The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Lithuania’s ‘Pabandom iš Naujo! 2021’

After two heats and one semi-final, tomorrow six acts will compete in the grand final of Lithuania’s ‘Pabandom iš Naujo! 2021′. But who should get the ticket to represent Lithuania at Eurovision 2021? The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals has listened to the finalists and ranked our favourites. Read on to see which songs we liked!

Lauren

1. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”

Infuriated that Cosmic Bride and Sunday Afternoon failed to qualify from heat two, I managed to miss the gem that is Gebrasy’s “Where’d You Wanna Go?” until its semi-final performance. There, it was clear to me that the soulful mid-tempo track must win this national final. By winning the semi comfortably, it took a massive step there. The song has a consistent metaphor that beautifully wraps a heartbreaking story together. It reminds me a little bit of Aksel’s “Looking Back” in the sense that the car drive motif paints the plotline, and I’d dare say its in the same lyrical quality tier. Hopefully this stands a chance against The Mighty Roop.

2. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. The Roop – “Discoteque”
5. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”

Lukas

1. The Roop – “Discoteque”

While the hype of The Roop never caught up with me this year, they are the clear favourite. Having over two million views on their music video proves it. “Discoteque” is a quite catchy song and while it is not as instant as “On Fire” it still has this fun and quirky quality about it. Even the live performance was pretty impressive and the yellow styling also is eye-catching. If Lithuania wants to get their best result in Eurovision yet then The Roop is their only option this year.

2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”

Mario

1. The Roop – “Discoteque”

While it took me a lot to get warm to “On Fire” last year, “Discoteque” is the definition of immediacy — it’s such an earworm! It’s fun, quirky and pleasurable in the band’s usual manner, but on the whole other global super level. The live version shows us a good piece of the quirkiness that The Roop possess and are known for, and the European public would respect that if/when they get selected. Hands down the best song Lithuania could ever send to Eurovision.

2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
4. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”

Natalie

1. The Roop – “Discoteque”

It was always going to be an uphill battle for any other performers in this national final. And while this might seem like the boring choice, it is because it’s the obvious choice. Described by my girlfriend as “Devon Welsh on antidepressants”. I’m not sure “Discoteque” has quite the natural flair “On Fire” did, but it sure has a spark and the energy we were looking for, with the same depth and character that made The Roop pop last time. Lithuania have a lot to be proud of.

2. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
3. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
4. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
5. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”

Renske

1. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”

Funnily enough, only after the semi-final of Pabandom iš Naujo!, I discovered that Gebrasy is actually Audrius Petrauskas — who I remembered having great vocals. But back then, Gebrasy performed songs written by author writers that did not always suit him perfectly. “Where’d You Wanna Go?”, on the other hand, is his song from all perspectives. It was written by himself and showcases his musical talent and capability to tell a story. Even if this doesn’t win Pabandom iš Naujo!, Lithuania has a fine singer-songwriter in its back catalogue with Gebrasy.

2. The Roop – “Discoteque”
3. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
4. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”

Robyn

1. The Roop – “Discoteque”

It’s a relief that this is a really strong grand final so if/when The Roop win, they will have (again!) earned their win. “Discoteque” is The Roop taking things to the next level. The song might sometimes feel like TikTok bait, but it’s clear that the song also alludes to the stress of being at home in lockdown when you’re desperate to just go out and dance. The song offers solution to this dilemma — one lyric says it all “By dancing on my own / I’m healing wounded soul”, with the suggestions that come May, Europe may join in with dancing alone. The fun choreography and energy make “Discoteque” a pleasure to experience.

2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
5. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”

What do you think? What songs are your favourites from PIN 2021? Who should represent Lithuania at Eurovision 2021? Have your say below!

Read more Lithuania Eurovision 2021 news here