Back in February, Ukraine selected Go_A and “Solovey” to sing at Eurovision 2020. And in the week’s following their Vidbir victory, the group released a revamped version of the song. The reworking got its live debut at the Shevchenko National Prize, mere days before the 2020 song contest was cancelled.
Go_A “Solovey” (Revamp) — Live
Kateryna, Ivan, Ihor and Taras brought “Solovey” on a small theatre stage. As the new version has more ethnic influences, we can see more ethnic patterns on the LED screen behind them.
Overall, however, the group’s stage show was very similar to their performances in Ukraine’s Eurovision 2020 preselection show. The dance they performed during the first semi-final of Vidbir even came back!
The differences between the original and revamp are subtle but noticeable. They are predominantly made to the background instrumentation and can be clearly heard right from the start.
During the intro, percussion beats are added periodically. This brings something extra to the first 20 seconds and stops it being so linear (it’s no good if the audience zones out before you even start singing).
In the original, the flute instrumentation cut out as soon as the first verse came about. However, the revamp sees some intermittent flute trills added to the background. This continues into the chorus, with a second quieter flute melody heard behind the main tune.
These extra flute flourishes carry on throughout the second verse, bridge and final chorus.
“Solovey” revamp criticisms
Meanwhile, not all the fans are happy with the revamp of the Ukrainian Eurovision song. While in our poll, our readers are generally in favour of the new version, Ukrainians sounded off on social media.
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— ?l@?FF Maxim (@oFFMaxim) March 11, 2020
Horrible. The first version was better
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— Jack Smiles (@x_Jack_Smiles_x) March 11, 2020
“The original is stronger”.
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— ?????? ????? (@LyubochkaM) March 11, 2020
“They shouldn’t have changed the arrangements. The first version, for which the Ukrainians voted, was much stronger”.
Go_A respond to the criticism
Go_A however did not want this criticism to be left unanswered. On social media, the group left a long note on their thoughts on the negative feedback.
Note this response was made on 16 March, two days before Eurovision was cancelled.
“Friends, let’s talk.
⠀
After winning Vidbir, we had the opportunity to finish the song at a professional studio so that it would sound well on the Eurovision stage. But every day we are attacked by a large number of people who claim that they like the previous version more. We’re a little embarrassed, but every listener’s opinion is important to us. It is because of your support that “Solovey” and the Ukrainian language sound in Rotterdam.
⠀
So now let’s justify without emotion, everyone who voted for us will comment on the situation to close the topic. It does not have a very positive effect on our preparations.
⠀
What changes in the song do you think will “not fit” the listener at Eurovision?
⠀
We love you and thank you again for your support.
⠀
Your Go_A.”
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Posted by Go-A Band on Monday, March 16, 2020
Eurovision 2021 Update
Go_A have already confirmed on social media that they will sing for Ukraine at Eurovision 2021.
What do you think? Is the criticism on “Solovey” fair? Do you support Go_A’s statement? Let us know in the comments below!
Read all our Ukraine Eurovision 2020 news here.
I really really like revamped one.
A revamp of the white noise voice is one that I would have gotten behind. This song was next to last for me mostly because of the white noise technique.
White voice! It’s white voice
The original was more powerful to me and when they made it less powerful, I was naturally missing that power. I hope they’ll be able to come up with another good song for next year.
I’m just gonna be honest, it sounds the same apart from some extra little fluit shrills, which I like. It’s really good tho, I think it wouldhave done very well
It’s becoming a theme in the last two years (or maybe it’s always been the case) that revamps are bad ideas. Solovey, Kemama, Shaj, Alcohol You all lost something special, some kind of oomph in their revamped versions and the same was the case for Ktheju Tokes last year. Honestly, unless a song has to be shortened just leave it as it is, don’t add anything and don’t take anything away. We don’t need extra sounds or forced climaxes, if the song won a national final then people are happy with it the way it is. Rant over xD
Unless your name is Athena Manoukian 🙂
Oop forgot about her but that kinda says it all
Nah man, Ktheju Tokes’ revamp was excellent. Listen to the revamped instrumental alone and you’ll hear it.
I support and love the band Go_A but I have to say, that the original version is the better version. It is more powerful – especially when the modern beat starts.
Same revamp like Albania.. I like it, but the first version was better.