In September, she was the first artist to be announced for Eurovision 2018. Now Sennek — otherwise known as Laura Groeseneken — has released her song for Lisbon. “A Matter of Time” was debuted this morning on Belgian radio and already fans are comparing it to a James Bond theme song.

The release had been scheduled for Tuesday, however enthusiastic fans had obtained a copy of the song and leaked it to social media last night. The broadcaster decided to move the song released to an earlier time and made the official debut this morning on radio MNM.

Fans have compared it to a James Bond theme song, specifically Sheryl Crow’s 1997 Bond theme “Tomorrow Never Dies”. But Bond themes have been enduringly popular for over 50 years, so this could be a very clever move. And the formula certainly worked for Conchita Wurst who won Eurovision in 2014 with her Bond-style anthem “Rise Like a Phoenix”.

Sennek’s song “A Matter of Time” celebrates those who follow their own path, despite prevailing expectations, and the lyrics continually question what we’re meant to do with the precious time we have on Earth — and with each other.

As she sings: “Heeey, don’t we go against the tide? Against all their advice we keep running, we keep on running, it’s just a matter of time.”

“A Matter of Time” – Sennek

“A Matter of Time” lyrics – Sennek

Sometimes it feels like it’s meant to be broken
Sometimes we long for the unspoken
We try to avoid every commotion
By showing hardly any emotion

Sometimes it seems we’re at the wrong station
Looking for a deadly combination
Sometimes it feels like imagination
Looking for all these cheap sensations

Heeeeey
Don’t we go against the tide?
Against all their advice
We keep running, we keep on running
It’s just a matter of time

Before it all echoes, echoes
and goes
Crashing against the walls
Hold my hand and keep your eyes closed
Before it all echoes, echoes
and falls
I suppose it’s just a matter of time

Sometimes it feels like it’s meant to be broken
Sometimes we act like we’ve already chosen
We try to retrieve something stolen
By remembering how it used to be golden

Heeeeey
Don’t we go against the tide?
Against all their advice
We keep running, we keep on running
It’s just a matter of time

Before it all echoes, echoes
and goes
Crashing against the walls
Hold my hand and keep your eyes closed
Before it all echoes, echoes
and falls
I suppose it’s just a matter of time

What do you think of “A Matter of Time”? Is a Bond-style theme the right direction for Belgium? Share your thoughts below!

READ MORE BELGIUM EUROVISION NEWS

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Joey N
Joey N
6 years ago

Amazingly retro! It reminds me of what UK bands like Portishead and Moloko were doing in the 90s. Love it! I can almost picture it as a James Bond theme as well.

Igal
Igal
6 years ago

Simply put – this is simply the best song of the entire field. I always wish that singers pronounced their English better, but this is close (unlike some of the motifying English of some artists, e.g., the Russian ainger, yikes!!). Belgium’s song is terrific!!!!

EH UK
EH UK
6 years ago

What ever Belgium is doing, I need them to give the Uk their secrets, seriously this song is so cool, and it’s so relaxing. They will get another good result this year. And it’s annoying how well they pick their songs, another top result for you Belgium congrats.

Tim
Tim
6 years ago

See you all in Belgium next year!

fan
fan
6 years ago

Very good track and will do well.

Phary
Phary
6 years ago

I like it, but it didn’t really blew me away. However I feel that this will really be amazing live, the song has potential for a great stage show and Sennek is a good performer.
A very solid choice for Belgium anyway. ?

Astrid
Astrid
6 years ago

This is what we want to here at Eurosongfestival, not countrymusic. Belgium wins!

Bastian
Bastian
6 years ago
Reply to  Astrid

Can you speak for yourself please. The more variety the better. Countrymusic is very welcome. Rap aswell, although i dont like it myself, but theres no reason to exclude this from eurovision. Astrid, you need to grow up girl.

Bondkk
Bondkk
6 years ago
Reply to  Bastian

rap just doesn’t translates well onto big stage

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago
Reply to  Bondkk

Joci Papai did very well in the final last year.

