The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 37 competing songs in Eurovision 2023. Next we review Croatia, who have chosen Let 3 with “Mama ŠČ!”.

Are tractors now our favourite form of transportation? Read on to find out!

Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!” (Croatia Eurovision 2023)

Review: Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!”

Deban: Mastering the art of humour is one thing, but when featuring it as a national entry on the world’s biggest musical stage, it needs to have musical merits too. “Mama SČ!” is too cryptic for those outside the borders of Croatia to comprehend, and despite its strong anti-war sentiment, it reads as a joke act. However, I salute Let 3 for their continued vocal stance against war and right-wing politics.

Score: 3

Renske: It is hard to do comedy, but it’s even harder to do political satire. Upon first listen, “Mama ŠČ!” seems like a fever nightmare of the 2000’s Eurovision. Luckily, that is an illusion. With an addictive chorus, Let 3 make us aware of the fact that democracy is fragile. It is an entry that’s current but without becoming too serious or downbeat. It makes us laugh about a topic we do not even realise we can still laugh about.

Score: 9

Luis: Let 3 bring a tough one to judge: while the anti-war message is particularly important nowadays, I find several issues on it. First of all, musically it could be much more cohesive and a bit stronger. Particularly, the alphabet part drives me out of the song. Then, visually, the idea of mocking macho dictators by dressing them up with skirts, sequins and make-up reads dated for me. Despite all of this, “Mama ŠČ!” has some brilliant ideas, and Let 3 have been mercilessly bashed by people who didn’t even bother understanding the message, nor playing along with their provocation.

Score: 5.5

William: Mama doesn’t just have a tractor. She also has sass, attitude and character by the bucket load. This is perhaps the most visually arresting of all performances this year. It slaps you with female soldiers twerking and men wearing bloodied dresses and refuses to apologise. The anything goes spirit continues in the music, which is at once simplistic but utterly captivating. Expect this to climb the televote.

Score: 8

Samuel: I have thought quite a bit about why Croatia’s song gives me so much discomfort. Aside from the dreadful song, I think the problem for me is what this song represents. If you are going to make a statement, make it classy, make it fun, make me want to dance or sing my heart out. Why would anyone want to see imagery of missiles during Eurovision? It is the one time I would really like to forget about the state of the world and actually feel a sense of peace and unity. Maybe it is just the song though, I could probably get behind an apocalyptic banger with enough tempo.

Score: 1

Croatia Eurovision 2023 ranking

In the Eurovision 2023 Wiwi Jury, we have 20 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Antranig: 9

Cinan: 7

Dayana: 8

Diego: 6

Forrest: 6.5

Jonathan: 4.5

Kristín: 5.5

Lucy: 5

Oliver: 7

Pablo: 3

Rick: 5.5

Ron: 1

Ruxandra: 4.5

Simon: 2

Tom: 8

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 1 and a high of 9.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.50/10

What do you think of Croatia’s Eurovision 2023 entry? Share your own score and review for Let 3’s “Mama ŠČ!” below!

143 Comments
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Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
11 months ago

Absolutely the best thing happening to ESC this year.

Lillac marlin
Lillac marlin
11 months ago

Better than Alexandra

escalator
escalator
11 months ago

I always love a good Š?! ??

MyOpinion
MyOpinion
11 months ago

Like many others I don’t think politics and Music / ESC should be mixed. Yet I «admit» liking this. Cool indie rock feel. And catchy indeed!

