The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rate and review the 41 competing entries of Eurovision 2019. Next we take a look at Belgium, where The Voice singer Eliot has “Wake Up”. Did the song grab our attention? Read on to find out!
Eliot – “Wake Up”
“Wake Up” reviews
Antranig: If I had to judge based on the first two seconds of every song, Belgium would be my winner. The opening bars create a chilling atmosphere and Eliot builds on that when he begins singing. It would be easy to draw parallels to Kristian Kostov or Blanche, but Eliot is his own man and demonstrates maturity beyond his years. The Walloon broadcaster has two consecutive fourth place finishes under its belt and Eliot is certainly capable of similar success.
Score: 9/10
Antony: There is a mysterious quality to be had with this song. The song starts off with a dark electronic melody but then the chorus cuts through making it sound rejoiceful. Eliot sings with passion and it shows that he is feeling what he sings. Whilst the song may not have the ability to grab people’s attention, the composition has so much complexity and contrasting features that it should especially be respected by juries.
Score: 8.5/10
Julian: Belgium served high quality in the last couple of years. But for the first time since these years, I’m not feeling the Belgium song. Wake up is a good song and of course it is very well produced and Eliot is a charismatic singer. The main problem is the second and third refrain. I especially love the verses but after the tempo change of the second verse — which is building up the song more and more — the following choruses can’t fulfil the expectations I got in the verses.
Score: 5/10
Luis: “Wake Up” has great ideas, and while it doesn’t reach the heights of “Rhythm Inside” or “City Lights”, it’s still a song that should make Belgium proud. The verses are excellent, but the chorus is a bit lacking. Still, the power of this entry lies in the message that it transmits, particularly in the music video. The lyrics may not be exactly about it, but what I draw from the music video is that what Eliot is fighting for is for the earth. The shot at the last chorus is reminiscent of Fridays for Future. And that school climate strike movement is taking Europe by storm.
Score: 7/10
Pablo: It’s clear this is going to be Wallonia’s brand of music, and we are happy to get more! While “Wake Up” feels a bit derivative from the mould of Blanche and Loic, it’s still feels haute-couture, like it belongs in a really good Netflix series. It is clear the song has a strong part and a weak part, but the line on what’s what gets blurry, so I enjoy it through and through without being bugged by the fact. Belgium’s low-key approach this year may cause them to stand out live and get their redemption back.
Score: 8/10
William: There’s an expensive sheen to Eliot’s “Wake Up”. Clearly born in 2019, it smacks of the art-pop Belgium has come to be known for. But Eliot’s take is less dark and brooding than in recent years, serving something light and ultimately uplifting. The verses are charming. They pulsate, quicken and progress in a linear fashion, avoiding the theatrics so often found in ESC entries. The chorus stays within this theme, but for me it doesn’t feel quite big enough. No matter. The bridge brings me back into it and I’m rather satisfied by the end.
Score: 7.5/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 29 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
| Angus: 7/10
Anthony: 9/10 Barnabas: 8/10 Bernardo: 8/10 Calvin: 5.5/10 Chris: 7/10 Deban: 7.5/10 Essi: 6/10 Florian: 7.5/10 Izhar: 7.5/10 Jack: 3/10 Jonathan: 6.5/10 |
Josh: 5.5/10
Kristin: 6/10 Lucy: 6/10 Lukas: 6.5/10 Mikhail: 6/10 Oliver: 7/10 Renske: 7/10 Robyn: 7/10 Ron: 7/10 Sebastian: 8/10 Tobias: 6.5/10 |
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 3 and a high of 9.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 6.96/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
Great verses and brilliant bridge. But the chorus is SUCH a let down…
6/10. Could have been so much higher…
BELGIUM – Dark and with mysterious lyrics, it would indeed be a great song to listen to during a Netflix show opening. Considering those usually last for under a minute, the song could use it’s full potential. The real duration is three minutes and it becomes apparent it gets a bit anti-climactic until then. It’s still sleek and soothing, but definitely needs a bigger pay-off at the final chorus. I quite like the atmosphere it builds and the questions the lyrics ask. However, Eliot’s insecure performances thus far don’t leave an impression this will likely pop on stage. – 7/10… Read more »
I’m not really going to add much to the discussion here. I quite like this. It’s in my top 26…but my personal taste aside, I think there is a considerable chance that this does not qualify. The chorus is a huge letdown. I mean, it’s not the biggest letdown chorus of the year (Hello, France), but it definitely does not match the build created by the verses. Love the instrumentation there. And unfortunately, Belgium have problems with their singer (again). For a country that relies on the reality TV shows to pick their singer and pick their singer early, you’d… Read more »
I agree on everything you said. Belgium is either my 23rd or 24th. They have a good song with a nice instrumental and good lyrics, yet it feels like something is lacking. I hope Eliot can improve his live and bedazzle us in the semi.
