Back in November, Armenia internally selected their artist for Eurovision 2019. The artist chosen was former X-Factor Armenia runner-up Srbuk. We’ve had to wait over three months to hear the song Srbuk will sing in Tel Aviv but the wait is finally over. She has now released “Walking Out” as her Eurovision entry.
“Walking Out” — Srbuk
“Walking Out” is packed with loud percussion, as the teaser suggested. Srbuk works through two edgy verses before letting her killer vocals shine in the last minute of the song. The music video is largely monochrome, with Srbuk being shoved around by all the men she is surrounded by. She isn’t taking it though — she fights back and she is walking out and defending her crown.
In an official press release Srbuk discussed the song. She said, “When I first heard the melody, visions flashed before my eyes. Events that haven’t yet become memories… I realised that this fight and the collapse of the emotions inside me have to be reflected in my song. I want to tell myself and everybody else: “Don’t kill love, but don’t let it kill you.”
“We wanted to visually portray the emotions within a loving but betrayed heart. When you think you will be filled with joy, but instead there is not enough air to breathe. When you want to share your happiness, but instead you start loosing yourself: your hands are tied, your emotions are overwhelming, you keep pretending just to keep your love alive. But what are you waiting for? How long can you play by these rules? These are the questions and emotions visualised in the music video.”
About Srbuk
Srbuhi “Srbuk” Sargsyan was on our minds long before her announcement as the Armenian representative. Back in 2017, Srbuk was our pick for Armenia on our Wednesday Wishlist. She burst onto the scene with her debut single “Yete Karogh Es” (“If You Can”), complete with a nostalgic music video.
That wasn’t the start of Srbuk’s music career, however. She got her start on the first season of The X-Factor Armenia in 2010, finishing second. On that show, she was mentored by Garik Papoyan — a man with Eurovision experience of his own, as the co-writer of Armenia’s 2014 entry “Not Alone“.
Following The X-Factor, she formed a band called Allusion. This would take her through until 2016, when she released “Yete Karogh Es” as her debut solo single. That was followed by an appearance on The Voice of Ukraine in 2018, where she placed fourth. Srbuk is no stranger to music competitions — valuable experience she will take to Tel Aviv.
In November 2018, she released her second single “Half a Goddess“, just days before Armenia unveiled her as their representative for Eurovision 2019. The richly produced number was a promising sign of what Armenia may bring to Eurovision this year.
What do you think of Srbuk’s song? Is Srbuk walking on water or walking out of the semi-finals? Can Armenia get back to the grand final with this effort? Let us know in the comments below.
1st listen, thought it was okay, 2nd listen and I’m in love. I think with some good staging this could be the dark horse of this year! The chorus is so powerful to me in a non cliche way
Srbuk had much better songs than this one but still what she offers is done with taste, quality and it is contemporary. I think Armenian team put the accent on jurors and song itself also is made to demonstrate Srbuk’s appealing vocals . If jurors swallow the pill prepared for them in Armenia, Srbuk won’t have huge troubles with televotes. I see this atleast in top 10 if live rendition will be on the level of Armenia 2016.
Btw Srbuk’s best song is not “Half Goddess ” nor “Yete karogh es”. Her best song so far is “Boat” . I’d advise to check it
Agree!!!!
I expected some kind of banger with ethno influenced elements but this is way more awesome! If she can nail those vocals in May, she will conquer my heart
It’s a good entry, I think it can qualify. Seems like we have some good bops this year, including Cyprus Armenia Switzerland and Azerbaijan
This song has a huge potential to sound and look great on the stage. The performance will elevate it.
Another great music video! I love the beginning and the verses, she has attitude and power. Though the chorus is little underwhelming to me, overall it’s a really good entry for Armenia.
Another good song. Catchy and contemporary! Good luck , Armenia !
Quite a nice song, I just wish the key change felt more organic. The worst part for me is that I can’t understand half of what she’s saying. Sadly, it’s bound to finish lower that that overrated Cypriot recyclable.
Another very western-type competent pop song, but the singer has to do something special for it to stand out this year. Again, a shame that Armenia went again to the easy way out, but then again, many others do, so it’s legit (a pitty though for diversity).
What we mean saying “Armenia went again…”. Lasr year we sent a ballad in Armenian, before that in 2017 we sent contemporary mystic middle tempo stuff, in 2016 we sent a a bomb, let’s forget about 2015, in 2016 there was a modern ballad. Looking back we may say Armenia is doing experiments year after year..
This is basically a song made for performance. I expected a bop like “Half A Goddess” or “Yete Karogh Es”.
Not bad though. The song just didn’t meet my expectation.
