Georgia, Men of Iriao, 1

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we head to Georgia to listen to vocal group Ethno-Jazz Band Iriao and their song “For You”. Did it feel like they were singing for us? Read on to find out!

Ethno-Jazz Band Iriao – “For You”

“For You” reviews

Kristin: There is something oddly mesmerizing and beautiful about this entry. Maybe it can be considered to be old fashioned but it still has an undeniable charm. And keeping it in Georgian is an extremely strong move. Iriao’s vocal harmonies are out of this world and despite the song’s laid-back atmosphere, “For You” could be the dark horse of 2018. Don’t write the Iriao boys off just yet. They might have a thing or two up their sleeve to create breathtaking magic on stage.

Score: 8.5/10

Bogdan: Georgia’s act has something that Bulgaria’s doesn’t: the vocal cohesion that comes with an experienced group. However, what Georgia doesn’t have is a fresh song. While “For You” could have won in the ’90s, it has no chance of standing out in the age of Spotify. Which is sad, because I do think that Iriao is a great act and “For You” is otherwise a respectable entry. Extra points for keeping the song in Georgian, despite the English language title.

Score: 5.5/10

Jordi: From indie rock to diva ballad to this year’s traditional offering, Georgia is all about diversity in the Contest. Iriao’s “For You” should be appreciated among this year’s authenticity entries. And feels good seeing countries betting on something diverse, out of the Europop box. The feeling of a peaceful breeze and the ethnic sound make this piece truly special. But at the same time, as the song flows, doesn’t really create a strong impact. I’m afraid for many fans this song would get lost in the recap.

Score: 5/10

Antranig: If you’re looking for a surefire way to fall asleep, play this song. While the Georgian language adds a bit of flavour, this is otherwise a completely bland recipe. It is completely dated and forgettable, easily lost in a sea of 43 songs. The harmonies are decent at best and this goes nowhere. If we really wanted a song called “For You” at Eurovision 2018, Mariette had a decent one.

Score: 2/10

Luis: “For you” is a beautiful entry with some wonderful harmonies which lacks of any clear structure or direction. As much as it falls easily on the ears thanks to the members of Iriao’s fabulous vocals, it’s difficult to remember this song after it’s over. It’s like spending a vacation on a beautiful island with friends: you may remind the landscape (that would be “For you”), but the most vivid memories are the good moments you had there (the many stronger entries in this year’s field).

Score: 6/10

William: Look, not every song is going to be a “Euphoria” or “Molitva”. Hell, not every song is even going to be a “Keep the Faith” or a “Midnight Gold”. Enter Iriao, who come from left field with an easy listening slice of music that wouldn’t sound out of place at a Georgian cultural fair. It’s atmospheric, authentic and builds to a nice final minute where drums and soaring vocals give us the oomph and the life missing earlier in the track. Would I download this? Hell no! But would I be happy to have this at my wedding, were I ever to tie the knot on the lawn of a Caucasus Mountain bed and breakfast? Absolutely.

Score: 4/10

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

Angus: 2/10

Anthony: 5/10

Bernardo: 2/10

Chris: 4/10

Cinan: 5.5/10

Deban: 7/10

Jonathan: 4.5/10

Jovana: 6/10

Padraig: 1/10

Renske: 6/10

Robyn: 5.5/10

Ron: 5.5/10

Sebastian: 5/10

Steinunn: 7/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 1 and a high of 8.5.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 4.86/10

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

See all our Eurovision 2018 reviews and rankings

71 Comments
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LCH
LCH
5 years ago

Strong voices, ethnic… but ultimateley still bland. Sorry. Not for me.

Cin
Cin
5 years ago

I like it a lot – so pleasent, calming and soothing. Original, authentic and ambitious.

