The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rate and review the 41 competing entries of Eurovision 2019. Next we welcome back Russia‘s Eurovision 2016 star Sergey Lazarev, who this year competes with the ballad “Scream”. Did this song make us want to scream with delight? Read on to find out!
Sergey Lazarev – “Scream”
“Scream” reviews
Anthony: After hearing that Sergey decided to have another go at Eurovision, it sounded like a risky move following his third-place finish in Stockholm. But he made a flawless transition from the poptastic “You Are the Only One” to ballad with “Scream” and it’s an absolute screamer. Could Sergey follow Dima Bilan and win for Russia on his second attempt?
Score: 10/10
Barnabas: Everyone’s favourite Russian charmer shows how versatile he is and that he isn’t tied to one single genre. “Scream” is dramatic and powerful, and knowing the team behind Sergey, we can expect a great stage show from Russia. However, about Sergey doing a Dima Bilan… well, I’m not that sure at all.
Score: 7.5/10
Lukas: After finding out that Russia was going to send Sergey once again, my hopes were very high. But after the song release, those hopes were not fulfilled. It’s a good ballad and we know Sergey can sing very well but this time it’s up against some much stronger ballads. “Scream” just doesn‘t go anywhere, and while the bridge is strong, that’s the only strong part in this song. If the staging is going to be as impressive as in 2016, my liking of this song will grow but for now it’s middle-of-the-road at best.
Score: 5.5/10
Lucy: I’m just gonna say it: I prefer this to “You are the Only One”. This is powerful and really lets Sergey’s vocal abilities shine, as rather than relying on staging trickery. It takes the mind to a powerful end sequence of a Disney blockbuster, aided by the music video which is completely stunning. Where a video may mean nothing to performance quality once we get to the contest, with Sergey it’s a considerably important factor. I do think there are stronger ballads this year, but I was delighted to hear something vastly different on attempt two.
Score: 7.5/10
Luis: “Scream” is an interesting choice that goes counter to one the mantras of what a good Eurovision song should be: it is not radio-friendly, it’s not a chart topper (or it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t Sergey Lazarev singing it), but it’s still a solid entry and a candidate for the victory. Sergey brings a musical theatre piece whose luck will heavily rely on how its staged and how he sings it live. Its main weakness is that it doesn’t have a strong story behind it, and it feels slightly generic, so it will be interesting to see how the Russians create (or not) a unique narrative for the staging.
Score: 6/10
Sebastian: Taking out the hype and the obvious “Sergey” standard to live up to, “Scream” is a polished, respectable ballad. Vocally, it’s probably some of Sergey’s finest work. Visually and lyrically, however, there’s not much of a dream being sold here. There’s not doubt this song is designed to take you to an otherworldly place when on stage, but as a recorded track, “Scream” does quite have that impact yet. It’s a wait-and-see in Tel Aviv.
Score: 7/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 29 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
| Angus: 9/10
Antony: 6/10 Antranig: 8/10 Bernardo: 7/10 Calvin: 8.5/10 Chris: 6/10 Deban: 8/10 Essi: 5/10 Florian: 7/10 Izhar: 8/10 Jack: 7.5/10 Jonathan: 7/10 |
Josh: 8.5/10
Julian: 8/10 Kristin: 7/10 Mikhail: 6/10 Oliver: 10/10 Pablo: 6/10 Renske: 7.5/10 Robyn: 7/10 Ron: 8/10 Tobias: 7.5/10 William: 7/10 |
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 5 and a high of 10.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.33/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
7.33??? y’all on crack?
The music video reminds me some Darren Hayes videos, like “Black out the Sun” and “Maybe”. Very theatrical!
For me their decision to not follow the “Eurovision formula” and enter with such a unique song is brilliant.
Jesus, 7.33???????? Overrated as hell!!!