@William Lee Adams: Please change the category from Australia to Belgium. Thank you.
Giving Belgium’s recent record, it’s normal to feel disappointed. But “Wake Up” is actually pretty good and I believe more people would like it if wasn’t for the comparisons. It’s one of the best produced tracks, from the “Stranger Things” background to its clever changes of pace. I still think the chorus would be an amazing pre-chorus though. When it follows the bridge, it holds everything back. As almost everyone else, I became worried if Eliot will be up to the task of showing all the qualities of the song when the moment comes. I really hope so. 7/10
One of my favorites this year.
It starts dark and very promising, following the same trend Beligum has lately decided to follow. I don’t find the chorus a let down a some point, though I would have like a bit more progression vocally and musically towards the last third of the song. Except for that, the lyrics, the instrumental and Eliot’s voice are perfect in my opinion. The live performance may be a bit underwhelming with those “you” barely tuned. I don’t know why he always seem out of tune and struggling there. Why don’t they practise it, is it maybe because he’s nervous? Or is… Read more »
cute song but not gorgeous. sounds like sumthin troye sivan would record. terrible music video.
I really don’t wanna be harsh but there are a lot of aspects I dislike in this one, especially the chorus. The verses are amazing, the song starts out really good, but the chorus is just really flat and boring to me. Last year Sennek brought a masterpiece but the live performance (rightfully so) was punished by the voters. This year I don’t even like the song, and judging by what we’ve seen so far the performance will be the same story, so I think Belgium is going to be in my bottom 10 this year I’m afraid. 5/10
Am I the only one who doesn’t think the chorus is a letdown? I love the driving beat under it and the lyrics as well.
Totally agree Stella, I actually think the chorus is marginally better than the verse as it is the main message of the song. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the verses too though.
I have no idea why so many people criticise the chorus, to me it’s a great follow up to the verses.
So… anyone wanna predict the scores for the remaining six countries? (Australia, Cyprus, Italy, Netherlands, San Marino and Sweden)
Australia-5.54
Cyprus-8.40
Italy-8.21
Netherlands-9.25
San Marini-5.18
Sweden-7.55
6.75 , 8 , 8.5 , 8.7 , 6.5 , 8
In that order
knowing Wiwi Juries’ voting pattern:
– Australia – 6.37
– Cyprus – 8.50
– Italy – 8.96
– Netherlands – 8.66
– San Marino – 6.11
– Sweden – 7.89
I think the votes of the wiwijury will be as follows (I have put my own score in brackets)
Australia – 6.5 (7.5)
Cyprus – 8.2 (8)
Italy – 8.5 (9.5)
Netherlands 8.6 (7)
San Marino 6.9 (4)
Sweden 7.5 (8)
I don’t want to predict, but I’ll give my personal scores: – Australia: 0 – Joke entry, and not even a fun one. It’s a hot mess. – Cyprus: 1 – Boring piece of plastic, right out of the industrial Swedish oven. – Italy: 10 – Love it, Italy has brought nothing but quality over the last 9 years and deserves a victory. – Netherlands: 9.5 – Absolutely beautiful, wouldn’t mind see it winning. – San Marino: 1 – No comment needed. – Sweden: 7 – For once, the Swedish entry doesn’t feel robotic and has an actual human feeling… Read more »
Sweden’s is already out (see YT video).
