It’s that time of the year again: Albania’s national selection Festivali i Këngës 58  is ready to kick off national final season. And today we’re one step closer as broadcaster RTSH has released all 20 of the competing songs.

The competing acts for Festivali i Këngës 58 were announced back in October, while on Sunday RTSH revealed the song titles and song composers.

In less than two weeks, one of these 20 competing acts will win the prestigious festival and go on to represent Albania country in Rotterdam.

Festivali i Këngës 58 — Competing songs

Click on the song titles below to hear each entry.

Festivali i Këngës 58

The 58th edition of Albania’s long-running national final will take place on 19, 20 and 22 December. The winner of the contest will go on to be Albania’s act for Eurovision 2020.

Eurovision 2019 runner-up Mahmood will perform as an interval act, as will 2018 runner-up Eleni Foureira. Also on the bill is Sanremo star Guisy Ferreri.

Who’s your favourite? Which songs do you like the most? And who do you expect to follow up Jonida Maliqi in Rotterdam? Let us know down below in the comments section!

Read more Albania Eurovision news here

206 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Rajerson Jørgensen
Rajerson Jørgensen
4 years ago

Elvana and Era are the best

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago

Look, even the sound of the instrument playing in the chorous of me tana is very very similar to the one of Fuego. Also the beat in the chorous is similar, at the beginning it is almost identical (listen to the karaoke version on Fuego). The verses are different but it still sounds like a very stereotypical cheap latin song we’ve all heard already a 100 times. I know that nowadays it is hard to come up with completely new melodies tho. When you say that you are so sick of people comparing everything to Fuego now (like xoxo or… Read more »

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

All you got to say is that ‘Are we gonna compare all upbeat songs to Fuego now?’. This is a weak argument. I do not compare all upbeat songs to Fuego. For example, I didn’t call She got me and Replay a Fuego ripoff. At times they sounded a bit similar but far not as much as ‘Me Tana’.

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

I start this out by saying that I am ready for dislikes because I know people mostly here are Albanians and obviously they don’t like it when their favourite is compared to a better song like ‘Fuego’.

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

A weak excuse is being dismissive towards the fact that Fuego is not the first nor the last song with ethnic-fused instrumentations heard in a modern-bop.

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

I don’t mind the dislikes because I know here are mostly Albanians who of course don’t like it when their favourite is compared to a better song like ‘Fuego’.

James
James
4 years ago

There’s a lot of good songs in this selection. The biggest deal-breaker would be, of course, how they all would sound like live. I think the more upbeat ones will struggle with how they are performed by the live orchestra, but I’ve been proven wrong by the FiK orchestra with Mall and Ktheju Tokes so we will see. The one thing I hope RTSH will avoid would be issues with their sound mixing. The performers had trouble bringing their 100% in their performance because they have difficulty hearing from their in-ears. Camera direction is a whole other discussion altogether but… Read more »

Milan
Milan
4 years ago

The general quality of FiK songs this year is really remarkable – good work everyone!
To me Kamela Islamaj seems by far the best choice, followed (by a large margin) by Arilena Ara or Valon Shehu. I can understand the hype about Elvana Gjata – such a type of songs appeals to a lot of people, but to me it’s just 3 minutes of nothing. (Here, I’m just listening it for the second time just to make sure there isn’t anything in it for me.)

Ffs
Ffs
4 years ago

And the brainwashing begins now ….

Amor Amankwah
Amor Amankwah
4 years ago

No one likes Era Rusi? Her’s is my favorite.

maladroite
maladroite
4 years ago
Reply to  Amor Amankwah

LOL she’s my number 1

Malo
Malo
4 years ago

Out of curiosity, what gives you such certainty for your prediction? Let’s assume for the sake of the argument all these songs are bad. Maybe whichever song is chosen ends up in a weak semi final, or Europe just goes insane next year and votes for the song and it qualifies. What are you gonna say then? Because whichever the reason it still qualified, and to change your quote a little bit: “YES final for Albania this year I guess”.
No bad feelings, just making conversation.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago

Tbh Ende’s production is what I liked best. Probably because I already knew what Wendy was capable vocally.