So this is the most overrated entry of the season. But it’s Russia with Sergey Lazarev so it doesn’t come as a surprise at all. Good vocals, but average epic ballad. Boring, pretentious and heard a hundred times before. Sure Russia is going to pay for the staging. Expensive staging + famous singer + Eastern block voting = top 10 granted. Had it been another country we would be talking about non qualification. Russia doesn’t deserve more than a 30th place. 13. Armenia (7) 14. Austria (7) 15. Hungary (7) 24. Latvia (6) 28. Finland (6) 29. Serbia (6) 30.… Read more »
This is a great song, but only on paper. It feels overproduced with its acting, there is no emotion in it, and if I can be a bit critical for a bit, the first time he sings SCREEEEEEEEEEAM, I always cringe at how he ends that note so roughly when the rest of the song is quite smooth.
This for me is in my bottom 5.
It’s the most ambitious entry of 2019. So, there’s a risk some will feel Russia is trying too hard to win, but there’s also an audience that can’t wait for something like it. The melody has grown a lot on me since its release. I absolutely love what they did with the bridge and how it leads to an apotheotic ending. I guess it’s safe to say Russia will put a big show and we know that Sergey can deliver. My problem is with the lyrics. They fail to justify all the drama and some words seem to be there… Read more »
While I understand what you mean by “apotheotic”, it is not a word I see used very often in English because it has a more religious and spiritual dimension to it. Perhaps the word “climactic” is more fitting?
As for the lyrics, they are simple yet over-the-top, much like what happens when one screams. It’s so clever that it can come across as trying too hard or even comical. But just as long as Sergey doesn’t wink when he sings “swallow hard”, then it should all go fine. 🙂
I thought if I should use the word, because it seems it got a different connotation here. We use “apoteótico” for a great moment of commotion, like scoring a winning goal at the very last moment of the match. So “climactic” it is. 🙂 About the lyrics… well, you’re much more comprehensive than me about them. Too bad, because the melody won me over.
I do think this song lacks the passion to be an Eurovision winner (just like in 2016) but he does bring a really good effort with amazing instruments, solid vocals and a bridge that is just everything for me. Russia will surely bring great staging and it’s clear that they want to win, but I don’t think Sergey has a big connection to this song and it feels more like a product than something created out of feeling/ emotions. But it’s still great!
9,5/10
I love him! Best luck to Russia from Germany. xoxo
One word : OVERRATED.
The scores are artificially high as all the jury seem to be giving higher scores anticipating great staging just because its Sergey.. It should be judged on its merits as a studio cut only and in that context it’s a dated boring 3/10. And that’s me being generous.
Top 3 again this year, but winner I don` t think so…
The only one atrocious here is you yourself. You are a fan of Laura Bretan, so your taste about lyrics don’t count.
” ignore the lyrics……I would not even mind to see him winning, if only as a big F U to Jamala”
It is what it is and you wrote it. Just own it, instead of trying to be the smarter person, because you can talk about your own tastes and nothing else. Just own it!!!
I think he’ll go down in Eurovision history as a Russian Cliff Richard. A lot of people will think that he won the contest at some point, but he never did.
How on earth is the lowest ranking among 29 people 5/10??? It’s dated, boring and if this was by anyone else but Russia and Sergey its average would be soooo much lower. 4.5/10 from me.
In London William gave his coat to Duncan, but Sergey was more cute when he gave his coat to Ira Losco.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISTVW4U4iBc
btw, do you know what Duncan Principle is? Is when you break somebody by making him/her wait a lot of time in the waiting room.
i find this song pretty atrocious. it’s unusual yet musically uninteresting. it’s utterly forgettable, the only redeemable part is the bridge. once again russia needs to understand that u can’t rely 100% on the staging but that u gotta have a great song to start with
OK Salvador Sobral, next year ESC will be a radio event. Happy now?
btw, Polina Gagarina was an egg, and she was second with a vomitive peace song.
Why a strong needs to be “memorable” in order to be strong???? I suppose you have never listened in your life instrumental music or opera for example.
it’s pop music we’re talkin bout
The song is not “pop” ! Haven’t you noticed yet???
I never thought that Lazarev of cheesy cheap YATOO could ever release such an amazing song as scream.
I am not the biggest fan of it (my 26th at the moment), but I love the bridge part with “not so silent and innocent”. This is really powerful! 🙂
The song is not my cup of tea but I must admit its a very good song: strong melody,great production,amazing vocals,powerful lyrics.
It will definitely stand out from the other songs in the final,because its very different.
Overrated ranking imo. At the moment, Armenia should have a better ranking.
