The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Semi-final Two of Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2021

On Saturday, the final ten songs will compete in the second semi-final of Festival da Canção 2021 in Portugal. Five of these will advance to the final, due to take place on March 6, joining the five songs which qualified last week. But which of these should progress? The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has listened to the songs and ranked their top five. Find out who we think should move on.

Natalie

1. Graciela – “A vida sem acontecer”

This song really surprised me. It’s just a small song in Portugal’s national final but sounds as modern and professional as a hitmaker from Sweden. From the opening electronic pulses, it plugs at my heartstrings, and then it never lets up. It’s like going through an emotional whirlwind. Graciela’s vocals are also perfect for it. It’s enchanting. It’s probably going to crash out in the semifinal, but it’s going to remain one of my favourite songs of the national final season.

2. Joana Alegre – “Joana do mar”
3. Carolina Deslandes – “Por um triz”
4. Tainá – “Jasmim”
5. Pedro Gonçalves – “Não vou ficar”

Oliver

1. EU.CLIDES – “Volte-face”

It’s not often a song can be both melancholic and enamouring at the same time, but “Volce-face” does just that. It might be a slow burner, but this track certainly gets musical merit for its composition and production. As the smooth timbre of EU.CLIDES’ vocal cuts through, the track provides a gorgeous blend of modern sounds and traditional instrumentation. And with its pensive lyrics, “Volce-face” offers a moment to pause for reflection, fully captivating the listener in the singer’s plight. Festival da Canção delivers sheer quality once again.

2. Pedro Gonçalves – “Não vou ficar”
3. Ariana – “Mundo melhor”
4. Graciela – “A vida sem acontecer”
5. Carolina Deslandes – “Por um triz”

Antranig

1. Ana Tereza – “Com um abraço”

“Com um abraço” is clearly an emotional song and Ana Tereza delivers it with aplomb. It can feel slightly repetitive but is a very compelling listen and I particularly enjoy the ending. This could be a difficult entry to stage, as it probably needs something extra to stand out but if they can get that right, I’m sure Ana will deliver fabulous vocals to make this entry shine.

2. Pedro Gonçalves – “Não vou ficar”
3. Ariana – “Mundo melhor”
4. NEEV – “Dancing in the Stars”
5. Joana Alegre – “Joana do mar”

Luis

1. NEEV – “Dancing in the Stars”

Beautiful production for a greatly executed ballad. “Dancing in the Stars” has many merits, and succeeds to implement the formula for a good atmospheric ballad. The song in itself is nice and sweet, but it evaporates a bit after it’s over. It’s a decent addition for the Festival da Canção final, but it should not proceed any further.

2. EU.CLIDES – “Volte-face”
3. Graciela – “A vida sem acontecer”
4. Joana Alegre – “Joana do mar”
5. Pedro Gonçalves – “Não vou ficar”

Robyn

1. Graciela – “A vida sem acontecer”

At first glance, “A vida sem acontecer” sounds like it’s jumping on the 80s synth-pop bandwagon, but while there are hints of Depeche Mode, the song does its own interesting things. At the heart of “A vida sem acontecer” is a really well-written pop song, that builds and gets more and more glorious. In many ways, this is the sort of song that the modern FdC is perfectly suited to — a unique Portuguese take on a deceptively familiar style. As well, it seems like the sort of song where the live performance will bring even more.

2. Joana Alegre – “Joana do mar”
3. Pedro Gonçalves – “Não vou ficar”
4. EU.CLIDES – “Volte-face”
5. NEEV – “Dancing in the Stars”

Which fives songs should move on to next week’s grand final? Let us know in the comments below.

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