The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 40 competing songs in Eurovision 2022. Next we review Iceland, who have chosen Systur with “Með hækkandi sól”.
Were we filled with the joy of a new dawn? Read on to find out!
Systur – “Með hækkandi sól” (Iceland Eurovision 2022)
Review: Systur – “Með hækkandi sól”
Renske: It’s puzzling why, but Systur is perhaps the most underrated act in this year’s Eurovision. Although it has a risk of getting lost in that strong first semi-final, “Með hækkandi sól” is an incredibly charming Icelandic entry with actually interesting and meaningful lyrics that tell the story of Icelandic women in a far past. A text that can be relevant today. The song is harmonious country music at its finest, something that we have not seen since The Common Linnets.
Score: 8.5
William: The vocals are heavenly, the harmonies are beautiful and the instrumentation is soothing. Delivered by three sisters — no doubt angels in disguise — “Með hækkandi sól” becomes the most beautiful lullaby in the world. And that’s the problem: lullabies put me to sleep. With more arresting visuals in Turin this could surprise: surely a song about the sun can make good use of the sun-inspired stage. But as it stands, I’m sleeping under the stars rather than listening to them.
Score: 3.5
Josh: The brand of folk pop Systur deliver with “Með hækkandi sól” is therapeutic and soothing to the soul. Their sisterly bond is wonderfully reflected in how their voices expertly blend throughout the song. The message of unity and strength to persevere through the coldness of winter (a symbol for life’s trials) until spring comes again, is important and uplifting. The only thing holding me back from giving a higher score is that the vocal and instrumental could be seen as a little too “one-note”.
Score: 8
Sebastian: “Með hækkandi sól” is almost impossible to review – as I simply cannot find the appeal of this song. What some might describe as introspective, I describe as sleepy. Shadows of beige permeate the performance, and I truly struggle to see how this will cut through the pack on the Eurovision stage. Their movements are in sync, which is something, I suppose.
Score: 2
Antranig: I love the Icelandic language and it’s hard for anything to sound bad in their native tongue, so I’m very glad this has stayed in the language. I wasn’t a fan of their national final performance – it was awkwardly staged and epitomised the term forgettable. I also dislike the fact their name was changed to the awfully lazy Systur (though at least they actually are sisters, hello Germany 2019). For three of the most talented ladies at Eurovision 2022, I’m just disappointed that they couldn’t come up with a better band name or a better song.
Score: 4.5
Iceland Eurovision 2022 ranking
In the Eurovision 2022 Wiwi Jury, we have 18 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:
|
Angus: 4.5 Cinan: 6 Deban: 5 Jonathan: 5 Lucy: 6 Luis: 5.5 Natalie: 7.5 |
Oliver: 4 Pablo: 6.5 Robyn: 6 Ron: 5.5 Suzanne: 5.5 Tom: 6.5 |
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2 and a high of 8.5.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.59/10
What do you think of Iceland’s Eurovision 2022 entry? Share your own score and review for Systur’s “Með hækkandi sól” below!
Hardest song to evaluate this year because there’s nothing bad about it, yet, there’s nothing standout about it. It’s a song that aims for mid-table. When a song like that wins a national selection, it’s usually a sign that the national selection was pretty weak. The good thing is that it creates a mood and the vocal harmonies of the sisters are excellent. I also like that they’re playing the instruments and overall, I think visually they got their staging right. There is a point in the song (I think it’s the second chorus) where it starts firing on all… Read more »
Rating: 6.0/10.0
I have a love-hate relationship with this song. On one hand I like how soothing it is and the whole story and the vibe seem nice. But there is just something about the way they sing that does not sing right with me. I don’t know if this singing technique has a name (or if it is even a technique at all) but I have the impression that they are supposed to sing louder but they sing very quietly. It makes me feel like there is something wrong with my headphones and I do not get the whole sound as… Read more »
Very pleasant and melodic song, but have doubts if it will stand out in a contest.