Not the biggest fan of this song, I expected better from Sergey but I mean it’s not bad just not my cup of tea but it’s in my top 20 so there lol, 6.5/10
It’s a dramatic ballad but it’s not really heating the walls of my heart. But They’ve designed it for it to be a stage show and Sergey is showing his boyfriend better here. A 6.5/10. 3 points for the huge Russian diaspora support and a decent running order slot. It’s a cent perçent qualification situation .
Vocals , not boyfriend , lol
It’s better than You Are The Only One, which relied heavily on the staging borrowed from Måns Zelmerlöw. The song does sound very Disney, but not in a bad way. But the lyrics are nonsensical. 7.5/10
‘Maybe they can’t be heard or seen
But tears aren’t quiet things
They scream
Though my throat is on fire
My eyes will be liars
And they’ll try to stay drier’
What?
Listening to eurovision song the last two – three years is like listening to CD compilation of songs that a mega star would reject.
Songs that Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Zayn etc would never consider for their album.
I am really glad that Russia is not following this trend.
Songs are not only created for spotify and youtube, there are songs for a show,theatrical plays,movies and Eurovision is a TV show so I find it awesome that someone created a strong song for the show.
I hope they will win.
Yeah, because I can totally see Dua Lipa rejecting Viszlat nyar or Rihanna rejecting Blackbird. 🙁
I really like Russia’s 2019 entry, but bringing down ALL the other great songs in past few years in not a good move.
The truth is that none of the Eurovision songs the last decade have managed to make a European hit despite the great promotional opportunity
Well, one day I heard “Euphoria”, “Satellite” and “Heroes” all being played in radio, “Toy” got millions of views on Youtube, after ESC 2017, all you could hear in radio in Poland was “I Can’t Go On”. If that’s not a proof that Eurovision produces hits, I don’t know what is.
I heard Loin D’ici years after in a mall, and one coffee shop even played X My Heart (a NQ song). Not to mention I’ve heard Cool Me Down several times in public and that one didn’t even win it’s NF.
Listening a song once in a radio station in Poland is NOT what makes a song a “European hit”. Neither does 100.000.000 views on youtube
So what does? What’s your point?
My point is that none of the Eurovision songs became a European hit the last ten years.
Have a look at the streams or views of a song like “everywhere” from Rita Ora (which was a European hit) and compare it to the streams and views of Netta.
Why does it matter to you whether a song becomes a hit or not? Being one of ten songs to be played on an hourly basis on the radio doesn’t mean it’s a good song. I don’t care if the songs I listen to have 1 billion or 1k views on Youtube. I don’t let others prescribe my taste, neither should you. Besides, what exactly is an European hit? Does a song need to be at the top (or in the top 10) of every European chart? Please remember that not every country has an official chart. Plus, if you… Read more »
very well said, completely agree
I don’t rate Rita ora at all
Those of us who have been Eurovision fans for years don’t really give a toss if they are hits or not. Personally i and many others enjoy it for what it is a good enjoyable multfaceted show. I prefer ESC music the the stuff on the radio any day of the week. I do like a lot of other music , many different genres but get pissed off with this obsession of *has to be radio friendly for approval* no it doesn’t. its what you enjoy that counts.
Euphoria was a hit. Calm After The Storm was a hit. I’ve heard Only Teardrops in the supermarket multiple times over the last years. It is just not true that no Eurovsion songs have become a hit outside of their own country the last 10 years.
I love this song, and I would have loved it anyway, just for knowing is everything that Salvador hates.
This song will be sublimated by the live + the staging.
I’m not gonna lie, I enjoy it if I hear the song popping up and the orchestra makes it epic and you can see that they put effort into the MV. I have to admit that I only clicked on the song once, but maybe theatrical isnt a genre that I can listen to each moment of the day. However I do think that those two 10s are a bit far fetched. It’s good but its not thát good, bc a ten is for me an equivalent to sublime, and there is always room for improvement. I think that they… Read more »
I love the song. Its very different than anything ever heard in Eurovision. Its dark,dramatic ,epic it fits his voice and he has the feeling of a soundtrack.
He sets an example of how an artist should come back to Eurovision: keeping his status as a performer and not repeating himself .
