Hoi, Nederland! The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has landed in Amsterdam. In the shadow of the Royal Palace, over a big plate of poffertjes, we’re listening to the Netherlands’ song for Eurovision 2017 — “Lights and Shadows” from O’G3NE. Is the song a success or a total blackout? Read on to find out!

OG3NE – “Lights and Shadows”

About OG3NE

OG3NE, also known as O’G3NE, is a Dutch three-piece girl group made up of sisters Lisa, Amy, and Shelley Vol (22, 21, 21), the latter two being fraternal twins. In 2007, they represented the Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest under the name “Lisa, Amy and Shelley”. Their song “Adem in, adem uit” (Breathe in, breathe out) placed 11th of the 17 competing countries. In 2014, the trio won the fifth season of The Voice of Holland. In 2016, they were internally selected by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2017. Their song “Lights and Shadows” was co-written by their father Rick Vol with Shelley’s boyfriend Rory de Kievit.

“Lights and Shadows” reviews

Deban: Three Dutch chart-topping sisters representing their homeland with a beautiful song about perseverance. “Lights and Shadows” is lyrically superior, and boasts a stretch of beautiful harmonies. The song’s arrangement takes their vocal strengths into account, and provides intimate moments of emotive expression. The blood ties here are an asset. Their father composed “Light and Shadows”, and it is evident that it tells a personal story.

Score: 8.5/10

Robyn: Here’s the thing — OG3NE love singing in close harmony and their dad has written them a song that lets them show that off. But there’s not much to the song apart from the harmonies (it wouldn’t have as much impact sung by just one person), but that’s ok. Yeah, “Lights and Shadows” sounds like a forgotten Wilson Phillips album track, but OG3NE are about the only people outside of Wilson Phillips who can handle a song like this. They do it well.

Score: 6.5/10

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Bogdan: Oh, gee. It’s difficult to review OG3NE’s song without referencing Wilson Phillips. The three sisters have the same kind of background, chemistry and sound, the only problem being that the two trios are separated by two and a half decades. Sadly, “Lights and Shadows” sounds just as old but not as good as “Hold On”. Vocally the girls’ harmonies are impressive, but the song and lyrics are a big letdown.

Score: 4/10

Chris: Three voices together create arguably the best vocal of the entire contest. Those harmonies have every right to be legendary. But when paired with a song like “Lights and Shadows”, what’s really the point? OG3NE could make anything sound good, but I’d rather hear them singing a great song along with those voices. As it is, “Lights and Shadows” — bar the “cry no more” hook — is more one dull shade of grey.

Score: 5.5/10

William: Shadows and Light — Wilson Philips’ second album — hit stores in 1992. “Lights and Shadows” — OG3NE’s Eurovision 2017 song — seems to play on the original’s name and sound some 25 years later. From the beautiful, old-school harmonies to the heard-it-all-before melody to the electric guitar flourish to the cliché lyrics about candles, this smacks of another era. And it’s not one I’m particularly keen to relive. The song may be a zero, but their voices are a perfect ten. My score reflects an average of the two.

Score: 5/10

Jovana: OG3NE have amazing vocals — no doubt about it. But we have seen so many good vocalists fail to qualify for the final simply because their songs were not good enough. “Boring” is maybe too strong a word to describe “Lights and Shadows”, but it’s not far from it either. En Vogue-style tracks belong in the 1990s.

Score: 5/10

Rezo: I’m in love with these sisters, who are more talented together than apart. They bring strong, harmonised vocals that make the song powerful, magical and fabulous. Good luck, dear ladies!

Score: 8/10

Zakaria: Those harmonies! OG3NE give a lesson on how harmonised a group should be. The highlight of this entry is undoubtedly their voices and not the song, which feels flat and repetitive. Recycled from the 90s, there’s no doubt this song would have won the contest 25 years ago.

