Poland, Kasia Mos, 1

Czesc Polska! Today the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — headed to Krawkow to take in the beauty of one of Europe’s most stunning cities. After enjoying several kielbasa and a whole bucket of pierogi, we settled down to discuss Poland’s Eurovision 2017 song from Kasia Mos. Did “Flashlight” light up our lives? Or was it just a bit too blinding? Read on to find out…

Kasia Mos – “Flashlight”

About Kasia Mos

The only contestant at Eurovision 2017 to have posed on the cover of Playboy with a wolf draped across her breasts, Kasia Mos isn’t just a pretty face. She’s also a singer, songwriter and dancer who has worked in the United States as part of the The Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Revue. A well-known star in her native Poland, she placed third on the Polish talent show Must Be the Music in 2012. In 2016, she placed sixth in the Polish national final for Eurovision with her song “Addiction” and returned this year to win it all. Kasia, an animal lover, is singing for the rights of everyone — and every creature. “I would like to dedicate the song to the persecuted animals and also to persecuted people,” she told us in Riga. “I think that almost everyone has felt in life — even in school — someone telling you that you should act ‘like this’ or be ‘like this’. I think you should be yourself and be proud of yourself — so damn proud.”

“Flashlight” reviews

Deban: “Flashlight” is varied, textured and crafted with metaphorical depth. Although it may not have the immediacy that one would have hoped for, there’s enough atmosphere and subliminal messages here to power a grid. Kasia Mos is no stranger to the Polish pop scene. She’s showing up this year with a heady mix of activism and flesh. Not many stars can slay this way.

Score: 7/10

Luis: I try to be a positive person, and although I appreciate artists who dare to include deep stories in their songs, I can’t feel the same for those who sing dramatic songs just for the sake of it. That’s exactly what Kasia does. This song is over-the-top and apocalyptic… and what’s the point, really? It’s too pretentious. Also, lyrically it’s a mess. Rhyming “fire”, “desire”, “higher” and “wire” should be illegal.

Score: 3.5/10

Anthony: Kasia is a talented performer and “Flashlight” has its fair share of atmospheric moments as a power ballad, but the whole package feels more like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Poland have often relied heavily on televoting to see them through. So it wouldn’t surprise me if the trend continues in Kyiv, particularly after their top-ten finish last year.

Score: 6/10

Padraig: I’d like to say never have I ever heard a woman sing so passionately about nothing in particular – but that would be a lie. Poland joins Georgia, Malta and Albania in this year’s big heap of interchangeable female ballads. In fairness to Kasia and her team, they do try and add some modernity to “Flashlight” – the atmosphere is very Sia-esque. Unfortunately they forgot to add any heart. This supposed beacon of light leaves me cold.

Score: 4/10

Chris: There must be something I’m missing with “Flashlight”. Whilst I loved Kasia’s stripped back “Addiction” last year, “Flashlight” feels weighed down by its drama. It feels like it’s forcing you to react a certain way; there’s no charm to it. Too empty but full of “meaning”, there’s just a disconnect that ultimately leaves the song feeling cold. Vocally, Kasia does what she can, but it’s too easy to be turned off by this.

Score: 5/10

Jordi: From Prince Michal Szpak to Miss Kasia Mos, Poland is bringing drama and darkness to the stage with “Flashlight”. And again we have a sensational dose of stunning vocals and dramatic flair. She really  knows how to sing and in the most mind-blowing way. The song starts fragile and intimate but breaks into a powerful savage vocal by the end — take it to church and back, honey! However, the chorus needs a better hook, as it’s still quite flat.

Score: 7/10

Robyn: Despite all the very serious drama of “Flashlight” and Kasia’s powerhouse vocals, it’s a song that I struggle to remember. It doesn’t have any hooks, nothing that sticks around. And it’s hard to have much love for a song that rhymes “fire” and “desire”. It’s a disappointing entry for Poland, a country that has done and can do much better. The broadcaster might want a jury pleaser, but there’s no reason why that has to mean a bland song.

Score: 5.5/10

William: Kasia Mos is a master vocalist with a big set of lungs and a beautiful soul. She’s my ideal woman — talented and stunning, kind and open. Unfortunately flashlights aren’t strong enough to light up a room, let alone an arena, no matter how fabulous the singer is. The song lacks a strong hook and, despite the intended drama, it seems more plodding than thrusting. Thankfully Kasia knows how to bring drama and atmosphere, as we saw at the national final. With the right LEDs, she can elevate what is ultimately a so-so song and cut a path to the final. Owing to her charisma and poise, I’m betting that she does.