First of all, it may be dated or Disney, BUT this is much better than “You Are The Only One”. Somehow the fandom was all over YATOO like a rash but seem to be hating on this?
Sure it’s not the best song ever, but miles better than 2016. Sergey is also a great performer. This will do well and will definitely qualify and finish top 10. Good luck Russia. 6/10
Dima Bilan was 2nd in 2006 and 1st in 2008. But both results were during 100% televote. Sergey won televote in 2016, so Sergey already won the competition with Dima. Now, in 2019, I don’t care about Scream result, but my personal opinion is that Scream is better than “The man from Atlantis” = Arcade. Downvote away, but I’m tired of Atlantis guy.
Uhm, no, the “Atlantis guy” is clearly Chingiz and I say this with full respect to him and to Duncan! 😉
Seems like a fair score from wiwi, but putting Armenia below this ….hmmm.
Of Course, we all know with their epic staging, they will elevate the song. The current odds represent ‘future expected profits’, as we say in economics/finance.
I see that many people are like “the song is alright, but what’s gonna make it stand out, it’s the epic staging”, or “staging is the element that’s gonna elevate the song”. Yet, first of all, we don’t know that. Granted, 2016 staging was the one to remember, but last year I would also say “oh, Russia’s gonna do miracles on stage”, and it turned out to be a hot mess. Second of all, it’s a song contest after all. I know it’s all about the show, but it’s the song that’s meant to be complimented by the staging and… Read more »
Fokas Evaggelinos directed the live performance of Russia 2016/14, Azerbaijan 2013, Moldova 2018, Ukraine 2008 and much more. And he will do Russia this year too. Do you STILL believe that it’s NOT gonna be epic?
Who cares about Russia 2018, They sabotaged themselves to show how “bad” Europeans are…
Well, my 9 is targeted towards a song. The staging can make it even better or a little weaker on stage, but this is a strong song on it’s own.
I’m happy you like it. I’m just commenting something I observe in general. Just imagine the hype before the rehearsals.
Totally with you here, Skiwalko. Staging is important, but it’s the song that should really matter
I was trying to find an explanation as to why I am not a fan of this song and after reading the comments, the commenters have got it right. This song lacks passion. Compare it to other pop ballads like the UK, the Netherlands and North Macedonia, and these come across as better because the singers sing with passion and conviction and really sell what they’re singing. I don’t feel anything when listening to Scream and so it kind of alienates me and explains why I’ve never really taken a liking to the song.
Boring song, really. Nothing to get excited about. This will be lifted by the performance though, but still, in order to win you need a hell of a competitive song, this is not.
as if our arcade is that competitive, it’s weak way too overhyped trash
i wouldn’t want us dutch to win with arcade, but more with a DJ and a female singer like sharon den adel, they can bring competitiveness and fire to eurovision
as for Russia, i like its emotion, musical vibe but i don’t mind that at all, and also cool music video, never been a lazarev fan myself, hated his 2016 entry but this seems nice
Quite strange to see this comment Nicky91. For weeks you post annoying comments with “Arcade is the best!!1” “Netherlands is number one!!” but suddenly you made a shift and your comment is positive towards the Russian entry (thats possible, many people like it) and super negative to Arcade.
As expected, it seems to me that you are indeed a troll, so inconsistent…Also I dont know why you bring up Arcade again. I thought Bastian was actually Belgian if I remember correctly
Nicky has also claimed to be from San Marino. Just a troll.
i am not a troll, i just know we can send something better, more worthy of odds favourite spot than arcade ever will be
arcade is just good, maybe similar result for us as in 2013, with anouk birds an 8th place, and that is still decent, a top 10 result for us anyway
Confirmed troll
Please ignore Nicky91, he wants attention.
If there is one thing Russia has brought to classical music over the last two centuries, it is multi-octave drama. For a long time, I wanted to here the power of this classical music reflected in their Eurovision entry. And at last, here were have it. The power of “Scream” is all about the orchestral backing track, combined with the layering of Sergey’s soaring vocals. This music is epic. In a different climate, it would sail into the top 10. But I wonder if the climate will interfere with how the song does on the night. I urge the juries… Read more »
I’d give Russia a title of ”most improved” since last year. Runner-ups would be Romania, Australia, Iceland and Netherlands.
