It’s been heralded as the strongest national selection so far in the Eurovision 2022 season. And now all seven songs in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu are officially out.
Now that you’ve had a few days to digest all of the rhythm and flow and fabulosity, it’s time to answer one very important question: Who should win Finland’s UMK 2022?
You can brush up on the entries below. Then scroll to the end of this post to vote!
Poll: Who should win Finland’s UMK 2022?
Cyan Kicks – “Hurricane”
“Hurricane” is a powerful song that praises those who pursue courage and self-realisation.
The track is a fusion of styles, with electronic verses and a rockier chorus. Cyan Kicks’s Susanna Alexandra notes this is what makes the band’s unique blend of modern rock: “We aren’t afraid to combine different elements to make our own, distinctive sound. One song might be completely electronic, while another will be seriously heavy, but, at the end of the day, it always sounds like Cyan Kicks.”
BESS – “Ram pam pam”
The message of “Ram pam pam” is about how people need to be free and that we should be able to live our lives.
BESS combines electronic pop with house music and this danceable atmosphere comes through in her UMK 2022 entry.
The Rasmus – “Jezebel”
“Jezebel” is a song for strong, independent women, who blaze their own trail.
“Jezebel was a biblical troublemaker, who did things her own way and really shook things up. We wanted to introduce her to the modern-day world. The song is also a bit tongue-in-cheek, which is pretty unusual for The Rasmus”, says lead singer Lauri Ylönen.
Younghearted – “Sun numero”
“Sun numero” (“Your number”) is a song about remorse and regret following a break-up. The group look at the situation from the point of view of someone who regrets separating from their partner and wishes they could be back together. However, their ex-lover has already moved on and found someone else.
Younghearted are also exploring a new avenue of music with their UMK 2022 entry, as guitarist Emil Korkiakoski explains: “The song really shows the direction Younghearted is heading. Before, we had a more acoustic, smaller sound. Now, we’re going big right out of the gate.”
Olivera – “Thank God I’m An Atheist”
“Thank God I’m An Atheist” explores the topic of death and the possibility of eternal life. Olivera has been writing music since the age of 11 and this theme has been subconsciously developing since then. For that reason, the Finnish star considers “Thank God I’m An Atheist” to be one of the most important songs she’s written so far in her career.
Speaking of her UMK 2022 entry, Olivera notes: “Nobody knows what happens after we die. What if all the world’s biggest religions are actually right and life never ends? I can’t think of anything that causes more anxiety than the idea of eternal life.”
Tommi Läntinen – “Elämä kantaa mua”
“Elämä kantaa mua” (“Life carries me”) brings together old-school and next-gen rock.
The song talks about change, and specifically the courage needed to go through with that change. Läntinen states: “Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and make that leap, simply having faith that it will all work out. In many cases it does, when you just let go of the past and surrender to the future.”
Isaac Sene – “Kuuma jäbä”
“Kuuma jäbä” (“Hot dude”) aims to be simultaneously thought-provoking and entertaining. Isaac notes: “You might blush a bit listening to this song, but we don’t want to just shock people for the sake of shocking”.
Ultimately, the Finnish singer wants to help people escape from the workaday world with his music.
The rasmus is by far the best allround song of them, and it will do well posible top 5 in the main stage. People who say they dont live up to their hype must have lost their ears.
Torn between The Rasmus and Isaac Sene!
Olivera!!!
Isaac by a mile – I’m OBSESSED!
The Rasmus and Cyan Kicks were okay, but I’d love to see something different from Finland.
Only Cyan
Olivera is by far the most original. Finns would be wise to send her.
It is most generic lol
All of them sound Final material at Eurovision, but it’s all up to the live performances as of now since nothing is bad so not a single song stands out as one. Finland could’ve send all of these year after year, that’s how good they are!
Honestly, anyone but Cyan Kicks. Im still trying to understand what is the fuss about this band and especially about that song. It’s one of the worst written and lyrically the poorest song I heard this season. The production of that song is a wholesome mess too. Like some people find The Rasmus underwhelming or weak, yet they are praising “Hurricane”. Idk if they are either deaf or just dont want to accept another songs. The other 6 songs are way better (yes, even Tommi) and deserves to win even more. But after all, the winner will be the one… Read more »
They’re managed by the same guys who manage Blind Channel and those guys actually tried to get Cyan Kicks first into UMK. I think that’s were all the fuss comes from.