Score: 6/10

In our Wiwi Jury, we have 38 jurors but only room for eight reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:

Anastas: 4.5/10

Andy: 7.5/10

Angus: 7/10

Antony: 7/10

Antranig: 6.5/10

Bernardo: 4.5/10

Bogdan: 4/10

Dayana: 3/10

Edd: 1/10

Erdi: 9/10

Forrest: 5.5 /10

George:  6/10

Jacob: 4/10

Jason: 6.5/10

Josh: 7/10 

Jovana: 8/10

Kristin: 5/10

Marek: 9.5/10

Matt: 6.5/10

Mikhail: 8/10

Natalie: 5/10

Patrick: 5/10

Renske: 5/10

Rezo: 7/10

Sami: 6/10

Sinan: 7/10

Stanislav: 8/10

Steinunn: 5/10

Tobias: 1/10

Zakaria: 4/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before calculating the average score, the highest and lowest scores are dropped. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 1 and a high of 9.5.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.74/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See our current Eurovision 2017 reviews and rankings

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98 Comments
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K.
K.
6 years ago

Guys, they did personal rating of THE SONG. I don’t get that whole butthurt. “Flashlight” isn’t easy-going tune like ie. “I feel alive” or “Gravity”. It’s not light tune for masses so I get different and mixed feelings about it. The only thing that concerns me about general review is “she signs passionately about nothing”. HUH?! Seriously? A little bit of research before forming opinion would be beneficial. Sometimes lyrics are having hidden message like in her example (“like two animals on the run”). That made me a little bit sad cause shame to claim it’s about nothing. I’m between… Read more »

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

Amazing song 10/10

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

wow! I’m not such a fan of this song, but definitelly Kasia don’t deserve such low score..

Justine
Justine
6 years ago

Neither me nor anybody is attacking wiwibloggs experts. It’s just sad giving any contestant 1. You love Eurovision so you should have just a little RESPECT for participating artists.

Padraig Muldoon
Admin
6 years ago

For all you supposed clever clogs calling me “anti-Polish”:

http://wiwibloggs.com/2014/04/28/poland-jury-reviews-donatan-cleo-we-are-slavic/44565/

Bye!

Mary
Mary
6 years ago

And now good message: Kasia was the best afer all eurovisions parties , it was visible in polls, passed Italy : http://wiwibloggs.com/2017/04/09/poll-gave-best-live-performance-eurovision-concert-2017/185382/ …… And funny message to WIWI Jury : “I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU (UK)”…….. BECAUSE “I NEVER STOP BELIEVE (ARMENIA)”….. “I KEEP THE FAITH (GEORGIA)”…… THIS “ACCIDENTALLY KARMA” (ITALIA) ……………… AND “LET ME BY YOUR GRAVITY ” (CYPRUS) …..IN THIS “BEAUTIFUL MESS” (BULGARIA)….. AS “FLASHLIGHT” (POLAND) ON YOUR WAY……. still with greetings from polish-UK girl……

Diana
Diana
6 years ago

This Edd guy gave 1/10 to flashlight, while he gave 6,5/10 to bland ballad from Malta 😀 I don’t think it’s objective opinion, probably guy has some problems with Poland, and he’s not marking the song, but the country.

daniel07
daniel07
6 years ago

I do not understand you. This song is perfect. How you can evaluate to 1. Has a great talent. Usually you think you win pop songs and that fall on a rhythm. Or songs in which there are controversial songs with homosexual persons, or transsexual. I’m tolerant, but without exaggeration. Many people do not perceive this as he sings, and on as many entertainment, lights and different effects. During the voting of the jury, the countries as: Poland does not get a lot of points, why? Because I do not like to Polish. So, you can see that this contest… Read more »

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

Logic on Wiwibogs:) 1). Previous year – Micha? Szpak – when he won the elimination – “we prefer Margaret, he is so boring” – Concerts in London, Amsterdam, Israel – “Best Voice”, but in ratings wiwiblogs about 4.70 – After Eurovision – “The jury hurt him so badly” – Plebiscite – who had the best voice – “Yes, he deserved it” 2). This year – Kasia Mo? It is exactly the same. You like her voice, she has the best live performances, but judged at just 5.74. And I am telling you that Kasia is very surprised all in Kyev… Read more »

cheesecake
cheesecake
6 years ago

5.74 seems right.