M
M
5 years ago

This is among the more original entries this year, and I think it’s not getting enough credit for it. I really like the mix between the jazzy feel of the instrumentation with the traditional Georgian polyphonic melodies, which with the trumpets does kind of sound like a Christmas song, yet I find myself being quite invested in it. It also has a bit of a Neoclassical 18th century fee to it, especially in the way some of the cadences are laid out. The structure is quite interesting as well. It’s divided into parts that could all be considered verses or… Read more »

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
5 years ago

This is the most direct and obvious follower of Salvador. What strikes me in this song is the uncommon structure, which is interesting but also gives me a sensation of being messy. It is song that is traveling randomly in many different territories without settling in any of them, which for me is bit disturbing. Also it seems me that they did too many compromises to please a wider audience and by doing so lost focus. Looking very much forward though for its vocal harmonies, native language (many extra kudos) and professionalism (the are old foxes). 7/10

Frau Loch
Frau Loch
5 years ago

The next country that will see in the Grand Final………… Georgia.

Pablo
Pablo
5 years ago

It’s nice to have an inherently traditional entry, especially from a country that hasn’t done so before, but this is no Serbia.

It sounds messy, as 4 songs in one, all sung at the same time. And there is a lack of a clear moment to really sell this ensemble. Overall, it’s a repeat of Croatia 2013: strongly ethnic, but alienating to the mass populous when it comes to a concrete song contest. Nice to have this, but it won’t trouble anyone.

1.5/10

Mario Eur(o)Vision
Mario Eur(o)Vision
5 years ago

What a dreadful song…
Definitely a non qualifier…
1/10

Eurovisionfan12
Eurovisionfan12
5 years ago

Expected tasteless wiwi juries to underrate this song

8/10 for me

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

I thought I had already written a comment about this? Apparently I didn’t! My favourite internal selection this year and safely in my top ten overall. I expected this to do terribly with the Wiwijury for obvious reasons. This is so much more sophisticated and has much more going on than so many of the songs that going to do well. What was surprising was how good their voices really are. I love everything about this.

Louis
Louis
5 years ago

Wiwibloggs being typical wiwibloggs by praising every original song but then giving it a bad rating just because it isn’t a Swedish written pop song… ?

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

Sorry, but I don’t like this type of music. “For You” is not for me. I’m not saying is a bad song, but it sounds awful to my ears and it is also boring after just 30 seconds. Georgia will probably end as they did in 2014. I don’t really think it will happened like in 2016 when “Midnight Gold” qualified against the odds and the general opinion. Georgia is in my 42nd place: 7. Ukraine (7.5)| 11. Italy (7.25)| 13. Lithuania (7)| 14. Denmark (7)| 15. FYR Macedonia (7)| 16. SWITZERLAND (7)| 18. Poland (7)| 20. Romania (6,75)| 21.… Read more »

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

6.5/10

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

One of the weakest entries this year.
3/10

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Antranig sis… you did NOT call this bland and boring only to praise Mariette’s generic trash in the same sentence.

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

lmao this song is far better than that Swedish crap.

Eve
Eve
5 years ago

I’m with William on this one, I don’t know which is more boring for me this year- this entry or Lithuania, actually they could both take the prize 😛

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

Christmas carol, exactly. We felt the same about the song. And as Colin mentioned, it has something medieval about it also. I guess on the way they sing.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I was listening to it for one more time before writing this comment and I noticed a funny thing. While we think we aren’t used to this kind of music on Eurovision, the melody actually reminds me about the kind of tune the producers like to use on the postcards. The instrumental is quite beautiful. It brings peace and some sort of enchantment. I don’t know a thing about traditional Georgian music, but it seems like Iriao found how to present their roots in a way that’s not just respectful to the past but also adapted to the present. I… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

The third time in a row we have almost the exact ratings, with yours being 0.5 higher. I am glad you also like this one. 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

And as always, mine was the one 0.5 lower! haha Too bad that the same won’t apply to the German entry. I just can’t love that one as much as you, but I guess you’ll understand my reasons when you read my review (that’s still waiting for moderation). Don’t worry, I wasn’t very mean, I gave it a 7.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

7 is a pretty good rating. I like my 7s. I know not every song can be everyone’s favorite, of course. 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I also like my 7s. And I can see this getting a higher final grade depending on Michael’s performance. After all, I only know him from the national final and I thought that he was a little nervous when he started his presentation there.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

This kind of act requires LOTS of rehearsal, I’m sure they’re able to harmonize even while sleeping! And they can benefit from this fact on the semis, because some singers will disappoint when going live or facing their nerves (or even people’s high expectations).

