Franka - Crazy

Last month HRT revealed that Franka Batelic will represent Croatia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. She teased her song “Crazy” as a mystical and contemporary number — something that we wouldn’t normally expect from the Balkan nation at Eurovision.

Last week a twenty second snippet of the track accumulated 200,000 views in just 24 hours and received positive reactions. And today the full song and its music video have finally been released for you to dive into.

Franka — “Crazy”

The track is a jazzy, sultry number that leans towards the likes of Alicia Keys. Franka commands attention through her vocal, without ever having to over-sing. There’s even a spoken word interlude that changes things up and keeps you on your toes.

Franka smoulders in the music video, with dancers writhing on the floor around her and glowing orbs. Later in the video, Franka takes to the water as a white sheet smothers her. It turns in to a stunning white dress – this is a look, y’all! The strong visual identity — it reminds us of ancient warriors, epic battles and goddesses — suggests that #TeamFranka have a dramatic stage show in mind and on the cards.

In a quote to wiwibloggs, Franka explains more about the track:

“You all know that kind of love. It hits you like a thunder and doesn’t seem to let you go. The unconventional, unusual, unique kind of love over our bodies, our hearts. You all know that feeling when you’re not sure if it’s all real, or if it’s just a product of your imagination. And that’s what makes love so fantastic, so extraordinary. You can try to explain it but the truth is, there are no rules in love, love is a beautiful mystery.”

Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) presented parts of the song exclusively on its main nightly news program, Dnevnik. Franka will also be conducting an interview tonight revealing some details of her preparations for Eurovision on HRT’s third Dnevnik news program. She will also appear tomorrow morning on breakfast show, Dobro Jutro Hrvatska.

“Crazy” is composed by Branimir Mihaljevic, with the lyrics written by Franka herself. The song was mastered in a London studio. Mihaljevic composed her previous single, “S Tobom” and co-wrote the song for Croatia in 2010, “Lako Je Sve” by Feminem.

Who is Franka?

A place at Eurovision 2018 would mark an incredible comeback year for Franka Batelic. At just 16 years old, Franka made her name winning the talent show Showtime in 2007. Amongst the judges of that contest was none other than Jacques Houdek.

Franka regularly released singles throughout the rest of the decade, including her attempts at Dora. Also in 2009, Franka won Ples sa zvijezdama, Croatia’s version of Dancing With the Stars.

But up until 2017, Franka seemed to have left the music industry. She’s come back in style though with her latest single, “S tobom“. The track charted at #3 in Croatia and has put her right back in the spotlight.

What do you think of “Crazy”? Do you think that Franka can bring Croatia to the final for the third year in a row? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Read more Croatia Eurovision news here

207 Comments
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ESCalator
ESCalator
5 years ago

Plagiarism scandal! The song is identical to the song by a Romanian musician Guez which was published before Franka’s song:

http://www.escchat.com/news/similar-song-to-franka-batelics-eurovision-entry-crazy-discovered.88173/

Maty
Maty
6 years ago

After only one listen, I really got hooked up to this song..
It’s different in every sense, sensual, lyrically, jazzy and visually (video)..
Franka wrote the song herself, I must admit that to her that she did an amazing job..
Am really curious how this peace of an art song will end up when we hear it live.. But my hopes are high that she will deliver 100% on the stage..
Love it as this is in my Top5 and good luck Croatia in May.. <3

Ivona
Ivona
6 years ago

What is this? Nina Simone-Feeling Good + Sam Brawn-Stop + Lady Gaga ??

Ben005
Ben005
6 years ago

Today in the “Good morning, Croatia” show Franka said she will travel to Lisbon with only two back vocalist without any dancers because it has to be all minimalistic.

Thomas Holt
Thomas Holt
6 years ago

My kind of music. I like it a lot. 90% delivered. WHY´s = MAGIC 1: The total package. It´s a whole listening experience. MAGIC 2: Franka itself = A deep, sexy, jazzy soulfulness. TO DO TO MAKE IT 100% = It´s so little and easy. The chorus needs a better built up to be remarkable. That´s the only detail. But it is important. TO Franka and her team: Please work on the last 10%.?

