Norway, Alexander Rybak, 2

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we journey to Norway where Eurovision 2009 winner Alexander Rybak is back with “That’s How You Write a Song”. Did we follow his instructions? Read on to find out!

Alexander Rybak – “That’s How You Write a Song”

“That’s How You Write a Song” reviews

Angus: Is it dorky? Yes. Dated? Yes. Jarring? Yes. And yet Alexander Rybak’s magnetism is hard to resist. Rybak may not be trying very hard on “That’s How You Write A Song” but he doesn’t have to. The national final staging was fun, the song will grab casual viewers easily, and the man has a cult of personality thanks to winning the contest in 2009. The whole thing is annoyingly irresistible. You don’t want to tap your toe, because you wish he’d sent a better song, but here we are all tapping our toes in time to the beat.

Score: 6/10

Anthony: This is where the phrase of not judging a book by its cover comes in handy, and this self-penned entry fails to live up to the song title. Attempting to outdo “Fairytale” is a massive ask, but I expected better from the former Eurovision winner. There’s no doubt Rybak’s stage presence is the main selling point for Norway and of course, doing what he does best with that fiddle.

Score: 5.5/10

Bernardo: When you’re trying to make a comeback after winning, you have big shoes to fill. Is Alexander able to do it? No. While “That’s How You Write A Song” makes you tap your feet on the ground, that’s all it does. Lyrically uninspired and borderline annoying, I wouldn’t give Rybak a ticket to the final.

Score: 4.5/10

Deban: “That’s How You Write a Song” is nothing but an infantile DIY composition jam-packed with gimmicks. It is difficult to decipher whether this was composed under the influence, or crafted to be taken seriously. Furthermore, it lacks an infectious melody. A disappointing return for a musician who once held the record for Eurovision’s highest scoring entry.

Score: 2/10

Padraig: It’s been years since Norway last entered Junior Eurovision. But one could easily be fooled into thinking “That’s How You Write A Song” is their glorious comeback to the contest. If sung by Barney the Dinosaur or the Tweenies this might be passable entertainment for toddlers. Not so much when 30-something-year-old Alexander Rybak is singing it on the adult Eurovision stage. His endless enthusiasm and charisma make this just about tolerable, but it is leagues behind the all-conquering “Fairytale”. Had a lesser performer taken this on, it would most likely be Electro Velvet 2.0.

Score: 4/10

Steinunn:  Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Alexander Rybak is a legend, no doubt about that. But this is just a mess. This song is probably supposed to be funny and catchy, but I just find it annoying. Particularly that attempt at scatting. Rybak won by a landslide back in 2009, where his cute boyish charm was a big factor landing him that record breaking victory. Now nine years later, that charm has turned more into the direction of arrogance.  The boy still can sing though.

Score: 4/10

In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Antranig: 6.5/10

Bogdan: 5.5/10

Chris: 5/10

Cinan: 8/10

Jonathan: 6/10

Jordi: 8/10

Jovana: 7/10

Kristin: 5.5/10

Luis: 2/10

Renske: 9.5/10

Robyn: 5/10

Ron: 8/10

Sebastian: 4/10

William: 3.5/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2 and a high of 9.5.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.44/10

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

See all our Eurovision 2018 reviews and rankings

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Carla Borges
Carla Borges
5 years ago

How Deare You, Debnam, during the ‘Blue Carpet’ been Such a LIAR interviewing Alexander Rybak, when you didn’t like his Song!?! WHO IS CHILDISH, INFANTIL AND BELONGING AT JUNIOR EUROVISION WITH ‘TOY’ FROM THE CHICKEN FROM ISRAEL!?! HIS AN INTERNATIONAL STAR AS A COMPOSER+SINGER+MUSICIAN…and so many things AT HIS INDESCRIBABLE CAREER!!! Only an AMAZING AND UNIC ARTIST, LIKE ALEXANDER IS, CAN DO 4 THINGS AT THE SAME TIME: UNFORTUNATELY DEAL WITH INFLUENZA+SING+PRETEND HIS PLAYING HIS PRECIOUS VIOLIN (Rule of Eurovision)+DANCING WITH THE MEMBERS OF HIS TEAM!!!! DID YOU SAW, this Year, ANY OTHER CONTESTANT DOING IT!?! BECAUSE IS REALLY HARD… Read more »

