The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — reviews the three songs by Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman that will compete in Finland’s national final UMK 2019. Next we take a look at “Superman”. Is Darude the hero of our time? Read on to find out!
Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman – “Superman”
“Superman” reviews
Antranig: The lyrics may be a bit cheesy but I find them really endearing. It may sound like a run-of-the-mill love song lyrics but they are delivered in a very appropriate manner. Two guys singing a song called “Superman” could come across as egotistical but that’s not what happens here — there’s something very stirring and poetic about the line “only you can make me fly like I’m Superman”. My heart is melting and this is the song I want in Tel Aviv.
Score: 9/10
Essi: “Superman” has a really nice instrumental part and I like this song more than “Release Me”. I feel that with this song Darude really could have had something there, something potential. Unfortunately for me, this song doesn’t reach that point. Something is just missing because it just feels just too average. I also feel that Sebastian’s vocals need to be worked with. Hopefully he sounds better on live and that could elevate this song a bit.
Score: 4/10
Julian: This one is quite interesting. I don’t know if I like it due to the song itself or because my expectations were lowered after the disappointing first song. I do think “Superman” could have many fans and surely will be played at the Euroclub. It got a spot in my playlist. But it needs a really good staging to get me completely. So far, a well produced party song.
Score: 6.5/10
Lucy: It seems like this is my Twitter timeline’s favourite, but I’m not getting it. It’s a bit more lively than “Release Me” but it just doesn’t hold my interest for the full three minutes. Again, Sebastian’s vocals aren’t good enough for Darude’s legacy, and the lyrics are lazy in this “not with you” with “feeling blue”. C’mon, guys — we’ve heard that a million times.
Score: 2/10
Luis: “Superman” has the most cheesy lyrics of all three entries, and it’s probably the least modern of the three, but that’s exactly what I was looking for. The throwback to the “Sandstorm” beats is there, and it’s actually a very wise move: if you’re known for one hit, why not embrace it and using it in your favour? The main problem here is that the song is super enjoyable while it’s on, but it doesn’t have a hook powerful enough. In fact, I have to remind myself every time I hear it that it’s the one I like the most, because I can’t even hum it after repeated listens.
Score: 7/10
Robyn: Despite its romantic lyrics, “Superman” sounds like a really generic EDM track. It feels like filler, a hastily composed track to make up numbers at the UMK final. The only highlight is the little bursts of the “Sandstorm” sound, a little Easter egg for Darude fans. If this song was played on an acoustic guitar, it would be boring. The electronic production doesn’t magically solve that problem.
Score: 4/10
In our UMK 2019 Wiwi Jury, we have 11 jurors but only room for 6 reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:
| Barnabas: 7/10
Oliver: 5.5/10 Jack: 8/10 |
Natalie: 6.5/10
Pablo: 8/10 |
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 2 and a high of 9.
Shocking vocals and that is with autotune…imagine them on the live stage. Very generic dance backing….very poor.
My fav but the lyrics are way too cringe
very cheap, done million times before
This is my least favourite of the three but it’s still pretty good.
This one is “cute” but also cringe, I wouldn’t download or recommend to anyone. :/
Get rid of Sebastian Rejman, his vocals pull down each track.
They all sound exactly the same. Totally forgettable.
This is my favourite of the three songs. It’s uplifting and memorable. When it was released I claimed this would be my no. 1 – well it wouldn’t now, but it would at least make my top 5 or top 10.
“Superman”: The “embracement-lovesong” message is cute (a bit cheesy though). Dynamic singing in the chorus and a memorable melody. But I think, this is exactly the reason why it is my 3rd place: “Release Me” and “Look Away” are more special in their categories and shine in their own way, whereas “Superman” is just a normal popsong. I am with Robyn in this review. Anyway, normal could be successful, but I need more. (6.5/10)
Best option for Finland. Memorable and catchy tune.
This is the one that got the best first impression and that’s key with Eurovision. Something that is instantly liked. The Sandstorm flourishes are there, but they are not jarring, and more to ring casual listeners to the tune.
The live is what worries me. It could work, but I don’t see Sebastian doing this kind of song. And the staging could really transform into something tacky. But if they hit it right, this will go to Tel Aviv and… I won’t be mad about it. I like it too, and we need this kind of fun
Honestly, this would be the worst choice by far. I don’t say this often, but I genuinly dislike this song… It’s so bland and unoriginal and boring. It would probably still qualify, but Finland would be my last place so far if they send this. Sorry… :/