The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we turn to Italy, where Sanremo 2018 winners Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro have their song “Non mi avete fatto niente” (You did nothing to me). Did we feel their message? Read on to find out?

Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro – “Non mi avete fatto niente”

“Non mi avete fatto niente” reviews

Robyn: I love this song, but it’s one that grew on me — and that isn’t always a good thing for Eurovision. “Non mi avete fatto niente” is packed with emotion and social commentary, a defiant anthem for this modern world. And that’s the big challenge for Italy. It’s a very wordy song, so if that message can get through, then the song stands a better chance of working as a Eurovision entry. But even without subtitles, Meta and Moro still convey the defiance of the lyrics.

Score: 8.5/10

Antranig: I have to agree with Robyn — this one took many many listens for it to grow on me. Does it have enough of an impact on the first listen to collect votes at Eurovision? Personally, I doubt it. Additionally, the message of the song is so deep that it may have limited appeal to non-Italian speakers. Even as someone who knows a little bit of Italian, I connect with the song a lot more with the subtitles on. I hope this does well for Italy but I have my doubts.

Score: 5.5/10

Chris: Italy’s major problem is that there’s at least one song that’s doing “social commentary” already in the final — and doing it better. The music video tells the story well, but live there’s just too much of a disconnect. It feels more like you’re being told off than made to rally around the message, which will surely be offputting to voters as well.

Score: 4/10

Cinan: Hmm. Not my cup of tea really, but I do like the chorus — one of the most important parts of a song. I like the message they are giving with this song, but not sure if they will do very good this year. I wish them good luck.

Score: 5.5/10

Kristin: Here you go again, Italy. Sweeping me off my feet. Bravo. “Non mi avete fatto niente” is completely different from the joy rush that was “Occidentalis Karma”, but jeez, this song is just too good! Meta and Moro have perfect chemistry, harmonize beautifully, the melody is a slam dunk from the first note and the meaning behind the lyrics give me chills and little lump in my throat. This is deep, this is raw and this is totally getting to me.

Score: 9.5/10

Padraig: As always, Italy has delivered a package that’s instantly Italian yet unequivocally universal. One might not understand the lyrics, but through Emal and Fabrizio’s vocals alone we know that their message is a serious one. The emotion is real, heightened by the contrast in the duo’s voices. The entry is packed with refreshing elements yet retains a timeless quality. And for those banging the political drum, I just roll my eyes. Since when is it political to want an end to terrorism? Is that not simply common sense?

Score: 8/10

In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Angus: 6.5/10

Anthony: 7.5/10

Bernardo: 6.5/10

Bogdan: 9/10

Deban: 6/10

Jonathan: 6/10

Jordi: 7.5/10

Jovana: 8/10

Luis: 8.5/10

Renske: 10/10

Ron: 5/10

Sebastian: 5/10

Steinunn: 7.5/10

William: 9/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 4 and a high of 10.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.17/10

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

See all our Eurovision 2018 reviews and rankings

124 Comments
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LCH
LCH
5 years ago

I don’t get this. I sooort of like the first part of the song but then the rhythm changes up and and I’m like… nah. Not bothered. Seen it, heard it, meh.

Mind you. Usually the Italian entried that I did like, did worse than the ones I didn’t in recent years, so who knows?

Miguel Lupi
Miguel Lupi
5 years ago

My winner and I me gonna vote a lot for it in the final. Most beautiful lyrics (and meaningful), great voices, carismatic performers. This would represent Europe beautifully.

Digital Style
Digital Style
5 years ago

I’ll admit that I didn’t like this at all initially. I thought it was strange and didn’t project its intended message well. However, now that I’ve listened to it more and looked into the lyrics, I find this song very powerful and inspirational. I also like the song for what it is musically – I think it’s a very well written and thought out melody. Whilst I would be very surprised if this song were to win, it would not bother me in the least.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

Update: I found out that they will have the translation of the song in various languages ??overlaid. Finally people realized how the subtitles are so needed for non-english songs. Omg this can actually increase their winning since it’s such a great song <3

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

disclaimer: lol I didn’t write the question marks, it just appeared.

bertrand
bertrand
5 years ago

I can’t stop crying. This is great.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

I really like it. The two voices go together so well and they are convincing performers. Moro and Meta’s vocals are particularly smooth over the verses. This song comfortably won a really strong Sanremo this year for a reason. Although I don’t usually care about such things, this song has a great message and as long as they do not get too obvious in the staging, I hope this to do well. It is my current no.7 but it has been much higher in my list previously.