Stephanie
Stephanie
5 years ago

I absolutely adore this song. The one reviewer saying his charm has turned into arrogance. Are you for real? He is extremely humble – he said he honestly didn’t expect to win the MGP. So, unless he is lying…then he is about as far from arrogant as you can get. And obviously all the negative reviewers missed the point completely of this song. It’s about believing in yourself and going after something you’re good at – not literal directions on how to write a song. And maybe you guys never get sad, but I’ve had a bummer of a year… Read more »

LCH
LCH
5 years ago

Yes, it’s childish. But it’s also kind of catchy. Then again, it also feels a little too calculated. And most of all – and I cannot stress this enough – I can’t stand the scat part. Please, please make all the scooby-dooing go away. Ideally forever. Not among my favourites. He’ll probably be in the final anyway but I don’t think he’ll truly bother anyone there. On a side note: I still don’t understand how Fairytale won, let alone by such a margin. It’s a fine enough song but… not THAT great. It’s not on my playlist. Wasn’t then, isn’t… Read more »

Sunny Day:)
Sunny Day:)
5 years ago

The performance is just great. The song is joyful, postive, happy and gives wanna dance and Cheer. It really raises the mood. And he doesn’t use half naked dancers or dress to impress. It’s plain simple and very,very well done. And all this nonsense about comparing the song with Fairytale and that a winner shouldn’t not compete again. It’s the Norwegian people’s choice to compete with this song. They like it, a lot. If some people from other countries don’t like it, who cares. No matter how it goes the 10th and 12th, I know that we will have 3… Read more »

Zebb
Zebb
5 years ago

Rybak keeps having fun, delivering a vexing feeling because of dismatch between vocals and arrangement, served intentionally with a purest grin.
With lyrical CoNtEnT applied to this song, I could handle this at best as interval act with music video filmed in border zone between Russia and Norway where for the happy end and sake of music profies the whole party drowns drunk on viking schooner rented from Rassmussen, rocking for proper trill by Naviband from the shore side.
1.5/10 (+0.5 for inspiring me to drop an antifanfic in broken EN)

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

Wow, that score is way too low! This might not be as good as ‘Fairytale’ but I find it really enjoyable, and I’m not even going to call it a ‘guilty pleasure’ as I don’t feel guilty about it. I love Alexander Rybak’s energy and charisma, and the song makes me happy! It’s a 7/10 for me.

xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx
5 years ago

10/10 I love this song.For me, this song is a winning song. Regardless of whether it will reach the final. And if it comes to the final, regardless of which place it will take.I do not know English. (Even though I had English in school) .So I had to find a translation of this song. Maybe the text is simple. But you can not take this song seriously. This is not a song that will teach us how to write songs.It is enough to translate Rybak’s interview.This song is an answer to the children’s letter.Rybak , I want children to… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

At first listen, I was underwhelmed. However, this song has grown on me. It’s up-beat, it makes you want to dance, it’s full of energy and positive vibes.
6.5/10

Charliii
Charliii
5 years ago

I LOVE these reviews! Thanks Robyn!
And OMG, LOVE Deban! Always gives the honest comments even if it burns! xD

PP
PP
5 years ago

Norway is in my TOP 10, and my prediction that Norway wili be in TOP 5 in final predict 4 or 5 place ( 2 nd with televote in final after Israel and with juries on left side of scoreboard from 8 to 13 place).
My TOP 10
1.Israel
2.F.Y.R Macedonia
3.Belgium
4.Estonia
5.Sweden
6.Norway
7.Germany
8.Serbia
9.Belarus
10.The Netherlands

Bottom 5
39.Iceland
40.Spain
41.Hungary
42.San Marino
43.Slovenia

D
D
5 years ago

Love thissong

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
5 years ago

I like Rybak a lot and I have a feeling that he’ll do great again at ESC this year but I’m really concerned about him too. Why didn’t he attend the London ESC party? is he not gonna capitalize on this oppurtunity to further his music career? show the rest of the world that he’s not just that boy who sang Fairytale and that he can make modern music too? if he’s THAT concerned about the negativity that he’s receiving right now then that’s a shame… ?

