The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we head to Romania where the soft-rock band The Humans have “Goodbye”. Did the song make us want to bid them farewell? Read on to find out!
The Humans with “Goodbye”
“Goodbye” reviews
Bogdan: The retro sound of “Goodbye” is not my cup of tea, but I was impressed with The Humans’ national final live performance and especially with Cristina Caramarcu’s voice and charisma, which ended up stealing the show. The band came up from nowhere to snatch the crown from more seasoned artists and fan favourites with a striking, honest song about overcoming suicidal thoughts — a daring choice for Eurovision. I wouldn’t be surprised if they exceed a lot of expectations in Lisbon as well.
Score: 7.5/10
Deban: “Zaleilah” was bad but at least, it had spirit. “Goodbye” on the other hand, begs me to act out its song title. This is not a song that I welcome in any way. The verses are painful, the lyrics are dire and the chorus is shouty. One shouldn’t overcome suicidal thoughts by embracing shutting down one’s senses for three minutes. More worryingly, this entry indicates a re-emerging trend — Romania’s brazen assurance that they’d advance to the grand final regardless of what they send.
Score: 1.5/10
Steinunn: I was actually rooting for this song at Selectia Nationala. Now I can’t really remember why. It’s not that it’s a bad song, more that it is kind of forgettable. At least I can never remember it until I listen to it again. But when I listen to it, the retro rock ballad vibe gets me going for three minutes, and then I forget it again. But Cristina is a good singer, no doubt about that.
Score: 5/10
Padraig: Goodbye indeed. If Romania weren’t in the weaker second semi-final alongside regional allies Moldova, they would most certainly be saying goodbye to their 100% qualification record. Just like I say goodbye to three minutes of my life every time I listen to this. The song drags by painfully slowly with the rock elements kicking in far too late. This dated composition must surely be Romania’s weakest entry for years, if not ever. Cristina is an excellent frontwoman, but her amazing vocal and flowing blonde locks can only take this package so far. Bye Feli(cia).
Score: 1/10
Renske: “Goodbye” is such a surprising and interesting composition. The Humans’ lead singer Cristina has an amazing voice and delivers the song with raw emotion, which really suits the story they want to tell. The magic moment of the song is the moment when the electric guitars kick in and the song transforms from a heartfelt ballad to a more powerful pop/rock composition, which makes the song actually sound empowering.
Score: 7.5/10
Cinan: At first I absolutely did not like “Goodbye”, but after a few listens I think it’s got something. Unfortunately it’s not enough to make this special. I loved the national final live performance and I expect the live performance in Lisbon will also be a good one. We could even see The Humans through to the grand final.
Score: 6.5/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Angus: 4.5/10
Anthony: 5.5/10
Antranig: 5/10
Bernardo: 2/10
Chris: 4.5/10
Jonathan: 6.5/10
Jordi: 4/10
Jovana: 7/10
Kristin: 7/10
Luis: 4.5/10
Robyn: 4/10
Ron: 5.5/10
Sebastian: 6/10
William: 2.5/10
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 1 and a high of 7.5.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 4.94/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
So. The singer is amazing. But I just don’t like the song. It feels very 80’s rock and that simply bores me to tears. It’s probably a taste/genre thing. One of my least favourite entries… but SHE is clearly awesome live. So they have that going for them.
With all the songs that are loud and more loud, plastic and more plastic, awkward and more awkward, this song is a breathe of good and fresh air. The music how it should be and not some prerecorded standardized stuff.
I really like this entry, it gives a bittersweet vibe, and you can feel the vocalist’s feeling. When I know it’s about stopping your loved ones commit suicide, I love it even more! It’s really meaningful and one of my favorite composition (i love the sudden drums kick). I don’t wanna say goodbye to this entry.
8/10
I really like The Humans, they seem like one of those old pop-rock bands who used to be great in the 90s and early 00s (like a nice dated version of Coldplay). For me “Goodbye” isn’t that bad, the lyrics are great, Cristina really delivers with her vocals and paves the way for the entire band, which is amazing. I could say it’s a pretty good song, despite some people preferring Feminist Feli (which I don’t know who she is or why her song was so great). Still, with this being on the dreades #2 spot in the Semi-Final, I… Read more »
They will qualify, don’t worry, they just slay live. And they have Moldova and Italy voting in the semi
Yaa – Oops.