Mililoyi
Mililoyi
11 months ago

But i can’t imagine the world when this thing Q over Portugal and Lativa… such a big shame to music if this happen.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Mililoyi

Music is not just the one you like. If it’s different it’s not bad for all. Definitely agree with you that Portugal has a place in final, not so sure for Latvia

Mililoyi
Mililoyi
11 months ago

5.50 is still high lol, one of the worst Eurovision song i’ve ever heard. I don’ care about the message, it’s a Song contest not message contest. The song is still bad even if it has good messages :/

Sanne
Sanne
11 months ago

1 is a bit low however anything above an 5 is way too high for this.. whatever it is. A 5,5 overall seems about right

Milan
Milan
11 months ago

We have removed a low of 1 and a high of 9″ says it all 🙂

TB98
TB98
11 months ago
Reply to  Milan

They always remove the lowest and highest score.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Milan

Says what? Elaborate please

Milan
Milan
11 months ago
Reply to  Tom

It says that the lowest score was extremely low (the lowest possible) and the highest was extremely high (the highest possible).

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
11 months ago

I just don’t want political songs in eurovision, even if the message is honorable. We are supposed to forget politics for that short time. We need that break from reality sometimes.

Aga
Aga
11 months ago
Reply to  Trocatroc

We also need to connect with reality sometimes and Croatia is doing it this year.

Truth
Truth
11 months ago
Reply to  Trocatroc

Where were you when e.g. Jamala and Kalush performed? And took home the trophy?

MyOpinion
MyOpinion
11 months ago
Reply to  Trocatroc

Totally agree!

Sabrina
Sabrina
11 months ago

Weirdly, I enjoy this one musically more than as a performance piece. I understand why some people think it’s just “noise”, but in my mind the track found a creative way to depict the absurdity war can bring to the life of a common citizen, especially a naive one. It starts almost as a punk rock song made for a children’s class and suddenly chaos erupts. I would prefer if the lyrics carried more actual content, but I also must praise how a completely unconventional song manages to be catchier than some pop songs we’ll have in the contest. When… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree. You said it much better than my own attempt to.

Also, you reminded me of another film, The Great Dictator. Another example that might answer Purple Mask’s question if jokes can be serious.

Sabrina
Sabrina
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

I would even say that some of the best jokes are the serious ones. Those you laught at first and later find yourself thinking about their meaning. Hopefully those who’ll vote for Let 3 will go through both stages. I believe it’s the band’s intention.

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree about your notion that the presentation using “femme” styles in order to humiliate the dictators is dated. It has been used numerous times before, and feels worn out. It can also feel out of touch with how gender-flexible styling has evolved over the years. An argument for that could be that the subjects of such ridiculing are stuck in an era when that seemed like an insult. They constantly display the inability to move along with times, so Let 3 are using what they know would be received as an insult. The good question is could have they… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

I won’t lie to you. When I watched it in Dora, it was hard to digest. I still think this is a little too over the top to my taste, but I came to terms with the reasons they decided to do this way. It’s for the shock and as far as I know, it’s their style. I respect they’re bringing something different to the table, Eurovision is better when all the countries are trying to separate themselves from the pack and not just trying to fit under a formula. About the way they chosed to humiliate the dictators, another… Read more »

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Sabrina

When I listened to Dora songs, and even when I watched it, it was over-the-top (and even ”tacky”) to me. I actually voted for The Splitters and Meri Andrakovic. Retroactively, Let 3 was the right choice. The Splitters would’ve been competing with Azerbaijan, and both would’ve been overshadowed by Latvia. Meri Andrakovic wouldn’t stand a chance next to Noa Kirel and Alessandra (even if I prefer her entry to Israel’s). Not to metion that Vesna would’ve overran our Neretva in a heartbeat. There was no other choice as competitive was Mama SC. The presentation isn’t polished and even a bit… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

I’m glad to find out Let 3’s members have an inclusive approach. Maybe they’ll break the resistance part of the fandom have towards them during rehearsals and interviews then. I agree that it was the most competitive choice for Croatia. After watching the performance for “Nevera”, it was probably the only act that could qualify from a strong semi.

Samira
Samira
11 months ago

What an absolte dumpster fire of a clown fiesta this entry is. This belongs in last place

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Samira

One just have to love these meaningful comments….

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago

I feel Mel Brooks deserves a mention, by the way, I wonder if he was an influence here. He first did this over fifty years ago!