Believe in it!
Believe in it!
5 years ago

It was not possible for Alexander to be in London because he has rehearsed with the Norwegian Braodcast Orchestra for the interval act in the Norwegian National Eurovision for Young Musicians final, “Virtuos”, that will be broadcast live this evening from Norway. Just check his social media, he explained it there yesterday.

up!
up!
5 years ago

I liked Who We Are so much more… still sad she didn’t win…

Pablo
Pablo
5 years ago

I don’t get why…

This is so beneath Rybak, and even if it’s just for the fun of it, it reads amateurish. He is clearly out of breath live as well, and his trademarks are reduced to gimmicks. The song is not without merits,as it is spunky and easy to follow, but there is so little to salvage it is not worth it.
This’ll be a case study to see how far a name can take you.

2.5/10

Believe in it!
Believe in it!
5 years ago
Reply to  Pablo

It was not possible for Alexander to be in London because he has rehearsed with the Norwegian Braodcast Orchestra for the interval act in the Norwegian National Eurovision for Young Musicians final, “Virtuos”, that will be broadcast live this evening from Norway. Just check his social media, he explained it there yesterday.

Pablo
Pablo
5 years ago
Reply to  Believe in it!

Meant his live in MGP

Believe in it!
Believe in it!
5 years ago

So much negativity in one place. 43 countries and artists/composers spend their time and creativity to entertain us, and what do we give back? A lot of crap and negativity. And all these different bloggs who fight for the readers attention. The more provoking and negative posts the better it seems. And all these “experts” who “knows” what is good or bad. Yeah, right. Luckily most of the people who watch the finals don’t have a clue about all this, and vote due to what they see those 3 minutes on stage. And ESC is a TV-show not a radio… Read more »

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago
Reply to  Believe in it!

Life isn’t sugarcoated, so while should Wiwibloggs be?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

On this occasion, “Believe in it!” might have a valid point.
@Marcelo: It doesn’t need to be sugercoated to be balanced. Normally the Wiwi Jury’s fun opinions do a better job with balance, but for some reason they failed on that this time. Not sure why – let’s keep an open mind.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Agreed; it was just a strange blip. The “fun” was lost for a moment in the commentary, that was my point. Don’t say it’s fun and then do the opposite. Anyhow, I think the Rybak fans in the comments more than made up for it. 🙂

Believe in it!
Believe in it!
5 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Purple Mask, when Wiwiblogs only post the avarage and bottom reviews, this is what the readsers read,and that is what you will remember. That a list below shows that 1/3 of the reviews is not what you actually see. That’s why balanced reviews would be more fair and give the right impression of the total reviews.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Believe in it!

Indeed, it is a fair recommendation.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Believe in it!

Cool, thanks Robyn. It’s amazing the work you all do in your spare time. As I wrote above to Eugene, I fully understand and see that this was just one of those things that happens. The “fun” element faded out a bit. Fortunately Rybak’s fans in the comments have more than made up for it. 🙂

Believe in it!
Believe in it!
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’s not fun anymore if you drag people through the dirt. Some of these reviews, and I am not only talking about the ones above, seems to be a championship in how badly you can describe a song. I sometimes wonder why the artists still put themselves through this and handle all this negativity. Music is all about taste, some songs you like, some not, but some goes too far in describing their negative opinion of songs.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Believe in it!

@Believe in it!: As Eugene wrote above, with reviews there is often the choice between honesty and a balanced approach. In principal I agree with you. But, we all have different opinions on presentation. I suppose there is a wider question here about how seriously this blog wants to take itself as the largest Eurovision fan platform on the internet. But that’s a topic more appropriately discussed in an organised board meeting, or something similar. 🙂 (Of course, there is always the option to start up one’s own platform. Eugene would have much more experience at that than I do.… Read more »

Darren
5 years ago

I definitely would have marked this higher than Azerbaijan. Is it as good as “Fairytale”, sadly no. Is Alexander Rybak going to do a Johnny Logan and win again? Unlikely…However, it’s a fun, uplifting song and Alex is just having fun with it. What has he got to lose? He’s been here already and won it all. The fun element of this song will make this finish surprisingly high in the final, we can’t always have moody, shouty ballads. I like this and there are far worse songs than this in the contest this year. Well done Norway 7/10

