UK, Surie, 3

There’s a storm a-brewin’, because the BBC have finally given us the long-awaited video for SuRie’s Eurovision 2018 anthem “Storm”. It comes exactly one month after SuRie won Eurovision: You Decide in Brighton.

The fairly simple video builds on her stage show from the national final and features SuRie against a series of bold backgrounds as she sings along to the song in some seriously fierce outfits. She starts off in relative darkness, but as the song swells vivid reds and blues enter the picture. Her outfits also become more complex as the video progresses, moving from a simple cream top to a more elaborate black-and-white number with lots of fringe (please bring that to Lisbon — we won’t complain).

Throughout the video she radiates a positivity that matches her optimistic song, but she also knows when to emote something deeper and slightly more sombre. The opening shots lay the groundwork for this emotional tour de force.

As always, SuRie — real name Susanna Cork — has been bringing out the humour on Twitter, and we have grown to love so much about her.

Among other things, she’s coined the term ‘Popstarring’ to describe her arm movements in the video, and made jokes about her height in relation to how she is perceived in the video. Her sharp tongue is captivating Eurovision fans and her profile — and social media following — is growing day by day.

Naturally the official music video features the revamped version of her song. Producers at Tileyard Studios in London tweaked the original, cleaning up some of the piano notes at the beginning and bringing a more modern edge to the proceedings. It seems the song may have had more of a remastering rather than a full-on revamp like Lucie Jones had last year.

At Eurovision as in life, you can’t please everyone. And the new version has sparked a bit of debate. Writing on Twitter, Danny suggests the subtle changes have led to bigger climax.

But Co’ isn’t yet convinced, though he’s got mad respect for the singer herself.

The revamp may have been subtle, but the song’s amazing optimism remains in tact. And hopefully that will help SuRie pack a punch this May.

In any case, where do you stand on all this? Are you loving the music video? Does it give you hope that the UK will have an effective stage show in Lisbon? And are you loving the new version of the song? Let us know in the comments box below. 

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Sven
Sven
5 years ago

Well done United Kingdom 12 points from Sweden and Iam sure rest of Scandinavia will follow. We love you xx??????

Joey N
Joey N
6 years ago

Ok, so it’s not going to win but I don’t think it’s anywhere near as bad as some people are making out. The lyrics are a little cringeworthy at times but it’s a memorable song, with a positive message and all the better for hearing live.

Give it a chance (please!) We love Eurovision in the UK and would really love to do well for once!

Buddhi
Buddhi
6 years ago

Well on the last few years including this year, when I listen British entry’s lyrics, I interpret them related to the Brexit. Don’t know why but it’s happened.
May be I’m wrong but for example, the last year they “won’t give up on (E) you” and this year they will “hold our hands together” ! 😉

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

Honestly, I love this song!!!! Better than Australian entry IMO.

Oh and thanks to Annie Lennox for representing UK at Eurovision!

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

can’t stand her , her song , her subliminal BBC messages ….I hope she ends up LAST. (and I’m English)

FU
FU
5 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

I hope you find love

allexo
allexo
6 years ago

I’m a 12 year old from the UK

i’m really angry at the BBC and BASCA for ruining our chances once again, the British eurofans and many people in Britain want us to WIN but the BBC don’t care they choose crappy songwriters and put on the cheapest national final

we can’t change broadcasters because then our participation would be flushed down the toilet, I JUST WANT TO DO WELL
I REALLY HOPE YOU GUYS LISTEN AND READ THIS COMMENT
THANK YOU

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  allexo

The song ain’t half-bad. “Bye Bye Baby” would still be the worst song the UK has ever sent to the contest in the 21st century. No song since has ever matched that.

And if you wanna talk about “cheap” national finals, Montenegro’s Montevizija takes the cake: Venue was a hotel conference hall, there were audio problems with the mic when Vanja was doing his winner’s reprise, the entire place looked dark because of the low-quality live stream. The song that won there though is decent.

Deven O'Kearney
Deven O'Kearney
6 years ago

Oh dear.

I already had this song in last place but this revamp is even worse than the original version.