Here is “Springtime for Hitler” from the 2005 movie, The Producers.

https://youtu.be/1zY1orxW8Aw

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Indeed, yes! I was wondering if anyone was going to mention that.

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

“Whether it’s murder, mayhem, or rage… keep it light, keep it bright, keep it gay!”

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago

How is feminizing these dictators “ridiculing” them? Why is men wearing lipstick and skirts something to laugh at? That’s the part I don’t really get, even though I’m sure the intentions are good.

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

The Russian and Belarussian dictators are homophobes and avatars of toxic masculinity. ”Feminizing” any random man isn’t ridiculing at all, but ”feminizing” *them in particular* is, as it portrays them in a way *they* would find the most insulting. It’s a larger middle finger than Jendrik could have dreamed of.

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

I kinda get that reasoning, but still… it’s not insulting. If everybody watching realised that it was not insulting, then I would be more okay with it. Sadly I’m not sure they will understand. If it’s just to irritate a small group of actual people, moronic as they may be, is it worth it?

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

In this particular case, I’d say it is. Sadly, it’s not just a small group of people. These two bananaheads hold on to their power because millions are willing to serve them, and most of them share their beliefs. This is a message to the two, but also their ministers, army, random people who worship them, and ”performers” like Kirkoroff, Gagarina, Steven Seagal, Depardieu, ect. All of them are being ridiculed, and considering that there’s no legal way to deal with this, this is as close as it gets to grinding their gears.

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

I think much of their military posturing and parading is really just drag, anyway. If this song achieves some good, more good than bad, then it’s definitely worth it.

Eve
Eve
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

I wonder if Kirkorov will try to sneak in this year again …

Nadya
Nadya
10 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

It’s not only about feminizing the dictators. Just think about it: men in their 60+ wearing those see-through feminine erm.. thingies and still manage to look absolutely hilarious. I see here a lot of confidence, and a powerful body-positive message (if they can pull it off and obviously are enjoying themselves, why I, a really overweight mom of two should be ashamed to wear things I want?). And there is another point to their outfits. It’s a message to all the societies who struggle to accept anything that stirs from traditional values, and suppress not only LGBTQ+ – but anything… Read more »

Zisk
Zisk
11 months ago

I was waiting for this one. Five people score it 8+ and it still gets a 5.50. How wonderfully polarizing.

Noam600
Noam600
11 months ago

Just No! this is TOO MUCH circus for me! 1/10

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
11 months ago
Reply to  Noam600

That’s a nice ratio lol

Zanoni
Zanoni
11 months ago

I have been all over the place on this one. After DORA I did kinda think this should be disqualified from ESC even as I admired its Zappaesque restlessness and eclecticism. I’ve changed my mind on that. This sounds like the kind of thing that should get old after two plays, and yet, it hasn’t. I still find it funny and fun to sing along with after a few months. I think I understand the perspective of those who would rate this very high and very low; in the end, my score is moderately high. 7.5/10

Vigo
Vigo
11 months ago

Unfortunately this just has no musical merit at all, it is a cluster of sounds and noise and there’s no structure to it and I absolutely get THAT is the point of the song as the music is supposed to sound like chaos because the world is chaos but for the biggest music competition in the world it’s just too messy. Not sure the Eurovision audience will get the right message it very easily can be misinterpreted as them pushing for the bad side.

khm
khm
11 months ago
Reply to  Vigo

tell me you haven’t heard the karaoke version without telling me you haven’t heard the karaoke version.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Vigo

I doubt people would get it as pushing for the bad side, just dressing as a drag dictator will kill that idea for absolutely anyone.

Vigo
Vigo
11 months ago
Reply to  Tom

That is just wrong lol. Plenty of react channels first assumption was that it was pro war. The Eurovision audience will only be able to vote on their first assumptions as they see the performance once.