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Surprised to see there weren’t any 0s… y’all too generous this year smh

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

Appalling.
3.5/10

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

We All know that This is Miles apart from the masterpiece that was Fairytale, but with This song I just cant help myself but love it immensly. This Will do really Well on the ESC stage and I think that he Will reach the top 10. This just works so Well live and This Will really open the SF with a bang.
9/10 (5,44 is Way too low Wiwibloggs, man up)

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I have a question for Wiwibloggs writers/editors – Last year you had a nice thing called Wiwi reader’s jury, where you counted in our scores from the comments. If you decide to do the same thing this year, I wonder if I can change my score at any time prior to the reviews ending or is the score I gave ‘locked’. I think two of my reviews might change their rating a bit. If I do that, will you count it automatically as it’s written down on each of my new reviews or will I have to answer to my… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

NORWAY – I agree with all who said that this sounds like a JESC entry, rather than an ESC one. But, since Alexander Rybak still has his inner Peter Pan, he can definitely pull it off. The song sounds like an instruction video from children’s TV program. As such, it balances between being slightly irritating and being endearing. I am leaning on the latter, as his unpretentious attitude and simplicity makes it very charming. It feels like at this point he isn’t primarily concerned with if this is a serious contender or it will be just laughed off as a… Read more »

PP
PP
5 years ago

I think Norway will be second in televote , first will be Israel.
In total Norway in TOP 5 in final thank to televote.

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago
Reply to  PP

Why? Many voters won’t know Rybak from 2009 and probably only Belarus will give Norway the douze points in televoting. Honestly, countries like France, Sweden and Poland seem to have better chances at televoting than Norway.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

But, I think the only ones who doesn’t know him are the nowadays kids. Kids back in 2009 are now mostly in their late teens or adults such as myself. I still remember his victory very well. He’s an iconic winner, I doubt that people won’t recognize him that much. Majority of viewers are adults anyways, not kids. Mostly teens and adults are the ones who vote, again, not kids (unless the parents will vote if the kid insist so much).

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

That’s true, but to win the televote only because of his name seems very far-fetched. I’ll say he get a 8th-12th televote position if he gets to the final.

Iconic is very subjective and I’m saying that because I truly despised “Fairytale”.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

I agree, I don’t think he’ll get that much of the televote this time. There are simply just better songs this year.
Well “Fairytale” is kinda divisive, but I meant iconic as it remains as one of the memorable winning act of the decade, not to mention achieving the biggest victory etc… Loved Iceland 2009 tho, too bad that they competed in the same year.

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

I guess you could call “Fairytale” iconic because of the biggest points of all time, biggest victory ever. Memorable… eeeeh. But I see what you mean.

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago

So, Norway really didn’t have a winner in their selection, the closest they’ve got was “That’s How You Write a Song”, so kudos to Rybak for that. But, again that’s not necessarily a compliment. The song really feels uninspiringly, flat and childish and like some people called a Junior Eurovision reject. Even though, I think I would honestly rate this better than “Fairytale” which was for me one of the worst winners of the 2000s. The fiddle is nice and Rybak is a talented performer but again that doesn’t do anything special to me, I see no difference from a… Read more »

West
West
5 years ago

It’s nice and fun song and I love it! Mostly, of course, because of Alexander himself who is an amazing performer. In the studio version the song is ok, but the live version is pure gold. And the message of the song is also charming and inspiring – at least as I see it and my interpretation is that “writing a song” is just a metaphor for achieving your goals and dreams. But maybe that’s just me.
7,5/10

Blue
Blue
5 years ago

This sounds like Junior Eurovision reject. He win because he is Rybak.

scds
scds
5 years ago

song is good. Go Alex! you are beautiful

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

I’m gonna keep defending this one. It’s fun, upbeat, and unironically silly. I like it a lot.

esc freak
esc freak
5 years ago

Childish and badly composed. The only good thing about this is the somehow creative performance. I do think it will qualify though because it’s Rybak and because this stands out for not being serious.