Lola G
Lola G
6 years ago

Can we call it an early winner? This is QUALITY, other countries take some notes.

poison
poison
6 years ago

FINALLY!!! A song to get excited about! I have found this year’s selection to be mostly forgettable with a couple of okay tracks mixed in. This song and performance is neither!

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

THANK YOU BELGIUM!!

I’ve just heard to the song.
Her voice is amazing! I love the James Bond vibes. It’s inspired by that, but it has its own identity. The music fits her voice perfectly. I love everything about it: the voice, the melody, the chorus, the verses.
I’m stunned right now! It definitely gets in my personal top 5!!
In love!!

oldschool
oldschool
6 years ago

Belgium is becoming the new sweden , they had two success in esc then now anyway they will send to esc all the pathetic nostalgic fans of the esc bubble will love it blindly because they are stupid. If san marino malta or lithuania have send this, all people would say “it’s so bad” “non qualifer for sure” but as it ‘s belgium it’s awesome !! Even if it’s very average,, it’s awesome for the nostalgic of loic nottet or blanche….what a objectivity !!! What a stupidity !! This is not a top 10 material sorry live with that and… Read more »

Sage Anderson
Sage Anderson
6 years ago
Reply to  oldschool

…Rough day?

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  oldschool

I wouldn’t be so aggressive, but I agree with you. I don’t see anything special in this entry, just a borderline song for me.
This is a mix of 007’s theme, Adele-ish, with Amar Pelos Dois flavour. Basically unoriginal.
That being said, I hope Belgium keeps sending something amazing every two years, 2015-2017-2019 (?). I don’t mind Brussels 2020.
Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Hungary deserve to win ESC for sending quality songs almost every year (recently).

oldschool
oldschool
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

but it’s not a contest to find the more constant country, the best country or something like that, it’s a SONG contest. It’s not because a country had success last years it will be the same all time.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  oldschool

I think we all know that.
For example, last year, Belgium, Italy, Hungary and Portugal had high quality songs, and one of them won. What I meant is that I don’t mind which one wins, since the winner is coming with an A++ song. I wouldn’t be happy with a Dutch victory though, because their song was very so so.

Sage Anderson
Sage Anderson
6 years ago
Reply to  oldschool

(Not so) big surprise, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Hungary have been consistently sending amazing songs the past couple years, with this year being no exception (those four just happen to also be a reason this year has so much variety).

They’re all taking the contest very seriously, therefor there should be no surprise if one of those four wins the contest either this year or next year given the quality that their songs have been lately.

Racal
Racal
6 years ago
Reply to  oldschool

How is that a song that “all the pathetic nostalgic fans of the esc bubble will love”? It’s quite far from Eurovision canons. Also, comparing Belgium to Sweden is not really relevant: Belgium is way less successful than Sweden, even if you take the last 3 years into account. They actually had it quite rough at Eurovision.

Benny
Benny
6 years ago

This is quite good.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

I don’t hear quality in this, and I like jazz music.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

It’s kind of depressing for me, since I had big expectations for her.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Still far better than “We Got Love” tho.

RumahDara
RumahDara
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

It’s not even jazz so you can’t relate it

ArmRus
ArmRus
6 years ago

Great Belgium!!!
In my top 5 so far

Michèle
Michèle
6 years ago

Really like this. My number one at the moment in what is admittedly a very poor year to date. I get a bit of an Amy Winehouse vibe about it, albeit not as dark.

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

I really love this! Very atmospheric and interesting. Laura not letting me down 🙂

West
West
6 years ago

It’s good – I’m not blown away by it or anything, but I like it. Bond vibes are present, but I think compared to real Bond songs this isn’t as good. So far even Funny Girl seems stronger, but then again that one I heard live. I’m quite certain I’ll change my mind after I’ll hear Belgian song live as well.

West
West
6 years ago
Reply to  West

Ok, only after second listen and I’m changing my opinion – this is waaay better than Funny Girl. Still, I need to hear the live version before I’ll start rambling about possible winners.