Truth
Truth
11 months ago
Reply to  Vigo

Hmm… One could say that Jamala (aaaaaaaa) and Kalush (rapapapapapa) went for the noise and no music quality, as well.
Oh look. They took home the trophy!

Héctor
Héctor
11 months ago

I think I get the purpose behind this entry but I don’t think it is the right stage to to do it. I’m tired of Eurovision politics. Musically, while somehow catchy, “Mama SC” is a huge trainwreck. This one shouldn’t qualify but, given the fact that the SFs are 100% televote, I think they will sneak into the Grand Final and who knows from that. Hope the jury don’t fall into it. Eurovision is long gone from those dark years we don’t need that fame to come back when there is still people treating Eurovision as a circus. Croatia is… Read more »

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Héctor

There is no better stage than ESC for this. One of the most watched shows on earth and they will show middle finger to the “psychopath ” Brilliant!

Kosey
Kosey
11 months ago

5. Let 3 – Mama Sc (Croatia) – 8.5/10 – chaotic and provocative throughout, just the way that I like it. This has iconic status written all over it. And when it breaks into the power-chord and punchy-drum rock section, the song is sonically very pleasing. Please Let 3, bring me the confident self-expression, bring me the satirical controversy, bring me something that makes me sit up and take notice, I want to see this entry be as disruptive and thought-provoking as it can.

ESC Serg
ESC Serg
11 months ago

Being this song and getting a 7 from Oliver is a pleasant surprise

Efthymios
Efthymios
11 months ago

I can’t really force myself to like this, the verses are alright, however when the bridges and the chorus arrive, oh man, they strike like chaotic thunderbolts. I absolutely HATE the part where they sing the alphabet. At least, the lyrics are very good and effective at their job, exposing the hypocritical nature of two specific nation leaders through perfect satire (For example, someone in here since mentioned that the “Mama bought a traktor” lyric translates to Putin gifting Lukashenko a traktor for his 70th birthday, the “Mama” country is Russia etc). I also do like the ridiculous, “millitary” outfit… Read more »

Vigo
Vigo
11 months ago
Reply to  Efthymios

It was Lukashenko who gave Putin a tractor but yeah you’re spot on.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago

A question to everyone:
Can a joke be serious?
I open up the floor to answers. 🙂

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Well, dark humor (if made correctly) IS making fun of serious issues e.g. racism so yeah it can.

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yes, but as I mentioned in my review I treat this is as satire, not a joke. Humour is often the best and sometimes the most impactful way to say the most difficult things in the most direct way. And that’s exactly what satire is meant to do and Let 3 are serving it in the best possible way.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Of course: this joke IS some serious crap… Just kidding. ?

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Of course it can. It’s called satire. Often, most depressing issues are best reviewed with a healthy doze of humor.

Jonas
Jonas
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

Have you seen Roberto Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful”?

Kosey
Kosey
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I don’t see this as a joke actually. I don’t think as artists that they want us to laugh. I think they want us to think.

Zac
Zac
11 months ago
Reply to  Kosey

You are the first one who got the point!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Kosey

Haha, perhaps I’m not a very good example there (that’s why I asked for everyone else’s opinion). I tend to laugh at things without thinking; it’s one of my worst attributes. I also don’t understand how a joke, which is intended to provoke laughter, can ever make a serious point. I am reading all the comments here though, and I am learning a lot about the power of a good satire.

Kosey
Kosey
11 months ago
Reply to  Kosey

Totally. I’m just not sure that Let 3 are actively trying to make us laugh, like a comedian would. I actually find nothing in the song or performance which is funny. The tractor bit is deadly serious, the dance is deadly serious, the costumes are deadly serious. I agree that artistry can make us laugh and think at the same time – I just don’t see the intention to generate laughter in the audience is actually there in this entry. The message is direct, if you’re laughing, I think you’ve missed it.