Tbh this is warming up to me, I think last night I was just too emotional because I was expecting a BOP so I overlooked the quality of the song. I think this is a solid entry. 🙂
Nice voice, boring song
Armenia sends a very good song, catchy but not cheesy and she has a very good voice. Good luck armenia
Should not have a problem reaching the final. The song is strong vocally and has a good power beat to it. Question is how it will be staged and if she has the same power voice LIVE. Final at minimum and i would place it between 10-20 spot
It is similar to Artsvik’s style (maybe Genealogy too) where the song is like a story telling. Just loving that attitude and edge.
The staging will elevate this. The song is OK but nothing special.
Another top quality modern pop song to the bunch. As for the song, I like it, but it doesn’t make me feel anything at all. Also the key change is way too obvious. This is going to be a battle to try to outstand amongst the untempo and the “modern pop” groups, the strongest in my opinion. Out of curiosity, I’ve made a table dividing all the songs into 5 groups: untempo, modern pop, ballads, atmosferical and uniques. This are my thoughts on what songs I think will outstand in each group and therefore making an impact in the audience… Read more »
I’ll definitely put Austria on “Atmospheric”, and Malta and Norway in the “Uptempo” section.
Yeah, Austria is an atmospheric song for me, though I’m not that sure it will outstand. I like it, so I hope it qualifies. About Norway and Malta, I had those doubts but could be perfectly in the group you said. I put Norway in “uniques” because of the Sami factor.
This is all right not the most instant of songs but think it will be a grower after a few listens.
The song is great, and I believe she can bring the same energy on the stage. Yet, I’m really, really worried about her English pronounciation, since it can possibly turn into gibberish when it hits the stage.
That impressive big note towards the end is this songs saving grace. otherwise the song is just meh.
I actually really like it. It’s not trying too hard but I definitely enjoy it whilst listening to it. With the right staging, Armenia will be alright.
Deerlover does not like this song unfortunately.
This is actually pretty good, but when I compare it to “Yete Karogh Es” and “Half a Goddess” I can’t help but feel Armenia is losing a big opportunity, because they could be sending something that’s not only good, but also memorable and addictive. Now they’ll join Sweden and Russia on the group with competent calculated tracks that will rely on great staging to reach the next level. Anyway, the sassiness is still there, I like the pace on the verses and how the pre-chorus and the bridge add a new layer to it. It will grow on me.
However, a “competent calculated” and well-staged act could win ESC this year, taking into account that Europe may not be feeling receptive to so many slow songs.
Without a doubt. Especially in a year where the jury and the televote could go very different ways and have so many nice distractions to deal with.
Armenia is always in my top 15, and this is very slick as well. Stunning choreo and music with some interesting high notes in there. 🙂
But I will need to discuss Israel’s entry soon. I just heard Kobi’s vocal on “Home” and he gave me tears – that’s a sign.
I will never understand why liking a song gets me downvoted. Must be a mistake.
Last two days, downvoting trolls have plagued the site. Not implying that disliking a comment makes one a troll, but almost any comment about liking a song (any song) gets multiple times downvoted. That’s a clear sign of someone messing around. Check Swedish, Russian and Romanian threads.
So if I say that I don’t like the Dutch entry , will I be upvoted?
I’ve also noticed some troll movement in some posts (I would add the Greek song one to your list, Colin). But the issue about downvoting is much more complex. And it’s not a problem just here, it’s a problem in a world where social networks divided everything between “liking” and “unliking”. There are people that downvote simply when they disagree. I trust they’re not trying to be harmful, but when they do that, they diminish the power of downvoting comments that are toxic, aggressive, intolerant, etc.
My comment about the Macedonian entry got downvoted like crazy and I don’t know why. That was weird, since I actually love the song.
Of the songs this morning, Kobi’s is the one that I immediately had to listen to again. It’s not perfect but parts of it are simply stunning. Love how much Israel have gone for this!
Really disappointing…. I mean it’s not bad but I expected much more from Armenia and Srbuk.
I love this!! I don’t exactly know why but I do! Well, all songs are in and I have to say there are some really great songs in the latest released songs. 2019 won’t be the bad year as expected a view weeks ago. 🙂 My top at the moment: 1. Netherlands 2. Switzerland 3. Armenia 4. Malta 5. Sweden 6. Italy 7. Greece 8. Russia 9. Belgium 10. Azerbaijan 11. Cyprus 12. Norway 13. Spain 14. UK 15. Austria 16. Portugal 17. Slovenia 18. Hungary 19. France 20. Germany 21. Denmark 22. Estonia 23. Serbia 24. Latvia 25. Ireland… Read more »
I love your screen name.