Score: 5.5/10

In our Wiwi Jury, we have 38 jurors but only room for eight reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:

Anastas: 4/10

Andy: 7/10

Angus: 5/10

Anthony: 6.5/10

Antony: 6/10

Antranig: 5/10

Bernardo: 6.5/10

Dayana: 5/10

Edd: 7/10

Erdi: 7/10

Forrest: 4/10

George: 5/10

Jacob: 5/10

Jason: 6.5/10

Jordi: 7/10

Josh: 8/10

Kristin: 5.5/10

Luis: 4.5/10

Marek: 5/10

Matt: 10/10

Mikhail: 4.5/10

Natalie: 3.5/10

Padraig: 5.5/10

Patrick: 5/10

Renske: 7/10

Sami: 6/10

Sinan: 8/10

Stanislav: 7/10

Steinunn: 4.5/10

Tobias: 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 3.5 and a high of 10.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.83/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See our current Eurovision 2017 reviews and rankings

49 Comments
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Rita
Rita
6 years ago

…I highly disagree with this score…but I also have a mini-rant about “dated” songs. When people say that they act like older songs are just bad when quite a bit of artists from the 80s and 90s are still showing more success than the popstars of today and are still relevant than the popstars of today will ever be. Modern songs are not always great. A lot of them are trashy and nowhere near musically inventive (3 chords people is all it takes to make a song). A lot of regular people still listen to songs in the 90s or… Read more »

Digital Style
Digital Style
6 years ago

I have to admit it took me quite a few listens to really appreciate this song. Their vocals and harmonies match perfectly, but the song is quite jumpy and lacks in a tangible melody. I think their performance at Kiev will be the main dictator of how well they do.

Burger
Burger
6 years ago

Reminds me of Wilson Phillips of the early 90s: the chances of this one will depend on staging because the best vocalists in the world can’t save a average song on the night without it.

CharlieChan
CharlieChan
6 years ago

Same with the Netherlands every year.
– Uhhhg this song is average…
– Uhhhg it goes nowhere…
– Ughh The Netherlands could do better…
And then BOOM! Killer staging, killer voacals and a good position! Remember, the jury has been placing The Netherlands in high positions since Anouk in 2013, and since that year, The Netherlands has been giving killer performances.
Go O’G3NE, I definately support you!!! They have vocals and they have an amazing performance coming. Get ready for the Dark Horse of this edition: THE NETHERLANDS!!!
9.5/10

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

I revalued this after EiC as pretty captivating song-challenge, but all this changes in keys make song blurry, leaving only space to enjoy their compelling live skills…

Rimig
Rimig
6 years ago

The song sounds too dated? Perhaps a modern song should win every year, like…”rise like a phoenix”? Oh no, wait, that wasn’t modern or innovative at all! Then maybe Conchita won just because he is a guy dressed up like a woman? Mmmmm… Let’s just keep on thinking!

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

This song is no Calm After the Storm, really. But I think it will qualify. The sisters will be phenomenal live, and a mediocre studio version will not get in the way of that. Grande Amore was an average composition, so was Shine; but Il Volo and the Tomalchevy Sisters both did really well because they were incredible vocally.

I stand by my initial opinion that the composer was trying to do too much with the song, though.

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

The Netherlands follows a trend.
They would put out a song that is decent, but not very assuming, at first, then come May their live elevates it into one of the most breathtaking grandoise things you ever heard, see the Linnets and Douwe. The thing with OG3NE’s song is that it sorta sounds like a vocal harmony warmup more than a song. Luckily, this disappears before the second chorus and picks up to a strong finish, both lyrically and musically. The key for this song’s success is the live, and you will see people fanning over their perfect harmonies.
6.5/10

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago

: I said just as much when the song was first revealed. The writer and producer were completely inspired by Wilson Phillips, and of course, the trio’s second album (‘Shadows And Light’) is where the title of this song comes from.

If they qualify, they’ll finish somewhere just below the middle of the pack. But there’s a good chance it could end up like Manuella (Slovenia 2016).

