It’s the holiday collaboration of the year — and one we never knew we needed. But now that Romanian star Roxen has teamed up with Eurovision winner Alexander Rybak on “Wonderland”, we’re not sure how we ever lived without it.

Roxen’s team say the story revolves around the “feelings she has experienced during this last period” — no doubt a reference to the ongoing pandemic that’s left so many of us stuck at home and feeling isolated. The opening lyrics hint at that, but also Roxen’s underlying sense of optimism.

“Alcohol and cigarettes seem to be my only friends,” she sings. “I lie awake ’til after five, thinking about all those crooked lies….and it gets hard to breathe and my tongue is tied, my broken dreams burst at the seams, somehow I still believe.”

Roxen’s “Wonderland” music video

In the music video she doesn’t just believe: She detaches herself from reality to create a “Wonderland” all her own. Her passport isn’t in her drawer, but between her ears as she embarks on a fantasy adventure in playful outfits — from sequinned parachute pants to frilly purple party dresses. Just as Alice had a rather trippy trip down that rabbit hole, Roxen creates a world where she can dance with melting disco balls, vogue as white bunnies fall from a purple sky and roll around in glittering silver snow. The wintery swerve on the disco aesthetic needs to become an annual tradition.

Rybak’s influence can be felt most clearly in the strings, which mesh smoothly with the tropical house undertone. They’re present but not overpowering, giving the electronic sound a warm, folksy feel.

 

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“I’m glad we’re finally seeing the clip for Wonderland,” Roxen said in a statement sent to Wiwibloggs. “It is one of my favorites. I found myself completely in the whole concept, this whole story is a part of me, of my universe and vibrates just like me. I would like both the song as well as the video to make you dream and take your thoughts to a fantastic world.”

Alexander Rybak isn’t the only Eurovision star connected with the song. “Wonderland” was co-produced by James Richard Newman — the same James Newman who was due to represent the UK at Eurovision 2020. As well as being a singer he is also an experienced songwriter and producer.

The song was written and composed by James Daniel Lewis, Chelcee Maria Grimes and Alexander Rybak and produced by James Richard Newman and Mădălin Roșioru. The video was directed by Raluca Netca, with Alex Chițu overseeing photography. The production was sealed, signed and delivered by Loops Production.

Are you loving Roxen’s take on a Christmas single? Do you love her dreamy tones in this as much as we do? Let us know in the comments box down below!

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Veta
Veta
3 years ago

I have to say I like this song waaay better than Alcohol You and all her songs from Romanian 2020 NF. But it reminds me too strongly of some song from the past… And I wish Rybak’s violin wasn’t so overpowered by those club beats.

Last edited 3 years ago by Veta
Veta
Veta
3 years ago
Reply to  Veta

Would like to add that I also find it interesting that it seems like the 60s fashion trends are coming back (at least in hairstyles). First Alexandra Rotan, now Roxen. I have also seen this hairstyle on songstresses unrelated to Eurovision recently. I am happy about this and certainly loved the 60s aesthetics in Roxen’s music video. My favourite song of Roxen by far, however, still remains “Spune-mi”, and I still wish her Eurovision 2021 song to be similar to that one, and to be in Romanian. “Spune-mi” has a really powerful chorus, is not “too club”, and the language… Read more »

Ermin
Ermin
3 years ago

She reminds me of the chess girl Beth from The Queen’s Gambit. Is that the cool girl’s attitude nowadays? The song is great, but esc jury wouldn’t see it as a winner, unfortunately. I still hope is the song for Rotterdam.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

Honestly, it’s been many years since a Eurovision artist has had such obvious, mainstream, superstar appeal as Roxen does. The quality of the tracks that she has put out, consistently, since last year has been amazing. She’s got everything.

Nancy G
Nancy G
3 years ago

This could compete at Eurovision. If it were in the 2020 show, it would easily make my Top 10. Love this!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I believe Roxen is one of the people that will end up benefitting from having a whole year to prepare for the occasion. The way she engages to the camera in this video compared to her performances in her national final already already shows a lot of improvement.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I loved this one. From the song to the aesthetics in the video. Wouldn’t mind if they send this to Eurovision, in case Romania is testing us just like Bulgaria.

Eastman
Eastman
3 years ago

Another song about alcohol abuse!!! Is Roxan trying to tell us something?

Cozmin COZMA
Cozmin COZMA
3 years ago

Incredibly awesome, stunning, contemporary, danceable and modern HIT!
Just great job ROxen and GlobalRecords
I think she’s really going to slay …..

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

At this rate Romania won Eurovision 2021.

Leo
Leo
3 years ago

I dunno why but I have this feeling that Roxen might be the next eurovision winner!

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

*Manifesting for Roxen to win*

Lollipop ESC
Lollipop ESC
3 years ago

That is (for me) a winner song. Too bad Roxen doesn’t use this track for the ESC 2021 …..but wait ….the song goes 2:49 min. …..go girl, give us this bop for ESC please.

Last edited 3 years ago by Lollipop ESC
Lollipop ESC
Lollipop ESC
3 years ago

Yes sir …..and it is at once in your head (and feet) ….. what else do we want. Thank you William to keep us fans updated. Maybe you should give Roxen and Alexander a call and tell them what we fans need so badly.

me123
me123
3 years ago
Reply to  Lollipop ESC

She was asked if this is going to be one of the songs for Selectia Nationala and she said that every song released after 01/09 could be a potential SN track

Cozmin COZMA
Cozmin COZMA
3 years ago
Reply to  Lollipop ESC

Let’s hope she will surprise us