Geo
Geo
5 years ago

The rank is too high, let’s be honest….it’s not a masterpiece. Or is Italy following Portugal’s example of social case, hoping for a great result? Let’s stick to music, ya’ll!

Melania
Melania
5 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Hi! I’m Italian and, even if I understand your point of view, your comment sounds me like a joke! Nobody in Italy writes songs thinking at Eurovision… even if I disagree with this practice, usually the Italian entry for ESC is just a recycled Sanremo’s entry! Sanremo isn’t a real ESC national selection, it’s a separate competition, whose rules impose lyrics in Italian and where nobody speaks about ESC. The day after Sanremo, during the press conference, members of the Italian broadcaster RAI ask to Sanremo winners if they want partecipate to ESC, and if they say yes, they are… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

I enjoyed reading this, thanks Tibor. The song does sound extremely melody-based, and the harmonies are all buried within the recorded backing track. But if you want to find powerful musical content, there is plenty of it all the way through this song. The constant minor-major-minor cadences, the “arch-like” melodies that resemble a little “smile”, and that heartbreaking bass line in the 3rd minute that clashes with the rest of the musical harmony. It’s powerful and moving, if not immediately obvious. I agree that this is a strong year for songs though, and I do expect France to outscore this… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I loved your review, because it helped me figure out some things that bother me about the melody of this song.

And you’re damn right, they have every right to yell at us. And they make me want yell with them.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Thank you very much for reading and liking them Tibor. 🙂

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago

Amazing Song, probably the best message out of all songs in the 2018 edition. I really can’t stop singing it when I watch the videoclip, it’s like it makes me wanna cry and shout at the same time. Italy always bringing quality to the table!

Italy: 2nd

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

The same here! It’s my 2nd place too. And I have cried every time it has been played, so far.

Bob
Bob
5 years ago

I love this song! It is beautiful and emotional and has a strong message of peace without being cheesy (which isn’t easy, just look at Iceland, ugh).

Personal score: 10/10 (will def vote for it!!!)
Prediction: 7th-12th in the final

Mari(o)Vision
Mari(o)Vision
5 years ago

Not my cup of tea.
But its a good enough song.
6,5 / 10

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

Let me start with the praise. This song has the best lyrics on this year’s Eurovision, followed closed by “Mercy”. The fact both songs address very current and tough subjects to talk about isn’t a coincidence. Both of them are wrongly accused of being political propaganda. You can read those lyrics all over and you won’t find anything preaching how things should be done concerning immigration (on France’s case) or terrorism (on Italy’s). You may imagine what are the authors’ positions over those subjects, but they were clever and respectful enough to don’t mix their political views with the feelings… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Sorry for the (extra) long comment guys. But just as Ermal & Meta, I couldn’t say everything I wanted in a few words. 😛

Eve
Eve
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

”As Colin brilliantly said: “It balances three cardinal emotions – happiness, anger and sadness, juggling them and blending into one, which is a hard task”. They’re not saying you should just smile and accept the world crumbling around you. They’re saying life will go on and living in fear isn’t an option. Of course the smile of a child won’t be enough to stop these things to happen. But this is a song, it’s not a plan to save the world.” Sorry for copy/paste, but I just had to- this is most beautiful thing which I read here so far…… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Eve

Hey, be angry at Ermal & Meta, they were the ones who made us write those comments! Haha

I’m glad we’re on the same page, Eve. Not just about this song, but about the world, which is much more important. 🙂

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I also worry that the message might not come across completely since it’s indeed very complex song as you said. Ok, when I first watched them perform for the first time, the emotion, authenticity and seriousness was the first thing that draw me in. Yes, I might have some knowledge of Italian but not really fluent so I didn’t know what the whole message was. Regardless of that, I was so intrigued that made me want to hear more. Of course after researching I completely fell in love. I’m a sucker for good lyrics anyways so no wonder why I… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

You’re right, Kyna. There are many accessible words for an international audience even if the song is in Italian, I haven’t stopped to think about this before. But as you also mentioned, it’s so fast paced that it isn’t easy to connect the dots. Not when you just have 3 minutes for that. My personal experience was a little different from yours. I’m a Portuguese native speaker, so I should had understood all those words you mentioned right away. But when I listen for the first time to a song on a language I can’t speak I’m so used to… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Note to self: I need to stop calling Meta & Moro Ermal & Meta!