BESS or Isaac Sene
the rasmus
The Rasmus are so underwhelming with this song. It hurts me to say this because theyre capable of better. They just clearly have a bigger fanbase hence their overwhelming result here.
Personally I’m not feeling UMK as much this year but I’d have to go for Oliviera or Bess if I had to choose.
oliveras piece of pop art would be a huge co-favorite in turin but it seems the finns don’t know that.
so i have voted for her.
🙂
I must say that I like Isaac best, I hope he can deliver live.
Everyone (perhaps except for The Rasmus or Tommi) deserves to win, but I personally chose Isaac and Bess. I think they’d be the ones that’d bring Finland a similar – or an even better, result as the one BC brought.
Bess is another Cicciolina :*
Everyone apart from Tommi and Isaac – sorry 🙂
My vote definitely went to Bess and Cyan Kicks! UMK’s quality is super though, any song could win!
I dont understand people seem to like this UMK edition. All crapy songs to me, with the rasmus sucking the least, tho still very underwhelming
Always someone complaining! Yes, they aren’t MGP or MF, where almost every songs are commented as ‘masterpiece’..meh! Maybe You can stick with them? xD
None of these are “crappy”, many ESC fans just want that next over-the-top “banger” or so called “bop”. Euroqueens is a mean word, but this type of attitude makes the word stay with us.
I voted for all of them. Seriously. They all deserve to win this final. Well done UMK, a great year. Enjoy the final.
I voted for Bess & Isaac Sene
They’re all very meh, I heard Azerbaijan has something good coming up btw!
A plastic Dutch or Swedish Melfest reject-like manufactured track can’t be something good. Azerbaijan only advances to the final because of their shady ways and because EBU backs them up.
Ictimai TV execs, if you’re watching this, let me tell you that paying for such tracks and bots won’t make you win again. This is not the way. Invest in better crafted entries and send stuff that’s heard and trendy your country instead, please!
Ofc The Rasmus. Well known artists know very well how to make a perfect performance on stage. And Eurovision needs big names among all these talent shows singers.
I mean, they’re iconic, but their song doesn’t live up to that status
The song IS at their status level, but it’s from 2000 and in ESC have to serve something new to make impact at least to win.
That song is better than their whole last album.
People are comparing them to the wrong songs in wrong time.
Yes, “In the Shadows” or “Livin’ in a World Without You” are their best hits, songs that even the youngest of Gen Z knows, but it was 18 years ago.
And these two songs aren’t their only ones. They’ve been on the scene for nearly 30 years.
Bess or Isaac for me!
I’d be happy with basically any song, but I voted for Bess and Olivera 🙂
Hands down Isaac Sene.
Most difficult one to bring the same quality level to the stage, a bit worried. 🙁
Such a good selection. BeFest, ESCZ and UMK are the best NF so far. In this case I have a clear favourite: Isaac Sene. This entry has everything to top in Eurovision. Magnetic song, charismatic performer, provocative but not too much, some rocky vibes… I’m loving it. If it was in English people may appreciate it a little bit more. Btw, Finnish sounds so good in this one. My only concern comes from the vocal performance I’m yet to know if Isaac can sing live or if he’ll be able to keep the energy. Also there seems to be some… Read more »
A bit overrated selection, none of these songs are as strong as Cicciolina/Blind Channel or “I love you” from recent years. opinion about lyrics: 1. Hurricane has very generic lyrics, like “We will never shu*t up…give up” 2.Bess is okay, the lyrics are strange in finnish, smth like “do stamps in the pass”. 3.The Rasmus sing “a girl that looks like shes a boy”, (im not offended but maybe someone) 4.the problem is the end of the chorus with the words “sun numero”. The song calms down there, which is bad. 5.Olivera:Why atheism?. Maybe they made this only for the… Read more »
‘I love you’ was embarrassing at least live.
As last year, all of the songs are good. Objectively, I see can see all of them performing well on ESC. It was hard ranking them, but as of now, this is my top 6*: Bess – I think this is just as cool as Cicciolina, perhaps even more up my alley. It’s catchy, memorable, she sells it well, and the story behind it is well constructed. I can see this appealing to different audiences. It’s my pick! Younghearted – Such a low-key song, but it’s incredibly well composed, and builds-up so much until the fantastic last chorus. The lyrics… Read more »
BESS or Isaac
Bess is best 🙂
Literally voted for 5 of the songs. Onnitetlen Suomi.
So far the best preselections. Finland and Portugal
The worst ones are in Ireland und Malta.
Last night Lithuania catched up thanks to Monika and Ruta.
