The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 40 competing songs in Eurovision 2022. Next we review Latvia, who have chosen Citi Zēni with “Eat Your Salad”.
Were we grabbing the salad dressing (and the cat food)? Read on to find out!
Citi Zēni – “Eat Your Salad” (Latvia Eurovision 2022)
Review: Citi Zēni – “Eat Your Salad”
Robyn: The unavoidable opening line grabs a lot of attention, but if you look beyond it, “Eat Your Salad” is a funky bop. It’s reminiscent of Bruno Mars or even the feel-good tunes of Daði Freyr. The song has an environmental message, but it’s not delivered in a heavy-handed way, instead giving listeners something to groove to while they eat their salad and think about their cat.
Score: 9
Josh: Every tenth of a point I give “Eat Your Salad” goes to the party feel of the instrumental. The song starts, and you really think you are in for a fun ride. Unfortunately, this is when the singers start opening their mouths. The reference in the first line hits, and my eyes start to roll, and I mentally check out. There is shocking in a thought-provoking way, and there is shocking just for the sake of the shock, with a flimsy message behind it. This is completely the latter. I have listened to this song EXACTLY one and a half times for the purpose of this jury, and I will not be listening to it again. Do better Latvia.
Score: 2.5
Renske: Every single year, there is an entry that’s so bad that it’s good. “Eat Your Salad” is exactly that. Citi Zēni are extremely clever crowd pleasers, who will definitely have the viewers talking about them. Perhaps one of the best joke entries this year, the song somehow reminds of “Cake to Bake”, a fan favourite that did not fair well. Latvia has a terrible record of making the final, but Citi Zēni will likely change that. Albeit, it won’t be because they are the musical miracle of the contest.
Score: 7.5
Natalie: Oh dear God. Sometimes we get songs that I don’t like, but I’ll watch for the performance and because it’s in the Eurovision spirit. Rarely does a song actively disgust me to the point where I refuse to listen to it. This year, Latvia does that for me. It’s not funny, it’s not cute, it’s creepy, gross and musically awful. This song is going to stay well away from me.
Score: 1
Jonathan: If I wasn’t vegetarian already, I certainly would be now. Fun, funky and flavoursome, “Eat Your Salad” is the eco anthem of a new generation. Grabbing your attention from the very first line, Citi Zēni deliver a joyous three minutes with plenty of charisma. Sure, the lyrical content is divisive. But taking a different path in how you put a message out, without crossing a line, can sometimes help you get through to people who wouldn’t otherwise be listening. Citi Zēni stay on the entertaining side of the line, bringing an amusing package wrapped up in a sustainably-sourced bow.
Score: 8
Latvia Eurovision 2022 ranking
In the Eurovision 2022 Wiwi Jury, we have 18 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:
|
Angus: 7.5 Antranig: 4 Cinan: 7.5 Deban: 5 Lucy: 7.5 Luis: 7 Oliver: 6 |
Pablo: 7 Ron: 6.5 Sebastian: 8 Suzanne: 2 Tom: 7.5 William: 6 |
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 9.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 6.22/10
What do you think of Latvia’s Eurovision 2022 entry? Share your own score and review for Citi Zēni’s “Eat Your Salad” below!
Latvia with the do or die kind of package. This is going to get noticed.
Catchy and cheeky, I like it. I think this can be one of the surprises and qualify among the river of ballads going on. For me it’s a 6,5/10
LATVIA – If we can’t have cakes, Latvia will give us salad. This colorful and provocative entry aims to leave an impression. The funky instrumental and the energetic rap are cool, but the cheeky lyrics are usually the highlight of conversation. They are funny to some, out of line to others. I don’t necessarily mind them being explicit (even if this is borderline pushing it), but it bugs me that I’m unsure whether they are supposed to satirize veganism or promote it. I think they are leaving both options open, which makes it feel less preachy, but also more random.… Read more »
Given how your review for this one was late, may I assume you also had trouble writing it?
I did. The rating was flowing between a 4.5 and a 6, as I see both the upsides and downsides of this entry. It was very engaging reading all of your reviews. It’s a polarizing song, and I understand all the POVs here.
There are two more songs I also find difficult to rate. Hoping to pin-point it before the reviews come up.
It was the same for me, wrote a lot of different drafts and gave a lot of different scores. It’s like there are things about it that shouldn’t work but to and other things that should work but fail. I won’t have a problem with they making to the final, but the truth is that if it happens, it will be taking the place of one of my favorites, and then I won’t be happy.
True crime in Eurovision 2022 – no wiwi jury videos 🙁
If I’m not mistaken they usually do those close to Eurovision week.