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree. But also for some countries there are the expectations. Like Sweden, Belgium, Bulgaria and Italy. They have been sending good entries (personally I count out Sweden, but hey it’s just me) in recent years so people might expect good songs from them so they will pay a bit more attention to them compared to others (which is actually sad for those who are constantly underrated). Again there are so many factors, not just this. The running order, the performance, vocals etc… It’s really hard to predict for these kinds of songs, it can go any other way. Btw… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

This is so true. When a country is doing well, people pay more attention. The odds for Bulgaria and Sweden were super high way before we knew who would they send to Lisbon. It can go both ways though, since the comparison with previous acts can be too harsh. It’s always good to exchange experiences about the songs here. It helped me understand why people liked songs that I’m not fond of and it’s always good to know that someone like a song as much as you. 🙂 Well pointed by the way: we have the MMs with similar topics.… Read more »

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Exactly 😉

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Thanks Sabrina. That was an interesting and brave review – I try not to mention the word “politics” in ESC forums in order to avoid the inevitable backlash, haha.
I feel almost the opposite to you on this song – it impacted me hard on first listen, and has moved me ever since. I really hope they get the staging right in Lisbon. 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I also try to avoid political subjects here because: 1) it’s definitely not the place to discuss that; 2) Eurovision is one of the things I use to escape from all the anger and crazyness I have to deal every single day concerning my country and the world as whole. But it gets in my nerves when some people accuse these songs of being political propaganda just to impose their political points of view. It’s a miracle, but it hasn’t happened that much on this topic. They’re probably saving it for France’s review. 😛 The important thing is that now… Read more »

Hada
Hada
5 years ago

I must disagree with Chris and say Italy does a much better job of doing social commentary than France. France feels like propaganda, Italy feels authentic and from the heart.

They’re one of my winners this year. I really hope they get a good place, or maybe even take us to Italy next year!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Hada

That’s a nice thought. We could all get “lost in Verona” next year! 😀

Eve
Eve
5 years ago

They could sing anything with that language, I would still buy it, lol :p
seriously now, I like the song, their way of singing (don’t consider it as ”agressive” as some say, I think they deliver genuine emotions), besides, I always like Italian entries ’cause they don’t look like ”made for Eurovision”. This could be respectful winner imo, but I think that votes will be split between France and Italy, so I’m not sure, depends on staging I guess.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Eve

I’m actually curious as to how this will be staged. We don’t have LEDs so they couldn’t use the images from the music video, so they’re gunna have to be creative.
This will be so so soooo good if they pull it off on the night.

Leo M
Leo M
5 years ago

I love Italy’s entry. The emotion really comes across in their performance, the song has a really great messages and their voices are brilliant and blend so well together. I would love to see Italy win and it is obvious they really want to as well. 9/10

lacrymea
lacrymea
5 years ago

For me, it’s the best song of the year. I don’t understand its place in the odds.

Love it with all my heart.

Rip
Rip
5 years ago

Lil Babs (Sweden 1961) is died. 🙁

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

It’s my second favourite song this year. Here goes: Italy – Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro: “Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente” Keys: E-flat minor, F-sharp major (or G-flat major) Time Sigs: 4/4 Song structure: Stanza 1 [Ermal] – Stanza 2 [Fabrizio] – Refrain [Ermal] – Half-Stanza A [Fabrizio] – Half-Stanza B [Ermal] – Refrain [Fabrizio] + Counter-melody – Half-Stanza C – Instrumental + Counter-melody – Refrain [Ermal & Fabrizio] – Extended Coda Harmony: Juxtaposition of two related keys. Cadences back and forth. Bass line shifts across triads in the third minute to create harmonic clashes against the melody and counter-melody.… Read more »

Bob
Bob
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Wow thanks for the analysis, very interesting perspective! 🙂

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

This is my true winner.
I don’t even know how to describe the whole beauty of this song. Everything here is perfect. Two different but strong voices, harmonizing in a fantastic melody that grows with every minute. And that message, presented in Italian language (and in “Italian style”, another reason to love it even more)… Just makes me cry.