AndersP
AndersP
6 years ago

Love it. Love the Bond vibes, love the class, love the song.

Is this a party
Is this a party
6 years ago
Reply to  AndersP

It is Hooverphonic.

Is this a party
Is this a party
6 years ago

It is a Hooverphonic sounding song 100%. Unfortunately, the chorus is not very strong or catchy. With a strong stage presentation it will enter top 10, aided by the juries as always (the same happened with the more difficult and depressing song from the neighbouring Holland in 2013)

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Belgium keeping up that hot streak. My hopes weren’t let down with this one. Would be happy if they won (although there are plenty of countries this year with songs I’d be happy to see take the trophy).

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago

It’s a beautiful song and I really enjoy it! I think it will definitely qualify and probably be in top 10. Anyway, I must admit that I was expecting a bit more. Given that I loooved ‘City of Lights’, I was expecting something similiar and this was kind of a let down. Also I think that Latvia’s song is a bit better, and if this song would be coming from some other country, I doubt that everyone would be screaming ‘winner’.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Exactly, it’s a bit unfair for Latvia 🙁

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Well, “Funny Girl” improved a lot when performed live, I believe the same will happen to this song. Then we’ll have a better idea about who has the best Bond theme. Laura x Laura! I like both very much. This Laura is more mysterious, the other Laura is more sexy. Both of them are very well ranked on my personal taste.

Lourdes
Lourdes
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

And both have wonderful hair 😀

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Yes! I also thought about that! By the way, Laura Rizzotto will for sure set the record of best hair whipping in the History of Eurovision. 😛

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Funny how we have two Lauras having similar themes. Perhaps they will both make it to the finals, Latvia might even have a chance to quality since Semi 2 seems to be weaker than Semi 1 at this moment.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

I think Latvia will stand out on the second half of the second semi. I hope this will be enough to get them to the final.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Gosh I hope so, I really want my neighbours to qualify <3

Sami
Sami
6 years ago

I appreciate it as a song, but personally I don’t feel the connection with songs from genres that aren’t prominent in current chart music. I can’t remember the melody nor would I listen to it on repeat, BUT it is a great addition to this year’s lineup and brings some diversity and that is always welcome. Good luck Belgium 🙂

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

Wow! Belgium is getting a lot of love. For a change, that is really nice. And it is deserved as a ESC country. It´s true that the video brings it to another level, but there is something that is missing for me in this theme. Maybe a little more Adele-like power? This song requieres on stage a superpower diva-like woman and for now Laura doesn’t strike me as this kind of singer. It can be magical on stage or it can flop entirely. Hard to say, For now, I am happy with this song, but not in my absolute top.

Lisa #Sweden
Lisa #Sweden
6 years ago

THE WINNER! First place for me.

SnatchYourWig
SnatchYourWig
6 years ago

It sounds like Alanis Morissette circa ’99 if she were to do the theme to ‘The World Is Not Enough’ instead of Garbage. Not very original or impressive, really.

Air
Air
6 years ago
Reply to  SnatchYourWig

Funny you should mention Alanis. While watching the video, I Sennek actually reminded me of Alanis, visually though. I think it was because of the hair, mostly.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

Echoeing Sabrina, this is the first song that can challenge France. I predict a 4-horse race between Australia, France, Belgium and Bulgaria.

BTW.. I love the song. Pure art.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

I don’t know Nick, my favorites aren’t usually frontrunners! But I think both are at least top 10 material with the right staging. And I believe Czechia and Estonia can be contenders too. It’s an open race so far and I dig that. I can’t see why some people like when we have 2 or 3 favorites right away.

Alfred
Alfred
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

What about Estonia ?

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago
Reply to  Alfred

Estonia is good, I like it, but I do not see it winning.