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

I believe they used the clarinet in Fuego. It clearly sounds like someone’s distorted voice in Me Tana’s drop. So no more Fuego comparisons! Listen to some Balkan, Turkish, Arabic, Greek or even Romanian music. Fuego didn’t invent the wheel! As amazing as that song is for me.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Will we get a poll to vote for our personal FiK 58 winner(s)?

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago

I have heard that the greek jury member are not going to vote for the songs who have Nortmacedonian song writers. If that the case then Albania have the worst selection in 2020. I cant see anyone who are going to top that.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

yes but i still heard it. Wait and see. If Dimitris not give any points to them then i dont agree.

Eastman
Eastman
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

You won’t say who exactly you heard this from, so it’s most likely internet trash talk so how can anyone accept this as legit?

Eurovisimos
Eurovisimos
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

Source or it did not happen.

Cat
Cat
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

It is the best FiK so far

Rona
Rona
4 years ago

Are we seriously going to call every single upbeat pop song a Fuego rip-off from now on?

Ashton
Ashton
4 years ago
Reply to  Rona

I sincerely hope not Rona

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  Rona

After the Fuegos 2.0 last year here already comes the Fuego 3.0 lmao

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
4 years ago
Reply to  Rona

If it sounds like it, then yes.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago

Good thing it doesn’t 😉

Cloe
Cloe
4 years ago

I don’t see anything similar between Fuego and Me Tana besides the fact that both have instrumentals (i.e. dance).
Me Tana is extremely simiral to Elvana’s other songs. Listens to “Ku Vajti” and “Fustani” and you’ll know what i’m talking about.

Milan
Milan
4 years ago
Reply to  Cloe

Of course, Fuego allegations are total rubbish from people who don’t see anything in a song beyond its general style and voice quality.

NoForRipoffs
NoForRipoffs
4 years ago

ANYBODY ELSE HEARS FUEGO IN ME TANA??? Eleni wants her song back!

Tom
Tom
4 years ago
Reply to  NoForRipoffs

She will be performing in the Albanian national selection so maybe she will say something ….

Cloe
Cloe
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom

She will actually be a jury member.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Cloe

Do you have a source?

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  NoForRipoffs

Eleni will perform in FIK this year so perhaps.

Malor
Malor
4 years ago
Reply to  NoForRipoffs

In that case Kalomira and/or Sirusho want their songs back from Eleni as well!
They should all go to FIK and fight onstage until one gets the rights to all the songs.
I mean come on, find another argument to diss songs you don’t like please.

Eastman
Eastman
4 years ago
Reply to  NoForRipoffs

If Fuego is the only song you know that sounds like this, you need to start listening to more music and older music.

Cat
Cat
4 years ago
Reply to  NoForRipoffs

With this logic, Fuego’s staging stolen from Shady Lady (Ukraine 2008) So Ani wants her staging back…

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

The last Albanian entry I really enjoyed was Juliana Pasha 2010.
Given the fact that this region brought Ava Max, Dua Lipa and Rita Ora up, I don’t understand the passion for all these old-fashioned ballads…
Elvana would be the breath of fresh air ^^

Marco
Marco
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

You forgot Bebe Rexha ???

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago
Reply to  Marco

Thank you! 🙂 The queen of “Last Hurrah” 😀

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

Ballads are a permanent fixture in FIK.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  James

FiK would die without them XD

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

Old fashioned ballads are the best though XD
Just out of curiosity, you didn’t even like I’m Alive or Mall? Those were mid-tempo at least.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Arilena Ara or Sara Bajraktari for me..
Got a top 5-6 that would all be really good Eurovision entries though.