Im absolutely shocked of what i read in here today from everyone ,This is absolutely appalling.Time for me to take a break from this ,is not what it used to be before .People try to be nice please.
Totally agree with you! I don’t post here anymore because of all the hate, jealousy and enviness, really shocking to notice how a handfull people take over the forum with their negativity, this is really onaceptable.
Of course I’m bitter. It’s not right! Is this real fairness and journalism? It’s more like a kindergarten playing ground.
Not professional at all.
It’s OK for them to criticize some songs or artists (remember when they said about Enerida looking like a hooker?) and then don’t accept criticism in reverse?
When you make bold affirmations, you assume them and take responsibility like a grown up.
Is wrong that are not about Feli-the-feminist as if is not feminist enough that Cristina is more talented than Feli. But you really need a gay anthem, otherwise…
I’m happy that my country is second in the running order. It will qualify and will prove ‘2nd curse’ is just a superstition. Nobody goes to the toilet after only one song.
You are excused if your name is Toilet break. Your parents were not happy to have you, if they gave you such a name.
Dorel – Oops.
It took me a solid 10 minutes to dig this song’s tune from my brain, so people who are listening to this for the first time in the competition will totally forget this. Combined with a terrible position in the semis, if this makes it out of the final, it’ll be Australia 2017 2.0.
If I have to be this songs only cheerleader, so be it. It’s more grounded and interesting than Romania’s entries typically are, with a good build-up and strong vocals. This isn’t going to win, but it probably won’t end the qualification streak either. Solid stuff.
I like the song a lot! But hey, I always like pop-rock songs, especially ones from the ’90s and ’00s. Her voice is also incredible! I wouldn’t be surprised if this doesn’t qualify though, I am preparing for it right now. My second place.
Obviously this is not a song written with Eurovision fans or Eurovision in mind. It has a vintage quality and her voice is incredible. This is definitely from my era of music and everything is executed well. I have it at about no.16 in my ranking.
Meh… Bland song…
NON qualifier…(Even for the easy 2nd SF..)
Hope that Romania will finally kiss “goodbye” it’s 100% percentage on qualification to the final this year…
Goodbye Felicia…
No, you won’t be missed…
Deban and Padraig are music experts*
@ Well, they might be controversial jurors,
but not this time though, with Romania’s dreadful entry…
How can you mess up this bad?
Romania… why? Romania, the country that gifted me Playing With Fire… why?
This is so bland and anonymous I can’t fathom why did it have the jury pull it had. Live can be amazing no doubt, but that only matters so much when the song is just auditive grey mush. They had plenty of choices, even ones I wouldn’t agree with, but still standout choices.
Alas, it is pretty telling this strong, 100% qualifier was given the spot #2 in the semi. Sadly I don’t see any hope for this to qualify.
1/10
It was a hate coup from a Facebook group,they were nobody’s favourites, but that’s it. Now you have this, it’s unusual, granted.
Really I wish them to qualify.
Honestly I like to see them singing on a stadium or a Live Aid, but for Eurovision it was not the best choice. I think, concerning Romania, that the best song for this contest was Jukebox “Auzi cum bate”. It was cute, catchy, easy to remember, it was sang in Romanian and perfect for the event. It could be one of the favorites songs in Lisbon. Romania have always been interesting. I wonder this year they are planned to win or to loose?
Omg this Padraig guy needs to take a chill pill . The song is nothing special but it doesn’t deserve 1 star. Can you be less objective?
I’m usually among those calling him out on his score, but to be fair, he’s not the only one to give the song a low score, Deban and a few others did too.
And in this case, I tend to agree that the low score is justified. In all my years watching Eurovision, this has to be the worst Romanian entry in my memory. Even Cesar was better than this. The song doesn’t go anywhere and is over dramatic when it really has nothing to be dramatic about. But of course we all have our opinions and that’s fine too.
C’mon, Cesar was great, Europe wasn’t prepared! He paved the way for Conchita!
Reviews by their very nature are subjective. I feel it would be dishonest to rank it higher just to avoid the risk of upsetting people. But the thing is, people will never be happy. When I gave Ireland 5 I was also being too harsh, yet some claimed my 9.5 was too generous for Macedonia.