My one and only

10/10

Andrea
Andrea
5 years ago
Reply to  Ana

I completely agree. When I wrote down my first impressions, I remember thinking how there was some interesting folk influence in the rhythm, it was restrained yet furious. It reminded me of Manu Chao, in a way. Thanks for these really complete reviews

Lola
Lola
5 years ago

I won’t be surprised if Italy does better than last year. If they get the message across with a good staging (because only singing won’t work here.. It’s not a love song) the public might get behind them.

LoveWave
LoveWave
5 years ago

Well, wiwijury usually rates Italy high, not because of their songs, but because it is Italy.

Lewis S
Lewis S
5 years ago

3.5/10 I don’t really get this song; unfortunately there is a language barrier so the message doesn’t come through, so listening to the feel of the music I can only sense anger. For me there’s too much repetition and there voices are annoying. So to sum up I don’t really like this song.

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

I’ll be honest: It has grown on me. I liked it but it wasn’t my favourite in Sanremo. However, Italy always brings quality for me the last few years. This is a beautiful song with a beautiful messenge. I hope the staging is good.
8/10

P.S.: I’d love to see them in the top 10, but I would predict 10 – 15th place.

Flying Donut
Flying Donut
5 years ago

This song is amazing , so emotional I hit me the first time I heard it and still continues to have the same effect , I didn’t put the English lyrics on till about the third listen and I loved it even more , but as someone who doesn’t speak any Italian I loved it before I read the English lyrics cause there’s so much passion , also I respect everyone’s option but How just how can you give this song 4/10 and then give Moldova , a song that while it is fun has to lyrical content a higher… Read more »

Nguyet Huynh
Nguyet Huynh
5 years ago

MY WINNER!!!
10/10

The Scorpio
The Scorpio
5 years ago

Only after a few listens, the song managed to touched me and briefly, I even felt like “This is how a want a Eurovision winner to sound like”. However, after a couple more listens, I started skipping it altogether and now it just totally passes me by. It turned out to be a tiny little flamelet that extinguished completely instead of turning into a wildfire.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

I love the song but I don’t like their screaming at the end. A solid entry theyll Probably date Well.
8,5/10

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
5 years ago

For me “Non mi avete fatto niente” has the full package to be one excellent and memorable ESC entry. First of all it is Italian. 🙂 I admit, I am very positively biased towards Italy. But it’s not only that. I love the commitment and energy on stage of Ermal and Fabrizio. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics you feel that they are singing about something really important. The lyrics are wonderful and touching and the melody is very well contructed. It is an absolutely authentic and genuine act, in a year of so much fast-food. But… somehow it… Read more »

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago

I absolutely hate this song, it is about everything I hate about Europe attitude, but if I speak more I’ll be censored as if it not were about the message of the song. The song has a message you are not allow to debate. Do you think is right? Fine.

Giorgio
Giorgio
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

Let me guess. You are racist?

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

No, not at all. I don’t care about your skin or your God.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

So you hate being against terrorism, or you hate people that want to find strength and hope after terrorist attacks ( of any kind, any source). Good for you! You must be a joy to hang out with!

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

This is not against terrorism. This is about being a punching bag and saying ”I’m still fine, I resist”. Grow a spine!

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

Grow a heart.

allexo
allexo
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

Your a disgrace

Darren
Darren
5 years ago

If Coldplay was Italian it would sound like this. Personally I love it (I also love Coldplay). This song got me straight away and I don’t even speak Italian. The emotion is raw, the production is flawless and the singers vocals are impeccable. (Love how they say Niente). Italy has become one of my favourite Eurovision countries since they came back, but to be fair, any song in Italian is always gunna be in my Top 10 so that’s probably why. Not sure if it will win, I wouldn’t mind if it did though, and I’m sure Italy is heading… Read more »

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

”any song in Italian is always gunna be in my Top 10”

Very intelligent. So this is why you want native languages…because is not necessary to think about the message.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

Why thank you, I am very intelligent (I know you are being sarcastic).
The message of the song I say quite clear despite not being in English, being in its native language just makes the experience more authentic. I would rather have a song sung in its native language than getting one with the most non-sensical use of the English language “Luna Moon Me Up” or just English written by kids “Hot like Fire, it makes you burn”.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

Btw the message of the song is something that effects Italy more so than any other country in Europe. So I am quite sure they are allowed to sing about this issue.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Do you think so? Why is that? It’s about terrorism, not migration. There has been more terrorist attacks in other countries, which makes the song’s message even greater coming from Italy, in my opinion. It shows solidarity.