JD
JD
6 years ago

I really like Flashlight, but the overly obsessed Polish fans are too annoying. People are judging the SONG, not the COUNTRY. Can’t you see the difference?

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

I dislike the way she makes it from intricate ballad (great arrangement, really) to simpler one at chorus part – way to different from studio version. Still, pretty conservative scores from north-west block 🙂

filip
filip
6 years ago

Beautiful song, I’ll vote for it from Romania, also liked Michal Szpak. Kasia will be in the final for sure.

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

I liked this song enough when it won in Poland. Sadly it hasn’t held well since.
I like it’s original elements and dark deep electronic sounds that are almost erratic, but attracting in a way. Yet, the more I listen to Flashlight, the less excited I get for it. It drags and follows something good (pulsating dark vibes) wit something not as good (dodgy lyrics). Kasia may pass the semi, but that I am growing less hopeful by the day.
5/10

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I’m a massive fan of orchestral pop/rock, and in that genre “Flashlight” is a stunningly dramatic example. The lyrics might be overly generic, but Kasia’s voice (despite dividing opinion on sound quality) is pitch-wise outstanding on this track, and even better when heard live. Okay, so it’s yet ANOTHER song rooted in D minor for this year, but this one frankly blows the UK out of the water. The vocal melody does the opposite of what is anticipated – the verses are higher in pitch than the bridges and Chorus: that’s risky. The reason it works is all because of… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

The song (particularly the instrumentation) is far too heavy. Her vocal never seems to get above it. The closer and closer Eurovision gets, lower and lower this goes down my list.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

@JEFFERSON LAMAS – Thank you very much 🙂

CharlieChan
CharlieChan
6 years ago

Studio ? Yes!
Live ? WTF!?
The studio version is great, but why does she have to force her voice that much! The song isn’t asking for an screaming diva with powerful vocals, she doesn’t have to demonstrate that. When she decides to sing her song normally, then I will be extremely pleased to give her a 9, but now, my score is the average of live and studio…
7/10

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
6 years ago

04 UK | 13 DEN | *16 POL* | 19 LAT | 20 ICE
26 NLD | 33 MNE | 34 ISR | 36 GER | *37 MLT*

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
6 years ago

04 UK | 13 DEN | >16 POL37 MLT<

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
6 years ago

Nothing stands out about this song. It is alright. 6/10

04 UK | 13 DEN | >>16 POL<>37 MLT<<

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

@ -_-
You are deaf as a stump:)

-_-
-_-
6 years ago

well, this bland and incomprehensible song deserves 5.74 indeed. it should be even lower.

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

I do not get it. How is it possible that the best live performance song is so low rated? Is Eurovision a music contest or not? Flashlight is awesome. Kasia deserves to a really high place in this contest.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

5,74? What?
To be honest, this song has started to fade, but I still like it!
It’s a dark, mysterious song with a great performer! Kasia slays!
I’ll give it a 6.5!

Anna-beth
Anna-beth
6 years ago

Kasia is great performing live and you said it many times. I don’t understand why she is rated do low. Does every song in this contest has to be upbeat pop song to be placed high or at least get to the final? “Flashlight” is dark, misterious song and I hope it will do good in May.

Akwa
Akwa
6 years ago

As a Pole. I’m really disappointed , but I get your thoughts about our song , but I have to say , I don’t know what I should think of chances of qualify or top 10 , cuz in youtube , We’re many times in top 10 and average in top 15 , but in every esc forum , we’re average 25 or lower. I don’t get this . Can someone explain me , why is this happening ??

Justine
Justine
6 years ago

Talking about nasal singing the good example is Belgium which everyone adore so much.

Napaw
Napaw
6 years ago

@Polegend… That’s fine 🙂 now please move on to complaining about the next topic like you always do and stop spreading hate in Kasia’s comment section.

Justine
Justine
6 years ago

It’s really great that you write in the beginning: “Cze?? Polska” to Polish wiwifans but a little lesson for future, you should write: “Cze?? Polsko”.