And Eurovision is a contest. We’re all keeping score.
5.0/10
My impressions:
-Strong and powerful rock song.
-Good voice.
-Much needed change among all the electronica along with Hungary.
-I wish it’d do well, but it’s not going to happen.
Not much to say about it. It made a very slight impression on me.
Probably the worst song ever for Romania. It’s dated, it’s monotonous, it does’t get my attention. Romania can do better. I don’t think it will qualify despite their qualification record.
3/10
It’s in my top 5, but unfortunately, I don’t see it clearly qualifying :'(
The singer is beautiful and has great voice. And… that’s all. I’m with Deban and Padraig on this one. It’s one of my least favorite songs this year… First of all, there are many people complaining about changing tempo in Macedonian song (and I actually like it), but I can’t stand the awkward transitions in this one. It sounds like a mix of several differents songs but not in a good way. Another problem – the lyrics. I feel that they tried to make it sound ambitious and inspirational but it ends up like a bunch of random words. Seems… Read more »
I cant understand hype around feli . This song is at the same level with royalty i think. They are neither bad nor appealing to me. I cant love this piece and thinking interesting background of romanian performances, this is a quite boring entry.
Somehow her stage presence and dressing reminds me of Florence + The Machine. “Goodbye” has also some Florence vibe mixed with some 90’s rock. I find the lyrics beautiful and her voice is simply outstanding. All in all, for it’s a very decent tune. I don’t really care if it sounds dated, because I enjoy it, like I enjoy some older songs. That’s my opinion, but I think this song is going to get unnoticed. If it was another country like FYROM, San Marino or Montenegro, I would bet they’re not qualifying, but being Romania I can see enough points… Read more »
IMO it’s a good song and definitely doesn’t deserve the score. I like the building up and I think her voice is nice and lyrics are good and the song is catching. If they stage it right, I think it will qualify. 6/10
The live was bad??? Are you kidding me?? Have you lost your hearing??? I would LOVE for you to try and sing how Cristina sings this song, but my guess is… you can’t. Goodbye hater *waves*
You are such a hater, it’s actually REALLY sad. Goodbyeeee ??
Man! Padraig & Deban & some other people in the comments REALLY don’t get this entry. For me at least it’s 10/10
Man, you really don’t get this song
The lyrics are meaningful, I think it resonated with a lot of Romanians
READ THE LYRICS! https://genius.com/The-humans-band-goodbye-lyrics
May not change your opinion or anything but still, this song is not a joke
Do you listen to lyrics
It takes incredible levels of stupidity to say what you just did…
It specifically says in the Eurovision rules that all songs must have lyrics which fyi are of the utmost importance to a song the very meaning of a ESC song the musical track AND the lyrics go hand in hand. So yes this IS a Lyrics contest as well a musical contest which all factor in making an overall song contest. BTW as an English person the English here is perfect. Better than Azerbaijan’s butchering of the language by any stretch of the imagination.
Did you even bother to listen to the lyrics?
Sorry Romania, I really liked your last entrys but this is just boring and the chorus is a bit annoying. Normally I am a fan of rock songs but this doesn’t give me anything. Only Malta is even worse this year for me. 1.5 points
I actually like this entry quite a bit. This group has a fenomenal singer, I love the live performance and with a good performance in Lisbon this may qualify and finish around 19th in the final. I love the guitar part and the choruses, and the slow parts are also nice. Given that, this song doesn’t really stand out and from the 2nd spot in the RO they will struglle, but again, they might make it.
7.5/10
imo the only original song is Toy, the other ones are from genres we knew before
why so much drama?
“Original”?!?!? Actually, a childish and tribal pop song, with a misandrous message or feminist at best. If it’s not pop, then, tell us what’s the name of that unheard of until now genre?
Im not a fan of rock music ,but this girl has amazing vocals .
Can’t wait to see their faces after Romania will qualify.
Padraig and Deban will cry over Saara body when she fail to qualify =))
4.4/10 for Calm after the storm. We are fine <3
Well I gave Calm After The Storm a 7.5, so…
Also, these scores are based on our own personal tastes, not on the probability of qualification.
