New music this week: Songs from Blanka, Lena, Eleni Foureira and more

Summer is always the quiet period for Eurovision fans as we wait for the new season to commence. Thankfully, the music will always continue and a number of Eurovision artists are still producing new songs for us to enjoy.

Contrary to the commonly perpetuated myth about the song contest killing careers, we’re always thrilled to report that singers associated with Eurovision are thriving.

Here is our latest weekly roundup with a selection of the songs and music videos released recently by Eurovision stars.

New music from Eurovision artists: 2023 | Week 27

Blanka – “Boys Like Toys”

Blanka, our beautiful Polish Bejba, who represented her country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, is back with a summer banger. Just like her Eurovision entry, her new song has immense potential to achieve great success on the radio this summer. The music video is exceptionally well-executed. Firstly, in terms of fashion, you will see Blanka and her dancers in some adorable and colourful girly outfits. The song and the music video aim to teach a lesson to all the male players out there, as Blanka literally snaps her fingers and turns them into toys. No boy stands a chance in front of Blanka!

The lyrics specifically target a certain type of mischievous guy: “Feelin’ your eyes all around me/ Emotions comin’ in hearin’ your steps behind me/ ‘Cause you’re obsessed with me/ Oh no-no, just don’t be shy/ Look in my eyes and tell me lies.” After this, she makes it clear that nobody can play with her: “I’ll play you like a toy/ You’ll wish you never met me.” Additionally, Blanka once again showcases her exceptional dancing skills with a captivating choreography.

Dami Im – In Between

Dami Im, the exceptional representative from Australia in 2016, has returned with an exciting new EP. The EP contains seven tracks, each touching personal and introspective themes, openly discussing life and its challenges. The EP cover art pays homage to Dami’s Korean heritage, gloriously celebrating her roots. Among the tracks, there are previously released singles, such as “Collide” and “Invincible”, which explore the subject of love. “Role Model” and “Superhero” touch upon the concept of embracing one’s imperfections, acknowledging that it’s normal not to feel okay all the time, despite societal expectations of being a role model.

“Optical Illusion” stands out as a catchy dance track on the album, blending a vibrant sound with profound lyrics about self-expression and staying true to oneself. “A-Team” expresses gratitude for those who consistently support you, celebrating the chosen family you surround yourself with. Concluding the EP is a emotional ballad titled “In Between”, which also serves as the album’s title and which was also previously released. It features a collaboration with Jude York, an Australian artist with aspirations of representing Australia in Eurovision someday.

Yung Yury feat. Lena – “TABU RMX”

Lena is an eminent figure in the Eurovision scene, having participated in the competition twice. First in 2010, where she won for her country, Germany, and then again in 2011. Her new song is a collaboration with the artist Yung Yury. This version featuring Lena is a remix, as the song was previously released. You can expect rap, a catchy chorus, and a perfect EDM sound. The music video features some highly cinematic scenes with the artists, incorporating great camera angles and an interesting contrast between black and white as well as coloured scenes. The music video concludes with footage from a live concert. The lyrics speak about the complexities of a desired love, with its ups and downs: “And baby if only you/ If you want my love, then my heart remains taboo for others/ Wanted to fly, live, laugh, think that pain is part of it too/ I make mistakes, yes I know, but all I need and never had is you.”

Eleni Foureira – “Kolima”

Once again, Eleni brings the fire! She had an iconic participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018. Her new song incorporates traditional influences, a seductive vibe, Eleni’s unique voice, and some… whistles. It’s guaranteed that you won’t be able to resist moving to the beat of this tune. This is the song that your summer playlists have been longing for. The song is a collaboration with Display. It tells the story of a man who appears to be attracted to her, but behind her back, he possesses numerous red flags: “He burns when he looks at me, he definitely needs a doctor/ He has a crush on me, he wants me to marry him/ He has lipstick marks/ Empty bottles from the past.” 

Anxhela Peristeri – “FLAKE”

Moving on to Albania, we have Anxhela, who proudly represented her country in 2021. She continues the streak of addictive summer songs with traditional influences — you can feel the irresistible blend between Albanian music and Anxhela’s captivating vocals. The English title of the song is “Fire”. The music video showcases Anxhela confidently walking through the city streets, wearing a stunning blue, shimmering dress. The action then moves to a beach, where Anxhela and her dancers dance around a bonfire, engaging in a flirtatious encounter with a man. The lyrics are about the experience of being driven crazy by someone, but finding it impossible to let go. According to the lyrics, the song is dedicated to a certain “Hijo de p***” whom Anxhela aims to teach a lesson. Anxhela herself commented on her new song, saying: “Want a summer song, especially for these hot days? Well, here it is. Let’s set the summer on fire.”

Watch the music video here.

Franka – “Putuj Sa Poljupcima”

Prepare yourself to be captivated by Franka’s latest song because you will be crazy for this one! We fondly recall her as she proudly represented Croatia at Eurovision back in 2018. Her new pop track is will simply mesmerise you, showcasing once again the incredible vocal power that Franka possesses. Are you ready to embark on this musical journey? The translated title of the song is “Travel with Kisses.” The sound of this fresh release is a mystical blend of summer vibes, catchy dance beats and a seductive atmosphere. Stay tuned, as a music video for this song is currently in the works and will soon be unveiled.

