Roxen performed five songs at Selecția Națională 2020, and in the end Romania chose “Alcohol You” as their favourite of the bunch. Earlier this week, the singer unveiled a revamped version of the track, which is the version she will take to Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam.
But, we want to know if you think the revamp was a good, or less so good, decision. Have the changes to the song made an improvement on what was already there?
You can listen to both versions of the song below and identify what the major changes are between the original and revamped versions of “Alcohol You”.
Then make sure to vote in our poll. Be aware that you can only vote once, so make sure you’re certain of you’re decision before you submit your vote.
What are the major differences between the original and revamped version of “Alcohol You”?
The major sonic change comes to the climax and final chorus of the song. If the original studio version left some fans wanting more, the new version has definitely beefed this up.
In the revamp, “Alcohol You” builds to an explosive ending. Extended notes are added while new string instrumentation dials up a sense of urgency. Added percussion also heaps extra intensity on the final moments of the song.
Before, some may have found the song to be slightly lacking. However, the new version certainly adds more oomph to the end and may help keep people’s focus for the full three minutes.
Roxen – “Alcohol You” (Original Version)
Roxen – “Alcohol You” (Revamped Version)
Poll: Do you prefer Roxen’s revamped version of “Alcohol You” or the original?
[crowdsignal poll=10519135]What do you think of Roxen’s revamp for “Alcohol You”? Are you #TeamOriginal or #TeamRevamp? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
That wordplay alcohol you when I’m drunk is so cringe!
It just doesn’t work, they should have changed that too.
Agree. The whole song is a bit whiny and cringe.
Neither…I prefer Cherry Red with another performer who would give life to the song as Eden did while having limited time to prepare 4 stage performances.-
Why do some singers have to shout in order to impress or show off? Why all the hype around Billie Eilish wannabes?
Neither. They’re both atrocious. “Al-co-hol you when I’m drunk … Fake news….” Okay.
I envision Roxen doing a Black Canary and shattering a martini class with that note in the revamp’s climax.
Don’t mind me. That’s just what I ‘think about things’…
Everyone was complaining a few days ago about the revamp and now everyone prefers the revamped version in this poll. I don’t even know who to trust anymore.
Your guts of course
Well yeah.
I think it‘s kinda not necessary that they revamped it in the way they did. Roxen could‘ve just sung the high note live. I don‘t enjoy listening to the revamped Studio version at the part. It sounds kinda weird at the part. (High note)
“Alcohol you” is my favorite song this year. I love both versions but I prefer the first one.
Write your # and Alcohol you
i would’ve preferred something in between. the original version might’ve been a bit too flat, but the new version is unnecessarily overdramatic.
She better pull it off live with the last chorus or it’s gonna be a trainwreck.
She should have a pause in the last chorus where she is singing “alcohol you when I’m druuuuuunk”. I would like it if she has a pause between the words “I’m” and “drunk”. It sounds fast-paced or rushed when there is none imo.
You’re right
This song is so forgettable. I have tried to listen to it two times, and there’s no refrain or verses. And I can’t hear the title “Alcohol you”. I don’t think I ever will remember this song.
What song?
I thought the original was fine but I do prefer the slight adjustments made to the revamped version. It sounds more haunting, and haunted, and the crescendo at the end adds a sense of drama, which will help the stage performance. To me it’s more like a Billie Eilish song, rather than Ellie Goulding. I also enjoyed how in the revamped version it sounds as if she’s drinking and getting progressively more drunk until the last lines are sung like she’s slurring; it’s sad but striking.
To me it’s the other way: the original was like a Billie Eilish copy, while the revamp is more like Ellie Goulding kind of bombastic charts pop. I like the revamp more.
I don’t mind her pronountiation, it sounds cute.
The original is better for my personal playlist and the revamp is better for eurovision ?????
Adding the artificial climax is big mistake, because this song ends with …… Story is over or maybe not…
Nevertheless, still in my top 10.
I prefer the darker and suggestive og version. The revamp makes it more like a Ellie Goulding’s song. I.e. more Eurovision mainstream. I still hope it does well
I like both versions and she is still one of my favorites.
I think the revamp was the best option for a live presentation. The song is striking in its introspection and contemplativeness and I don’t think this is lost in the revamp. Now they have added a moment where the camera can pan back and demonstrate the extent of the darkness she is feeling. Very good.
Why there’s not a “both” option here? I find them equally great. 🙂 Surprisingly, while not needed, this revamp managed not to spoil the song. It’s just a bit more… climactic, I guess? The song conveys emotions of despair and self-reflection, which can be effective as completely introverted, just as much as escalating in an outburst at some point. Everything here works well.
I wish there was an option for neither
There is an option for neither… “No preference”.
You can just not vote.
This is one of the better revamps this year. The change was subtle enough to not feel too different from the original for those who are used to how it was before while giving the song a much needed climax.
The original was fine for me but obviously, this is a reaction to Bulgaria’s climax, right?
I understand why they did it and it doesn’t bother me.
Bulgaria have a climax?
I think there’s nothing to complain about here.
Well then. Fantastic job, Roxen!