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
11 months ago

Croatia finally understood what ESC wants. No matter if you like or hate the song, this is the definition of what ESC is looking for. What the casual viewer, that only watches the grand final, can get behind, because this is how the casual viewer sees ESC. As a funfair! We have a hot mess, a super horny group that doesn’t care, raw lyrics, striking visuals. You simply can’t ignore this and this is exactly why it has more chances to qualify than Switzerland or Netherlands. Moldova last year had many of these traits and this got them the 2nd… Read more »

Tomi
Tomi
11 months ago

Bollocks! Moldova had a great song, excellently sung by a well-seasoned band that wasn’t on its first try at Eurovision. On top of that, Moldova has a diaspora too. They never had much trouble getting points from the televoting. And last but not least: with the war that’s going on, Moldova will be the next target if Ukraine falls. So, I’m betting they received some sympathy points too.

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
11 months ago

This is one of the few songs that I find very hard to rank this year. There are moments that I love it and others that I hate it, nothing in between. It’s satire but not a joke, it’s too serious to be funny and too funny to be serious. Europe will be divided on this one, pretty much the epitome of marmite.
7.5/10 as a provisional score. Some days in my Top 15, some days outside my top 25. It will qualify to the final, that’s the only thing I feel confident enough to say.

Fausto Castillo
Fausto Castillo
11 months ago

People that say, “I don’t wanna see politics in Eurovision” are the ones that don’t want to see politics anywhere else, they live on a world that I don’t understand. Pathetic.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago

Imagine if a little boy didn’t understand the world or its consequences and had absolute power to do anything at all. Then, get that boy to write a song. Croatia’s entry this year is built on old melodies for children in the simplest C major key, sort of like “the wheels on the bus go round and round.” (Plus there might be a hint of ragtime in there, for some reason I think of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” when I hear this song, but that’s probably just me.) But when the wheels come off in the Pre-Chorus, that’s when things… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Haha, oh I know! My musical taste is totally hypocritical and twisted. There’s never really an explanation for musical taste, is there? 🙂

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
11 months ago

This song will qualify on the merits of the message. And though it may seem comedic, there is a serious message to the song, and they barely try to hide it. The stage setup will be a bit different (I gather it has to be), since they can only have 6 on stage.

Zac
Zac
11 months ago
Reply to  CookyMonzta

There is 6 of them on stage actually…

Sim
Sim
11 months ago

No way Deban cannot appreciate it when his good friend is “winner” from AzerBUYjan praising his leader and he enjoyed (and probably will enjoy another) paid promotrip to Baku.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Sim

This personal attack is unwarranted.

Sim
Sim
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

personal attack, really? Everyone is responsible for their own actions and if simply saying that someone is closing eyes not to see atrocities and corrumption of dictatorship regime that is on the same level (if not worse) as Russia because they paid him a nice personal trip to promote them… Ok, make your mind yourself. Plus, Deban is promoting AzerBUYjan or years and “winner” Eldar as well although it is pretty common fact he supports his regime and was supporting war with Armenia. Is it still ok for you? Not mentioning the fact tho country should have been banned years… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Sim

Deban wrote a song review. In reply, you have questioned Deban’s actions, sense of morality, awareness of politics and integrity, and you have provided no evidence for the accusations you make. That is a personal attack, and it is unwarranted for a song review.

Sim
Sim
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

no evidence? 😀 There were few reportages from this “promo trip” last year on Wiwibloggs + his Instagram + you can also check all “beautiful” personal support of Eldar to his Aladee of Wadiya leader. It is not that hard.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
11 months ago

What strikes me the most about “Mama SC” is just how sad it is. Between its flashy cheeks of shock value hides a rose of tragedy, a bittersweet farewell to the pre-war times. The concluding, mournful coloratura soprano crushes my soul every time. Maybe it’s a farfetched comparison, but together with the military band instrumentation, it reminds me of a funeral march, as chaotic and profaned as you’d expect from the year 2023. “Mama SC” is a patchwork of interacting ideas and references, disjointed in an orderly way, both provocative and intellectual. Instead of saying “I don’t wanna be a… Read more »

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Wow! So nicely said!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Bravo, very well put.
Sadly, I don’t personally feel the same as you about the effectiveness of this song, but that’s okay.