They usually do them at this time. And they said that they won’t do them anymore 🙁 I’m so sad. I was really looking forward to it
It’s a sure NQ…
No lol
If this gets even 1 jury vote, that jury should be disqualified
Oh come on 7 or 8 for this song? “It is so bad that it’s good.” What kind of schizophrenic reasoning is that? If it’s bad it’s bad. This song is simply a joke to be classified among the dead last.
The average is 6.22? This puts this song HIGHER than most other entries you’ve reviewed this year. That’s not fair on them!
Myb it is better for them that they won’t be allowed to sing that word live
Genuinely, I feel that if the song was about gay relationship combined with eco-friendly theme fans would like it much more than the way it is right now lol. I am not straight myself, but I really enjoy and love this song and I would vote for them in the semi-final because of its structure, funkiness and at the end of the day message. I’m not big fan of pu*sy part, but I like the rest of the lyrics, especially Green Titanic part. I hope they qualify. PS: I would recommend to main singer to be less hyperactive during performance… Read more »
I don’t and can’t find a single flaw in this. But that’s maybe because I’m vegan and I finally have a anthem that I can sing-along to.
Haha, nice. Im vegan as well, but unfortunately i dont vibe as much with the song.
It’s that balance between being catchy and annoying that sits differently with various people. For me, completely catchy. For others, annoying.
This is one of those songs that you can use to weed out lazy reviewers (Robyn gets it!). Musically-speaking, it is one of the most professional acts in the contest this year. This is a proper band, playing proper instruments and doing so well on a consistent basis. People are latching onto the lyrics or the presentation as a reason not to like it, despite the actual quality of the music. Everything is expertly-played and the song is much-better produced that it has any right to be. Latvia have had a habit of sending extremely non-competitive songs to Eurovision that… Read more »
The whole point of the negative criticism is that a band of such musical capabilities has made the decision to treat Eurovision and its audience as a joke with their song. I think we’re being made fun of here.
Well, I don’t find it to be a joke musically. So I’m assuming that you think they’re treating the lyrics as a joke. That might a fair point. Though, I’m not sure if your belief that we the audience are the intended subjects of said mockery is accurate.
In the lyrics, I find some of the wordplay crude, but clever at times. I definitely don’t take offense to it. As a former English teacher, I probably take more offense at the UK and their incessant space metaphors that they torture throughout their song…but that’s just me.
Oh Briekimchi, we are definitely at different ends of the spectrum of this one! If I put the lyrics to one side (which in my opinion are so bad they do spoil any possible enjoyment I could have), I still don’t think this is musically very good either. The guitar and drum playing is quite basic, if we compare it to say Bulgaria, they are miles behind, so personally I can’t really say that this is a strong performance musically either unfortunately. But it is definitely interesting to read different perspectives and I really appreciate yours.
I’m glad that we’re on a song that I rank much more highly than you do so you can give me a bit of what I’ve been sending your way so far! :3 Bulgaria is an interesting comparison because, actually, I’ve found myself talking up the musicianship of the band to a lot of people and trying to explain why I think it’s not a guarantee that they’re a NQer. They’re a stadium-rock band who’ve played big venues and juries are going to have that in mind when they evaluate them. I think the pre-party they played backed this up,… Read more »
I knew you really like the song, but I am a bit surprised how little the lyrics influence this. Usually, in cases of ”joke acts”, the factor of how fully one finds them is one of the primary factors of liking the entry or not. I agree that as this is a musical competition, musical aspects can easily take the lead, but with lyrics so ”out there” as these, I expected that you kinda liked the idea they are going for, even if not all the lyrical choices they make. Also, there is *a lot* of talk about the Spanish… Read more »
Honestly, when listening to the song, I didn’t believe for a second that they were genuinely vegetarian/vegan or environmentally-inclined and assumed that this was 100% a mock-up of overly-zealous members of those groups. As a long-term vegetarian who has spent a lot of my social time with dedicated (and sometimes…dare I say…militant) vegans, I can say that we can be an irritating group of people and a rife source of mockery. If their message is a genuine one and encouraging people to do the things that they say in the song, it’s an…interesting…choice. As a send-up, I find the lyrics… Read more »
I agree with every single sentence. People sack this song off because of the lyrics, but honestly where is their sense of humour?
Maybe we’re saving it for something that’s actually funny?
Yes, the music is very well played – but bad music very well played is still bad music.
Rating: 7.0/10.0
Possibly, if this was THE comedy song of this year, I would’ve been OK with it, but there are like 5 other comedic, funny and satirical songs, and they’re mostly better than this one.