My top 10 is currently:
1.Romania
2.Israel
3.Norway
4.Armenia
5.Azerbaijan
6.Denmark
7.Austria
8.Hungary
9.Italy
10.Belgium
Sweden would have been there with Norrsken, really high.
The revamped version of Albania is out.
Love it, it’s in my Top 5.
I think this is one of the best revamps ever from Albania
Wonderful revamp. First song to be released and still one of the strongest!
Where can I listen to it?
https://youtu.be/46RQ1-JgCQ4
There are a few versions of official video on YT, but as I guess they were filmed from the Tv, the sound could be clearer. I guess the *official* copy will be out soon.
https://youtu.be/OidjT02PUGI
Thank y’all! I’ll have to listen to it again later, the sound is not that good and I would like to compare it to the original to say if I like the revamp. But it’s clear they haven’t messed it up, so I’m already relieved.
Wow! I like it! It’s growing on me and I think it might even end in the top ten. Good luck!
My prediction for Sf2 (in alphabetical order, for each half):
1. Armenia
2.Romania
3.Sweden
4.Switzerland
5.Albania
6.Azerbaijan
7.Malta
8.Netherlands
9.Norway
10.Russia
The most unlikely to qualify for me are : Latvia, Moldova, Croatia and N.Macedonia
The downvoting is going strongly, I see.
With Ukraine 1 (=) Ukraine 2 (=) Cyprus 3 (1) France 4 (N) San Marino 5 (N) Malta 6 (-3) Norway 7 (-2) Spain 8 (1) Iceland 9 (N) Switzerland 10 (N) Russia 11 (N) Belarus 12 (-1) Australia 13 (-5) Estonia 14 (-7) United Kingdom 15 (-9) Croatia 16 (-3) Italy 17 (-7) Lithuania 18 (-4) Czech Republic 19 (N) Ireland 20 (N) Sweden 21 (-6) Romania 22 (N) North Macedonia 23 (-7) Latvia 24 (N) Azerbaijan 25 (-13) Finland 26 (N) Netherlands 27 (-8) Serbia 28 (-8) Belgium 29 (-11) Albania 30 (-13) Georgia 31 (N) Poland 32… Read more »
I was expecting a BOP… 🙁
Very modern, very contemporary, very gripping, very arresting. Good job, Armenia. This is also a top 5 contender.
1 (+1) Cyprus 2 (+2) France 3 (N) San Marino 4 (N) Malta 5 (-2) Norway 6 (-1) Spain 7 (+2) Iceland 8 (N) Switzerland 9 (N) Russia 10 (N) Belarus 11 (=) Australia 12 (-4) Estonia 13 (-6) United Kingdom 14 (-8) Croatia 15 (-2) Italy 16 (-6) Lithuania 17 (-3) Czech Republic 18 (N) Ireland 19 (N) Sweden 20 (-5) Romania 21 (N) North Macedonia 22 (-6) Latvia 23 (N) Azerbaijan 24 (-12) Finland 25 (N) Netherlands 26 (-7) Serbia 27 (-7) Belgium 28 (-10) Albania 29 (-12) Georgia 30 (N) Poland 31 (N) Greece 32 (-11) Denmark… Read more »
Typical Armenian Eurovision song.
“All fur coat and no knickers!”, as they say.
Jazzy and glitzy on the outside, shallow on the inside.
On the radio I wouldnt listen to this, but we all know when it comes to staging/performance, it will probably blow everyone away. It’s the trick card Armenia has been playing (and getting away with) for years.
Dodgy song lyrics, hyped up by pyrotechnics, colour and a sexy woman.
“Fur coat and no knickers”, lol, that’s hillarious. 😀
My prediction TOP 10 2nd semi
1.NET
2.SWE
3.SWI
4.RUS
5.NOR
6.ROM
7.DEN
8.LIT
9.AZE
10.IRE
11.MAL
My prediction TOP 10 1st semi
1.BEL
2.POR
3.ICE
4.GRE
5.CYP
6.SLO
7.AUS
8.EST
9.HUN
10.CZE
11.SRB
Nice top 10 for Semi 2. I’d say Malta or Austria will sneak in instead of Ireland though.
As much as I’d love Ireland to qualify, it probably won’t.
I think Denmark in first, Ireland in second will be pushed by juries in final (like Austria and Denmark in 2017 in semi), prediction for both, from 0 to 20 pts with televote, and from 90 to 100 pts from juries.
No Austria, sorry, Poland instead.
No way Ireland or Lithuania are qualifying over Albania.