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago

Elvana’s song is too much like Fuego, sorry. Listen to the chorous

xoxo
xoxo
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

I’m sick and tired of people like you who compare every single upbeat dance song with a drop to Fuego. It’s like comparing Siren Song to any Ukrainian pop music because their music sounds “similar” to each other

Serpent
Serpent
4 years ago
Reply to  xoxo

But there is similarity, even the sound of the instrument playing in the chorous sounds very similar. This song was CLEARLY inspired by Fuego, I’m not calling it a ripoff but there is a clear similarity. And I DO NOT compare every single upbeat song to Fuego. Elvana’s song is almost the only one which has too many Fuego elements (out of songs I’ve heard) But of course you Albanians don’t like to hear such things even if you notice the similarity, so I’m not surprised to see such comments. You just fear that it will harm your result in… Read more »

Liisa
Liisa
4 years ago
Reply to  xoxo

Imo there’s more Fuego in me tana than in Replay

Enough
Enough
4 years ago
Reply to  xoxo

The beat is very similar tho

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

Come on you guys, mix it up a little. Say it copied “She Got Me” or “Everywhere that I Can”. Be more creative.
Cause it makes you all sound like you started watching Eurovision in 2018. Songs like this have been around since 2003 at least.
Say that Fuego copied another song for a change. Bring smth new to this tired discussion.

If you still think the same, file a lawsuit then, cause making this statement online won’t do anything.
It did nothing to Switzerland last year, still Top 5.

Marco
Marco
4 years ago

15 from 20 are good enough to win it. I am sure it will be a very nice festival and people will enjoy it.
Wish you all merry Christmas and a happy new year ??

Chloe
Chloe
4 years ago
Reply to  Marco

You mean FiKmas? XD

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Chloe

Good one xP

Sun
Sun
4 years ago

An okay selection.

Pineaple
Pineaple
4 years ago

Kanita was the only one that made me feel anything. She was the only one who actually told a story though her voice. I want her to win. This comment will be voted down massively by the “Yaaas quuueeeenn slaaaaayy”ers purely because Elvana isn’t my favourite even though Elvana’s song is just a basic pop song that is average at best. This song is only getting hype because Elvana is singing it, just like Fuego did with Eleni and Monsters did with Saara Aalto. I will be really disappointed if Elvana wins

JeyDelRey
JeyDelRey
4 years ago

A very strong selection this year. A lot of great songs that can be improved until May. Me Tana is definitely my favorite, I would love to see Albania sending a more catchy entry (although I loved 2018 and 2019). Well done Albania!

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  JeyDelRey

You get it 🙂

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
4 years ago

Anyone else think Gena’s song is amazing? Elvana’s song just isn’t my style.

Ugna
Ugna
4 years ago

Elvana is my absolute favorite this year, followed by Era. Huuuuuge gap. And third would be Albërie.

Geo
Geo
4 years ago

The last time Albania sent an uptempo song was in 2010!!! No more boring ballads and screaming divas, let’t bring the house down with a dance song! Come on, Albania! Don’t play it safe anymore!!! Elvana’s song seems the best possible, decent choice for Albania. Arilena Ara’s song is the most disappointing… I had no idea in this century there could be written songs that outdated and unsuitable for an international contest….

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
4 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Not every song is supposed to be a “banger”. Eurovision has too many of them as it is. Sending Elvana would be the definition of playing it safe. Yet another Fuego “inspired” entry.

tfikjtcjb
tfikjtcjb
4 years ago

how about let’s not compare every up beat song to fuego, it’s not like eleni invented pop or anything

Ashton
Ashton
4 years ago
Reply to  tfikjtcjb

honestly preach im sick of literally everyone comparing every song that it vaguely danceable to fuego like stop it

Indiana07
Indiana07
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

But the instrumental part is indeed similar to Fuego…

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

Regional similarities can do that.

RoboESC
RoboESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

Everywhere around the world there are producers using similar sounds. A few years ago people were comparing every swedish influenced dance song to Euphoria. Made no sense and now they’re using fuego..

Cloe
Cloe
4 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

Only the fact that has instrumental makes it similar, not the instrumentals themselves.