Randomsage
Randomsage
6 years ago

“Mark my words, this will be the surprise of eurovision 2017” Mark Mark, I’m saying the same thing too. This isn’t a winner but when the commentators from every country explain the meaning of the song and their acceptance of their mother’s cancer progression, this will pull heartstrings. That’ll add, if not go beyond, the song itself. The song itself shouldn’t be judged ALONE but other effectual points too. Mentioned last year that Ukraine was a because of the message and everyone had it around 17-13 place in the final. Conchita was around 7 to 5 place before the semis.… Read more »

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

I really like it. It’s catchy with great harmonies and I think it will stand out. Hope it does well <3 from a UK fan.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

This song is underrated. So it does sound like it could be the theme tune to a Friends-style sitcom; leaving that aside, the meaning of the song fits very well with someone recovering from cancer (as my own mother has done). The structure of the song is very traditional pop, and I love the key change after the extended bridge leading into the reprise – that’s one of my favourite songwriting devices, and it’s in exactly the right place! What’s not traditional are the use of strong triadic harmonies cutting in and out at specifically points – while this is… Read more »

(#Birds)
(#Birds)
6 years ago

I like Netherlands’ song.
It’s still a good enough song.
Their exceptional synchronized vocals & great voices lift the song UP, making it far more favorable.
(Like William wrote in his review, although I don’t think that the song is a zero though)
My grade: 7/10
My rank: 19th/42 – 8th/18 (2nd SF)

je reviens tout de suite
je reviens tout de suite
6 years ago

Lisa (blonde) age 22
Amy (red) and Shelley (brunette) – twins age 21
…but maybe i,m wrong

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

Well deserved low score.

A 4/10 for me.

As I lay me down 2 get laid
As I lay me down 2 get laid
6 years ago

Forgettable song, no finak

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

This song is a real earworm, I had it stuck in my head for three days after listening to it for the first time. Now I can’t help but love it, despite there not being anything truly remarkable about the song. The Wilson Phillips reference flies over my head, so it doesn’t? take away from my enjoyment.
Can someone tell me which sister is which? I’d like to put names to the faces.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

Personal rating: Many people mention “perfect harmonies”. It’s a well-constructed song, but the overall act is too clean, too polished, too “perfect” for me, especially since they are trying to tell a personal, emotional story. I also find the whole “lights and shadows” analogy a little dated. I think the live version will be a little better. 3.5/10 Prediction: I think the televoters will have a hard time emotionally relating to the song. The juries however are more likely to honour the artistic approach of it so that they keep the Netherlands from the very bottom in the second semi… Read more »

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
6 years ago

Their voices mesh very well but the song just leaves no impression whatsoever.

4.5/10 (25/43)

Henry
Henry
6 years ago

Watch this Live performance from 2 days ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJv-49PUrsk

I almost cannot believe it’s Live, so impressive!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I like Wilson Phillips!

cheesecake
cheesecake
6 years ago

Yeah, apart from the harmonies (I’ve read that word like a million times now), this is just boring and it’s actually close to my bottom 5.
I’m sorry, but I hope this won’t qualify just because their voices are great.

Luke
Luke
6 years ago

Perfect harmonies, average song this one I really like I like the Netherlands entree this year 8/10

PP
PP
6 years ago

My prediction, in final in TOP 10( in TOP 5 with juries , with televote from 10 to 15)

From Portugal
From Portugal
6 years ago

Netherlands
Three very good voices, and that fit well in the music, something is lacking to like more. I think it’s the end. (24th to 18th)

6,9 / 10

Max Mark
Max Mark
6 years ago

Mark my words, this will be the surprise of eurovision 2017.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

I really enjoyed the video!
Lee Adams I loved the comparison with the greek salad! We didn’t know that about you! It’s all about the feta cheese! Feta cheese SLAYS!!

Back to the song: Yeah, their voices are AMAZING, their harmonies IMPRESSIVE, it blows my mind! There’s no doubt! But the song just goes nowhere!
When I heard the song, I wasn’t aware of their singing abilities. After that, I was amazed by their voices! And that’s all! I forgot the song after 5-10 min!

I give this a 5 too!

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

This will struggle so hard in the televote. Voices won’t be enough to make someone pick up the phone.
As William said, It doesn’t touch you at all. Zero impact here.