Lmao it’s so funny how y’all constantly use that as an argument. Apart from the fact that these reviews happen BEFORE the show, “Nap After the Song” is a boring uninteresting snoozefest.
Romania is so underrated! I think this song must be in TOP 10! You will see in May who is right!
Czech Republic is bad this year! Romania is fantastic this year
This is very basic pop rock. The kind of song that would pop up on the radio from time to time on the late 90’s or early 00’s. Performed by the kind of band that usually had a small but devoted fanbase bewitched by a pretty and/or talented singer. It’s not bad, it just lacks a differential. As I mentioned before, I try to recap Eurovision’s contestants when I’m bored and this is one that never got stucked on my mind. Even the name of the band and the name of the song aren’t able to stand out. Cristina is… Read more »
It’s not a bad song but I don’t really like it that much. The structure is weird, though I think that’s down to the 3 minute rule. If it were longer it would be better. The lyrics, whilst inspiring, are very cheesy and overused. The live performance is very good vocally but staged boringly. It may qualify but honestly I don’t want it to.
Am I the only one who likes this song? Haha.
I suppose it’s a good thing I burned the reviews when I did! 🙂
What? No more reviews? Why? 🙁
It’s easier to read the Latvia Jury comments thread than for me to explain. But it’s also something I had to do to help my real life. I learned a lot and I’m glad it’s over.
I sincerely hope it’s something you decided to do on your own and not something you were pressured to do by offended manager / songwriter. In any case, I hope you are well and that you are still sticking around. PS. I know Italy was your second fav, but will you at least reveal your personal winner?
Hi Colin. It was my decision to delete the reviews, after having discussed the matter with close friends here. I am okay, thanks. I’ll probably stick around a while, but my heart has gone out of reviewing, honestly. It no longer matters who my favourite is; I wish all the acts the very best of luck in Lisbon. Love the music, and each other. x
Your sharp reviews will certainly be missed, but if you are well IRL, that’s all that matters. As I said earlier, this is a friendly song contest for me and as such, I respect participants and reviewers. Sending good wishes.
Thanks Robyn. Hopefully my “profile death” will help convince Wiwibloggs that a change in the comments system is urgently needed. Or, my disappearance could also take the trolls away with me. It is obvious over the last few days that I was personally targeted – someone has even addressed me by another name I use online, which is all kinds of creepy! Anyways, have a good ESC and do push to make those changes to the comments section.
Now I’m curious to find out which redeeming qualities you found on this one!
Put simply: I miss the music of the 90s. And this is a break-up song I can personally relate to. 🙂
Who is David?
@Aaargh: You are advocating pointless violence in a Eurovision forum. Please go away.
90’s music plays a big part on my life, but I still don’t feel the need to revisit it. This may or may not be related to memories! haha
Sabrina Lyrics, Reminds me of ”Happines” by Deaf Havana. It’s a 10/10
For me atleast.
I like the lyrics. I don’t love them, but they’re definitely above average. Too bad that sometimes I think even the juries don’t pay much attention on the lyrics.
Ok, i can understand that.
Purple Mask Don’t worry, i love this song it’s my 4th place this year
Nooooo! I loved your reviews :(. And the guy who started on you (and his myriad blatant sockpuppets) is just a third-rate troll. The site will be the worse without them.
2.5/10 This song is boring; it’s a rock ballad that really doesn’t go anywhere; tbh it doesn’t really start anywhere either. Not much to say except: A definite non qualifier.
You can’t just give 1 point to a song like this. It was barely 5th in my top of the NF but this song has: – great live performance – lyrics that mean something, with a message and not made for usual rhymes “fire-desire” – a powerful bridge It might be retro, but why should be like another uptempo dance contemporan song? All sound the same nowadays. I’m a big fan of old music, from the ’80 and’ 90 when music was made for sending a message. I can’t wait to see Deban and William taking their interview and kissing… Read more »
There’s not such Thing as having a bad taste in Music… Just because someome doesn’t agree with you, doesn’t mean that he’s got bad taste. I’m also not a fan of Songs like Monsters, X my heart or We got love, but I’m not a fan of this either. Yeah, I like music, that isn’t Mainstream (For example, have a look at my favourites of each year: 2014-Finland, 2015-Belgium, 2016-Georgia, 2017-Portugal, 2018-Hungary), but this ain’t any better. Yes, it’s not Pop, but it’s really really boring imo. If you do other Genres, do it in a better way.