Frysk
Frysk
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I am Dutch-British, living in France. French compared to Italian sound to me like water gorgling through a blocked sink. Every time I come to Italy I am amazed by the language. In a train the controller quarreling with a passenger, quite agressively and it still sound like an opera§ SO I do understand your attitude towards Italy. Its langauge is a very big advantage over other languages!

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

As an Italian, I find this song TERRIBLE! The Italians just voted for it because we want to show how ~woke~ we are compared to our narrow-minded politicians and laws 15 years behind the rest of the Western world… but if you take the meaning away from this song there are no qualities left. I hope we come second-to-last, only above Spain. Until then, I’m Estonian!

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago

I’ll do anything to vote you into the top 15, wether you want it or not ^^ <3

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Then vote you sheep!

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

I thought everyone was entitled tohave their own opinion, what are you on about? Just because you hate it doesn’t mean I have to do that too…

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

I will quote you and say ”I think you are a sheep, whether you want it or not”.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

A “sheep” is following something. Weißbrot has an individual’s opinion about a song. These are two different concepts.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Poppy

I think you are an ignorant spoiled Teenager wether you want it or not. Now go enjoy your favourite Songs instead of talking trash about other opinions

Poppy
Poppy
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Unfortunately I’m not a teenager since long time ago, but you are. Enjoy it!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Wait. How do you know Poppy’s age? (This has never actually come up.)

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Because that’s how Poppy came across. I don’t know his/her age, I just assumed it, because a mature Person wouldn’t talk like this.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

It is terrible!

Ftu
Ftu
5 years ago

If you don’t know Italian, this sounds like a nice song to dance to. It’s upbeat.

Pablo
Pablo
5 years ago

Italy is set in bringing quality and class in various different shapes and sizes. This is an unique piece, animated in its seriousness, two talented and different singers joining forces and a powerful message sung greatly. This is one of the most unique packages of the year. It may be a bit too word-heavy for the audiences and the staging may let it down if kept to the small SR scale or blown out of proportion like other entries. This is an unique package, but a sensible one The biggest issue for them has always been the 3 minute cutting… Read more »

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago

I normally tend to write really long Reviews for Songs, which I did until now.. But there is not much I can say about this. In every other year (except for 2017) I’m sure Italy would be my favourite. This is absolutely amazing and has earned my 3rd place this year. Get ready for my 2nd full score:
10/10

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

You were right… I am happy for your next 10! 🙂

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thx,I mean,your 9.5 is faily close to a 10 🙂 . I remember last year when I gave 10 Points only to Portugal, Bulgaria and Finland. The last song in my top 10 (I think it was Ireland or something) I rated 7 or 7.5…. It’s unbelievable how many great Songs we have this year. Everything in my top 20 is rated at least with an 8, which makes me very happy.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

*fairly

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Yeah, my top 20 is all really strong too. 8 from 18th spot on, 7.5 lower, but I see a few growers. Frankly, my Top 10 are all a 10 in a way, but I decided to nitpick and put 5 of them as a 10 and other 5 as a 9.5. But, yeah, basically they are all winners to me.

TK
TK
5 years ago

Definite grower. I really like this one.

I really respect that Italy always send songs that are unashamedly Italian, even if I hate the song personally.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  TK

Are you TK SI

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago

I usually like and vote for Italie’s entries, but boy, not this year! I think it’s shameful to put those images in a video in order to solicit votes. It’s appeal to emotion the tacky way. Besides it’s screamy and lacking melody.

esc freak
esc freak
5 years ago

Sure, this is a quality song but it doesn’t do much for me personally. It’s fine and I don’t mind it.