Talking about Lithuania, either Monika or Ruta would be worthy successors for The Roop 😀
Absolutely !
Younghearted 9/10 (but they don´t have any chance)
BESS 8/10
Isaac Sene 7,5/10
Cyan Kicks 7/10
Tommi 6,5/10
The Rasmus 6/10
Olivera 5/10
Funny how you rank Younghearted at the top while it went straight to the bottom for me. It screams “generic Radio Disney song” to me, with the weakest chorus, and a constant lack of energy. Even the video shows her in a coma on a sofa.
It’s very close between Bess, Isaac and Olivera for me but Bess gets my vote. Finnish language for the win!
It will all be down to the live final. Måneskin did not only have a super song but a superior singer and truckloads of charisma and sex appeal. Kuuma Jäbä may surprise if the staging is right and Bess shine if singing is strong. Takes a strong voice this year.
Isaac Sene!
We’ve never had this funky alternative rock at Eurovision before and I know the crowd in Turin will go crazy over it. Isaac reminds me of a Finnish Lil Nas X or Troye Sivan, so as you can imagine, his staging/costume possibilities are endless.
Finland, PLEASE send this bisexual bop to Turin!
Bess’s song is the best produced song in this contest. I’m rooting for Bess
UMK is awesome this year! None of the songs are actually bad. My top 7 is:
1. Bess
2. Olivera
3. Issac Sene
4. Cyan Kicks
5. Younghearted
6. The Rasmus
7. Tommi Lantinen.
But the 75% televoting seems weird. Anyway, all the best to all of the participants!
First, I’d like to congrat Finland for this selection. There is no song I don’t like and I think it’s the best Nordic national selection so far (and one of the best ones in general). I am between Bess and The Rasmus as my favourite entries.
Finland has done a good job this year, whilst there is nothing that I absolutely love, there is nothing that I absolutely hate either and all entries have their appeal. Therefore, if getting the best possible result is important to Finland, I would choose The Rasmus as their stronger fan base across Europe will increase their votes.
I’m not sure that’s necessarily true. I hadn’t heard of The Rasmus for nearly 20 years and I think there are better songs to opt for.
bess absolutely
Bess and Younghearted are my favourits! But I would be fine with 5 of these songs winning
It’s Bess for me.
I am on team Rasmus! I liked Jezebel from the first listen but it also grew tremendously on me. The bridge before the final chorus has also an amazing instrumental and the last chorus is explosive and powerful. The guitar riff before the bridge is also great. The lyric video is amazing (like every lyric video of UMK) and if they nail the live performance they will certainly do good in ESC.
Only Cyan Kicks or Sene, delusional results on this site as usual
And delusional people without taste disliking me as usual
They’re all Eurovision ready packages, so the live performances will tip into anyone’s advance. Cyan Kicks – Great rock-pop, but lyrics are simple, but who has the time to think about the depth of lyrics within 3 minutes? BESS – It’s good, but is this too mainstream radio music for Finns to vote? The Rasmus – Great song, but their success might hurt since everyone is comparing this to their previous hit songs. Younghearted – Good song, but it hasn’t been as popular as others, they could up themselves with the live performance Olivera – Song is good on it’s… Read more »
I think The Rasmus is gonna win, but my favorite one is Younghearted
I would love to see Isaac Sene at Eurovision. However I fear the Rasmus will win purely due to name recognition and the fact that the televote accounts for 75% of the result (which is ridiculously disproprotionate).
The Rasmus is my favorite but I would also be happy if BESS, Isaac Sene or Cyan kicks won. Depends on how they do live.
It’s either Cyan Kicks or The Rasmus for me.
The Rasmus is one of Finland’s most respected rock bands that have been here since 1994, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they will represent their country in Turin. I’ve recently become a fan, and “Jezebel” keeps playing in my head now.
However, Cyan Kicks also makes a great Finnish representative in Turin. Finland takes rock music very seriously, but “Hurricane” sounds very J-rock (like an anime opening song), and we need more J-rock-inspired songs in Eurovision.
Cyan Kicks sounds too generic, a bit calculated we’ve already heard in ESC. Like BlindChnl, Måneskin and a bit Keino.I doubt would make that impact any more.
Cyan Kicks sounded fake to me. Manufactured, tailor-made by an algorithm somewhere. The singer acts just as fake as they look. The lyrics are as generic as you could imagine.
It’s a poor choice for a Finland representative.
BESS/The Rasmus for me.