Tim
Tim
6 years ago

I don’t like it. 5/10

Sarah
Sarah
6 years ago

Great voice but song is bad

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago

I think we may be headed to an ex yu blackout, or even a Balkan black out, but if that does not happen, this song is the likeliest qualifier from ex yu so far, and it is the likeliest Balkan qualifier with Albania. It has potential, but it needs awesome staging. Nevertheless, as I never warmed up to Nina or Jacques, for me Franka seems like a fresh breath of air. I also agree that she is taking a risk, but that risk May pay off big time, maybe not a win, but with a top 10 finish.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
6 years ago

This song doesn’t light up a fire under my ass. I don’t like it.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

What!!
That’s the work of Chinese food!!

HBau
HBau
6 years ago

Definitely in my top ten after one listen, good job Franka and Croatia 🙂

SPANISH ALMAIA
SPANISH ALMAIA
6 years ago

boring

Dawn
Dawn
6 years ago
Reply to  SPANISH ALMAIA

better than Spain

fan
fan
6 years ago

Very good track this I like it a lot…well done Croatia!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

On first listen: This is classy. It has a lot of technical elements that some juries will appreciate – blues tones, a counter-melody, some spoken word, and a surprise late bridge. Franka’s voice resonates on the recording, revealing a deep tone. The tempo is unusually slow, but that style is reminiscent of an Amy Winehouse track, for example. Seriously laid back music with theatrical choreography that is captivating and “on point”. I can hear Deban in my head right now. Well done Croatia team.

Fibi
Fibi
6 years ago

Tijana Bogicevic vibes in video??? Song is ok

Blake
Blake
6 years ago

Definitely has a lot of top 10 potential if they emphasize sound effects and harmonise lights and, possibly, sand on stage.

YoungsterJoey
YoungsterJoey
6 years ago

Quite an odd reaction in the comments. I first listen to the audio before seeing the video (since it is a SONG contest) and I like the song! In my top 10.

Now I’ll watch the video, which I don’t need to. I’m good with just the audio.

Hinti
Hinti
6 years ago

Franka was right – this is very risky entry and like she said, it’s divisive. Personally, I find “Crazy” a very interesting compostion and therefore I really like it. Croatia’s been serving us quality ever since it’s comeback and sadly it’s very underrated country. Hope this year will be their year. Somehow I feel this could be the dark horse… Congratulations Croatia!

brennan
brennan
6 years ago

when i heard the first 15 seconds i thought spotify had accidentally started playing denisa gjezo’s ‘zemer ku je’ from this year’s festival i kenges!!!! wow those two are extremely similar in the intros

Avas Atelocin
Avas Atelocin
6 years ago

WHY they dont send amazing” S tobom” ? much better then the crazy song

KOSMOPOLJ
KOSMOPOLJ
6 years ago

The song is completely anemic as Prime Minister Plenkovi? 🙂

The best part is the initial 20 sec, and then FLOP goes to the end of the song.
song is : non-original, boring, dark , generic …

There is no wooow effect in any segment.

my feeling for the song: infinitely indifferent..

to the finals hard, .. only with a very good performance on the stage

Good luck Franka !

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Sounds like a flop, but it might get elevated by the stage.

Daviid
Daviid
6 years ago

I’m sorry, but this song felt like it went on for 5 minutes instead of 3. It never ends!!

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Daviid

For its faults it never felt slow to me- quite quick in fact.

Overall, I feel like this is 5 great songs cut and strung together. It’s good (and a HUGE improvement over last year’s borderline joke act) but far from perfect- the sum of its parts are greater than the combined whole.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  azaad

This is a good definition: “the sum of its parts are greater than the combined whole”. That’s how I felt too.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

I was excited about the jazzy vibes and I ended up liking it it but there’s something that stopped me from loving it right away. I can see some resemblance to Belgium’s song. Not to the point that one would necessarily cancel each other on the first semi, because this one goes through a sultry path, while “A Matter of Time” is, like Sennek described, “mysterious pop”. Also the biggest strenght of Belgium’s song in my opinion and how well constructed it is. While Croatia’s keeps building up to something that never comes. Oh, and I would drop that talked… Read more »

Ben005
Ben005
6 years ago

Glad to see many of you actually liked our song. Franka is such a great person and I’m sure she and her team will do the best to do a right staging for this song.