5/10

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

For me, this is just a message, and not a song. (Unlike Israel and France).
4.5/10

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I cannot send my review. I tried four times and nothing…

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

It appeared now. Thanks Wiwibloggs! 🙂

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

ITALY – Each year, the winner of Sanremo proves to be a quality entry without any need to copy what is popular at the moment. Non mi avete fatto niente is no exception. It’s a powerful entry! One of the most complex ones of this year. It talks about a really heavy subject, without any sign of censorship or meekness. It takes guts to do what these guys are doing! The lyrics are very beautiful and strong, inviting us to accept peace in a different way than a typical ESC unity song would. It balances three cardinal emotions – happiness,… Read more »

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thanks for helping me verbalize my sentiments for this song. M&M to me embodies the duality of resentment. Moro being the voice of retribution who shouts “I won’t let you win, I’m better than you”; and Meta being the voice of mourning who whispers “let it be, you’re better than them”. In times of adversity, we need both.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I am really happy I was helpful. Thanks for your comment, Mattias!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Every year, since 2014, there has been at least one ESC entry that always makes me cry every time just from listening to it. In 2018, Italy has that effect on me.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

For me, it’s France and Germany, but Italy comes really close. It’s such a beautiful and meaningful song.

M_K
M_K
5 years ago

When this song was chosen, I ranked at about 8.5/10 or 9/10. It deals with a current subject in a slightly sentimental way and it is somewhat catchy. However, as time went by, I realised that this is more about the idea I (and other people) have got of that song rather than the song itself. If you boil it down to what the song actually has to offer, it’s not much more than “decent”. One line that really bothers me is “il mondo si rialza col sorriso di un bambino” because it actually ruins the whole lyrics for me.… Read more »

M_K
M_K
5 years ago
Reply to  M_K

*ranked it

Gil
Gil
5 years ago
Reply to  M_K

“Il mondo si rialza col sorriso di un bambino” doesn’t mean that a child’s smile is the solution of all wars in the world (that would be acquired with the extintion of humankind) but the meaning is in the title “non ci avete fatto niente”, the world keep on going on, the child keep on smiling and the people goes on.

M_K
M_K
5 years ago
Reply to  Gil

Well, I didn’t say it was the solution, I said it was the answer. Let me give you a more detailed explanation why I consider this line so naive: “Ma contro ogni terrore che ostacola il cammino il mondo si rialza col sorriso di un bambino” means “But against all the terror that blocks the way The world will get up again with a child’s smile” I can name two reasons why I don’t like these lines. 1) What do they mean by “the world”? All people, the good and the bad, are part of this world, so this is… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  M_K

Hi M_K. How are you? First of all, I enjoy reading your reviews. They often have a sense of real realism that I find I’m sometimes missing. 🙂 Second, about the lyrics to this song… there is more than just concept and naivety in these words, there is also emotion, denial, desperation and heartbreaking survivor guilt. The writer has to believe that these clichéd concepts are real so as to give him hope, otherwise he would have nothing left to live for. The tragedy suggested in the music towards the end of the song is open to interpretation, but your… Read more »

M_K
M_K
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Hi, I’m fine, thanks, how you’re doing? 🙂 Well, I’d wish my reviews were as sophisticated as yours are… Anyway, I still don’t like that line in the lyrics because “a child’s smile/laughter” is such a corny and banal idea to wrap up the message of the song. And they do advertise the song in a way that they make people believe that it does have an “important message” so I don’t really think that this is made for multi-dimensional interpretations. The French and the Swiss entries are… but this one? (By the way, Norway had pretty much the same… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  M_K

Indeed. I worked over all of the Easter holidays, so I’m feeling really tired. But other than that I’m okay. 🙂 What I love about the arts is that often the intention is not the same as the resulting reaction it gets. People are free to interpret it as they feel is right for them. To me, the “smile of a child” represents the happiness of innocence, because as children we do not yet understand the world’s troubles or the world’s ills, we are just happy to be alive. If only we could all recall that feeling, we might be… Read more »

Gil
Gil
5 years ago
Reply to  M_K

It’s simple M_K, every song has an original meaning by the author but many subjective interpretations, right or wrong, from the listeners.