Aphelion84
Aphelion84
5 years ago

Your scoring aren’t absolutely right! I’m sorry but sometimes It seems that you guys don’t know anything about music.
This is good, very experimental, so authentic; their voice are terrific and the music, oh gosh, is amazing.
And you’re giving 2 points?
Like Seriously?

Flynn
Flynn
5 years ago

I knew this would get a bad review because it’s a departure from typical Eurovision songs but I’m glad Georgia give us something different and they always end up surprising people in the end “Midnight Gold” is a great example was expected to come last or close to it and it ended up qualifying and going further than people expected. I could easily see this being the same it’s a good song and it’s only criticism is that it’s “sleepy” or “boring” but not everything is going to be a Scandipop song we’ve a million times by now. “For You”… Read more »

Alon israel
Alon israel
5 years ago

yesterday, in Tel Aviv, i realized how good and exceptional this song is…i wish that all countries chose songs that represent their country,,,

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

What a beautifull entry. But also boring. I don’t see people picking up their phones for this, but their voices are amazing together and they sound great live.
6.5/10

Teddy
Teddy
5 years ago

I don’t think we can call anything “dated” after Amar pelos dois. I mean, really, that song was far more boring than Iriao’s is.

Hada
Hada
5 years ago

I’m a Sheni and I can’t help it. I know good and well this isn’t a standard Eurovision entry, but as Kristin said, it’s mesmerizing and beautiful. I hope juries save them so I can see them live at the final. <3

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

It gets better the more I listen to it, but it isn’t a song I’m going nuts for either. I can see why some people don’t care for it and some people think it’s one of the best. I’ll give it an even-handed 7/10: good enough to be good, but not enough that I think it’s a guaranteed qualifier.
It could either end up like Latvia 2007 (getting into the final bc of strong singing and charm) or Croatia 2013 (strong singing, not much else).

Efraim
Efraim
5 years ago

So I wondered… If the Wiwi Jury was a ESC scoreboard, what would it look like?
I’ve compiled the scores all jury members have given in every review posted so far, and this is what I got: https://scorewiz.eu/scoreboard/view/211908/wiwi-jury-2018-24-songs-reviewed

Efraim
Efraim
5 years ago
Reply to  Efraim
Lewis S
Lewis S
5 years ago

3/10 On first listen I found this really difficult to get into. It felt as though they were singing 3 songs for the first 2 minutes. But the last minute was actually really good; and the song built and their harmonies were superb. If it felt like that for the 3 minutes this would rank higher. A definite non-qualifier for me.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

GEORGIA – They are probably one of the most interesting ESC countries because they don’t really repeat themselves, always serving something new. As most of their entries aren’t actually conventional, they are often to be found on people’s bottom lists. Sheni Gulistvis is a newest of such examples. It’s an unconventional, yet very soulful song, displaying traditional music of Georgia. It’s peaceful and reminds me of medieval church songs. The lyrics about harmony in nature indeed sound a little bit Buddhist. It gives both Western and Eastern spiritual vibes. The harmony is great and the music and voices compliment each… Read more »

M_K
M_K
5 years ago

I’d love to give Georgia some credit for trying something different, but I have to admit that I don’t really get into what came out in the end. I appreciate a rather melancholic tone, but in this case, it seems more like this song creates a quite “stiff” atmosphere. So, sadly, this song just leaves me entirely unaffected. My personal ranking: 3/10 (40th overall) My prediction: 15-18 in the second semi final ______________ 4th NL (9.5) | 8th LV (9.0) | 10th IE (8.5) | 12th ME (8.5) | 13th HR (8.5) | 15th MK (8.0) | 16th LT (8.0)… Read more »