Ervis
4 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

So what?! Elvana is Elvana , Eleni is Eleni .. the only rhing in common they have is they are both albanian…

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
4 years ago
Reply to  tfikjtcjb

I’m not. I’m comparing this to Fuego, because the song structure is almost identical. People get really annoyed when their generic pop banger is called out for the cheap knock-off it is.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago

Please compare it to “Everyway that I can” or even “Aphrodisiac” at least. Show some love to the OG Eurovision ethnic pop songs. Fuego just brought them back after 6 years, it did not invent them.

Sun
Sun
4 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Just another ethnic dance song and people praise it like a masterpiece…..It’s not even that catchy.

Ashton
Ashton
4 years ago
Reply to  Sun

I mean a very large amount of people would disagree but we all have different opinions 🙂

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Sun

It is pretty catchy actually.
People are praising it cause it’s a crowd pleaser and a much needed change for Albania.
We’ve sent ‘value’ entries before, let us enjoy smth different for us.

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Ok, these 7 songs impresed me after first listening –

Arilena Ara — “Shaj” (Swear)
Devis Xherahu — “Bisedoj me serenatën” (Talking with serenade)
Elvana Gjata — “Me tana” (With all)
Gena — “Shqiponja e lirë” (Free Eagle)
Kastro Zizo (né Kleviz Bega) — “Asaj” (Her)
Renis Gjoka — “Loja” (The Game)
Tiri Gjoci — “Me gotën bosh” (With an Empty Glass)

I think Elvana, Gena or Devis can win ….
I am also dissapointed, i have feeling Albania dont want win …LAST year, they have more better songs if i should be honest ….

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Disagree, this year is pretty solid songs wise.
We just want to do well at least, that’s why we got Elvana and Arilena. They are pretty big stars and would have never participated if the FiK format stayed the same. Winning Eurovision is too ambitious for us though.

esc1234
esc1234
4 years ago

Send Elvana and hire Sacha Jean Baptiste or Fokas to direct it. Albania would get their best ever result

Edouard
Edouard
4 years ago

The Albanian selection is always the most tedious to get through for me, mainly lots of shouty ballads that sound more or less like each other (possibly also to our ears due to the fact they’re all in Albanian). I think Albania definitely needs to renew itself and have a jury that is open to more diverse music genres. Personally my highlight of the selection is ‘Melodi’ – a really cool groovy and upbeat track with a banger of an instrumental section and a pinch of local flavour – a much needed breath of fresh air! If he can deliver… Read more »

Yasi
Yasi
4 years ago
Reply to  Edouard

It’s an international jury this year so who knows…

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Edouard

Yep it’s an international jury this year and FiK has new producers so forget what you know from past years.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

WOW what a selection!!! I kinda miss the “boom boom” entries LOL
Anyway, classy, modern, diverse! My faves:
– Arilena (not a fan of divas crying in pain, but I like this one)
– Wendi (sounds like the winner)

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Divas crying in pain are the best though lol

Ada
Ada
4 years ago

Of course Elvana & Arilena were the most discussed song entries this year and while I think they are great songs I think neither should win FIK 2019. Honestly my top 3 are the songs belonging to Sara Bajraktari, Alberie Hadergjonaj & Kastro Zizo. Era Rusi & Kanita had great songs too in addition to Elvana and Arilena.

Ton
Ton
4 years ago

In order to beat Elvana no matter what her song was, other artists should have come with a masterpiece; that’s how huge Elvana is in Albania. And there is no masterpiece among the songs. This is Elvana’s, I have no doubts. She is not a singer in Albania, she is an institution.

rashuta
rashuta
4 years ago
Reply to  Ton

Best thing I’ve read today, especially the institution part!

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
4 years ago
Reply to  Ton

So the song is irrelevant then? Good to know.

Kredential
Kredential
4 years ago

She is quite literally the BIGGEST singer in Albania this century. I’m not saying the song itself means nothing but her name alone brings a lot of star power. It’s like Adele or Ed Sheehan representing the UK, of course they’d need good songs but their names alone excite people.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago

For RTSH yes, just like with Elhaida in 2015, they just really want to send a star to Eurovision. The Albanians in general would mind if they didn’t like the song, although not sure about that tbh We really really love Elvana .