ICELAND – Sometimes, having a serene, ethereal entry, can be just as effective as having an obvious show-stopper. The harmonies between the three sisters are beautiful and flow well. The lyrics describe the nature in winter, and how there’s always spring ahead. I can feel that message through the music, which channels both the chill eeriness of the cold Icelandic nights and the warm embrace of its culture and nature. It doesn’t have obvious escalations, so I understand why some say it’s static. Even so, it’s soothing and instrumentally rich, so I don’t mind. The Icelandic language adds to its… Read more »
Beautiful song, I like it
I don’t have much to say about this one tbh. It’s listenable and it’s bringing the Icelandic language… and that’s all. Some say this could work like “Calm After the Storm” but this song is so so forgetable that I can’t remember any more from this song as the audience won’t either after listening to the 18 entries. Songvakeppnin was extremely weak this year so there weren’t too many options to choose from. Iceland is place the 29th in my top right now: 3. Denmark (7.75) 5. Portugal (7.75) 6. Australia (7.5) 9. San Marino (7.25) 12. Serbia (7.25) 13.… Read more »
So much underrated! To me it s a top 5 entry this year and kind of reminds me the Common Linnets (although I really doubt it will be rewarded as the Netherlands did that year).
The harmonies in this folk/country song are beautiful, the melody is soothing, the lyrics are meaningful and the sisters are singing in Icelandic, evoking mythological/dreamy atmospheres!
I really hope for them to reach the final and rank as much as high as possible!
Leaning towards NQ, but not a lost cause. Keep fighting for that spot because I want this in the Grand Final!
Top ten song for me. Glorious melody and harmonies. The performance at Söngvakeppnin was certainly listless but that can be corrected.
The soothing understated vocals, the sisterly harmonies, that haunting bridge, everything sounds absolutely beautiful. It’s a pity most people won’t ever look for a translation for the lyrics or the explanation for them, because they’re excellent and carry a strong Icelandic identity. In my mind, juries should give “Með hækkandi sól” a big push, even if there’s the risk it will go unnoticed with the audience. I honestly don’t know if this will become my next “Sebi” or my next “Black Bird”, but I’ll be rooting for them to do well this May. 8/10
The only country that’s on a streak of at least 4 entries in a row (including 2020) I really like to the point where I’ll actually be voting for them, aside from the powerhouse that’s Italy. Not something to take for granted at all with such a small population, and I’d also like to apologize on behalf of my country for the fact that this Icelandic gem is ranked well below WRS’ mumbling.
I personally prefer Portugal’s song as this lacks impact but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.
10/10 YEP! I love this song, it gives me goosebumps! The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and their performances at Sonvakeppnin were so warm and chill which was just ugh amazing! Iceland is my 3rd place this year! I hope they qualify!
Feels like it could be another Slovenia “Sebi” 2019…
…or another Portugal “Amar Pelos Dois” 2018…
I just love this entry! it’s actually in my top 10 and already in my spotify list
I love the insurgence of women bands, but this just doesn’t impact me like it it should. I wish I could say more but unfortunately there isn’t mush more to say.
It might not have a big explosion kind of thing but I think this is very underrated. Idk how people find this lame (Yeah a bit) but I think this one of the most beautiful song from this year contest!
This ‘sort of’ fits into the same category as Estonia in terms of its country ballad style. There is a Common Linnets feel to this, but it’s simply forgettable- like Portugal it’s sleepy but it does not have the emotional edge that Maro has.
Another Common Linnets situation where Wiwiblogs massively underrates one of the very best songs of the year just because it is slow.
As a fan of First Aid Kit, I predictably love this. Similar to Portugal, there’s something in the warm tones that immediately soothes me and I find it wonderful to listen to. It’s more of a mood than a radio hit with hooks but that’s not a bad thing for me. I think the audience for this is maybe less concentrated on Eurovision fan sites so hopefully there will be plenty of people who are motivated to pick up the phone.
Exactly, it reminds me of First Aid Kit sooo much. And I love First Aid Kit, so, yeah, I love it.
It’s a lovely song and they have voices that are pleasant to listen to, however it’s definitely not my kind of thing, and it’s my third from last.
I can see it getting lost in the semi because of the amount of more ballad-y songs, and unfortunately unless it gets great staging it won’t stand out much from the rest.
28.Iceland – Oh, the Icelandic. But similar to Estonia in the western/country vibe. But it’s chill and peaceful. I get a Dutch O’G3NE x The Common Linnets comparison.
I’m not really entertained by this but I can see this make the final or be dead last. Its around 30th in my top because I find the verses to be quite boring and the chorus a bit dragging but I like the dreamy quality of it and I appreciate that this is quality
Silver star.
A charming and simple bit of country music that cannot possibly offend anyone. The only trouble is that in ESC, people need a reason to vote. Here’s that “meh syndrome” again.
This is a beautiful song , and when you don’t speak the language, you value the song more because you are focusing of the melody and music. I hope this qualifies for the final , because it deserves a place. I agree this is by far one of the most underrated songs in the competition. When you feel a song, then you know a song is very good,
To my own surprise I really like this song. Unfortunately it seems to be forgotten by a huge part of the public and that’s really a shame. Cause it deserves so much more.