LEO ESC AUT
LEO ESC AUT
5 years ago

@OFF TOPIC – WOW

Finland – Saara Aalto performs on piano by herself. She is singing ‘Monsters’
In 34 Languages – those languages from participating Eurovision countries.
It’s a very nice gesture from here, but unfortunately it’s too late now , she won’t perform it in Lisbon as this version has a time of 03:50 min/sec, it’s over the maximum ESC limit time of 03:00 min/sec.
To every ESC fan – all I can say ENJOY !
https://youtu.be/L9Y3AxgV1f4

Andrea
Andrea
5 years ago

Now this song is what I call music. Trained voices, excellent harmonies, it’s basically letting the voices speak for themselves. No autotune whatsoever in in, and fantastic lyrics. It’s a shame it won’t make it to the final, but it’s become one of my favorite songs.

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago

Only positivity, flowers, butterflies, puppies, rainbows and true love from Spain.
Good luck facing reality.

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago
Reply to  x my heart

I forgot unicorns.

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

Although I appreciate voice harmonies and all the ethnicity in this song, I find it boring, sorry. I skip it before listening to the end.
PS I love William’s review!

4/10

allex
allex
5 years ago

This would be the perfect song to have toilet break on during Semi 2

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  allex

Except people would already have gone to the comfort rooms during the break between Australia and Georgia, of which the latter opens the second half of the semifinal.

Adult diapers should be a thing though, at least to reduce the congestion in CR’s.

allex
allex
5 years ago

Boring, disappointing yet majestic

SennekWinner18
SennekWinner18
5 years ago

Padrig doesn’t like any song

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  SennekWinner18

True, but then again, it would be interesting to know what a 1/10 means for him. For me personally, it’s a rating meant for a totally abysmal song I can’t stand; the lyrics should be awful, the music should be awful, the performance should be awful. If only one of the three is okay, it cannot be a 1 for me. But, that’s just me and I know different people have different rating systems.

Digital Style
Digital Style
5 years ago

People are being harsh on this song but damn, I think it’s alright. It could work as a stadium chant or something like that. The lyrics are very abstract and kind of drug-ish. However I’ve got to admit that it has become a bit annoying as I can’t get the melody out of my head. I hope they have epic staging, something very extravagant to suit the climactic nature of the song.

anonymous91
anonymous91
5 years ago

these guys have angelic voices, so much emotion i love their style it’s more acapella the lisbon stage will be their biggest stage so far

i love them and their song 10/10

but qualifying chances i don’t know, i hope us sheni’s can make lots of people love this song as well

someone
someone
5 years ago

It’s a nice song with a beautiful harmony, but yes, it’s a bit bland and too uneventful for a good ESC finish. I like that it’s in Georgian language. Overall it’s a #24 for me and I would push it into Finals (but barely). And I agree with William that it would be a perfect wedding song. I can see people in Georgia playing this a their wedding 🙂

West
West
5 years ago

I was excited when I heard some of the other work Irao has done – but this song… I wish I liked it more than I do, but even I can’t pretend that the first 2 minutes are a bit underwhelming. The only saving parts of this song is the last minute and amazing vocal harmonies. Overall I wish it was more ethno and a bit less jazz (but I would still like them qualify to the final).
5,5/10

Anita
Anita
5 years ago

Their live performance at Israel Calling was suprisingly good. I can imagine that they get better results than anybody thinks.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago

Calling it now: this is going to qualify.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

For me Eldrine in 2011 still remains as one of the best Georgian entry. Every time I hear it I still get excited since it’s one of my favorite song of all time. Now back to 2018, I actually kinda like it, it’s not my favorite, but I appreciate how harmonious it is. Just because you’re not used to this type of songs, doesn’t mean that it’s bad. It has its own charm and doesn’t try to be something else like some entries desperately do.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

They have some nice harmonies and a sing which Is very unique and we don’t hear a lot of Georgian in esc, do we?
However it’s too slow for my taste and quite monotone in the first 2 mins and only gets going when all 3 start singing in the final minute. By then though it had already lost me!!