L'oiseau
6 years ago

I like this entry quite a lot. Call me crazy, but I think it has the same kind of feel that the Belgian song, but for me it had a much stronger punch. With the right staging and a good performance this song can go very far up.

Demetrio
Demetrio
6 years ago

32 songs are out and still nothing with winner vibes for me..

Amor
Amor
6 years ago
Reply to  Demetrio

I never usually complain about the songs This is 2011, part 2. Most songs are average and we have a couple of nice ones here and there. There is one that screams winner for me personally and that is Belgium.

avner
avner
6 years ago
Reply to  Amor

I hear you guys, but since 2014 when the 2 previously unimpressive Austrian and Dutch songs shot to the top in the live shows, I have learnt to take it easy and let time do its thing.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  avner

Calm After the Storm always sounded like a winner, it was just the ESC fandom that couldn’t appreciate it.

PP
PP
6 years ago
Reply to  avner

I like Austrian song from beggining, Duth song not in begging after listen in semi final I like it. Same happen with me with Italy song from 2013 (like The Netheralands 2014) don t like in preview video, but I was suprised when they sang their song live in Eurovision.

Samantha
Samantha
6 years ago

It’s smouldering, the singer is sexy. Have a feeling this could be a real dark horse in Lisbon

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

Franka has got a great voice, the song is very different for Eurovision which I like about it but it just doesn’t go anywhere. As many people have said here, staging will be key here because the song does come across a little boring. This is going to be a very tough semi so poor staging or a bad vocal on the night and you’re out.

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago

I think I liked it but at the same time I’m not very sure. The song has a very uncommon structure, it doesn’t flow smoothly. Still after it finished, it left me with positive emotions about itself. So it’s another strong contender for Top 10 spot in semi 1. It’s getting a lot more competitive with every song announcement.

It’s the second best internally selected song after Belgium. Maybe it didn’t generate a lot of buzz like Australia and maybe Azerbaijan but it’s still better than those two.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

It’s a good entry, good luck Hrvatska!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I was expecting something better. It’s missing something for me.

Escaddict
Escaddict
6 years ago

I like it on the first listen, y’all.

storytellur
storytellur
6 years ago

why do i think this, funny girl and not so much belgium but still will cancel eachother out cuz damn god forbid they all go to the final mess

Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
6 years ago

This entry is so seductive… I just love everything about it. I think this could be a dark horse. After their comeback in 2016, Croatia constantly brings quality. Thank you for this one, thank you a lot! <3

Jordan
Jordan
6 years ago
Reply to  Ne-Yo

Dark horse for last place in final, if Croatia go to final .

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Frankly, I have no stake in any of this as an American. The countries I’d probably root for the most by virtue of my family heritage/diaspora would be Ukraine, Israel, and the UK, and at the moment I don’t see any of them winning (though I’d love it if Israel proved me wrong. Jerusalem 2019?). So I guess I’m an honorary Belgian. Or Estonian. Or Portuguese.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

That being said, I know how to game the system. I have friends in Israel and the UK who might be able to send some points Estonia’s way…

Layko
Layko
6 years ago

Well…this entry is quite interesting, cause even without a particulary strong memorable hook, “Crazy” is a class act. Franka sounds exellent. Her voice is seductive and very sexy and her persona just grabs you and don`t let go. She looks like a million bucks and the whole production is just flawless. For me, this is just right next to Sennek`s entry. Well done, Croatia!

Mateo
Mateo
6 years ago

another decent singer with a mediocre song that should not deserve to win. I still have not heard one entry who deserves to win so far…..
Some bad songs others have performers who sing in a language they clearly don’t understand. Others have worse songs or artists who sing off key.
Not one entry has been original, real and attention grabbing in the good way. Im afraid Lisbon 2018 is going to be about the least bad or the best of the bad, not exactly the way to carve out an international career.