4/10

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

The thing is that if you know the background story, then it makes it better. The music video in the beginning says it all: he got many letters from kids asking how to write a song. So this song is his response and I think that’s actually sweet. I guess that’s why the song comes across as childish, yet catchy. I don’t take this entry really seriously, I just find it okay, doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t think he’s going for another win anyways sooo eh, it’s fine. Only thing that I don’t get are the odds, like… Read more »

Rafael
Rafael
5 years ago

Everybody carries its child inside. At 20, 30, 40 or 50 years old.

Cheesy, tacky, childish are the favorite adjectives for those -grown man- of Wiwibloggs comments!

Matured people will vote for this just if they see their kids enjoying it.

Contagious! (both the song and Alexander’s attitude)

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Rafael

Childish actually has two meanings. I for example haven’t used in a negative fashion and I guess I wasn’t the only one. But you’re right, we all carry a child inside us and there’s nothing wrong if an act plays with this fact. By the way, “contagious” is a great word to describe his performance.

Davve
Davve
5 years ago

I really like this. It is campy and fun but still with hit potential. I think top10 is a certainty for Norway this year

Nickc
Nickc
5 years ago

There is a nostalgic quality to it a la Diggi Loo Diggi Ley or A ba ni bi. 8/10

Kelly
Kelly
5 years ago

Fairytale is probably my least favorite winning song of the past 15 year (give or take Believe, I hate that song and performer with a similar passion), so I really hope Norway will stumble and fail to make it to the finale. I know it’s probably wishful thinking. So can I at least hope for borderline qualifier and finishing in the bottom 5 on Saturday night?

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

Sorry, but I don’tget the hype around this one, the odds… wtf? It’s very childish and, don’t know, kind of a novelty entry. I found it a bit annoying too. Rybak is very experienced and the live performance lift it up, but this shouldn’t place in the top 20, not even qualify if you ask me. Norway is in my 36th place: 11. Italy (7.25) 13. Lithuania (7) 15. Denmark (7) 18. Poland (7) 21. Armenia (6.75) 23. Slovenia (6.5) 24. Ireland (6.5) 26. Croatia (6.25) 29. THE NETHERLANDS (5.5) 30. Azerbaijan (5.5) 31. United Kingdom (5.5) 35. Malta (4.5)… Read more »

moni
moni
5 years ago

Ooo, these predictions and guessing games months before the finals and performing in real time o stage are just hilarious… they turned out to be wrong so many times before.
I am sure some people gonna be real surprised this time too! 😀

Mark
Mark
5 years ago

There’s just too much negativity towards this song implying that he won just because he is Alexander Rybak. I am sorry, but he won because he delivered on the stage on the night of the national finals, and that’s what matters. I was at the arena myself, and while I initially didn’t predict him winning, that changed after witnessing his solid performance, packed with lots of stage charm and professional delivery. He said it himself in an interview that the song was created for the stage, and as the experienced entertainer that he is, he was able to sell it… Read more »

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Yeah she fell flat except the audience in the crowd was literally shouting during the second chorus and tempo change.

Rut Elise
Rut Elise
5 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Thank you for this!! Finally someone who gets it! I am Norwegian myself and on the night of MGP I was sure I wanted Rebecca to win, and I was literally sitting with my phone in my hands ready to vote for her, but then Rybak sang and I immediately changed my mind. As you said, its all about those 3 minutes on stage. The song might not have the most sophisticated lyrics or the most mesmerizing melody, but as a performer, Alex is up there as one of the best this year. I couldn’t agree more with you and… Read more »

Lily
Lily
5 years ago
Reply to  Mark

YESSSSSS!!!!! Thank you! Finally I find people who ‘get’ this entry. #MassiveApplauseAllRound

I’m getting sick and tired of Youtubers dragging this song the way they do.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago

I couldn’t agree with Wiwibloggs more at this one and that’s a first!