Italy and N’lands will get something very close to 9, maybe even higher since both aren’t much divisive in the fandom.
Australia ~6.5
San Marino ~6
Cyprus ~8.5
And again, I will ask why is the Swedish score so different from the UK’s? The two songs are somewhat similar in style and tone. Sure, they are different enough to warrant a different score for each individual, but anyone who gave two songs more than 2 points apart could try to explain me why?
They are two different songs man just chill
All they should have done is just keep the beat in the verses going during the chorus. Someone needs to do a remix.
Of course this guy isn’t a great singer, but neither was ‘deer in headlights’ Blanche and she still did pretty well. Really, it’s the production on the chorus that ruins this track.
Blanche’ s voice was magical….
The song was by far the best song of ESC 2017…
The lyrics ‘ All alone in the danger zone ‘ suited the scared/lonely expression that you guys call ‘deer in headlights’
I think this song is a bit overrated yea it’s ok and a tad catchy but overall it’s just not my fave. Also I haven’t got a clue what they’re going to do with the staging?? 7/10
And again Eliot. Y’all know what my comment is going to be like, don’t ya? 😀 But today I will shock you by sayin’: The SONG is really beautiful <3
I just fell over.
Who do you think is the hottest/cutest?
I totally agree! I hope that Eliot is going to drop the fist gesture from his last performances .
(Blanche was my faourite in 2017 too)
The song creates an atmosphere and I actually don’t find the chorus underwhelming at all. It’s just not as intriguing as the opening lines. In terms of song quality , it’s right up in my favorites. However , the live presentation of the song especially the staging on the voice was to quote my own self ‘ Garbage’. Also he has some pronunciation issues with the words in the chorus which take away from the musicality of the chorus. A 8/10 for me. The running order not so great , going right before a lot of ‘different’ songs . A… Read more »
I’m on the fence about this song. Lyrically it’s really nice – maybe the metaphors presented here aren’t very complicated, but they’re coherent and work well with the video (and probably staging as well). Verses are wonderful – synthesizer builds a tension, while percussion emphasizes the tempo and draws listeners in, preparing them for the chorus. And then comes the chorus. I think I get the idea – it reminds me of knocking on the door, which matches with the young people demanding the truth. It might also symbolize the process of destroying the walls separating the protagonist from the… Read more »
“Knocking on a door” – yes! Brilliant observation. 🙂
However, small point: the final Chorus (Reprise) is not “the same” as the previous two Choruses; the entire accompaniment changes.
I see where you come from, but judging by the lyrics (verses – the protagonist is in the dark, scared, confused, looking for a destination, chorus – protagonist comes out of the dark, fights for the truth), and music (verses – fast, creating disorientation, stress + bridge getting louder and faster, chorus – anthemic, powerful, containing the main message of the song) I guess it was meant to be seen the other way around. 🙂
Ah, the power of triplets. Three into two does go. 🙂 Considering that the story is supposed to be about three people and him fighting for them to be two people, it’s a rather literal musical interpretation. 😀
My only suggestion for Eliot’s vowel sound issues are to get lessons in elocution. (I once had those.)
Oh sorry, I honestly didn’t realise. Yes, it’s about rhythm, not tempo. It’s how the Chorus words “I came to… (fight)” are placed on the rhythm of a triplet. So there are three words spread across two half-beats. Three into two. Basically try to clap twice, then try to clap three times in the same time period as the two claps were made in. It’s tricky.
I wonder if the triplet thing can also explains why Eliot’s biggest moment of struggle has been the complement “over you”. I mean, if it’s tricky to fit the “I came to fight” for the lack of space, maybe it explains why he’s still trying to find a way do deal with the extra space he has to do the “you”. Did I make sense?