Gav
Gav
6 years ago
Reply to  Mateo

That’s a good thing we have not heard one song that’s got winner plastered over it. It may actually make the voting interesting for a change. The lastbyears have been very predictable.

Why does everyone want one song. Enjoy the virety and culture and identity of what’s comming.

Con
Con
6 years ago

I have to say I prefer Raya’s ‘Crazy’ to Franka’s ‘Crazy’.
I was expecting a big chorus but I was quite let down by it.

GoodWillVonHumping
GoodWillVonHumping
6 years ago

With an interesting live act this could be a dark horse!

LoveWave
LoveWave
6 years ago

The most overrated singers, who can’t sing are in the top 10 lol. I will never understand this.

no name
no name
6 years ago
Reply to  LoveWave

So true.

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago

This is going to be seeexy on the stage! It will surely qualify, but Im worried it will do so given its staging rather than by the quality of the song. I like it and it’s nice to listen, but I miss some strenght here and the end… well, very typical turning into the ending. But it will be enjoyable to see for many, that’s for sure hehe

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago

Am I the only one with a meeeh feeling? I couldn’t help recalling a couple of Alicia Keys’ songs. Yes, a lot of people are praising it on YT; but it’s a fact that you have to test every entry according to the context of the whole lot of participants. Having said this, ‘Crazy’ sounds boring. Another thing: I also couldn’t help recalling Serbia’s ‘In Too Deep’ video in the first and last seconds… ?

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

Slightly better (un)“Funny Girl”. And since I despise that song…

Karl Fradgley
Karl Fradgley
6 years ago

love it … this could be fabulous love

Ladidaladidalala
Ladidaladidalala
6 years ago

With good staging this can be quite interesting

lemons
lemons
6 years ago

Absolutely amazing song from Croatia.
Well done

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

What a major disappointment. This is totally boring.

VlaD
VlaD
6 years ago

This is a very weak song
It won’t qualify

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

It’s really good and quite different than our last two songs. The video is ‘crazy’ good, too. I have a good feeling about this.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Oh, you’re Croatian? In that case, good luck, Hrvatska! 🙂

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Thank you very much 🙂 Where are you from?

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Austria 🙂

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Austria was my 4th last year. Voted for Nathan both in the semi and in the finals. I hope Cesar’s song is just as good two days from now. Good luck!

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thank you. Actually, I have not liked a single song my own country has sent, so I am not very patriotic when it comes to Eurovision. 😛 I always pick the entry I like the most overall. For the last two years, I was Dutch and so far, it looks like I’ll be Dutch three years in a row. 😛

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Yeah, I am not very patriotic either in that regard. It just happens that I like all our songs since the ‘comeback’. I was merely okay with our 2012 and 2013 songs, while I think that our song in 2011 was atrocious. Last year, I was totally into Italy, UK, Finland, Austria, Norway, Belgium, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Ireland. This year, I love Estonia, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary and Czech Republic, thus far. Trust me, if Croatian song was bad, I wouldn’t be too fussed to write it off. I just happen to like it. The subject isn’t very… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Actually, I gave one of my 4 votes in the semi to Og3ne. (Nathan, Brendan, Og3ne, JOWST).

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Yaaay, you also supported OG3NE! I adore these ladies. The song had its shortcomings but their vocals and message resonated so much with me that I was pretty much smitten. Blanche was my favorite in the studio version. Douwe was just my kind of music, much like Waylon (and Waylon & Ilse) is (are) and Anouk of course started it all. So, I am pretty much Team Oranje recently. About Croatia: I thought Lighthouse Nina sang SOOO beautifully. That dress, though… Nebo Nina I liked before they changed the song. You, that particularly strong note they eliminated? THAT was the… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