Scream is the best song after Italy ,Suisse, belgium, and Macédoine.In my top 5
So, Sergey is in your bottom 10, while he is in my top 10. Now I’m the one who needs coffee! 🙂
No problem, I appreciate the honesty. My reviews for Cyprus and Switzerland are probably gonna get downvoted a lot. If everyone thought the same, discussions would seize to exist and the best part is being able to discuss.
At the end, it all comes down to if Sergey is someone’s top or bottom… lol.
Don’t worry, Colin, my review of Cyprus will probably be more downvoted than yours
That’s okay, Tibor 🙂 I enjoy your reviews nonetheless.
Also, not to forget, my reviews for Azerbaijan and France might turn out as a cold shower for many.
RUSSIA – Sergey brought Russia to a televote win three years ago and now that he’s back, I’m glad he decided not to recreate his previous success, but try out something different. Scream is in a way a polar opposite from YATOO, as it’s a melancholic ballad. What they have in common is that they are both dramatic and theatrical, two things we know Lazarev thrives in. Scream is even closer to my personal taste, as I love big dramatic ballads when done right. The build-up is extraordinary composed and brings all the intensity and emotion, with some chanting medieval… Read more »
Agree with everything but probably ending up in the top ten might be underselling it slightly, no?
Top 10 is something I am almost 100% sure of, but I edited it’s chances, because winning is indeed not a stretch. This is my favorite Russian entry since Polina’s Million Voices. Also, this is the first song review of my top 10 of 2019.
So far (Top 10 out of already reviewed, aka one quarter):
1. Russia – 9/10
2. Serbia – 8/10
3. Poland – 8/10
4. Austria – 7/10
5. Denmark – 7/10
6. Armenia – 6.5/10
7. Hungary – 6.5/10
8. Ireland – 5/10
9. Latvia – 4/10
10. Finland – 4/10
Here are my scores (and I know I am an odd case)
1. Denmark 10/10
2. Latvia 9/10
3. Armenia 8/10
4. Russia 7/10
5. Serbia 6.5/10
6. Poland 6/10
7. Ireland 5.5/10
8. Finland 5/10
9. Hungary 5/10
10. Austria 4/10
This is a tough one. Everything about Sergey’s return has been deeply calculated and “Scream” is a product, rather than a song. They had an empty blender and they thought: “come on, guys, lets put in some epicness, strong instrumentals, a drama theme, some parts to show Sergey’s good vocals, staging oportunities…”, and the end result was “Scream”. Does this all make it a bad thing? Not at all, but it fails in transmitting any emotions to me. It’s quite soul-less and I can only hear, but not feel the song. Besides that, the lyrics are quite forced, and the… Read more »
exactly :)))
I totally agree with your description of Scream.
Exactly! Saves me time writing a review 😉
There is actually another song this year that gives me a similar feeling
No doubt Sergey is an amazing and respectable performer with a huge fanbase especially in the post-Soviet countries, but “Scream” gets only a few times better than YATOO. It has a proper and calculated instrumentation and harmony, but end result looked like something more fitting to 2008-2012, although that’s the golden days of the modern seasons. It doesn’t have a proper chorus, but looks like the ‘Screeeeeeeeam’ part is enough to be listened to. Overall, it’s a good ballad that showcases his vocal range. I really, really hope they won’t YATOO-ify this. It’s already a big ballad, and a big… Read more »
I like the instruments and the dramatic feel of the song. But it just doesn’t make me feel any kinds of emotion. (yeah some of you guys can think I’m emotionless, that’s ok)
Personally, I love songs that make me feel something (happy, sad or nostalgic… whatever) even when they may not have a solid production.
I bet Russia will bring a mind-blowing stage performance to Tel Aviv so I’ll wait to see the rehearsal.
What’s not to like? Dramatic instrumentals, flawless vocals…the promise of an amazing stage performance?
Could not be more excited for this!
Better than “You’re The Only One” which I wasn’t a clear fan of. Staging will have to match this, and of course, Sergey will deliver the goods vocally so there is no question about that.
As for potentially winning? That’s another matter that we’ll look into in a few weeks.