Following the cancellation of Eurovision last year, the majority of the class of 2020 received the comeback ticket to sing again at Eurovision 2021. A massive 26 artists will return to represent their countries at Eurovision 2021. But as per the standard Eurovision rules, they’ve all got new songs.
Thus, comparisons are inevitable. So, we want to hear from our readers. We’re running a series of polls to ask — do you prefer the returning acts’ 2020 or 2021 songs?
Next up, we’re heading to Belgium. Last year, Hooverphonic were set to sing “Release Me” at Eurovision 2020. This year, they’re headed to Rotterdam with “The Wrong Place” — and a different lead vocalist. Two years, two songs. But which is your favourite? Vote now in our poll!
Scroll down to vote in our poll.
“Release Me” (Belgium 2020)
“Release Me” features vocals from Luka Cruysberghs. It’s a dark, symphonic-rock ballad that wouldn’t be out of place on a James Bond movie soundtrack. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — awarded “Release Me” an average score of 6.1/10.
“I’ve always thought that Hooverphonic bring some very special elements in music together, and “Release Me” is no different when coming to that”, noted wiwiblogger Florian. “The song, which at times even feels mysterious and out of this world, is the perfect mixture of a soundtrack and a 2020 radio track. Given the strong competition at its semi-final, Belgium might not have made it out of there, but regardless of that it’s a song to be proud of.”
“The Wrong Place” (Belgium 2021)
This year, Hooverphonic reverted back to an earlier lineup. Bassist Alex Callier and guitarist Raymond Geerts ended their collaboration with Luka, and drafted in former lead vocalist Geike Arnaert.
“The Wrong Place” has a gritty sound, detailing a woman’s regret following a one night stand.
Poll battle — Belgium: Which Hooverphonic Eurovision song is your favourite?
The battle is on. Do you prefer “Release Me” or “The Wrong Place”? In this poll, you can only choose one song. And as always, you can only vote once. Use it wisely!
[polldaddy poll=10774720]
Which song did you vote for? How does “The Wrong Place” compare to “Release Me”? Let us know in the comments below.
2021
2021 has the better song but 2020 had the better lead singer.
Even though Geike fits the style of Hooverphonic more, I agree.
oh they are not the same person ? 😮
idiotic me asking
Both hugely underrated. The new one is just a tiny bit better for me
“Release Me” is a great minor key James Bond orchestra song (minus the trumpets). “The Wrong Place” is enticingly creepy and dark. I like them both for different reasons. I identify with both situations too; the songs are basically reflecting my own past, in a way. “The Wrong Place” probably has the slight edge because it’s more edgy and less whiny – but I like them both.
They’re both very amusing. “Release Me” has a particular mean because Hooverphonic’s leader (Alex Callier) wrote it when his father was dying, and for this I really ? it, ? “The Wrong Place” instead catches you in a strange imaginary place ???
Interesting how everyone likes The Wrong Place better, I actually prefer Release Me, I really liked Luka’s voice!
The Wrong Place, by miles.
The Wrong Place is a better one for me, even if Release Me was also nice. The 2021 entry is less repetitive, but both have an eerie atmosphere I like.
The wrong place x100000! I think it’s one of the biggest glow ups from 2020, and they have a really big chance of making it to the final 🙂
I like “The Wrong Place”. I see it in the same way I saw James Newman’s My last breath last year: as a song that can be a breakthrough in the sense of getting a better result than most expect from it.
i didn’t have a clear favorite cuz both of the songs are my winners! but i heard the live of “the wrong place” and instantly got connected with it. so it’s 2021! i’ll be so sad if this doesn’t qualify..
I like neither but “Release Me” is less cringe-y.
Isn’t that obvious? At least for me it is!
Definitely The wrong place, I really love this song and it’s in my top 5. Belgium has some great taste and I hope they’ll do well this year.
Belgium have been a clear improvement for me. They were certain NQ last year and now they’re possibly going to qualify.
I like both with The Wrong place edging out Release me slightly.. Because of its edginess..