Vivian
Vivian
11 months ago

Ughhh… Croatia what are you doing? After 4 editions of Dora where they selected great singers with bad songs… they now send… this. I’m sorry but we’re not in 2008 anymore, are we? Preach the song’s ‘hidden meaning’ all you want, but without the immature staging and shtick, this entry is completely empty and hollow. The real difficulty with a joke act is to make it so that even without the jokes and staging, the music itself still needs to have some kind of merit. This literally has none. It’s for this exact reason that Croatia this year is the… Read more »

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Vivian

And yet it will most likely qualify. But even if it does not, I praise this entry for the bold message which will be seen by 160 million people. And it will not get forgotten like most of the songs participating will.

Zac
Zac
11 months ago
Reply to  Vivian

One more who didint get the message of the whole concept.

Fatima
Fatima
11 months ago

I don’t think it will qualify. Too many televoters are going to want to reward acts who make more of a connection on the night.

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
11 months ago

Croatia 3/12

Tibor
Tibor
11 months ago

The Croatian final was really slim pickings for me this year, so I wasn’t cheering for anyone when it finally went ahead. When I then watched the performance of “Mama Š?”, I wasn’t really expecting anything. The song felt like a borderline joke entry and rather choppy to me in the studio cut. I liked the slightly chaotic “transition” between first and second verse, but other than that, it was not my thing. So it came as something of a surprise to me that I was actually transfixed by the show Let 3 were putting on. Yes, it’s over the… Read more »

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Tibor

A welcome endorsement from you, Tibor! I share most of your comments. It was the most competitive choice of Dora 23. It’s more of a statement and a performance piece, but I appreciate it a lot. 🙂

Zac
Zac
11 months ago

I will just leave this here:
My 5th place overall. 3rd in SF1.
Much of love for this guys and finally someone who is ready to slap politics in face on the best and most chaotic way possible. <3

Lorena
Lorena
11 months ago

I have a weird view to this song: I don’t like it at all, but I understand why some people like it.
I also think this is going to make it to the Final (in a year with only televote in the SF), and it will get a good televote in the Final also.

Bb Tt
Bb Tt
11 months ago

It’s actually sad and distressing to see how many people actually like listening to this noise (spoiler alert, it’s not a song).
Lyrics are awful, that message everyone is talking about is in at least half of the proper songs in the entire world, and the whole thing is not satiric, it’s just pathetic.
But, I guess that’s the showbiz today and it’s sad how much Eurovision has fallen.

Korotán Korí
Korotán Korí
11 months ago
Reply to  Bb Tt

Eurovision has never fallen, sweetie. It’s always been bad.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Bb Tt

Showbiz today are the likes of majority of the acts in eurovision. Glittery (and this is no reference to Germany), polished and trying to please, not question or provoke.

Escfan
11 months ago

I’ve been debating whether or not to do a review for this song. In all seriousness and I apologise if this entry goes over my head but, in all the years that I have watched Eurovision, I don’t think there has been many songs that have made me feel this uncomfortable. I’ll first discuss the song itself. Sonically, there’s so much happening in the production. Theres one point in the performance where the camera spins around and the music changes up. As someone who can struggle to listen to songs which have instrumentation sort of competing to be heard, I… Read more »

Vivian
Vivian
11 months ago
Reply to  Escfan

I don’t think you should apologize for uttering your opinion. You did it very professionally, and I totally get what you’re saying

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Vivian

I would say I am sorry it feels uncomfortable to watch, but that is the point. To provoke a reaction, positive or negative. Not to be just another song you will forget about in few days.