Egil
Egil
6 years ago

Well done, Belgium! This is my new nr 1 this year. In Eurovision it’s not enough that a song is Ok, it really needs to catch you and I think this is what this song do to many. Good luck! Greeeings from Norway

VanEddie
VanEddie
6 years ago

I love the sound of hooverphonic, but this is more hooverphonic light, a bit dreamy and spheric, i am sure if it was the bombastic style it would have more impact! I am not sure what to think,and if it is too out of the box for a European audience!I guess it depends how Sennek performs vocally if the song will stand out or not. “A matter of time”” hasn’t the catchy upbeat and modern touch of last years entry. Still i think this is another qualifier, good luck Sennek !

chanson
chanson
6 years ago
Reply to  VanEddie

I think it’s pretty bombastic… I like Hooverphonic too, although I haven’t really listened to their stuff since Geike left, and I think Sennek’s song is more like Mad About You than than, say, Eden (which for me is the ethereal kind).
Btw, do we know what was Alex Callier’s involvement? Did he co-write the song? Produce it?

Franssen jeff
6 years ago

Yessssssss very beautiful entry
Sennek you have an amazing voice
Top 10 for sur
Good job BELGIUM
See you on may 12th

chanson
chanson
6 years ago
Reply to  Franssen jeff

I think it’s pretty bombastic… I like Hooverphonic too, although I haven’t really listened to their stuff since Geike left, and I think Sennek’s song is more like Mad About You than than, say, Eden (which for me is the ethereal kind).
Btw, do we know what was Alex Callier’s involvement? Did he co-write the song? Produce it?

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I don’t know if I like it or not yet. I need to listen to it a couple of times more I think. I can’t deny it has quality and it’s different, but I don’t get the same feeling I got with some other songs I love. I also think it starts better than it finishes.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

Winner alert for me!!!

Ellsonearth
Ellsonearth
6 years ago

Beautiful song 🙂

Am.casablancas
Am.casablancas
6 years ago

I’ve been craving for a James Bond movie for this past month, so you could imagine I was speechless last night when this leaked! Yes it’s reminiscent to James Bond, specially to adele’s skyfall, but I don’t think that’s any detriment to song, if anything is a compliment since I hear that song pretty much every week. This song has body and complexity unlike any other song prior to 2015, and I love how Belgium always leaves me stuttered then it comes to their entries, even Laura in 2016. This gets a 10 and all my support this year, please… Read more »

Kim
Kim
6 years ago

I like it. We are consistently sending great songs to ESF. Belgium should deserve some kind of Overall-best-of-the-decade Award. I am not saying Laura is definitely going to win, but it is top 10 for sure. My ten contenders so far are: Belgium, Germany, Cyprus, Switzerland, France, Spain, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece.

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Decade… well… 2012 and 2014 brings the average down a lot… but yeah, good last 5 year resurgence

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

It seems that those who love the song really love it, which is always a good sign for the televote. Also I think it’s very hard for anyone to not respect it even if they don’t exactly like it, because everything is so classy and clever. Which I believe will play well with the jury. Anyway, I don’t know if this can actually win Eurovision (and honestly, I don’t understand why bother trying to predict the scoreboard that earlier on the process), but I think top 10 is a very realistic possibility. For my personal taste, this is the first… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Oh, one more thing: as much as I love Blanche’s voice and that I want to hug her everytime I see her, let’s remember that Sennek seems to be a more experienced and nuanced performer. I really believe this will grow live, just like it happened with Loic and Laura Tesoro.

Alfred
Alfred
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Blanche seemed stage shocked last year ..she was just too wooden

EscFanBelgium
EscFanBelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I think that impactfull ending will be tailord towards visuals live. I think lights can make it impactfull if they do it right. Also, I think the chorusses in the last minute will be build up better live with gradually adding some more power. This is not as much of a studio song as it is a live performance song…

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  EscFanBelgium

That’s a possibility. Since they’ve been working on this for a long time, it makes sense that they had developed the whole thing at the same time and some things will make much more sense on the live performance. But I think it works quite well already as a studio song.

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago
Reply to  EscFanBelgium

This song doesn’t need LEDs to bring good staging. A dark atmosphere with the right ligthing would do just fine.
I also like the official video, there are some very nice shots there. But still it doesn’t reach the same quality as City Lights video.