Overall, ”Storm” is very sub-par. The lyrics are excruciating and the key is totally unsuitable for it. SuRie is a competent vocalist and has experience performing at Eurovision as a backing singer, but that won’t be enough to save her from finishing at the bottom of the scoreboard. In fact, don’t be surprised if she were the second British act to receive ”nul points” at Eurovision.

trz
trz
6 years ago

Those are some of the worst lyrics I ever heard in Eurovision. UK will be back to the very bottom of the scoreboard again this year. I expect more from an English speaking nation.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  trz

Preaching to the choir about those lyrics. I expect more from everyone’s lyrics but of course, especially from the UK entries. Pretty sad, actually.

Mil
Mil
6 years ago

I don’t like the song because of its chorus. It’s very march-esque, I can picture people wearing some sort of uniform parading the street while SuRie singing it.

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago
Reply to  Mil

Indeed, while see great the führer! Horrible. Worst song of the contest

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago

This song is beyond saving. UK hasn’t done very well in ESC and is apperently not wanting to do well sothey can blame the EU for their bad ranking.
But certainly if she keeps on moving her arms like a nazi, she will not get any points from the continent who have very bad memories of the war.

Anton
Anton
6 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

Historically the UK has done very well in ESC, but not so much in the last decade or so. This song is not going to make a difference to that unhappy fact.

Jason Sindy
Jason Sindy
6 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

How is she moving her hands like a nazi, what a stupid comment and all these negative comments. I hope she surprises you all and does well. There are plenty of terrible songs this year. If this was Sweden song there would not be so much negativity. UK does not have anything to prove when it comes to music anyway.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

The EBU has more members than the EU.

Ted
Ted
6 years ago

There are elements of the old version I liked, there are elements of this new remix that I also like although the new chorus remix sounds like a dated PWL/Pete Waterman reject. The thing still missing for me is that repeat chorus still falls flat each time it comes around. It needs to go somewhere and by that I mean vocally. That’s the only part letting this song down. As a song, it’s actually a very well crafted pop song. Simplistic lyrics which we can all relate to and a memorable melody which everyone can hum along to. I have… Read more »

Mike
Mike
6 years ago

Looks like this video cost a grand total of £10 to make. What a bloody joke

Andy
Andy
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

It was slightly cheaper than last year’s video, but definitely more expensive than the entire 2016 presentation.

Con b
Con b
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Haha ha brilliant

Jurgis
Jurgis
6 years ago

Someone tell Brits it’s no longer 2011-2012.. And September used those effects in her clip already

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

People still continue to shoot music videos set in some grassy field, or on some beach place down at the tropics, or in a abandoned vintage mansion. Others have their set in black and white, and oftentimes in slow motion.

We’ve seen iterations of those kinds of music videos for years.

oli
oli
6 years ago

This is my favorite uptempo pop song this year: great lyrics, message, uplifting melody, personal voice and great stage presence. Highly underrated and in my Top 10

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

Not much of a difference, to be honest. To me, this is like a textbook example of how to fall through the cracks, like Levina did last year. I think the best she can hope for is having a good time on a personal level. Like a fun class trip, I guess.

almaia
almaia
6 years ago

this is SO BAD omg

Sami
Sami
6 years ago

Off topic: When is the Austrian entry going to be released?

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Sami

Tomorrow morning, provided it ain’t leaking before.

up!
up!
6 years ago

Although I wasn’t a big fan of this song, it grows on me. I catch myself humming it in the bathroom because the chorus is quite catchy indeed. The revamp helped the song a lot imo. Still, I have two issues regarding this act. 1st I still can’t get over it that English native speakers write a song with so incredibly cheesy lyrics (rhymes like together – forever always put me off and the whole “hey family member”-story is not what I would call creative). But I think if Moldova or Belarus came up with this song, this wouldn’t bother… Read more »

up!
up!
6 years ago
Reply to  up!

