Unser Lied für Stockholm, Germany’s national selection show for Eurovision 2016, is all set to kick off on February 25. Earlier today, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — gathered in Hamburg to get down on some bratwurst and to discuss the contestants. Today we look at Alex Diehl, who will sing “Nur Ein Lied” (Only a Song). Want to see the jury’s verdict? Read on!
Alex Diehl – “Nur Ein Lied”
“Nur Ein Lied” reviews
Luis: Alex’s voice is warm and his song is inviting. I love this kind of cozy and pleasant song, and actually, I was feeling what he was singing. Although the lyrics might not be the most original ever, Alex manages to stay authentic and that’s impressive, especially in a year full of post-Polina pretentiousness.
Score: 8.5/10
Rick: This is one of the big favourites mainly because of the song’s message. I really like the idea and even the melody but it’s not spectacular enough to convince me. Less is more — that’s what Germany should always keep in mind when it comes to Eurovision. Alex could collect many points with his down-to-earth appearance and his unconventional style, but I just think it’s too quiet and inconspicuous for the big Eurovision stage. People probably wouldn’t remember him after seeing all 26 performances. But I still think he’s a great musician and the song is good.
Score: 6.5/10
Robyn: There’s a risk that peace songs can come across as cynical or condescending, leaving the listener thinking, “Er, I already know that war is terrible, thanks”. But Alex’s song seems to be coming from a really heartfelt place, with the song written as a genuine reaction to the Paris terror attacks, not as a “Eurovision entry”. If this made it to Stockholm. the song lyrics won’t have as much reach being performed in German, but that seems more authentic than a crowd-pleasing translation.
Score: 7/10
Kristin: Back in 1989, an Austrian Eurovision song called “Nur ein Lied” grabbed a little girl’s heart (yeah, mine!) and hasn’t let go since. And here’s another “Nur ein Lied”, only this one seems to be picking up where John Lennon left 0ff with “Imagine”. I’m not getting the wow factor here though. The message is beautiful and Alex has a soothing voice, but I fear that Europe would turn a cold shoulder. Especially because of the “Imagine” bit in the song. Don’t mess with the classics!
Score: 5.5/10
Deban: The intentions here are candid, but the offering isn’t contemporary. Sounding like a re-released track addressing social injustice in 1968, one can’t help but feel nostalgic. However, nostalgia alone shouldn’t bag the golden ticket. Besides, I have a nasty feeling that if Alex Diel won, he’d do another Andreas Kümmert.
Score: 5/10
Mikhail: Es ist nur ein Lied — it is just a song. A song that is just there, that simply exists and you can’t care less about it. I cannot even imagine where I could possibly listen to such song. Oh wait! On the streets of any city, because that’s what street artists do. But sometimes they are even more creative and much better sounding.
Score: 4/10
Antranig: What a great voice! Sadly the song itself feels dated — perfect for Eurovision a few decades ago. Add some intimate staging and keep that guitar firmly in Alex’s hand and this song could go places. Having said that, I don’t think this stands a chance but I’m looking forward to a powerful performance.
Score: 6.5/10
George: Oh, come on. I really love ballads, but this one is just not good enough. I think the problem is that I don’t like his voice – it may be relly nice, but it doesn’t appeal to me. And to be honest, I don’t think Germany will choose him to represent them…
Score: 5/10
In the German Wiwi Jury we have 14 jurors but only have room for eight reviews. The remaining 6 scores are below.
Bernardo: 5/10
Edd: 7/10
Dayana: 8/10
Patrick: 7/10
Bogdan: 2.5/10
Josh: 5/10
The highest and lowest scores are dropped prior to calculating the average score. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 2.5 and a high of 8.5.
If you want to send a message, you better sing in English. This song has nothing what the ESC needs (nowadays). It was different back in the day when Nicole won, but in the modern area these songs wont work…didnt work for Hungary, wouldnt work for Germany – at least the german jury should know that.
If Germany wants the Lisa Angell result, send this song !
What a beautiful song, the lyrics are also pretty darn good. I fell in love with Andreas last year and Alex is on the path to doing it again! Germany always manages to deliver (in my books) and I’d be happy to see this at Eurovision!
I can see Germany falling for this, but it’s just not a very good song. Won’t do anything in Stockholm.
I know my country a little too good: I think they’ll probably send this song 🙁