Thanks for such a long and detailed review, even though I don’t share your opinion

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Tom

My reply was actually to Escfan

The truth
11 months ago
Reply to  Escfan

I had to upvote this comment. Best analysis of this song. I liked especially , “watched a video recently of songs which had to change or be withdrawn and unless its my complete ignorance, I am shocked the EBU have said absolutely nothing in the way of, the lyrical content needing to be changed. I understand people are saying its satire but is this not blatantly political?” When I made a similar comment about EBU’s double standards and hypocrisy I was called a Putin lover and a Russian bot!

Leo M
Leo M
11 months ago

My 37th place. It’s just noise, ridiculous and not funny. I have a feel it could qualify though but would hate to see this make it and someone like Switzerland, Netherlands or Latvia miss out.

Dida
Dida
11 months ago

Seing this joke act with repeated lyrics and cringe old men dressed like that higher in the polls than Cyprus (pleasent song), Switzerland (great ballad, good vocals) or Romania (so underrared, the guy can really sing) makes me think the level of nowdays society is really low. And I’m kinda shocked….

Colin
Colin
11 months ago
Reply to  Dida

Romania hasn’t been published yet (unless you have an insight of their rating beforehand).
And Mama SC is divisive for a reason. It’s meant to be provocative.

Dida
Dida
11 months ago
Reply to  Colin

Higher in the polls, dear. Croatia is higher than Romania in the betting odds, when that guy can really sing. He may not have a bop, but he can really sing… Also, Cyprus has a decent song. We came to apreciate common sense songs, hearing these kind of gimmick songs like Croatia this year. Oh, luckily the juries will bury this in the finale (sadly, this joke act will pase the semifinal, thanks to the public who’ll vote for this 4 lyric song, while gems will stay in the semifinal)…

Lorena
Lorena
11 months ago
Reply to  Dida

I pleasant song will never success in Eurovision. It is just not enough to be pleasant. Just pleasant songs don’t get stick to your mind when competing with other 36 songs. That’s why this is higher in the polls than Cyprus or Greece, as another example of “just a pleasant song”.

Escfan
11 months ago
Reply to  Lorena

Luckily, Cyprus and Greece are in semi 2 so theyre not directly competing with Croatia. Also, if the staging for both of these entries is effective, there will be an audience for them, just like there is somewhat for Croatia.

Fatima
Fatima
11 months ago
Reply to  Lorena

Never? Did you watch the contests in 2013, 2017, 2019, Lorena? Sometimes ‘pleasant’ sticks out, while unpleasant goes unrewarded.

Lorena
Lorena
11 months ago
Reply to  Fatima

Amar pelos dois can be anything, but just a pleasant song.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Dida

Level of society is rellay low when people get so single minded that they can not accept something that is different and do not bother to try to invest some time to understand things and when people are happier to wear pink glasses and think what other people told them they have to think

Johnny
Johnny
11 months ago

Biggest discomfort will be when this shocks with sky-high televote!
I expect spectacle on stage and I can not wait!
P.S. It is sad to give this score 1. So sad…

Š?!

123
123
11 months ago

Very predictable. People who give 1 to any song this year shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
11 months ago

To those speaking about “the message” of the song are you really aware that the song repeats “mama whatever tractora” 6 times, “mama whatever morona” 6 times and the rest of the song IS just whatever whatever psycopath??.. And that IS It lyric-wise.

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

Shall we talk again about number of Cha and Poe? BTW I love both of those entries 🙂 just saying that most of the songs repeat words and phrases, some many more that Mama SC

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
11 months ago
Reply to  Tom

It is not repeating words and phrases, It is a song made of just 3 sentences: moma bought a tractora, moma kissed a morona, whatever whatever psycopath and this IS It. They could have ellaborated their metaphors a bit more, just my opinion.

Maree
Maree
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

Onaj mali (that little)

Maree
Maree
10 months ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

whatever whatever psycopath
Onaj mali psycopath

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 months ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

A bit like:
The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town.