The running order spot Is not that great and I’m not very optimistic about how much televote points it’ll get.
A 4/10

Madrileño
Madrileño
5 years ago

RICH COUNTRYS? POOR COUNTRYS?
LEDS?
LISTEN AT YOU……………
SO SWEDEN IS A RICH COUNTRY …………… HOW RICH?
MAN THIS IS MUSIC YOU ARE NOT INTO LISBON MUDE
SALVADOR SOBRAL

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago
Reply to  Madrileño

[Mans]: To help to shore up a post-war Europe, in 1956, it all began
[Petra]: The set, I’m rather certain, was nothing but a curtain
There were only seven countries and one camera-man

For Portugal this is the ideal esc.

Madrileño
Madrileño
5 years ago
Reply to  x my heart

WELL SAID !
LETS KEEP THE INITIAL IDEA

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

Semi-2
Wiwi jury
Qualified
1)UKR 7.47 2) NET 7.28 3)SLO 6.58
4)SRB 6.50 5)LAT 6.47
Not qualified: 6 )POL 6.36 7)MLT 6.31 8)DEN 6.17 9)MDA 6.08 10)NOR 5. 44 11)MNE 5.19 12)ROM 4.94 13)GEO 4.86

Modified Score
Qualified
1)NET 8.88 2)UKR 8.38 3)MLT 8.13
4)DEN 8.00 5)SRB 8.00
Not qualified: 6)SLO 8.00 7)LAT 7.81
8)MDA 7.75 9)POL 7.63 10)NOR 7.38
11)ROM 6.69 12)GEO 6.44 13)MNE 6.31

Total:
Qualified
1)NET 16.16 2)UKR 15.85 3)SLO 14.58
4)SRB 14.50 5)MLT14.44
Not qualified : 6)LAT 14.28 7)DEN 14.17 8)POL 13.99 9)MDA 13.83 10)NOR 12.82
11)ROM 11.63 12)MNE 11.50 13)GEO 11.30

tygww
tygww
5 years ago

Its something different and fresh.They serve some new,jazz-modern elements!

6/10

James
James
5 years ago

Sweden 2014 didn’t rely on LED’s, nor did Sweden 2012.

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago
Reply to  James

Some countries have other stagings, but we cant have 43 Loreens flying in a black background. Look at Israel Calling 2018, during Romanian performance the led died, and everything was black. What a rock band can do? I’m not blaming Tel Aviv pre party, but is an example that a host of the main esc itself can’t ignore led. Will they sing under a chandelier like in 2010?

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  x my heart

There are other aspects of the ESC stage that can be utilized.

Besides, LED’s and even the graphics used for display aren’t exactly cheap. The delegations’ creative teams will know what to do anyway regardless.

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago
Reply to  James

Still, Riga pre party had led, Festival da Cancao had led, is it too much to ask from esc itself to have led?

x my heart
x my heart
5 years ago

You are right and wiwibloggs should stop deleting comments like that (because i’ve read this comment before and then it disappeared) otherwise will have only Colin and Purple Mask as only readers.

esc freak
esc freak
5 years ago

I’m sorry but this is completely bland and uneventful. I feel like those 3 minutes last way too long. “Midnight Gold” surprised because it had a spectacular live performance, this will probably send viewers to bed. It’s more of a 2014 than a 2016 for Georgia I’m afraid.

2.5/10

Madrileño
Madrileño
5 years ago

GEORGIA COULD BE A SURPRISE.
I LOVE THE SONG
THE ACORDS TAKE YOU TO GEORGIA
IT IS A VERY MASCULIN SONG.
THE SINGERS ARE VERY SEXY.
IN MY TOP 10
GOOD LUCK GEORGIA.