At Vidbir 2019, Go_A soared to victory with their ethno-folk song “Solovey”. Now, the Ukrainian band have released a revamped version of the song, which is the version they will perform at Eurovision 2020 in May.
But, we want to know if you think the revamp was a good, or less so good, decision. Have the changes to the song made an improvement on what was already there?
You can listen to both versions of the song below and identify what the major changes are between the original and revamped versions of “Solovey”.
Then make sure to vote in our poll. Be aware that you can only vote once, so make sure you’re certain of you’re decision before you submit your vote.
What are the major differences between the original and revamped version of “Solovey”?
The differences from the original to the revamped version of “Solovey” are subtle, but still noticeable. They are predominantly made to the background instrumentation and can be clearly heard right from the start of the song.
During the intro, percussion beats are added periodically. This adds something extra to the first 20 seconds and stops it being so linear (it’s no good if the audience zones out before you even start singing).
In the original, the flute instrumentation cut out as soon as the first sung verse came about. However, the revamp sees some intermittent flute trills added to the background. This continues into the chorus, with a second quieter flute melody heard behind the main tune.
These extra flute flourishes carry on throughout the second verse, bridge and final chorus.
Go_A – “Solovey” (Original Version)
Go_A – “Solovey” (Revamped Version)
Poll: Do you prefer Go_A’s revamped version of “Solovey” or the original?
[crowdsignal poll=10519139]What do you think? Are you #TeamOriginal or #TeamRevamp? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below!
Original is better
Her voice became more pure and a bit softer”, isn’t it?
Go_A Preformed the revamped version at the Shevchenko Awards. I didn’t like the revamped version at first but it eventually grew on me. After the live performance of the revamp, I don’t like it again. It doesn’t have the same drive as the previous one.
Here is the live performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VdF7LWozHk
Oh Gosh, it sounds so flat and lost all the dynamics. All the symptoms of modern music 🙁
I don’t know why they revamped it, since they had one of the best recordings of this Eurovision’s season, if not the very best. But it hasn’t changed at all what I feel about it: “Solovey” is still one of my favorites this year.
Same. I have no idea what made them tweak the song, but the changes are so minuscule that I still adore it. It’s certainly in my top 10, if not top 5. Romania likewise. Revamps from Czech Republic and Albania haven’t done them any favors, but the Armenian one really elevated the song. Have no idea whether France and Slovenia will improve, decline or stay the same.
As long as the singer doesn’t sing they’re both allright.
Hahah agree 100%
Meh
Revamped one has more complexity and sounds more interesting. Anyway, I like the original one too. Overall Ukraine is my 2nd place this year.
A chainsaw sounds more melodious than her voice! Please don’t give me the white voice non sense because I’m also from Eastern Europe. This is is just horrible. It’s time for Ukraine to stay in the semifinal this year.
nope.
I like original bit more, but it’s still cool. It’s not like they changed a lot.
My vote of No Preference = I hate them both. My partner liked the intro but when the White Voice singing started he said WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?! Ukraine Russia and Belarus are awful this year.
You’re delusional. Ukraine is amazing this year!
I’m not sure about the faith of this song in the contest since it’s so polarizing. But I do know one thing it’s been my number one since it’s win in the Vidbir.
Good luck Ukraine!
I think both versions are ghastly. This is the only song this year that I can’t listen to. It makes ny ears bleed. I’m so sad Ukraine didn’t go with the excellent Call for Love by Khayat. I think this will be Ukraine’s first non-qualifying song.
I hate that people don’t like this song. It’s one of my favourites this year :). I hope it qualifies
Both are horrible, the singer’s voice is very irritating, just like a goat on a microphone. Sorry, it’s about time for a non-qualification from Ukraine….
The revamp puts a bit more oomph in it and variation
I don’t prefer neither of them. Both versions are equally painful for my ears. Ukraine used to be one of my favourite ESC-countries but this year they are in my bottom 5.
They didn’t need rewamp in the first place, why? Still my favorites, they are amazing live.
Is there normally this many revamps? I feel like half of the songs have been revamped this year.
I had a mini heart attack when I read the title because Solovey is my 2nd favorite out of all the songs and I was afraid they ruined it with a revamp. I’m so relieved this was one of the rare good revamps.
The biggest and only problem of this song is the singer. Her voice is a real pain!
This particular voice is how many traditional songs were sung in Eastern Europe. As this is clearly inspired by a traditional song, it holds some authenticity. I think it’s amazing.
This may be the King’s New Clothes of this year ……
Her voice is so hard to listen to 🙁 the song is ok at best, but I would never choose to listen to this for fun. It’s number 41 for me, but it seems I’m in the minority with this opinion. :/
At first I was not so found of the revamp but it was mostly due to the fact I was mostly listening the live version that also sounds different from the first studio version. I’m sure GO_A will also transcend this new version when going live.
The original was flawless!!
Ukraine is my number one this year! Absolutely excellent blend of ethnic and electric. Definition of a modern day Eurovision entry, you listen to the song without knowing who it is and can tell instantly that it’s Ukraine. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, it’s not been passed off by about 5 different countries before it came to Go_A, it feels natural and is so catchy.
Number 1 this year hands down.
Can’t hear any difference
Hmm, the original has more power. It didn’t need to be changed. I wish they’d change it back, actually. It’s first Ukrainian entry ever that I really like.
Both are great. This is my number 1 this year. It’s so unique and different, in a sea of very similar generic songs.
It’s still my 39th place, I am sorry 🙁 Only Cyprus and Georgia saved this from being dead last…
This is qualifying?.
I meant “saved from being last in my ranking” (39th Ukraine, 40th Cyprus, 41st Georgia), not in the semi 🙂 I don’t know, like everybody said Poland will qualify last year and I was like “No, they won’t” and see… Poland 2020 is amazing though, they can win this year <3
No, they can’t. Both Georgia and Ukraine have good chances of placing higher than Poland, as they should, in my opinion.
I hope they all qualify
This year is by FAR the most uncertain year in Eurovision history.
7 songs so far have gotten revamps (Romania, Israel, Armenia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Albania and the upcoming France revamp). There’s no clear winner this year. There are 10 songs who can equally win. And the contest might get cancelled over coronavirus. What a wild ride this is going to be…
Both are good so I don’t have a preference for either one more than the other
We’re starting to get dangerously close to having 41 revamps. 😉
Actually, it might be more if Benny Cristo and others start revamping (or…unvamping?) the revamps.
Like in 2018 when Alekseev made several revamps for his song ahahah
Both versions are nice
this rly didn’t need a revamp, it was perfect as it was
I prefer the original. The rockier elements towards the end of the song now seem watered down. I’m not sure how they can do the flaming guitar at the end of the performance now – which is a shame as I think the song loses some of its power as a result.
The song loses power because they can’t do a flaming guitar?? Really??……okay then.
Ukraine always bring great staging anyway so I’m sure it’s going to be okay, it is all about the song after all.
I was quite obviously referring to the loss of the rockier elements for the song losing its power. I still think staging has a role to play in the competition although yes the song is also important. And for this revamp, my view is that they have made the song weaker.
I like the added percussion and the mixing of the percussion a lot better. It feels a lot more prominent. I could hardly notice any differences in the flute bar for some of the pre-chorus though, and I wish they didn’t add it to the final chorus. Feels a lot less intense. Still a welcome revamp.