Without the excitement of national finals and the contest itself, the summer months can represent a bit of a lull for Eurovision fans. However, there’s no rest for the singers. There’s always new music for us to consume, and so we’ve rounded up some recent releases which you may have missed while lounging in the sun.
Nigar Jamal feat. Berksan “Herhalde” (I Suppose)
Hadise isn’t the only one capable of bringing us sexy Turkic realness. Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2011 winner, Nigar Jamal, werks it in the video for her latest single “Heralde”. There’s lots of seductive poses, sultry glances and superstar strutting, as the occasional road safety advocate sends her collaborator, Berksan, into a sweat. Sadly, the song itself is a bit of a let-down. The Eastern beats are fab, and for once Nikki’s vocals aren’t the issue. But it’s just too damn repetitive. And the final verse from Berksan feels completely redundant.
Dave Audé feat. Olivia Newton-John & Chloe Lattanzi “You Have to Believe”
It’s 35 years since Olivia Newton-John released her global smash “Magic”. To celebrate, the UK’s 1974 representative has decided to record a revamp of the track. She’s thrown in some electro beats, a load of auto-tune, tweaked lyrics, a name change, and some motherly bonding with her daughter Chloe. The end result is horrific. The 1980 classic is transformed into a monotonous, soulless mess. Although the video is worth watching for its camp value – drag queens in Vegas, need we say more?
Loboda “Pora Domoy” (Time To Go Home)
No one does music videos like Svetlana Loboda. No one! For her latest, we see Ukraine’s 2009 singer star in scenes of hedonism, debauchery, and criminality. There are snakes in a bed, full-frontal male nudity, sharks, and public urination. A woman is terrorised in a bath. Another falls off a roof. You have to watch it, in order to appreciate the levels of bizarre. And if you think it looks a little familiar, Rihanna released her “Bitch Better Have My Money” over a month later. Make of that what you will. As for the song, it’s pop perfection as usual. Pulsating beats, powerhouse vocals and a killer chorus.
Lara Fabian “Quand je ne chante pas” (When I Don’t Sing)
Contrary to France Télévisions’ long held beliefs, it is possible for a song sung in French to be something other than a depressing dirge. A case in point, is the latest release from Belgium’s Lara Fabian, who sang for Luxembourg in 1988 (she lost out to a certain Canadian singing for Switzerland). Put simply, “Quand je ne chante pas” is wonderful. Uplifting and feel-good. Lara’s vocals are laden with happiness and sunshine. And the video set on a stage with an ever changing backdrop is utterly charming. I challenge you not to smile. J’adore!
F.A.C.E. feat. Margaret Berger “Diamonds”
Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! It’s been ages since Norway’s 2013 star promised us an album. But all we’ve gotten is two singles, the last of which was released almost 18 months ago. The “I Feed You My Love” singer must be sensing our impatience, as she’s finally returned, lending her vocals to F.A.C.E.’s latest single “Diamonds”. It’s typical Berger synth-pop, but without the sense of drama and foreboding of previous efforts. Her talents are wasted on a chorus that is essentially one line repeated over and over. Still, it’ll help tide us over for a while until that album eventually drops.
het pilubek moet iets te kizeen hebben. Mag ook een artiest met twee liedjes zijn. Maar volgens mij is die regel nog niet officieel.
About Olivia’s case, it’s just about supporting her daughter’s music career. Mother-daughter fun.
“No one does music videos like Svetlana Loboda.” – So true.
Hello wiwibloggs! Have you noticed this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEu6-GHNljU
Krista Siegfrids new song called Better On My Own! And the amazing video ofc!
I am amazed someone took time to notice that Lara Fabian has a new single …
~ Nigar Jamal feat. Berksan “Herhalde” (I Suppose) Nikki dear just focus on the wheel & learn to drive you woman 😛 hehe.. This is my personal advice 4 her…:) Next time she might not be lucky like she was this time.. I did not like her song though…I can’t even remember it by now.. ~ Dave Audé feat. Olivia Newton-John & Chloe Lattanzi “You Have to Believe” Nothing special…I didn’t like this song either.. Well after decades Olivia does not seem too old though…Well it is obvious that she has done some plastic surgery & bottox to keep her… Read more »
Many years ago I woke up with “LOBODA” tattooed on my wrist. Never regretted it, she’s still praise worthy. She is the queen :]