*Joking ofc:-):-)

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

This music video gave me such levina vibes and the biggest usp of the song…. The emotive lyrics has not been factored into the video in anyway!!It looks like a normal objectifying the woman and her clothes video

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

Ok so, I was not rooting for SuRiE when she won the national final. However, this revamp is soooooooooo good. She brought the subtlety and musicality to the song that the composition was begging for, and now I really, really like it. Bravo SuRiE, and I’m wishing you luck in Lisbon.

Arizona Malone
Arizona Malone
6 years ago

Nice song, lovely singer but bottom 5 material

James
James
6 years ago

To be honest, there was nothing that needed changing in the first place so I’m glad that the revamp/remastering was minimal at best (such as taking out the piano intro) while adding some much needed punch.

I have confidence with Surie and hopefully she’ll be able to give Britain a good placement this year. While I don’t think it would win, I’ll be expecting the unexpected.

Screw the Woganized naysayers.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
6 years ago

Despite all the negativity, I really like the revamp. In any other year this would place Bottom 5 if not last, but due to the relative weakness this year and with the majority of songs being low-tempo, “Non-Fast Food” music this will stand out and I’ll tell you why. 1. As I mentioned above, this year is a relatively weak year for songs. 2. The majority of songs are very one note/ monotone which isn’t a bad thing in any way it Justs get repetitive and cloying when you’ve heard it 20+ times. 3. In the recap this will come… Read more »

Janro
Janro
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Even though I am from the UK and completely support SuRie and her entry I do not think we will do as well as you say. I reckon on a good day we could come 10th-15th on the jury but we won’t do well on the televote sadly, with two great songs we have gained 20 points in total from the televote so I don’t think our televote will improve any time soon… I am thinking around 19th place for us is realistic but I am hopeful for a good result! 🙂

Eurovisionfan
Eurovisionfan
5 years ago
Reply to  Janro

You call You’re Not Alone a great song??

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

This is not coming top 5 in jury for sure! 15th would be more realistic

Soy
Soy
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

You’re completely delusional

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

Question: Are Denmark, Iceland and Poland (or EBU) not gonna release official Eurovision Music Videos for their songs? I mean because the current official videos of these countries are just videos of their NF performances. Like doesn’t Denmark gonna shoot an official video for its Eurovision version?

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

While I get the appeal of having music videos for all entries, national final live performances work just as well as defacto MV’s.

And they, more or less, reflect what we should expect from the actual live performance in Eurovision. That is something MV’s wouldn’t be able to do as we’ve seen the past.

Chromium
Chromium
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Both Iceland and Poland have “official” music videos already though only published on their own Youtube channels, not on the Eurovision one.

I think the last time Denmark shot a music video for their entry was 3 years ago.

ESC Croatia Fan
ESC Croatia Fan
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Denmark shoots their music videos only if they win the contest
Their last music video was in 2013 after they won

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

One YouTube commenter made a comparison of the video to Levina’s “Perfect Life” video. It’s interesting considering the UK would probably get the same fate as Levina did in Kiev in the worst case. Best case scenario, I’ll say 18th-20th. Sad for SuRie, but the song is just weak, even though I kinda like it.

Jim
Jim
6 years ago

The video was so lazily done, just proves that bbc doesnt really care at all, however i think the revamp made the chorus better, but still it’s very forgettable

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Thanks and well done to Lucy for writing the article, and for putting a positive spin on the video release. When I first heard the audio re-master, I honestly thought it was exactly the same track that had only been lowered in key. But then I re-listened to it on proper music speakers (as opposed to through my phone) and I heard the extra background noises and the added beats. Still, the biggest musical change is the lowering of the key, which I think will suit SuRie’s voice a lot better live. That was a smart move. Tonight I listened… Read more »

elise
elise
6 years ago

I LIKE it…its like a rock video or something for the white stripes…or shes trapped in a screensaver but enjoying it. she looks so happy in the video it really makes you feel happy too. shes having the time of her life and thats the most special thing because you can see its her Eurovision Dream. 1. Spain 2. Greece 3. Cyprus 4. Italy 5. Estonia 6. France 7. Portugal 8. Belgium 9. UK 10. Germany 11. Poland 12. Denmark 13. Armenia 14. Czech Republic 15. Ukraine 16. Romania 17. Netherlands 18. Hungary 19. Finland 20. Serbia 21. Albania 22.… Read more »

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  elise

oh Esamiba. I’ll never fully recover from Supernova. It would’ve been my fav ESC song since Calm After the Storm.

elise
elise
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

crazy that Latvia did not pick something so beautiful and something in their native language. …instead they pick something that is ok but forgettable and bland.