Or:
If you’re happy and you know it… 🙂

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
11 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

But you have to think of the underlying message which IS WoW.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
11 months ago

I kinda like It when It was released but now It is just there, one more song. Not particularly excited by It

Poul Rissen
Poul Rissen
11 months ago

This song really brings me discomfort. I am in for fun entries or acts but they do have to have some musical merit that SC obviously lacks. The message might be ok but it is way too embarrassing for me. The costumes, the voices, the musical parts, they are all out of concept. As another fan here said, if it has to be a joke and a statement, at least make it interesting, fun, and pleasing.

Song 3/10
Performance 2/10

Sorry Croatia!

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Poul Rissen

Well, issue is that this song is not meant to be a joke. It is meant to be chaos. It is meant to provoke.

Fatima
Fatima
11 months ago
Reply to  Poul Rissen

I agree with you Paul, the act looks completely out of place. It’s in half one of a strong semi, most of the televotes are going to go to two acts in the second half.

Scott Jackson
Scott Jackson
11 months ago

Probably my least favourite act this year….. if you want to make a satirical statement on the world stage….. please….. make it classy. This is the one entry that truly lowers the tone of the competition this year….. such a shame because it will probably make the final based on clueless public voters that know no better and a better entry will miss out

Tom
Tom
11 months ago
Reply to  Scott Jackson

I would argue that this one will go well with public if they manage to get the message across, which I see they already are doing quite well. Clueless are the ones who will not bother understanding what it’s all about and they will not appreciate or vote for it.

Devito
Devito
11 months ago

Musically speaking, it is low-end to me. On the comedy side, this has its funny and deep-meaning parts. I like to think Eurovision is more about music than silly parodies, thus, Croatia goes down to the bottom of my TOP list. I have a feeling it can pull a Moldova 2022, but that does not mean the song is any good or desirable to listen to by the general public, including me. Not that Tranuletul was any good or played on the radio either. It did not stop Moldova from becoming second by televote.

Fatima
Fatima
11 months ago
Reply to  Devito

Tranuletul WAS good when it mattered Devito, connecting not just with televoters but also the audience on the night.

Emily
Emily
11 months ago
Reply to  Fatima

It’s still my favourite performance from last year, just seeing folks in the audience dancing around made me super happy.

Colin
Colin
11 months ago

CROATIA – Let 3, the legendary band of the Rijeka music scene, brought an unapologetic satire with provocative imagery. They have never been the ones to sugarcoat things, so why should they start now? The more I think about it, the more I’m certain that we’ve made the right choice by bringing them to ESC. Mama ŠC is blunt, loud, and it works! The lyrics are seemingly random, but each word is here for a reason. Mama ŠC, Armageddon Granny, the crocodile, the tractor, everything has a purpose. The staging makes it clear that it’s mocking the dictators (especially certain… Read more »

Emily
Emily
11 months ago

8) Croatia – Yeah, this is either going to be in someone’s top 10 or bottom 5 depending on who you ask. Absolutely agree with Tom down below for this. At first, of course I wasn’t sure what to think of the entry but after a few more listens I properly understood the zaniness and now “Mama kupila traktora”, “Mama ljubila morona” and “Onaj mali psihopat” are constantly in my head.
I think folks who think that we’re heading back to the 2000s joke-entry era are probably over-exaggerating, though. This’ll probably be a one-off. I love it. 8.5/10

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
11 months ago
Reply to  Emily

the onaj mali psihopat bits especially in instrumentals remind me of Mud dynamite a little bit

weird can also be seen as quirky and their style deffo is very quirky

Nasud
Nasud
11 months ago

Awful, disturbing, pure noise nonsense screaming. It’s Coratian way of trying to copy Konstrakta’s alternative entry but instead channeling Leto Svet from 2008.
0 points from me.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
11 months ago

amazing entry, perfection, this is so risky and i hope it qualifies

such a bop and a strong anti-war message, love making a mockery of Putin and Lukashenko in a subtle yet in plain sight kind of way

10.0

my 1st place of this year <3