Hot boys, fun song. What more anybody can want? Let them sing about lettuces, I’ll certainly enjoy it. 😉
not as bad as many claim it is, but still not great. That spot in the running order sealed their fate
people’s attention span is shorter than ever and meme-oriented these days, so citi zeni’s solution to get their message through is through a quick lil meme song. musically awful as natalie mentioned, but i like their energy on stage.
“Sesame Street” for adults. In this case, it’s taking a serious message about saving the environment and using it for laughs with funk and innuendo. And, it’s in your face straight innuendo. This entry laughs in Eurovision’s face, and expects us to laugh at ourselves. Some of us will laugh, but I just feel insulted. It’s in my last place this year. But, I hope the band have fun. They obviously have a lot of energy. 🙂
If I wanted to watch an adult oriented Sesame Street, I’d watch Avenue Q, thank you very much.
I do love a bit of Avenue Q!
Oh yes, Avenue Q! Indeed. 🙂
Do you think that this song is as ironic as Euro Neuro and Leto Svet in its attitude towards the contest, or you think that the intent is more benign and just silly?
they’re literally singing “when you eat your veggies baby think of me” which is just another innuendo song just like Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles. it’s lewd and in bad taste. EuroNeuro and Leto Svet sticked to politics so it’s a completely different vibe
I just hope the comedy vote goes to Norway in semi 1 because this song is awful.
Not sorry about it. “Instead of meat I eat veggies and *****”
Hell no…
2/10 from me
Do you care about lyrics though? Cause you keep ranking Poland first, when clearly those lyrics mean absolutely nothing (it’s 3 minutes of “I’ll throw myself in the river” for no reason, along with a couple of unrelated buzzwords like “Who wants to be king pulling too many strings”…). Also come on, Switzerland is far from being the “worst of their bunch”: it’s a low key song, but it’s clearly well produced, performed by a talented singer and probably has the most modern message (which is already more than most Eurovision songs can say).
Fair enough… but what do Poland’s lyrics mean though lol? Enlighten me, cause as you said I just can’t get it 😉
This will be the dark horse this year. It will entertain and challenge some current norms in Eurovision. Good on them for being so bold and creative!
Any serious juror will give them a point! This will come last with the jury so, no chance to get in the final.
Nil points, non qualifier. First line is insulting. I wonder if they would actually say these words and the real meaning of these words in Latvian. I doubt it. I eat veggies and xxxxx !
The novelty has worn off . Im not really fussed to be honest because I know this is not going to qualify. Next!
To whom is that line insulting?
Pleasuring women is now insulting?
I have to be honest, for me the first line is really off putting. For a native English speaker it sounds a bit gross. It’s a shame because the instrumental is not bad. I’m also not a fan of the rap parts. I’m quite a big fan of rap, but this sounds more like teachers attempting to rap. Clearly some people enjoy it though, so good for them.
Also a native English speaker here. While I was thrown off when I first heard it, it just made me laugh. I don’t think it matters though cause doesn’t seem like they will sing that first line. It’s only available in the studio version (if you check their national final performance or the official upload on the Eurovision YouTube channel, they don’t say it).
Fair enough. I’m glad they won’t include that line. I don’t mind innuendo, but this goes beyond that. I’ve always considered eurovision a family event and so that line did not seem necessary or appropriate. The rest of the song is not really to my taste but I’m glad others enjoy it.
I think the strenght of the opening line is that, no matter what we think about it, there’s this common denominator of “I can’t believe he’s singing it!”. So, some people will think it’s funny because they just like this kind of humor, some will think it’s funny because it’s coming out of nowhere in the bluntest possible away (it’s my case) and those who won’t have a laugh will end up feeding its myth accidentally, since people will think their reaction is also funny. But I totally understand why you think it’s inappropriate. Because, after all, it’s a show… Read more »
I’m usually not a fan of joke entries, but this is a joke entry done well. Lyrics are witty and they perform it well, it’s fun and catchy. Obviously not a winner, but to me this deserves to qualify and place somewhere between 10-20th in the final.
Who is this Natalie? Get a life dear. If Citi Zeni said what you said about them, about you, you would probably try to cancel them.
Tbh, I don’t think Natalie has really liked much of anything so far. Let’s stay the course with her.
