Once again Ireland will use the “The Late Late Show” to choose its Eurovision song. On Friday 3 February, host Ryan Tubridy will guide viewers through the Eurosong 2023 special, which spans genres from dance-pop to rap.
Before the show kicks off, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 6 competing songs. Our second review is Connelly with “Midnight Summer Night”.
Wiwi Jury: CONNOLLY – “Midnight Summer Night”
Renske: Connolly is serving mystery and Ireland’s famed singer-songwriter vibes. It’s perhaps the most lyrically satisfying entry of the bunch — it feels somehow profound and cinematic. At the same time, it lacks a climax or a “wow” moment. Adding one might lure listeners back for another spin. Although it has several qualities of a good Eurovision entry — from the voice to the mood to the hook — it does run the risk of becoming “filler” if not staged properly.
Score: 7
Rick: I immediately think of Lana Del Rey when this song is on. “Midnight Summer Night” definitely creates a vibe and works well as a studio cut. I can’t imagine how they’ll stage this though. The other negative is that it gets repetitive. That’s not wise for a competition like Eurovision, where dynamism and a journey help keep the viewer watching.
Score: 7
Ruxy: This is the most interesting entry in Ireland’s Eurosong 2023. Lana del Rey’s music style instantly springs to mind: The song has depth, mystery and sadness, plus it brings strong lyrics and a solid structure. I like the fact that it’s not just a linear sound. Yes, it’s peaceful and soothing, but it all leads to a climax. The lyrics speak about nostalgia, fear and detachment, but it’s all underscored with hope. CONNOLLY’s voice carries the song perfectly.
Score 8.5
Tom: This is better from Ireland! “Midnight Summer Night” is wonderfully ethereal and folksy. Listening to Connolly, I see pretty pixies dancing and telling me about a tale under a moonlit sky full of stars. I would love to listen to Connolly on a major stage in Glastonbury after a busy day to mellow out. What I love most is that if I heard all the songs this year without knowing where they hailed from, I would unequivocally say this is from Ireland. Beautiful, mystical, dark and light – this is Ireland!
Score: 8
William: If Enya had a baby with an Irish singer-songwriter who moonlights as an electronic DJ, the tot might sound like this. Connolly brings together pop, folk, and even a flash of EDM in a magical way. I haven’t probed the lyrics too closely, but when she sings it feels like poetry. The song needs a revamp if it wants to compete at Eurovision. The linear progression lulls you in, but a climax and some more drive in the latter half will keep you listening until the end.
Score: 7
Wiwi Jury Score: 7.5
- Connolly – “Midnight Summer Night” Score: 7.5
- Adgy – “Too Good For Your Love” Score: 7.4
- Leila Jane – “Wild” Score: 6.8
- K Muni & ND – “Down In The Rain” Score 6.2
- Wild Youth – “We Are One” Score: 6
- Public Image Limited – “Hawaii” Score: 4
What do you think of “Midnight Summer Night?” Do you think it should represent Ireland in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments.
It is my favorite song in the National final but if it gets to Liverpool I am expecting a revamp. Just to elevate it a bit more, also staging will be key here. RTÉ can’t just have a 6 piece pub band if they want this to be competitive. If it was me staging it, I’d have the lighting going black and blue, with Connolly performing first off by lying on top of a piano covered in mysterious dark blue flowers, mid way through the song I’d elevate the tempo slightly and add backing dancers. Could be worthwhile adding maybe… Read more »
This song always reminds me of lordes recent solar power album
I really don’t know where they go with this on a stage. It’s a good song but I don’t know if it’s a stage song over a radio song.
this song is nothing memorable, but it has potential for a great live performance, so why not.
It doesn’t matter Ireland will not qualify
I have hope!!! But I honestly doubt this song will make the cut. It’s 1st semi 1st half. We need memorable and exciting and this is neither, unfortunately.
This is it, this is the cultural reset you needed Ireland, this is the song.
I mean in all honesty, I’m between this song and Adgy’s. I’ll probably vote for vote of them but I’m really interested to see if they can do anything interesting with the limited staging space and also with Connolly revamping her song and Adgy adding Irish lyrics (Connolly might be too but I haven’t seen a confirmation of that) I think that’ll also be interesting to hear too.
I like the vibe of this, very current but song is a bit repetitive. Looking forward to seeing the revamp
I’m sorry, but this is nothing like Lana Del Rey
It’s very beautiful, it’s atmospheric, it has irish sounds, and I understand totally why she has fans because I repeat it’s beautiful, however personally I find it very repetitive, it didn’t grab me enough because when I hear the first minute of the song, it’s like I’ve already heard the entire song, and I feel bored, I need something more surprising. There’s rumors about a potential revamp so let’s see., not my choice now but it could be.
I see Deban wasn’t invited to this jury lol