We are getting close to Estonia’s national selection for Eurovision Eesti Laul 2016, which kicks off on February 13. In recent weeks the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has been listening to and reviewing all of the songs. Next up is Zebra Island with their song “How Many Times”. They are filled with electro-pop energy. Did we feel it? Find out below!

ZEBRA ISLAND — “HOW MANY TIMES”

“HOW MANY TIMES” REVIEWS

Mikhail: With so many glitches and jingles, my head goes around a bit. It is an enjoyable lounge chill-out song, but that’s it. I wouldn’t mind listening to it once or twice, but I wouldn’t enjoy it much.

Score: 5/10

Robyn: I’m getting a little annoyed with Estonia now, with its stubborn insistence on entering super cool tunes that are wholly unsuited for Eurovision. This is the coolest track, but it’s not even close to having that “OMG! Eurovision winner!” impact. I don’t think I can’t handle this much heartbreak. *sobs uncontrollably*

Score: 8/10

Cristian: A track so influenced by the ’80s? I just love it! I would never get tired of listening this song. It’s catchy, sparkling, fresh with that touch of vintage I adore. Promoted!

Score: 8/10

Bogdan: I know y’all are getting nostalgic here, but I would like to remind everyone that the ’80s happened 30 years ago. I’m not a passéist but I prefer bands that take the old sound and elevate it to new, modern heights (see Würffel). Otherwise, we get a Madonna tribute that doesn’t belong in 2016. Decent, but obsolete.

Score: 4/10

Patrick: And how many times do I have to hear this chorus again? Why would you send a song this bad to Eurovision? Of course, if you want to get last place I’m sure it will be a success. I just hope they don’t bring any zebra prints on stage or any zebra-related staging. Please God no.

Score: 0/10

Angus: This is so ’80s and so perfect I can’t deal. This shines with brilliance and I’m left desperately hoping this doesn’t get overlooked as a genuine gem in the competition.

Score: 9.5/10

Bernardo: I’m getting Madonna vibes, and I danced uncontrollably while listening to it. Unfortunately, this is not ESC material. Live, this song ain’t going to work. Good entry, though.

Score: 6/10

Zakaria: While I’m absolutely sure this song won’t make it to the Eurovision stage, I’m madly in love with it! Being an old-school 1980s fan, this song is pure gold for me. The beat is very engaging and the singer’s sultry vocals remind me of Madonna’s beginnings! Congrats Zebra Island, you just won a new fan!

Score: 10/10

William: This has a retro disco feel, albeit one updated with modern-day electronic dance elements. The chorus isn’t particularly powerful or memorable. And while the song is smooth, it just seems to melt from verse to verse, from start to finish. I’d prefer something with a discernible beginning, middle and end.

Score: 4/10

Anthony: “How Many Times” has that groovy sounding ’80s feel to it whilst lead singer Helina Risti provides the distinctive Madonna-esque vibes. It may not sound like the ideal combination for the year 2016, but Zebra Island have somehow made it all click into place. Eesti Laul finalist? Yep. Eurovision contender? Sadly, nope.

Score: 8/10

“HOW MANY TIMES” SCORES

Renske: 6/10

George: 6.5/10

Deban: 6.5/10

Josh: 7.5/10

Antranig: 4/10

Sinan: 7/10

Luis: 6/10

Kristin: 8/10

Denise: 5/10

Dayana: 4.5/10

The highest and lowest scores are removed before calculating the final score. We have dropped a low of 0 and a high of 10.

WIWI JURY VERDICT: 6.31/10

FOR OUR LIST OF EESTI LAUL 2016 RANKINGS, CLICK HERE

FOLLOW ALL OF OUR ESTONIA EUROVISION NEWS HERE

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Transmermaid
Transmermaid
8 years ago

THIS SONG IS A PURE GOLD 10/10

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
8 years ago

I completely forgot this was in Eesti Laul tbh
pretty good song though

LauluSaated
LauluSaated
8 years ago

Great review! It is good to read such reviews in a language other than Estonian 🙂 Good luck and I can’t wait for the first Semi in 8 days. https://laulusaated.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/eesti-laul-2-0/

bogtrotter
bogtrotter
8 years ago

I love the band name, I love the sound (those jangly 80’s synths? Solid gold.), I love the look. Is it a hit? Is it a Eurovision winner? No, perhaps not, but it is a song that I want to keep listening to. There’s very few Eurovision artists where I appreciate or am interested in their extended catalogue, but Zebra Island I could totally get into.

Pavel
Pavel
8 years ago

8/10 this is very good, just behind “Seis”

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
8 years ago

Patrick: What is wrong with you? I am all for people having different opinions but a 0? Go and see an otolaryngologist because there is something wrong with your ears!
Obviously, I love THIS.