Alfred
Alfred
6 years ago
Reply to  Roxy

I agree, it’s good but not as good as City Lights

Alfred
Alfred
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree in regards to ”Mercy”…it is the real frontrunner to beat and has a huge advantage insomuch it’s political and strikes a chord and chimes loud in the zeitgeist …every year there’s a handful of songs that can win but the winner is the one that is a bit unusual and original ….last years Portugal is a good example ….I can easily imagine ”Mercy” winning on the night ..as of yet I’ve seen no one else who seems capable of beating it ;maybe ”Forza” but that may not go down too well with many younger voters

Cesar
Cesar
6 years ago

Belgium has done it AGAIN! Another great song sent to Eurovision. If only other countries could be this consistent. This is clearly another top 10 placement for the Belgians, but they could win the whole thing too! Congratulations and good luck!

EscFanBelgium
EscFanBelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Cesar

She has been producing this song with the staging in mind. You can tell because she also hired Hans Pannecoucke for the visual direction. (Netherlands 2014)
It does work in studio, yes. I love it. Seems quite devisive right now…

EscFanBelgium
EscFanBelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  EscFanBelgium

This comment was actually meant @Sabrina
Sorry!

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  EscFanBelgium

Everything related to Netherlands 2014 is an awesome signal on my book!

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga
6 years ago

I love the jazzy feel of it, but not the parts where it kicks on to Bondesque territory. Compared to the last 3 years’ Belgian entries, this is a bit of a disappointment. But comparing to the other songs in this year’s ESC, it is one of the better ones

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

Although I prefer “City Lights”, this is really nice and good too. For me Belgium has beaten Latvia in the Bond-theme face off. It’s not as modern and great as the Belgian entry last year, however the lyrical content here beats the one of “City Lights” by miles. I think I can put Belgium in my Top 10 for second consecutive year.

Coco
Coco
6 years ago

Wow, the music video really elevates the song. If she can bring that atmosphere to the stage in Lisbon, she will definitely end up somewhere on the top of the scoreboard.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

A bit disappointed. It is good but not as strong as other recent Belgian entries. Belgium has sent us masterpieces since 2015 that we perhaps expect every song to be great. This lacks.
I still think it will be top 10 but I don’t hear top 5 material

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
6 years ago

Trying to post my TOP31 but the comments are not being published.

John
John
6 years ago

This song really stands out from the rest. It’s a potential winner and I can’t wait for the music video. Goodluck Belgium.
My top 3 faves (Belgium, France & Finland).

Youslay
Youslay
6 years ago

It’s just like Australia 2017 that many people expected that they could bring another strong song after previous success but they did not. Instead, they brought an average quality entry and couldn’t live up to the hype. Begium’s one is also the same. This is just a good song and that’s it.

ESC 4ever
ESC 4ever
6 years ago

A clear masterpiece. Quality and really good vocals. One of my 3 winners so far. I love it! 12 points

Kuna
Kuna
6 years ago

I really like it. It’s not a winner for me, but it does its job, so that Belgium can improve their next entry and possible win
I hope she gets to the top 10, they need it

brennan
brennan
6 years ago

i was thinking she would be sending something sleek, something blanche-like, something more current, something along the lines of AKS+Astrid Destuyver’s ‘Walk Out,’ but instead we got something way more… orchestral?

I’m going to get used to it eventually, but it’s not as great as I hyped it up to be
(it’s definitely in my top 10 though)

Bastian
Bastian
6 years ago

Erm…i expected to get slayed, but it didnt happen this year. Its quality, you can hear that, but i find it rather boring. Its not a winning song, could even miss the final if they dont stage this well.

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

There aren’t that many stand out songs this year, but this is one of them! Well done team Belgium 🙂

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
6 years ago

And we have a winner!

Lola
Lola
6 years ago

I’m pretty sure that it will be amazing live, her vocals are GREAT and I believe that the Eurovision stage this year gives a lot of range for songs like this. I am hopeful!