SVT has released the studio versions of tonight’s competing songs for the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2014. You can listen to each of the eight competing songs below, and can take a look at the artists’ drawings. Apparently singing isn’t their own talent!
YOHIO – “To the End”
In his second attempt to win #melfest, YOHIO sings “To The End”, a rather classic-rock entry. It’s better suited for Eurovision than his previous entry “Heartbreak Hotel”. It is not a winning song, but it’s very nice, with good music and lyrics. YOHIO (along with his fireworks) can 100% support this mainstream number.
Mahan Moin – “Aloa”
Well, that’s… different. You will definitely hear it in Swedish clubs (remixed, of course), although it cannot represent Sweden. It’s oriental and Asian sounds remind us of Tooji’s “Stay”, with one common feature: both songs seem to have been conceived to finish last, in any competition. There are also some parts “Pasho pasho, e – e Pasho pasho, o – o – o” or “Get up, get up, get up, Get up, get up, get up” which are definitely not going anywhere. How did they survive the edit?!
Linus Svenning – “Broder”
THE ballad of the show. Nice lyrics set to music that escalates and a ryhthm that draws you in. It’s everything that a serious Eurovision broadcaster searches for. It reminds us of some Serbian and Bulgarian entries from years past, with the drums and the lyrics, especially in the chorus: “Kära brö..der, Kära kära brö..ö..der.” This should easily pass through to the Andra Chansen.
Elisa Lindstrom – “Casanova”
Is that country-like? Yes it is… Elisa could have a better song. One that isn’t so weird and full of meaningless lyrics. If it wins #melfest (impossible), Sweden should seek advice from Germany’s entry back on 2006. Only the choreography and the confetti can save her from total failure. BTW: her dress does not fit with the the song. She clearly stumbled into a burlesque performer’s dressing room by accident.
Alvaro Estrella – “Bedroom”
Everything about this is nice—except for his appearance, the chorus, the music, and the cubes which remind us of Sakis (2009) and Farid (2013). In other words it’s crap. Melodifestivalen, though, is always unpredictable! I expect this will proceed to Andra Chansen….along with “Oho” x 9 times and “Boom” x 57 times!
Ellen Benediktson – “Songbird”
A slow ballad, something like the Netherlands’ “Birds” from 2013. Could easily become a radio success. It’s very slow… If a pair of ballerinas are not included in that, it’s definitely going to fail. However, there is a chance that Swedes will vote for her thanks to her sweet, young voice. She certainly looks wholesome and demure coming after Elisa! Regardless, I’ll be taking a nap during this.
Sylvester Schlegel – “Bygdens son”
Well, he sounds old. His “Bygdens son” is boring, too boring. Only in a very few parts (mainly the bits without lyrics) can I charaterize this as a success. Even so, it may pass through to Andra Chansen. He looks good, and I think Elisa should ask if she can borrow this for the evening.
Helena Paparizou – “Survivor”
Perfect lyrics. Perfect backdrop. Perfect appearance. Helena sings a fantastic ballad infused with a rock edge. This could very well give her her second win at Eurovision, this time for Sweden. She pay a lot of attention to her hand motions, which will entice the Swedes to vote for her. We will 100% see her in the final in Friends Arena!
So, everything is ready for a great show to begin! Enjoy the performances, and don’t forget to vote!
Billy Xifaras contributed this report from Greece. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_xifaras. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and liking our Facebook page.
Photos: SVT
Really bad songs Sweden
Love: – “Casanova” by Elisa Lindström – Such a guilty pleasure. I doubt it’ll win and would be surprised if it even made it through this semi, but I love it and am definitely going to listen to it after Melodifestivalen. – “Songbird” by Ellen Benediktson – Beautiful song. I love her voice and how her only backup is a guitar. I don’t think it’ll win but I do love it. Like: – “Aleo” by Mahan Moin – I’m very surpised about this. I hated the one minute preview. There’s something about it I like though, don’t know what. –… Read more »
ellen benediktson & helena paparizou’s songs are great ! yohio’s song is flat, predictably & boring.
“Brother” – personal fave and a song for which I’ll cheer.
Everything else comes below the mediocre line, including Helena’s song.
I’ll dance to that “Bedroom” and “Aleo” things, though.
SURVIVOR ALL THE WAY! totally love that “you-won’t-bring-me-down-because-I’m-stttrroonngg” message <3
Ellen Benediktson’s song… I’m not so sure about the others. Boring semi-final.
I think I will listen to Rebecca Black’s “Friday” now. At least it’s better than this garbage… disappointed!!!!!!!
This is such a weak semifinal! I didn’t expect this.
I don’t know why there is such a big fuss about YOHIO. His song is not original and I really don’t see it do good on the ESC stage. Sure, his personality and presence are impressive, but that’s it.
And yes, Helena’s song is the best from this semifinal. But we all know that it’s not that good. It has a previously sang subject and it’s really not something we haven’t seen before.
Well, at least I hope there are gonna be better songs in the upcoming semifinals.