”Lako je sve” is an awesome entry, for sure. Girls were amazing! Daria was horrible, even in the year with at least 10 horrible entries. Do you know that ”Lahor” has about zero similarities with ”Break a Leg” or ”Celebrate” in lyrics. It was supposed to be a sad song initially. What a dump! Personally, I never vote for a country, but a song. For example, my three most disliked songs last years were Montenegro, Spain and Lithuania. So far, Montenegro is my 9th, Spain 12th, and if Lithuania picks Ieva, straight to the top 10 they go. On the… Read more »

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I know! Why an English version when you downgrade (or in that case murder) the song?
Same here. I only vote based on merit, meaning whatever touches me personally. I am already happy when my favorite makes the final because I know my taste is mostly different from the masses. As long as songs like “A Monster Like Me” can make the Top 10, it’s okay. The UK will have a hard time this year. I still listen to Lucie, though.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Okay, Ari, I know we fought a lot and I’m sorry for that (I mean it, please take my apology!). BUT I have to say that I voted for you last year and the year before. And I think this year you might have a good song again. And in the end neighbors stay neighbors. DE CH and AU are too dumb for ”Nachbarschaftsvoting”, but maybe we’ll get there someday lol.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

I think we were estranged at Eurovision from very early on. I mean, look at the year Nicole won. The Austrian jury gave zero points. On the other hand, 2011, we gave you 10 and you gave us – shockingly!!! – 12 points for a song I find abysmal, because of the jury, obviously. I think the biggest irony is that Austria won with a song by a German songwriting team. 😛 Of course, nobody cares (well I do, for me, it still is primarily about the merits of a song). As far as the Austrian televote goes, we clearly… Read more »

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I’m not even sure if Bavarians would even vote for us, they kinda consider themselves to be a Country on their own. But we could certainly expect old men in Lederhosen every year, what a dream. 😀

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

If you put it like that, then you better stay together. 😛 I would welcome good-looking young Bavarians in Lederhosen, though.

up!
up!
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

This is by far the dumbest remark I ever heard about Bavaria. Sorry, really not funny. Vote for “us” – so it’s us and them already…
Even if it’s the internet, you could at least try to be respectful…

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  up!

I like Germany, including Bavaria. I don’t think I have disrespected our dear neighbors. Besides, we have those awful Lederhosen ourselves.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

It’s interesting how Austria and Germany have always kind of had a love-hate thing going on with Eurovision. It’s not like UK/Ireland or Cyprus/Greece where even if there aren’t maximum points they still place high. I can only think of a few times where either country gave each other high marks and at least one time when they both finished with nothing (undeservedly for both).

up!
up!
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I wasn’t talking to you, Ari, I addressed my fellow German who thinks it’s a joke to speak in reduced silly cliches about Bavaria.
I hardly heard any Bavarians say anything particularly bad about the rest of Germany – why should they? -, but all my life, I’m confronted with stupid prejudices about my home region coming from the other parts…

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  up!

Calm down!!! It was a joke…. Why are you so sensitive?

up!
up!
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Yeah, why am I so sensitive? You were just joking around by telling stuff like ‘they consider themselves to be a country’ – really? Interesting to know – and to throw some cliches…
I can tell you why I’m so sensitive because I feel offended. How would you feel if I were spreading false theories about your home region which you happen to like…?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

I’m really happy that Weißbrot and Ari have reconciled. It was awkward for me, for a short time. Thank you both. 🙂
Love Eurovision, love each other.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I really like your song! Maybe they could add a bit more power but for now I see this in the final 🙂

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Thank you. You are German, right? Then you already know that I LOVE German song this year.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thank you so much! Finally we’ll not be 26th again! (I suppose) <3

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Well, 33 songs in and Michael is still in my top 3. I think you deserve a top 10 result.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

You’ve had a slow last two years, but 2010-2012 was a terrific run of entries and I maintain Black Smoke is the least deserving nil-pointer ever. This’ll be the year Germany turns it around.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Hi Colin. I just wrote a first reaction to Croatia’s entry (above). I think it is very classy, and there is a lot here for juries to score highly, so well done to Croatia. I think this is my favourite Croatian entry, because it’s so laid back and stand-out different. 🙂

RichUK
RichUK
6 years ago

This has the potential to look impressive on stage and score well. I really like it.