Ireland will push in final by juries. Lithuania have Latvia,Ireland,UK in semi, plus have pop song sound simillar like nordic pop song (Norway,Sweden in their semi), they have few countries from ex Soviet Union in semi (Russia,Azerbaijan,Armenia,Moldova),and they have good looking singer.Albania can count to 24 pts from Macedonia,Azerbaijan,plus points from televote in Austria,Switzerland,Germany,Croatia
Srbuk from Srbija
Am I the only one who thinks SF1 is stronger that SF2? Personal prediction :
SF1 qualifiers :
Certain: Cyprus, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Australia
Possible: Belgium, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Finland, Estonia
Few chances : Serbia, Belarus
No way: Czech Republic, Montenegro, Georgia, San Marino
SF2 qualifiers:
Certain: Sweden, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Norway
Possible: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Romania, Malta
Few chances: Albania, Austria, Denmark, Ireland
No way: Croatia, Latvia, Moldova, Lithuania, North Macedonia
Disagree a lot about semi 1, Belarus, Czech Republic, and Serbia all have better chances than Finland and Estonia
North Macedonia no chance? Is it that bad? I have a feeling that they will qualify this year, unless they ruin the song with the staging again.
Katariina I think Finland and Estonia have higher chances because we’ve already seen their stagings and they’re pretty memorable. Belarus and Czech Republic also have a chance but I think juries will kill them
KESC, North Macedonia has a good song but not memorable and I dont expect amazing staging… cant imagine a lot of people picking up their phone for this
When jury not killed Belgium in 2016 they will not Czech this year
SF1
Sure: Cyprus, Portugal, Iceland
Likely: Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Australia
50/50: Czech Republic, Serbia, Finland, Slovenia, Poland
Unlikely: Estonia, San Marino, Belarus
Out: Georgia, Montenegro
SF2:
Sure: Sweden, Russia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Azerbaijan, Armenia
Likely: Lithuania, Albania
50/50: Romania, Malta, Ireland
Unlikely: Latvia, North Macedonia, Denmark, Austria
Out: Moldova, Croatia
You forgot Poland and Austria.
Fixed it, thanks!
One of my absolute favourites this year, well done Armenia!
That key change took me to heaven?
Guess I found my winner?
I am so afraid That the winners of televoting and of the juries will be different and a random generic song will win……
I mean I like it, but also not. It’s contemporary which I’m glad for but not catchy at all. It’s such a messy song that you can’t focus. Sounds like one of those songs that artists put on their album just to fill it.
Armenia has a habit of sending the same kind of artists over the years. But she is different and I like her. Being honest, kinda disappointed.
I don’t have a concrete winner this year. Sergey was a disappointment too. Now all depend on the stage performances.
Good luck Armenia.
You got the point. There’s no memorable hook here.
Like it! But another genetic pop song in English. ESC is sadly becoming a globalized pop contest without European flavour. I’m missing genuine songs and cultural diversity even though I enjoy many of these generic songs.
Disappointed….not memorable and it feels messy like clip and song,i expected more from Armenia!
Jesus you fans are so stupid. Calling Sweden and Russia generic and this Ethnic. You make me laugh. haha
Srbuk’s song actually has ethnic vibes though. Somebody in the comments below pointed out that a ‘qanon’, which is an ancient Armenian instrument ( in their words), is used in some parts of the song.
In that case im Jesus Christ.
You can hear it slightly in the background. But this doesn’t keep it from being generic, sorry. But I like it. Directly in my top 10.
Meh. Borderline qualifier
Why is everyone saying its not ethnic? If you listen closely you can hear ethnic armenian sounds in it
Probably some people are not familiar with ethnic Armenian sounds, that includes me. I still love the song and I’m happy to be able to learn about something new. Can I say again I love the song? It’s in my top 5.
I expected so much more 🙁 This sounds average and bland…She’s capable of so much more, probably one of the most talented performers this year and yet she won’t be able to show it with a proper BOP.
Disappointed AND suprised.
I guess I actually heard some national motives – there is a ‘qanon’ in some parts of the song, an ancient Armenian string instrument
same i knew it!
Just because Armenians use it, it doesn’t mean it belongs to them. “Qanun” is Middle Eastern and it’s mostly used in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia and of course in Arabic countries.
Love this! Love that she went this style rather than another fuego type song people expected from her. Top 5 for sure.
It’s so funny that literally every song is compared to Fuego this year :DD
Only two of them?
oh this is actually good, i like it , think she will qualify and ends sup in top 15 for sure.
good luck Armenia!
music video > song, i expected something a lot more artsvik/iveta from this but instead we got… a key change 🙁