By the way, when will you upload video with this review?

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

@ Napaw – oh you’re talking about the nasal screaming she does in the live performances? I’ll pass :—)

Napaw
Napaw
6 years ago

@PolegendGodgarina those powerful vocals you’ll hear when actually listening to it without an already biased opinion <3

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

@ Napaw – what powerful vocals? She sings through her nose lmao. 1/10 is generous.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

@ M_K – read one interesting article by Marc Spitz where is stated that this is ”the most laziest rhyme in all of songwriting history”, with great caption also ”Rock needs a little infusion of hip-hop discipline to keep songwriters away from this trite faux pas” 🙂

Pissedoff
6 years ago

Wiwi Jury is a joke, how can you rate Montenegro which is the worst and most annoying entry this year, higher than Poland???? Next time try rating the songs without hormones ffs

4li3n
4li3n
6 years ago

(She looks Aurea on this pic)

Digital Style
Digital Style
6 years ago

Whilst I have great respect for Kasia Mos and her impressive career, in all honesty, this song absolutely bores me to tears. There’s no real meaning or story or message in it at all, and it doesn’t match her voice at all.

sg
sg
6 years ago

wtf y’all gave more than 6 to Montenegro and 5,7 to this masterpiece? don’t forget you gave Michal Szpak 4,8 and he finished 8 in final, so bye

Rich
Rich
6 years ago

I disagree totally with the average 5.74/10 scoring from the Wiwi juries.

Kasia’s vocals are world class and her live performances are one of the best this year so far in my own opinion, with the right budget and staging on the bigger stage in May i am predicting a high score, it has lots of potential It could even be the winner and i would be so happy if it is. A worthy winner for sure.

#TeamKasia “Flashlight”

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

@ tt Well, it’s not quite creative either but here’s my attempt at explaining why people complain less about “forever/together” than about “fire/desire”: 1) “forever” and “together” are adverbs whereas “fire” and “desire” are nouns. When you read/listen to a sentence, your focus is usually on the nouns and verbs and not on the adverbs as those carry little information themselves and always need context. 2) “forever” and “together” are often used in the same sentence without actually being intented to rhyme. “They will stay together forever” is a “normal” sentence. As a consequence, using “forever” and “together” in the… Read more »

Rick
Rick
6 years ago

Sorry but I do not understand anything. How is it possible that one of the best songs in this edition is so wronged by you? The same was with Micha? Szpak last year. Wiwiblogs! What’s wrong with you? Kasia is rated higher on live performances. She is the best singer, and Flashigt is in my top 5 and by many fans also. You were so impressed with her performances. Seriously anyone judges Flashligt for 1 point? It’s absurd. It is sad that some of your “jury” allow themselves to be disrespectful and even contempt for this song. Are these specialists?… Read more »

tt
tt
6 years ago

* the SAME bloody year

tt
tt
6 years ago

How is there a problem with rhyming fire with desire but not one is talking how both UK and Ireland rhymed together with forever THE DQME BLOODY YEAR?!

Lol
Lol
6 years ago

Another year the judges again judge Poland poorly 🙂 Nothing new, we can have good result without judges

(#Grateful /Edyta < 3 )
(#Grateful /Edyta < 3 )
6 years ago

I really don’t think that its a case of :
polish-phobia or prejudice/bias in general..
(How many of us are gay & we like the song)
Just the usual abnormal phenomenon of the WB juries
(at least on certain songs & with specific jurors)

honey
honey
6 years ago

yeah this is funny that some people can rate this song 1/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_AN9QoblTQ

Napaw
Napaw
6 years ago

I understand that Flashlight is probably not everyone’s cup of tea. But who the heck gave it 1/10? Even if you don’t like the song itself, you just have to appreciate the powerful vocals Kasia is presenting.

I personally can, for the first time (especially after last year’s disaster), say that Poland is one of my Top faves.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

Georgia 2011, Denmark 2004. 🙂

ddd
ddd
6 years ago

edd and tobias are polanofobic,should be be banned from wiwibloggs

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

@ Alison

fire/desire is symbolic for unimaginative rhyming, simply because it’s been used sooooo many times. From the top of my head I can name Malta 2000, Cpyrus 2005, Greece 2005, Romania 2010… but there are more examples – outside Eurovision as well.