Its outrageously funny opening line will go down (pun intended) in ESC’s History, so what about the rest of it? I like the non lecturing way it spreads a necessary eco friendly message. Too bad the rest of the lyrics containing sex innuendo are awful and, in the end, it feels more like an R-rated orientation video for teens than a proper music competition entry. That said, the presentation is actually pretty good. From the funky instrumental to the way they use the stage, this is way more polished than a regular novelty act. 5.75/10
The fact that it’s unapologetically a joke act makes me want to not rank it extremely low. Also as you mentioned the opening line is a moment I am waiting for during the semi final. But only during the semi final. The fact that it actually has a decent instrumental though should be recognised. And it also comes alive on stage with the frantic dancing. But all in all I can’t say I like this entry. I kinda enjoy the live performance but I don’t like it like it.
This was the hardest song to review this year. In one of the many discarded drafts, I wrote exactly what you commented, that I don’t like the song, but I enjoy the live performance. So, there’s this internal conflict: I like they’re doing something unique (much better than just trying to recycle a pop song with vague lyrics about nothing), I like it has a (green) heart behind it and I like how they’re presenting it. But the song itself doesn’t convince me.
I get why some people are all over the lyrics, I really do. They’re not my sort of thing either but I think there are some double standards here. At least, Latvia are trying to be somewhat clever with some of the innuendo and puns. I mean, Spain’s song is right there, not exactly channeling Bob Dylan either.
Am glad that you’re appreciating the musical side somewhat, though!
I was glad to read you and others mentioning musical aspects too, because usually “joke acts” aren’t judged by them (for good or for bad) and only by if people feel it’s funny or not. We can’t have comedy sketches competing with songs, but humorous songs competing with “serious” songs. And you have a point about the lyrics. As I stated, I have a problem with some of them, but here we at least know what were their intentions. Their tone is set right from the first line. And even like that, there’s a clear and well transmited message here,… Read more »
I will definitely be consistent with Spain as well as I agree that one is also lyrically awful and you are right to point out potential double standards in some reviewers.
I’m strongly against joke acts that desperately try to be funny. I don’t find this one funny and the lyrics are cringy. The music is a bit annoying too. What hurts me the most is that it took the place of some other good song in Supernova … and I don’t know why! My negative self do believe it’s going to be the one joke act that qualifies but doesn’t deserve it. At times it looks like Germany last year but there are too many serious songs for the average viewer so Latvia might make it through. Latvia goes straight… Read more »
There were other good songs in Supernova? If there were, they certainly weren’t put through to the final because that was an awful selection of songs, ranging from the cringe to the non-competitive.
and San Marino doesn’t have cringy lyrics?
7.5/10 To me this song isn’t a joke entry as it actually has a good message! Anyway, I think out of all the entries this year Citi Z?ni had some of the best performances at the pre-parties and we could for sure see that happen in Turin. This could qualify, idk!
I wonder how many national broadcasters may selectively censor out what many would consider an offensive word in the first line. I find the song funny and a bit of a bop. But, I also find it totally inappropriate for Eurovision. So, this is my last place.
It will be censored for everyone
I agree with Natalie here.
One of my favorite entries in the entire ESC season. Loved it upon first listen. Funny, creative, clever, catchy and just a good mood song. I’m very happy with Latvia (And with the 3 Baltics in general this year 🙂
I hope Citi Zeni will break Latvia’s NQ streak, and I think they might.
This is honestly one of the most shockingly good entries of the year. Don’t be fooled by the silly lyrics, these guys are GREAT performers, live or not! This entry has exactly what it needs to stand out, even if it’s 2nd in the running order. It has that ‘shock value’ first-time viewers will remember, it’s catchy, it’s fun… I can keep naming positives. If Latvia doesn’t qualify with this, I’m pretty sure we won’t see Latvia qualify ever again. It’s an 8.5/10 for me.
Totally in agreement that this is the most competitive Latvian entry we’ve had for a while.
What a mess! At least the most polished joke entry won in Supernova.. I honestly think that it would be my dead last and one of my least favorite ESC songs if it wasn’t for the vocals. It’s not my thing at all and honestly it somehow makes me more of a meat lover. If being a vegan/vegetarian means like being these guys… I’m not buying it. Sorry Latvia but food themed songs don’t fit you. First time they’re out of my top15 since 2015…
Rating: 1/10 (36th)
It’s actually a funny song but unfortunately nothing more than that…..
After seeing these guys on the wiwi interview live stream from the London EV party, please make sure that every female participant and delegation member, and female journalist gets a restraining order against these immature boys. Or at the very least, that no woman should be left alone in their company. The way they spoke to Cornelia from Sweden… I was fearing for her safety. You could clearly see she was uncomfortable with their rather forward conversations. It was so creepy and very worrying.
Stay safe.
I thought the same when I saw the interview. At the beginning Cornelia was totally unawere until finally she realized they were being too fresh. Then her face showed she wasn’t pleased at all.