Eve
Eve
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Same here 😀

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

I think whatever I write about this one, there will be people who disagree either way. This one’s divisive. Here goes: Norway – Alexander Rybak: “That’s How You Write A Song” Keys: F minor, F major Time Sigs: 4/4 Song structure: Introduction + Hook – Verse 1 – Verse 2 – Chorus – Hook – Post-Chorus – Chorus – Instrumental – Reprise – Extension – Hook + Coda Harmony: Based on funk riffs and sequences Influences: Funk, Orchestral, Musical Theatre Music comments: I like funk, but I have mixed feelings about this. First the negative feelings – the “hook” is… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

It’s impossible to separate the singer from the song. It’s pretty clear that he only won MGP because he’s Alexander Rybak, for bad and for good. A different artist wouldn’t succeed with this song, because it’s not a good one. But also a different artist won’t make it work like he did. Those who love it, do it for him (do it for your lover, do it for your lover…). But also those who hate it (I’m not talking about those who think it’s bad or chessy, but those who want to pull their hair out when they listen to… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

*cheesy. But I would appreciate if a “chessy” song.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Sabrina, your reviews are really awesome! You are really detailed and like to get to the bottom of it. Songs are not just ‘masterpiece’ and ‘abomination’ to you, but you take time to calculate all the variety of factors into the rating. Keep up the good work. 🙂

PS. I like the song, but yeah, it’s really childish. I’ll write my review soon as I know how to definitely rate it (it’s between two options).

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

The word you were looking for is windbag not detailed. Cause detailed means saying something of value not loquaciously rambling on

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Aria, “loquaciously rambling” sounds great. But without an argument following that, it also sounds like you’re the one being the windbag here, isn’t it? Since you have a good vocabulary, I assume your problem is not with words. So maybe my opinion got on your nerves? There’s no need for that honey. I can’t even vote on the actual contest.

Anyway, I would love to know what you think about the song, now that I already know what you think about my review. Drop the act, join the conversation.

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

“The lyrics are unpretentious but lie right to our face when they say that “Who knows? Just get it down / And nothing can go wrong”, but there’s also some sincerity on “If you got a minute / Get down your idea”, because this really doesn’t sound like he put more than a minute of thought on it. It’s pretty clear that he only won MGP because he’s Alexander Rybak, for bad and for good. this sounds and looks like a Sesame Street sketch but the performance is fun with great camera cuts and the violin solo.The performers charisma sells… Read more »

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Aria

The first paragraph got pasted twice. But you probably get my point

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Aria

I got your point, Aria. Well, I guess this is a matter of taste and maybe also personal background. The way you edited my text made everything more compact, but way harder to understand my point. I don’t blame you for not wanting to read a long comment (and here I’m addressing you with another one!), but you could just not read it and avoid being disrespectful and trying to impose your preferences. When people comment just “Boring, this will flop”, I don’t tell them they need to elaborate it even if I think they could. When I write a… Read more »

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

As I already said I don’t read any long comments and I didn’t read yours even! I was responding to the commenter, cause I read the comment and wanted to see this detailed review which I couldn’t find!

I didn’t even comment to you. Like obviously I’ll skip what I find too time consuming vis-a-vis the content and I can judge people in whatever way I want.

See I firmly believe in :
What people think of you is perception but what you think of yourself is reality. But for the other person his perception is the reality.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thank you Colin. 🙂 This one is very difficult to rate, because it doesn’t work for me as an isolated song, but it works quite a lot as an Eurovision act. At the same time I think it can take the place from a better act on the final, it would (or will, because I think this is definifely moving on) be a great adition to the line-up.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Hi Sabrina. I think a lot of the internet-using generation have gotten used to a style of communication that is similar to journalistic editing. That kind of editing is a large part of my day job. But, conversely, on this blog I tend not to edit what I write, because I’m enjoying the words, not being professional about them. It has gathered me some haters, but I would rather that people who WANT to read my review actually do, and that those who don’t, don’t. I very much appreciate your writing, and I think you are extremely talented. I agree… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Thank you for sharing your experience with that, Mask! I imagine that in the previous years some had complained about you using technical terms, when this is just your way to better contribute to the conversation. I appreciate it a lot even if sometimes I just can’t understand what you wrote! hahaha But I like learning and that’s why sometimes I ask you about it. I have professional experience both with writing and editing (though not in English, so I’m aware that I make some mistakes when I write here). Editing other people’s texts was a uncomfortable experience for me,… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Thank you, Purple Mask. I feel the same way about Sabrina, you and few others here – really nice people and it’s amazing to chat with you. 🙂

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

This generation was taught to be truthful and have real opinions.
We are already too fake in person, I don’t see any worth in being fake when there are literally zero repercussions of being truthful on the internet. Good day

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Hi Aria. That’s really interesting. So, do you see being respectful as being fake? And polite conversation as being fake as well?
What about away from the internet, in person? Is there a difference between real life and internet life? Thanks.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Sabrina you should open your own Esc blog or YT channel!