I don’t think you are right here – because the three words are not like a tripple in the way you describe them (three equal claps in the same time of two). They are no tripple they are just notes with different lengths and stress within the beat. The percussion is changing the beats, 1 in the same time of two.. (between verses and chorus).
I don’t know the english words for it, I am german…
But I am not a musician I have only hobby knowledge from former choir singing and playing a little bit the piano.
It could instead be a syncopated rhythm, but the conflict of 3 against 2 is still there.
(Listens to the Chorus again…)
Ugh, it’s not clear either way. Could be either. It doesn’t change the musical review though.
Yeah, we appreciate this song, that’s what matters.
My first review didn’t get through, probably because I wrote too much, lol! This one is my favourite this year. Dark, but uplifting, with a serious message which means a lot to me, and possibly quite a few others. I play this song the most, and I know it will stick with me after the competition too. I don’t think it connects with enough people for it to win, but in a way I don’t mind, I am just happy to have found a song that I connect with so much. All the best Eliot, you go for it!
Boring but little less than the Netherlands.
I just touched upon the performer’s live questions in my second comment. I never like drawing attention to such things since I know that some of the performers read these comments and could lose confidence – that’s the last thing I want for Eliot. I like him and I want him to do well. But all the same, the question has been asked.
P.S. Obviously we disagree on the song, but that’s fine. 🙂
Haha, thanks. Points taken. 🙂
(2 of 2) Moving onto the performer – I understand why Eliot suits the song artistically. You would want someone who had never stood out in the light before, who is trying to find the courage to stand up and fight. Someone with youth. Someone like Eliot. But, you also want someone who can be convincing in the moment of victory – is this Eliot? I have heard mixed opinions on this, so I’ll leave it as an open question. The other factor about this entry is the possible guarded political statement. It’s only there if you look for it,… Read more »
This song is all about hope and optimism for me, so it feels right to have a fresh faced passionate and happy person fronting it. I think the words by some could be viewed as confrontational, especially in the chorus, so having someone like Eliot works quite well. As to messages, personally I don’t think there is one, I think there are several, which another reason I like the song!
I like the song and it is definitely part of my top 10, but I have strong doubt about the performance… (especially because many esc followers will soon compare it to Loïc or Blanche’s songs, which were better than this one)
Oh I love when RTBF takes charge of Belgium in ESC. So much better than the Flemish broadcaster. I wish they would always do it. Anyway, song wise, it’s very current and not unlike Troye Sivan. It’s a catchy electro ballad that will definitely qualify from semi 1. Is it as good as ‘City Lights’? Not so much, but it would be tough to beat that anyway. A song that I still listen to regularly. Currently, my number 12. It will qualify for sure but I predict 10-15 in the final. Staging will be key here. Best of luck Belgium.… Read more »
Here we have it, my personal favourite of Eurovision 2019!!! I am not going to pretend he will win because there are too many detractors, but for me, this is the song that sets my pulse racing, this is the one that I play on repeat and this is the one that I know will stick with me after the contest. I don’t mind the two tone nature of the song, but then I loved Agnete’s Icebreaker in 2016, so maybe this is just a style I enjoy. I like the modern feeling to it, and the video is pure… Read more »
Only 6 more countries to rank (Australia, Cyprus, Italy, Netherlands, San Marino and Sweden) and spots 1, 4, 13, 14, 19 and 25 are still open. 2. GRE (9.0) 3. ICE (9.0) 5. AZE (9.0) 6. BEL (8.5) 7. SWI (8.0) 8. RUS (7.5) 9. NMC (7.5) 10. EST (7.0) 11. HUN (7.0) 12. ROM (7.0) 15. FRA (6.5) 16. IRE (6.5) 17. ARM (6.5) 18. ALB (6.0) 20. AUT (6.0) 21. DEN (5.5) 22. NOR (5.5) 23. SLO (5.5) 24. MAL (5.5) 26. ESP (5.0) 27. FIN (5.0) 28. CZE (5.0) 29. BLR (5.0) 30. UK (5.0) 31. SER… Read more »
1. I do not post it every single time, but every 2-3 reviews.
2. Feel free to skip it if you are not interested in reading it. You would be surprised to know how many posts I skip
Ignore them, Rimig. It’s a community blog about Eurovision and your passion is just as valid as anyone else’s contribution.