Flags
Flags
4 years ago
Reply to  Ton

Haha so damn true

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Ton

Yep, you perfectly described the situation.

ASAJTEAM
ASAJTEAM
4 years ago

Am i the only one whose favorite is ASAJ? JUST LOVE THE SONG !

RULER
RULER
4 years ago

No offence but some languages do not fit with music very well.Albanian,Polish,Dutch is just like that. Even the best melody is not sounding nice. It is not phonetic and harsh sometimes…No offence…

Meliris
Meliris
4 years ago
Reply to  RULER

Albanian and polish (both sound nice to me)should not be compared with dutch, a language only to shout or rap in.

Khan
Khan
4 years ago
Reply to  RULER

To me Albanian is one of the most beautiful sung languages.

Livia
Livia
4 years ago
Reply to  RULER

Yeah.. I mean, it’s okay not to like all the languages, it’s up to taste. I think there are even people who find the Italian language ugly. I don’t get why you’re disliked because you didn’t say anything bad about the country… Very many languages don’t sound good and there’s no need to take it personally. I want Albania to sing in English at ESC and reading the comments, looks like I’m not the only one.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Livia

You’re one of the very few. Check the youtube videos of Albanian entries over the years. Most comments are “so glad they did NOT change it to English”, or “they should have kept it in Albanian”.
And it’s hard not to take it personally when someone insults the sound of your language.
It is your opinion, so phrase it correctly. Don’t just state that songs in Albanian sound bad, like it’s a scientific fact.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  RULER

“No offence” and then proceeds to heavily insult three languages. It doesn’t really work that way.

tihi
tihi
4 years ago

The first time when i heard the name Darko Dimitrov was Emina Jahovic’s Dalje album and i was like ‘geez,this beat and sound is out of this world’ and after that Emina’s collab with a Turkish singer ‘Guzelligine’ has come and it was produced by Darko Dimitrov as well, and i thought ‘OK,i am sold and will have been a follower of him forever.’ but after these mediocre fik songs of him i am in the opinion of the success was Emina’s , it was nothing to do with Darko…

xoxo
xoxo
4 years ago
Reply to  tihi

Don’t forget that Darko also wrote great songs like “Proud”, “Doma” (N. Macedonia JESC 2018) and produced “Kruna” 😉

Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  tihi

I know! He wrote such good songs for some Macedonian singers well over ten years ago, which is the reason why I’m still hopeful whenever his name appears. But I have liked nothing he brought to Eurovision yet. He seems to be producing track after track for anybody who asks and in my opinion, this can be heard in the songs. They have no depth and are mostly interchangeable.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  tihi

He is also pretty popular with Albanian singers as you might have noticed. Idk man I actually really like the songs he’s produced. Maybe you need to research a little more.

Kredential
Kredential
4 years ago

The biggest disappointment for me is Olta Boka – her song had two huge names attached to it (hers and Florent Boshnjaku, the composer of Suus) and all we got was a mediocre ballad. Yet to listen to all the songs but I’ve listened to all the favourites and Elvana is my favourite by far

Ada
Ada
4 years ago
Reply to  Kredential

I agree. I was very much disappointed by Olta’s song though her winning song for Eurovision a decade or so ago, in my opinion, is one of the best representative songs we have sent!! Very boring song that becomes forgettable right away. I expected better from Olta.

Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Ada

Same here. I am still very fond of her 2008 entry, which I think might even be the best Albania has ever sent. Her 2019 song is just painfully boring and I really don’t get it. Is she trying to NOT win under any circumstances?