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

I don’t think this would be a good idea, Lourdes, because it could make me start disliking the contest. 😛 I wonder if sometimes the bloggers here don’t get tired of being punched from all different sides.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I don’t think we necessarily need to prove ourselves when we comment here, but I get your point and I agree about that, Eugene. We’re just expressing what we think and as long we don’t be disrespectful or prejudicial against other people, we aren’t doing anything wrong. Thank you for your support. 🙂 I usually avoid responding to this kind of comment (I try to have a “don’t feed the trolls” policy), but it called my attention the fact that someone that clearly knows how to write was bothered by a long text. So I was curious to know what… Read more »

Dew
Dew
5 years ago

This will be in top 10 because of his name.

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

Even as a songwriting instructional it fails. The two steps as suggested are nonsensical and actually offer no practical help in writing a song. Sorry, Alexander, I am none the wiser.

Mari(o)Vision
Mari(o)Vision
5 years ago

Not bad at all. Very pleasant & fun song.
7/10

Marc
Marc
5 years ago

Fans can keep hating on Rybak that Norway is going to the Top 10 in the final (and this time they won’t need juries)
This is simple, fun, enjoyable.
Rybak’s charisma is so strong. Overall this is very memorable which means people will vote for it.

Silvìa Night
Silvìa Night
5 years ago

Deserving score. It’s only in the top 10 in the betting because it’s Alexander Rybak. The song is a complete mess, sorry Norway!

M_K
M_K
5 years ago

Overall, I think that Norway’s entry this year is quite enjoyable. It’s a little too much of everything, it’s a little childish, it’s a little messy. But it’s enjoyable. No more, no less. My personal ranking: 7/10 (26th overall) My prediction: 6-10 in the second semi final, 21-26 in the grand final ______________ 4th NL (9.5) | 10th IE (8.5) | 13th HR (8.5) | 16th LT (8.0) | 20th DK (7.5) | 26th NO (7.0) | 28th IT (6.5) | 29th AM (6.5) | 33rd BY (5.5) | 34th AZ (5.5) | 35th SI (5.0) | 36th GB (4.5)… Read more »

Alessandro
Alessandro
5 years ago

I honestly love this song since I listened to it in january for the first time and in their NF I think Norway chose the best song to send among those ten staged. I understand why people dislike this song, the lyrics seems to be written in fifteen minutes and with no inspiration, but I actually think THERE IS inspiration in this song: Rybak wants people to enjoy it, wants people to have fun and dance; I actually give a lot of attention to the lyrics of a song, I’m a fan of songs with a message, and this song… Read more »

Ag
Ag
5 years ago

This is going straight to the top no matter how much fans dislike it.

allexo
allexo
5 years ago

5.44
What a perfect score for an overrated song
Rebecca deserved to win.

M
M
5 years ago

Nope. Nope nope nope nope nope. NOPE. More like, That’s How You DON’T Write a Song. I am really pissed at Norway for choosing this abomination as their entry this year. There is not ONE single thing that I find enjoyable in this entire “song”. And it’s a shame really, because I though NRKMGP had a decent selection of songs this year, yet they decided to go with *this*. I have only listened to this song in its entirety three times, and two of those was so I could review it. Whenever I try to, I am unable to make… Read more »

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago
Reply to  M

Of course it’ll qualify. And opening the show is a perfect draw. This also has a good chance to win.

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  M

I second every word you said, bro, I enjoyed it, too!

Andrea
Andrea
5 years ago

My impressions upon hearing it:
-Big contrast when compared to Fairytale.
-Disco vibes – Stayin’ Alive.
-More suited to his voice.
-A different topic, slight jazz influence due to scat.
-May have a chance.

Not a fan of it, but I don’t actively hate it.