”There’s not such Thing as having a bad taste in Music”
”If you do other Genres, do it in a better way.”
Don’t you think you contradict yourself?
Well, I just shared my opinion. Of Course I could have used a better word, but that’s how I feel about it. For me, it’s not a good song. That doesn’t mean, that other People who think this it is have bad taste, they just have a different taste.
You are just a hater, and that’s noticeable. Starting with your name.
One of the worst eurovision songs ever? If you compare it with Montenegro 2012, Ukraine 2007,Russia 2012 and other craps then you are delusional.
Take care no never bite your tongue, the venom is bad for health. Please come back with your hate when they’ll qualify and your country not.
What automatic qualifier can be jury favorite, except if you are from Portugal and you think jury loves you just like that. No jury doesn’t love you. Now you can go back under your rock for another 60 years.
Oh please no. I can’t even be interesred enough to write a Review about it. It’s a 3/10
Read mine then. The rating is just a bit higher than yours, but it’s all due to lyrics. It’s hands down the most boring song this year for me.
Oh yeah, I will! I’m sure you’ll have the same opinion as me. They had some really good Songs in their selection… And others that were at least interesting. What happened?
wassap wassap it’s me jenny b what ya get is what ya see
NOOO STOP!!
… sadly reminding us what’s also in the review line-up. 🙁
I like when the tempo changes in the song and the lyrics are quite meaningful and the girl has good vocals. The staging was very lacklustre though in their NF. I do like the song and have it in one of the qualification spots from semi 2 but I seem to be in a huge minority there.
Were there better options in the NF? For sure
Their relatively bad running order and probably unmemorable song gives Romania the opportunity to show its diaspora strength.
A 7/10 for me.
Semi-2
Wiwi jury
Qualified
1)UKR 7.47 2) NET 7.28 3)SLO 6.58
4)SRB 6.50
Not qualified
5)LAT 6.47 6)POL 6.36
7)MLT 6.31 8)DEN 6.17 9)MDA 6.08
10)NOR 5.44 11)MNE 5.19 12)ROM 4.94
Modified Score
Qualified
1)NET 8.88 2)UKR 8.38 3)MLT 8.13
4)DEN 8.00
Not qualified
5)SRB 8.00 6)SLO 8.00 7)LAT 7.81 8)MDA 7.75 9)POL 7.63 10)NOR 7.38
11)ROM 6.69 12)MNE 6.31
Total:
Qualified
1)NET 16.16 2)UKR 15.85 3)SLO 14.58
4)SRB 14.50
Not qualified 5)MLT14.44 6)LAT 14.28
7)DEN 14.17 8)POL 13.99 9)MDA 13.83
10)NOR 12.82 11)ROM 11.63 12)MNE 11.50
Literally, this is probably the only song that, no matter how many times I listen to it, I just can not remember it whatsoever. And it kinda sucks cus Romania’s selection went on forever this year, and they had a few really good songs, but now we’re left with this. I really love this 90’s nostalgia kind of rock entries (I liked Portugal 2015 more than most people did), but this one is so bland and insipid I just can’t care for it one bit. she has a really good voice, it has a nice self-empowerment message (which is being… Read more »
I love that your username is the summary of your comment
The first time I heard it I thought it sounds like a 1970s Bonnie Tyler B-Side. I really can’t see anything special in the song while at the same time it’s not good enough for what it is to be considered “classic”. The verses are a little to calm, the chorus is a little too loud. The arrangement is not really rock, it’s no really symphonic. All the elements this song has don’t really seem to blend. Overall, I don’t hate this song – I just don’t really care about it. My personal ranking: 4/10 (39th overall) My prediction: 6-10… Read more »
We are on the same page here. It’s not a terrible song, but it’s like a musical equivalent of watching the paint dry.
Are you talking about Portugal’s O Jardim ?
No, I love the Portuguese entry.
Oh, you bubble fans, you will be so shocked in the final.
I actually think that Portugal will finish quite low in the grand final. But that doesn’t keep me from liking the song. There’s a difference between a prediction and a personal ranking.
M_K I may disagree with you, but this is one of the better arguments i’ve seen so far:)