So underrated!
5. Iceland – Systur – Med Heakkandi Sol – 8.5/10 – there is such a relaxing and comforting vibe to this song. The gentle folk-music fits perfectly with the mysterious quality of the Icelandic language and there is something visually and audibly powerful about the sisterly connection. There is a pleasing build into an impactful chorus and I equate this song to a fluffy and cosy blanket, it leaves me all warm and cuddly inside, feeling reflective but hopeful as I stare out into the rising sun.
I am glad that there are people who have this song as high in their tops as you do. Personally even if I have it at my 23rd place, I really wish it can qualify because it really is a pretty special song. I play it multiple times while I am doing something that requires concentration because it soothes me. And the use of the guitars in the instrumentation is also great. It could use with some more melodical twists so as to grasp the viewer more for the whole three minutes though in my opinion.
Although the song can go by quickly without much of a hook to remember it with, I find this such a pleasant song to listen to, and Systur’s near-perfect vocal delivery makes it all the more underrated in my opinion. The lack of a hook is the only thing that keeps me from seeing this as a certain qualifier, because I have faith in the Icelandic delegation that the staging will be great. I too hope for a Common Linnets effect where it will entrance the continent and gain a surprisingly high score. For me it’s a 7.5/10 now, but… Read more »
23. Iceland: One more country-folk, melodic, pleasant song. The Icelandic language sounds beautiful to me and the instrumentation is also qualitative. Perhaps out of the 4-5 songs of this genre, this one is my least favourite: I like all these entries though and hope that they all can do good. Iceland’s chances of qualifying are not extremely high but I wouldn’t count them out just yet.
the best harmonies this year. such a magical song, and one of my favorites !
I remember when the lineup for Iceland national selection was announced there were
angry comments asking why a songwriter who literally won an Oscar wasn’t highlighted enough but instead Wiwibloggs chose to put these sisters on the pedestal.
Wiwibloggs did the right thing. The sisters are miles better.
I have the ability to spiritually connect to this song, this actually DOES AFFECT ME positively just like Portugal does to most people here! THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE, ENCHANTING AND MAGICAL, ALMOST THERAPEUTIC! The sisters’ harmonies are so beautiful! Such a serene, peaceful gem. So calm and magical, it literally takes you to a wonderful journey across Icelandic culture. The comeback of the language is wonderful and THOSE VOICES, OH MY GOD! <3 It's an absolute shame how much underappreciated this state of art is from the Eurovision fandom. The song belongs in my personal winners, Iceland proves once… Read more »
I just feel the need to choke Sebastian right now. 🙂
He might like that
I guess i have a thing for harmonies this year. Just like Portugal, i really love this song! A really good instrumentation, easily one of the best set of lyrics in the competition. Hope Iceland will be able to qualify cuz it’s just a crime if they won’t. Also, can we appreciate how Iceland doesn’t settle in a genre and even switches languages?? Totally awesome. Voting for this in the first semi.
Rating: 9/10 (8th)
This is an uncompromising country pop song, straight out of the seventies. The Icelandic language gives it a mysterious edge. What some people call ‘boring’ or ‘sleepy’ I would call just laid back and dreamy. But the staging needs to be better. The current staging makes it stuffy rather than timeless.
you’re absolutely right about it being straight out of the 70s ! their live performance in iceland also gave it away very well. a classy throwback.
I’ve read someone comparing it to a Fleetwood Mac song and I can totally see it.
Bottom 5
1) Iceland – What people see in Portugal is almost exactly what I see in Iceland. I have never been a huge fan of Iceland in Eurovision, but this to me is exceptional. From the harmonies and all three of the ladies’ voices to the (what I think is) very atmospheric and intimate performance, all of it is perfection to me. It’s funny since country/folk usually isn’t my type of thing but I genuinely think this is my favourite ever song of the genre. I really hope that people pick up the phone to vote for this because in my… Read more »
*favourite ever song of the genre in Eurovision
(also, I’m sure folks are surprised that I don’t have Moldova as my number one ;))
can I also just take a moment to obsess over the Icelandic language? Stunning
Wow, thank you for giving 10/10 for Iceland! I never saw much hype for this song, but it’s so beautiful. Lots of people would probably have preferred Daughters of Reykjavik, but I honestly think Systur got a deserved win. Though I’m disappointed by their name, like Antranig said. I really never agreed much with the Wiwi Jury from the first, but some scores are quite unacceptable.