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Ada

I don’t think she’s in this to win. She probably just wanted to smth, and whats’s easier than FiK.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Most songs are at least classy and I can only imagine how good they’ll sound with the orchestra. Not all of them are to my taste, but I can appreciate the effort put into the contest. I’ll second Tibor here and put Ende as my initial forthrunner. I also really like Arilena and Tiri’s ballads. Elvana’s song is very promising too, especially if she can bring that energy live. It might not by my first choice, but I agree that it’s perhaps time for Albania to switch up things and this could be it. Furthermore, I am surprised how much… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

The wonderful thing about Albanian singers is how many of them are able to make us feel things without we knowing what they’re singing about. I’m especially intrigued about what moved Arilena, Tiri and Sara on their performances. And maybe one of the uptempo songs has deeper meaning than usual, in some Gabbani fashion.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

At first, I think “Eja Merre” sounds like their most interesting uptempo option. But as Colin mentioned, if Elvana can bring the same energy live, I may change my mind.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I think nowadays disco songs need a clever twist to succeed, and sadly “Melodi” lacks any cleverness. I’d say Era has by far the best uptempo song of this edition. It’s well produced, well sung, not too generic, folk-inspired, catchy, memorable, energetic, intriguingly structured – what more could you ask for? Objectively speaking, I’m 100% convinced it has the best chance to make Albania’s qualification streak continue.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I agree about Era, it’s great IMO. However, if it won it would need a pretty good stage performance. And knowing RTSH, it would not provide her that. So it would probably get lost between other entries in the semi final.
Elvana on the other hand has her own resources and would not heavily rely on RTSH’s help. That’s what we Albanians are counting on.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

Good and classy selection, even if nothing seduced me instantly like “Ktheju tökes”. Arilena’s and Elvana’s solid efforts (in completely different but equally “Eurovision-friendly” lanes) will grab most of the attention, but I hope people don’t sleep on other entries. For example: Era Rusi (loads of ethnic charm and extremely catchy), Kamela (the best constructed track to my taste), Kanita (pleasant melody and voice), Tiri (I sense it’s a slow burner), Valon (stands out for obvious reasons), and Wendi (more for her vocals than the song itself).

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

By the way, anyone can tell me where I can find the lyrics? It can be in Albanian, an automatic translation would be enough to at least know what they’re singing about.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Some of the lyrics (Alberie, Arilena, Elvana) can be found at lyricstranslate.com As for the translations, Google Translate is the only option so far.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I’ve found Alberie’s and Elvana’s (which translation became a little confusing, so I guess Google Translate wasn’t enough for this one), but not Arilena’s. I suppose in the next days more lyrics will be available there. Don’t know if there’s an Albanian correspondent in Wiwibloggs and I’m aware that 20 songs are quite a crowd, but i would be great if they could bring a post with translations or at least the basic subject of the songs.

Melody
Melody
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Google cant translate it cause it is not standard Albanian lol

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Melody

Is it colloquial? A dialect? Wordplay? Automatic translations never are super accurate, but I haven’t seen a crazier result there in a while. It’s like poor Google Translator is having a stroke: “With us / I forgive you with ours / With us, with us / Forgive me / O who has the worst”.

Melody
Melody
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

It is a dialect

Funkycoffin
Funkycoffin
4 years ago

Robert Berisha — “Ajo nuk është unë” (She is not me) is the best so far.

Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

I need Air. Give me some Air, Albania. Ajër is the only clear favorite I have here. Done. It should win.

Surprisingly, I think my number two would be Malaseen.
I’m really disappointed in Arilena’s song, because I had high expectations. I really thought they’d be going for the kill, especially with Macedonian composer Darko. I didn’t even know foreign composers could participate, is that new? I feel like the thought behind Shaj was ‘hmm what do the Fik dudes who decide the winner want from us?’