James
James
6 years ago

Again with “dated”. I can’t see how this ever sound as such?

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I don’t think the fact that it borrows elements from the late 90s is a strong enough reason to give this song a low score. It’s a heavenly song, and certainly more interesting than the UK or Denmark.

anonymous91
anonymous91
6 years ago

@Robyn Gallagher

i agree, i think potential crowd pleasers are Yodel It, Occidentali’s Karma (a big favourite but i think it’s right to be a big favourite very catchy and fun)

some of the ballads well i think Malta will struggle, Portugal a bookie fave i don’t think they can live up to the odds, i find Poland having the best of the ballads but that’s me personally

Hungary will also do well i think, very unique, interesting and catchy song

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
6 years ago

@Maria

This isn’t intended as a prediction indeed. The Common Linnets deserved a 4 (or even less).

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
6 years ago

Underrated. This is a great song with an amazing message. Their harmonies are on point. In my top 10. Hope to see them in the final.

8/10

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

It is a lovely song. I am shocked how good the harmonies are in live. It’s all about harmonies here. The song is in the upper middle of my list, because I have more favorites, but I do like it.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

Technically perfect, but it just doesn’t reach me, boring song for me, sorry..

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

I’ll rather keep my words until tomorrow. This song relies on good live perfomance but apart from its dedication, style and music is not for everyone.

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I like it but it is more about their beautiful harmonies rather than the song itself. I’m kind of bored of it after a few listens but I think it will pass to the final

anonymous91
anonymous91
6 years ago

i find the song dated, and a bit boring, the rapping bit at the end shouldn’t be in the song tbh, and now they are having arm choreography omg, something i really hate

4.5/10

not proud of my country, and it’s sandwiched between Romania and Hungary, 2 unique and different songs 🙂

yv
yv
6 years ago

after what juries did to Il Volo, i don’t trust that juries will appreciate good voices, jury is thinking too much about ”radio friendly” guess its even a rule for jury to think about a song potential as a hit…so…radio friendly.
televote might like them more.

Elle
Elle
6 years ago

Yes, Great vocale and whatever, but… “Recycled from the 90s”?? Yes, definitively. But the very point is that I’m a little grown up For Church choirs, not a surprise they won the Junior esc. It’ s just my opinion, of course, but it seems they’re still stuck in a juvenile church choir. Shouldn’t they move towards other musical territories? It’s time to elaborate, they’re going nowhere instead… Let’s see live performance in Kyiv, but I predict they still Will be weak somehow, becauae of the big stage (little stages like Amsterdam is easier), the noise, the Kyiv stage acoustics etc…… Read more »

oli
oli
6 years ago

boring song, great singers. I think they wil place somewhere between 15-20 because of their great performance.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

My country

This song is made for a live performance. Their vocals are SO great live, and the song is in my opinion also GREAT. I love the hook, and some of the sounds are so great, and with a good enough performance this will get an easy top 15. This will do GREAT live and will slay with the juries, but I don’t know about the televoting.

10/10

José
José
6 years ago

Their live performance is gonna be so AMAZING that this may be one of the (several) dark horses this year.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I agree on that electric guitar, that’s a bit too oldfashioned. But I could never agree on giving this sing a one. Its a 4,5 for me for the song and 9 for the whole package. Overral Im giving this a 7.:)

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

this song really grows on me. the bridge onwards is just so epic for me.

@yv: yeah i never heard of them until i read this review.

Nick
Nick
6 years ago

For song a score of 1 ??? William told in an earlier review that this song goes from bridge to brigde and keeps on building and could see himself voting for it, when in the right mood….
Guess you were in the wrong mood when filming this review…

Milla
Milla
6 years ago

4/10

yv
yv
6 years ago

no one outside esc bubble thinks about ”wilson philips”, probably not even ”wilson philips” themselves remember about ”wilson philips”

Maria
Maria
6 years ago

Not taking your results as a prediction for the end result anymore ever since you gave The Common Linnets a 4, hahaha