Wait what… How did you even come to that conclusion? She did not exhibit any signs of being uncomfortable – quite the contrary – as she also asked silly questions and even rested her arm casually on the shoulder of one of the guys. At this point you guys are just reaching lmao. Sure the lyrics of the song is crude but it’s all in fun spirit – if your classification of people having fun is calling them immature then so be it.
I agree with you. Monika Liu is at the pre parties almost all the time with them and she doesn’t look uncomfortable.
You are actually saying these guys are criminals because “I hope women will get a restraining order against them”. What crime did or do they commit? Cringy lyrics aren’t punishable in UK.
Seriously, a very defamatory thing to say based on very little. I would like to know if Cornelia agrees with you assessment, I imagine she can speak for herself.
39. Latvia – Citi Z?ni – Eat your salad – 2/10 – oh dear, what a disastrous mess. If someone asked me to describe this song in one word, I would choose “irritating”. The nauseating theme makes me want to burn a load of tyres and head straight down to McDonalds (and not for a McPlant burger). Can someone please explain to me why I need to listen to a pop song with a message like this? As if being nice to the planet had never crossed my mind and all I needed was Citi Zeni to sledgehammer the message… Read more »
If they were actually ravenous meat-eaters, having it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then they’d be hypocrites. Answering a silly question for laughs isn’t really good enough reason to hate them.
Banana pride, I’m always happy to see it.
I haven’t been reading these as I didn’t want any spoilers for the videos, but now I don’t know if they’re even coming 🙁
I hope reading the same criticism about cringy lyrics in the “Jezebel”, “Stripper”or “SloMo” reviews and comments.
Oh, I forgot they released their score for “Stripper”.
But I don’t know about the other two songs. We’ll see.
Oh. I just saw this comment now. Yeah, I kinda had a go about how SloMo seems to be getting away with being lyrically much worse than Eat Your Salad.
Me neither, Spain is equally awful lyrically. Also, it is unfair to group San Marino into this bracket. That song is a self-depreciating one about someone who is conflicted about their internal desires and who recognizes that their behaviour is self-harmful.
MY 8TH PLACE OUT OF 40, WITH A 9.5/10 SCORE, I FREAKING LOVE THIS, Y’ALL HATERS MAY KEEP CALM AND “EAT YOYR SALAD”! 😀
*YOUR
1/10 As someone with a Latvian background, I am deeply embarrassed that this crap gets to represent my second homeland. Šausmas!
I would have disqualified this song. It is not only the first line. “Forget the hot-dogs ’cause my sausage is just bigger” And something about “cheeks” (butt) I totally agree with Natalie this is disgusting. This is a song you wouldn’t play to your children, would you?
2.Latvia – This is really fun. A left-handed guitarist on stage. The sax solo. The performance in general. It’s a step towards this year being fun.
This song would be nothing without the first line. It’s the only redeeming quality.
‘Eat Your Salad’ is cheesy, cringeworthy and hard to listen to. Will the first line and possible gimmicks on stage be enough for them to qualify? I doubt it.
Not to mention the overly fake-American accents. Overall, this song is god awful.
26. Latvia: Yeah I am all for fun and funky entries but this one isn’t really the best in this genre in my opinion. One advantage is the fun and almost iconic lyrics and the way it’s been lifted up when performed on a big stage given the energy of the group. It will be fun to watch their performance in the semi but I think they won’t reach the final.
Latvia – I’m going to be honest: the first time I heard this song I thought it wasn’t that bad but as the more time went by, the more I couldn’t stand it. Usually I’m all for a funny song from Latvia but this to me is plain obnoxious. Thankfully there are a couple countries this year that do it way better. It’s joint last on my personal top 40 as I personally cannot get through the first 30 seconds of it. Last year I wondered whether I should put the most boring one in last place or the one… Read more »
She actually said meal and quickly said like burgers after that but the main thing was an awesome meal, didn’t have to be burgers
yeah but she said it in like a side sentence, the main part was meal. I didn’t even notice it before you said it and they might have not noticed either. She really didn’t say “big, juicy, delish burger” like you implied.
I like the melody but I don’t like the lyrics. They aren’t allowed to say pussy in Turin but they will just encourage the audience to say it instead. I think the main guy is very charismatic – 4/10 but will probably Q based on stage presence but some might find it preachy and crude.
I like this song, perhaps the lyrics are the reason why people hate it, but if it had different lyrics about love etc then it probably would change many opinions.
It’s just not something we have heard in Eurovision and that’s what sticks out. Musically it is good, the funky vibe. They are a very charismatic band that gives just positive vibes but it will stay as a song that many people hate or love.