I read the lyric in this way “you (terrorist, warmongerst…) can do the worst to the world but you cannot overwhelm it”.
And, “Il sorriso di un bambino” makes the ryme with “cammino”, that’s the choice main reason, than come the rest xD

M_K
M_K
5 years ago
Reply to  Gil

I never said it wasn’t subjective… but a review is supposed to be written from a critics point of view and that’s what I did. 🙂

“you (terrorist, warmongerst…) can do the worst to the world but you cannot overwhelm it” is pretty much the same I wrote, just in different words. The interpretation is pretty much the same for all of us, I just happen to be one who doesn’t like it because I consider it “random hoping for a change for the better”. 🙂

allexo
allexo
5 years ago

Italy this year is amazing, even though it’s my number 11, I ? this entry.
Score: 9/10

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

I have a question coming from pure curiosity: Do you have subtitles during the performances in May? Because we normally do. Although last year was exceptional and there were many complaints about it so I hope they will put it back as it always used to be. Having subtitles can benefit some entries (well Italy obviously with a strong message) or even backfire to some if the lyrics are so poor (Azerbaijan I’m looking at you). Plus we have a special short program every Saturday evening on our national channel where they introduce the songs to average viewers with subtitles.… Read more »

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

Where are you from?

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Estonia

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

Subtitles are something that ESC *SHOULD* be having embedded during the performances, but for some reason, they never do.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

Yea, we subtitle almost everything. Even this years Eesti Laul there weren’t and also got complaints. Some TV’s really do provide the option to turn on or off, but normally we have subtitles since it’s kind of a standard here. I’m just curious whether other countries have this during the performances.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

In Italy, we don’t. But Italians tend to prefer songs that are not in English for some reason!

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

Yes I know that very well since I actually live in Italy. It’s really annoying sometimes to have dubbing instead of subtitles 😀

Yossarian
Yossarian
5 years ago

My personal winner. Can they beat the hot favourites on the night? In any case, I expect nothing less than a top 10 for them. Best of luck to Italy!

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago

9.5/10 for me!

P.s: Yay, for Angus giving more than 4! 😛 It means this song must be really good 😀

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

Wiwi jury
1)ITA 7.17 2)SLO 6.58 3)ARM 6.39
4)BLR 6.36 5)MLT 6.31 6)DEN 6.17
7)MDA 6.08 8)GBR 5.97

Modified Score
1)ITA 8.81 2)MLT 8.13 3)DEN 8.00
4)SLO 8.00 5)MDA 7.75 6)BLR 7.5
7)ARM 7.5 8)GBR 6.94

Total:
1)ITA 15.98 2)SLO 14.58 3) MLT 14.44
4)DEN 14.17 5)BLR 13.92 6)ARM 13.89
7)MDA 13.83 8)GBR 12.91

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

An absolute gem. My favorite Big 5 entry this year and proof that the Italians are 100% taking the contest seriously. Hoping for the best for them! Who knows, they could be a dark horse candidate to take us to Rome in 2019…

Niel
Niel
5 years ago

I am still enamored with Occidentali’s Karma, so I find it hard to listen a better Italian song than last year. And I still do. I have to admit, that Italy always bring it when it comes to the song. I really like that they put the lyrics in different language in the music video. But I feel like the melody and the vocal are a bit rushed, so that makes me kinda confused what the message is about. But, overall I still like this song better than half of the entries this year. Go, Italy !! SCORE : 8… Read more »

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
5 years ago

Number of Eurovision songs with a score of 7 or higher from Wiwi jury
2012: 7
2013: 8
2014: 13
2015: 16
2016: 17
2017: 10

Number of Eurovision songs with a score of 5 or lower from Wiwi jury
2012: 16
2013: 11
2014: 9
2015: 9
2016: 8
2017: 6

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
5 years ago

Should read “higher than 7” and “lower than 5”.

Kaz
Kaz
5 years ago

Honestly besides SAN Marino I cant see any song getting below a 5

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Kaz

Iceland, Montenegro and possibly georgia

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I hope Montenegro and Georgia score well. Iceland will certainly score lower than a 5, as it’s NF score was just a little above 4 and mostly all score lower now than in NF reviews. San Marino will probably score low. There are are few countries that deserve a score under a 5 (*cough* Russia *cough*), but I don’t expect them to.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well I like the Russian song more than the ones from Montenegro, Georgia ,Norway, Latvia to name a few

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

That’s why different opinions are always welcome here. For me, each of the songs you mentioned dances circles around Russian song. But, that’s the interesting thing is ratings – they are very subjective and different for everyone.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well i think that’s the concensus opinion based on the youtube tops I’ve seen

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

*For Montenegro and georgia