Latvian
Latvian
6 years ago
Reply to  elise

That’s because her Latvian pronation was terrible….

almaia
almaia
6 years ago
Reply to  elise

thanks 1st place, NO DOBT the best

Okta
Okta
6 years ago

I think Asanda should have sought for Laura Tesoro’s advice on how to slay by singing and dancing without going breathless. The reality is that Surie is this year’s queen and everybody should give her their support proudly, she’s an amazing artist.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Her passion for the song definitely shows. I don’t like the Elaiza comparisons. She just kinda ambled through it, while SuRie is singing like her life depends on it. I see a decent position for her, hopefully.
Also wasn’t Austria supposed to come out today?

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

its just cause the song is so similar that’s why the Elaiza comparisons is being said. we probably will need so many countries and at least 2 12 points to get a good result. I just hope Europe likes Surie

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

That’s cool, but many acts will do the same, and in the end it’s the song what matters the most. Songs like “Storm” need a combination of factors to succeed, such as running order, staging, charisma, and of course the song itself.
I totally wish her good luck on this journey.

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

I mean looking back at the Uk nf, she had a good voice which didn’t need that much improvement, and the staging could of been improved, but the audience really vibe and liked her performance. so that must say something. but unlike Lucie her song is proper memorable, so people will have the song in there head. so it could place higher

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

So who’s gonna save us? Russia? Austria? Bulgaria? Odds begin to think it’s Israel.
Now I agree it’s a pretty weak year. Estonia and Czech Republic leading the pack it’s a bit underwhelming.

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

more than likely Austria, Germany, or Israel so we might not be last. and hopefully get more than 50 points

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  EH UK

Somehow I think SuRie will be similar to Elaiza (Germany ’14), in terms of ranking, which is fine.

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

yeah I could see that happening, unless she performed well live, sang well and other countries liked it, then we may see over 12 points from juries like last year. but I doubt it very much, we probably wont get over 8 points

brennan
brennan
6 years ago

“emotional tour de force ”

ummmmmm not quite

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago

does anyone think Asanda would of been better to represent us, as she would of brought the fun and personality to the show. her song had everything to bring us in the top 10. but I hope Surie does well, and brings us a good result.
and hopefully everyone votes for us because we really need it……

mad-professor
mad-professor
6 years ago
Reply to  EH UK

She couldn’t sing the song live, so probably would have come last. The only solution would have been to send Raya with Legends, but you can’t just change the rules for one song (unless you’re Belarus).

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

even though its a nf and you have to bring everything with no mistakes, she got to the final of Britain got talent, and she really can sing. she just had a bad performance. but she could of delivered better. but Surie was the best singer of the nf. I doubt she will come last but hopefully she doesn’t get bottom

mad-professor
mad-professor
6 years ago
Reply to  EH UK

She won’t come last. The juries will vote for it, it might get 0 points in the televote though. It’ll do somewhere between Running on Air and You’re Not Alone.

If you want perking up though, Tamar Kaprelian’s expressed an interest in representing the UK next year.

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

well anyone foreign artist may do better, than the born British artist, which don’t do as well as we want them to do. so she might do well next year.

Yellowman96
Yellowman96
6 years ago

I’m sorry but still a big no for me! Asanda was the better option but what else can I say? I wish SuRie the best of luck cause she’ll be needing it.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Yellowman96

Hopefully Asanda represents the United Kingdom next year. 🙂

Josh Kennon
Josh Kennon
6 years ago

Still not a big fan of the downward key change personally, but you have to admire her and love her for her confidence and her absolute belief in the song and it’s message, which really comes across in the video! Now that I’ve seen the video, i think it may still stand a chance of breaking into the top 10, but I’m hedging my bets on anything higher…