Melody
Melody
4 years ago

I was expecting something else from Arilena. It is a good song but not for Eurovision. I am disappointed. She has an amazing powerful voice that unfortunately Elvana doesn’t but Elvana has a catchy song that with a revamp can compete with dignity in Eurovision. Elvana composed the song herself, maybe that is why it doesn’t sound that strong. It needs a more master touch. However as I said, Elvana’s voice isn’t that great and idk how she will do live. Era’s song on the other hand has that master’s touch in the production and she has a powerful voice… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Melody

With Era and Elvana songs playing back to back, it was pretty clear to me that there’s room to improve “Me tana” with a better beat.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

The song will definitely get revamped. I think she kept the production ‘simple’ so it could adapt better with the orchestra for the live shows.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

When’s the last time Albania sent a full-on bop? 2010? And nothing like this. Just like Eesti Laul, I’ll admit I’ve only listened to the big favorite so far – Elvana – and I do like it quite a bit. Would be great if she kept it in Albanian like the last two contestants, since it’d give her an edge even Fuego and Golden Boy didn’t have.

Marios
Marios
4 years ago

Elvana is definitely their best choice, it screams top 10. I really like Era’s song as well and wouldn’t mind if it won. Am I the only one though who thinks that neither of these will win?

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Marios

I don’t know about Era, but there is no way Elvana would participate if she didn’t believe she would win.
Plus the jury is international this year, not the traditional old one.

Lourdes
Lourdes
4 years ago

I’m not particularly crazy about any of them, but I think I like Arilena Ara, Wendi Mancaku and Kamela Islamaj. I don’t like Elvana’s song at all, even though she’s so clearly overhyped. Generally, I’d say that FIK 56 ( Eugent <3) and FIK 57 had better entries.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

I’d have to disagree. This year is pretty solid songs wise. Let’s hope the live shows will be as well.
Elvana would be overhyped even if she chose San Marino’s song from last year (no offense to Serhat). She’s earned the hype from her work during the years, it’s how fame works.

Jessey
Jessey
4 years ago

Elvana for the win! love era and kanita too

Marc
Marc
4 years ago

Eja Merre has the best shot. Underrated entry.
PS: has anyone an Eurovision whatsapp group? I need my daily dosis of eurovision tea

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Marc

I think it’s definitely in most people’s top 5. But I’m afraid the Albanians wouldn’t care much for it if it won, like with 90% of the Albanian entries over the years, and it would need the support from the Albanians in Europe.

Good
Good
4 years ago

All songs will be sung live with orchestra, so these are just the official studio version for FIK. The main version is the orchestra version. For Eurovision there is a third version, also known as the revamp, which has to be 3 minutes, and usually sounds different than studio or orchestra versions from FIK. Last year I preferred Jonida’s orchestra version from FIK.

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Good

I didn’t care for Ktheju Tokes orchestra version. The revamp is what did it for me.

Marcelo
Marcelo
4 years ago

Would you look at that? Bojken Lako’s song isn’t that bad actually…

Era Rusi is another favorite!

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

I agree, after some disappointed songs from Bojken Lako the last past editions he’s back at his best from the early 2010s. The live orchestration should be interesting to hear on this one.

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago

Kamela Islamaj & Era Rusi

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

They are both pretty great artists, but I’m afraid the Albanian speaking world would literally riot if Elvana doesn’t win.

A random russian guy
A random russian guy
4 years ago

What I liked:
Eli Fara & Stresi — “Bohem” (Boheme)
Era Rusi — “Eja Merre” (Come and Get It)
Elvana Gjata — “Me tana” (With all)
Robert Berisha — “Ajo nuk është unë” (She is not me)
Valon Shehu — “Kutia e Pandorës” (Pandora’s box)

A random russian guy
A random russian guy
4 years ago

I have listened the ones I liked again and really hope Eli Fara & Stresi win.

Voix
Voix
4 years ago

Elvanas song can be like a ray of sunshine for Albanian people who have been through a lot after the terrible earthquake. It makes you dance and feel good. She definitely has my vote.

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

i don’t think elvana is the runaway winner, there are so many valid songs that i’d love to see winning. valon shehu, kanita, aldo bardhi, tiri gjoci, alberije hadergjonaj and eli fara & stresi all came up with great tracks as well and it’ll be an interesting competition! overall a very strong selection. my personal favorite is kutia e pandores.

VlaD
VlaD
4 years ago

Such a modern song LOL

Malo
Malo
4 years ago
Reply to  VlaD

Which song are you referring to?