Is it necessary to have a post from you for every single song. Stop being mean.
A few points:
1. Robyn Gallagher, who effectively runs this jury, used to ask for such “long posts” to be withdrawn for technical reasons. So this is the first year when they have been permitted.
2. Mr. Vanilla Bean has come across as mean. It happens on here sometimes. Everyone makes mistakes. Please don’t be mean in return.
3. Personally I like reading other people’s rankings. But if I don’t have time to read it, I just scroll down. Sorted.
1. It doesn’t just happens sometimes. It happens frequently.
2. Everyone makes mistakes but not everyone makes the same mistake over and over again (like being mean) and never learns from it and shows no care about it.
3. Yeah they are nice. If they are not nice for others, shame they don’t just scroll on
Well, you are definitely a good example of that, Vanilla Bean, so it’s all good indeed 😉
lmfaooo i love u
Nobody cares about your ranking but you still feel like sharing it!
Oh, no worries! I don’t get easily affected by comments from anyone, but I appreciate your support anyway 🙂
I will keep posting my ranking whenever I feel so as long as Robyn or other moderators allow me to.
I like reading it , that’s why ! Lol
He(she) adds the new country to the list na
U N D E R R A T E D – how did Russia, Romania and Armenia get higher . Maybe it’s me having a non-generic music taste . I respect your opinions but Slovenia and Belgium in the 6’s???? Underrated
Russia maybe but Armenia and Romania ARE NOT generic smh
It is true that Eliot’s live performances have left me a bit (or more than a bit) worried, but since my ranking is based solely on the official music videos, I have to admit that I like the song quite a lot. Yes, the chorus might feel like a bit of a let-down, but I believe that is mainly because the verses are so damn captivating. They create this dark and intimate atmosphere and then, with the chorus, a much brighter color comes in. I find it actually very enjoyable. As a whole, I find it maybe not as good… Read more »
If Belgium doesn’t qualify it will be a crime
Will the punishment for the crime be delivered by H a t a r i ?
You are all downvoting me for having an opinion . Stop being immature xD
Time for my bombshell review of the season. This is my most listened-to song of ESC 2019, and my personal favourite. I know this means it will likely do badly, because all of my faves do badly. But hear me out: This is beautiful writing. The song is a fight to step out into the light, both musically and lyrically. The verses are the darkness – wallowing around in G minor with the note of the seventh carried in the air like an invisible chain. The first two Choruses are deliberately abrupt, both rhythmically and harmonically: fighting triplets in the… Read more »
A lovely review of the song’s musicality !
Thank you for this very insightful review of the song from a musical standpoint. It’s my 9th place right now, but I’ve never seen anyone say it’s been their favourite yet.
Amazing review – 100% agree. The most uplifting song of the year for me!
I am actually surprised!
Wouldn’t have this down as your favourite.
The chorus is flat, but that does not mean the song is a total flop. I think youngsters will be connected with his young-adult-activist-baby-face-image, unless Belgium completely ruins it on the stage.
6.5/10
The studio version of this song is decent and would be my 12th or 13th choice of the whole bunch. The live versions, however, have been very poor so far. This number is in danger of repeating Senneke’s failure last year.
Wake Up is a doubly good title because I find Eliot’s soft voice and gentle singing here has quite a nice soporific quality.
I like the song and it’s another original and competitive entry from Belgium, at least in relation to the studio version. I agree with William, it’s not as dark and brooding as it could be, or as Belgium has done recently, but that may depend on how Eliot’s performance is staged in Tel Aviv.