
7 years ago

Yes, it is 90s, yes it is old fashioned and forces you to sleep but it is so beautiful.
I agree with Jason he says ” I did not expect to enjoy this, but I really did. Páll and Kristina’s voices are so nice together, and the gentle production compliments them, rather than overshadow them”.
I keep playing it, i just feel more gentle and dreamy while listening to it.)))) 8/10