Ochman, Wszystko Dobrze & TriKu – “Bestseller”

Ochman represented Poland in Eurovision 2022. His latest song is a powerful collaboration with Wszystko Dobrze and TriKu, forming a trio that delivers an exceptional rap experience for enthusiasts of this genre. Wszystko Dobrze and TriKu bring energetic rap verses to the table, while Ochman amazes us with his captivating vocals on the chorus. The song brings into topic the themes of falsehood and betrayal, painting a picture of a cold July where music fails to reach the soul. The lyrics convey the sense of a bestseller where everything comes with a price, where relationships are as short as an SMS and as melancholic as the underground. The track beautifully captures the essence of a cold July outside the windows, where the world blares its noise while one craves silence.

BERMUDU DIVSTŪRIS – “PALMAS”

BERMUDU DIVSTŪRIS continues their series of music videos that will eventually come together to create a short film. They represented Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2011 under the name Musiqq. Their latest song is a slow track that offers amazing acapella vibes, showcasing their remarkable voices. Building on their recent releases, it’s safe to say that a guy’s night out at a bar can lead to plenty of eventful moments!

Kenan Doğulu – “Seninle Başım Dertte”

Kenan represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2007. We are delighted to include songs from Turkey in our playlist this week, eagerly awaiting their return to the contest. Kenan’s latest song is a captivating Turkish ballad. The instrumental features outstanding violins that beautifully complement his magnificent voice. Additionally, the song incorporates a range of authentic instruments, adding to its authenticity. Titled “I’m worried for you,” this song is a remake of a track originally released in 1983 and performed by Selami Şahin. The lyrics speak about the anxieties caused by not knowing how somebody truly feels about you, expressing a desire for an eternal love while fearing the possibility of a one-sided romance. 

Connect-R, Narcis de la Barbulesti & Johny Romano – “Am O Vorba”

The next song is dedicated to mothers. Connect-R, together with Arsenium and Natalia, represented Moldova back in 2006. In his new track, Connect-R collaborates with Narcis de la Barbulesti and Johny Romano. Connect-R delivers a great rap performance in the song. The translated title is “I Have a Saying,” and the lyrics highlight the profound influence a mother holds in a child’s life: “I have a saying since I was a kid/ ‘There’s nobody like my mother’/ She has the power to heal all my wounds/ With her touch”. The music video showcases a live performance at the well-known Romanian concert venue, the Roman Arenas, located in Bucharest.

Connect-R and Johny Romano also recently collaborated on “Baieti Destepti”.

Aram MP3 – “Shat Apres Yerevan”

Aram MP3 represented Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014. His latest song will transport you on a nostalgic journey through Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. The translated title is “Long Live Yerevan.” The lyrics celebrate the city’s beauty and the familiar faces of the loved ones, potentially inspiring listeners to embark on a trip to Yerevan. It’s a powerful and deep song with a strong touristic appeal. The music video showcases a personal collage of black and white photos, creating a sense of time travel. The jazzy influences in the song are incredibly lovable. “Long live, My Yerevan, warm and approachable,” it’s a wonderful ode to the Armenian capital city.

Kati Wolf – Vár a suli (Dalok az iskoláról)

Kati is here to remind us of the importance of embracing our inner child. The talented representative of Hungary in 2011 has returned with an EP titled Waiting for School (Songs About School), featuring delightful songs for children. We truly miss Hungary’s presence in the competition, so we are thrilled to have songs that embody the beautiful culture of this country. The EP consists of five charming tracks, some of which offer a peaceful lullaby-like ambiance, such as “Elment aludni az eső” (The Rain Went to Sleep), while others like “A csengősárkány” (The Bell Dragon) carry a more energetic tone. The entire album gives a sweet and innocent vibe that will transport you back to the magical realm of childhood.

Ronnie Romero – “Castaway On The Moon”

This week’s playlist takes us on a nostalgic journey, featuring songs from all the countries we miss in the Eurovision Song Contest. Among them is a Bulgarian entry performed by Ronnie Romero, the lead vocalist of the band Intelligent Music Project, who represented Bulgaria in 2022. The song maintains the rock style that we came to love from Intelligent Music Project. If you’re a rock fan, this track is perfect for you. The instrumental arrangement is outstanding, complemented by Ronnie’s powerful voice that perfectly suits the rock genre. This song is part of Ronnie’s upcoming solo album titled Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters, which we eagerly anticipate.

Ann Sophie – “Moves”

Ann Sophie, the unforgettable representative of Germany in 2015, has made a triumphant return. Her new song is incredibly addictive and will undoubtedly become a standout track on your summer playlists. This captivating blend of pop music features an electrifying drop in the chorus. The music video showcases breath-taking summer sceneries, remarkable filming angles, and Ann Sophie’s captivating beauty. 

The lyrics debate themes such as staying true to oneself and making life choices that bring true happiness and fulfilment: “Now I choose to stay on my way/ So get out of my way/ Yeah I wanna leave this crossroad/ I’ve been here too long always hesitating/ Procrastinating and so on/ I’m feeling my soul I let it all go (…)/ I make my moves baby/ Back to my roots baby/ I make my moves baby this is my truth baby.” The song express a firm message of determination to break free from hesitation and to live your life the way you want it to be. The song embraces a soulful essence that encourages listeners to let go and make their own moves, returning to their roots and embracing their truth. Speaking about her song, Ann Sophie expressed:

“I cannot even begin to explain to you what releasing this single meant in reality. It took five years to fight for my rights after having had a horrible managerial experience. This song is about fighting for your truth, moving back to your roots and about being the person you are and always were, but had to loose and find again. I hope that MOVES will bring you an unforgettable summer of 2023! May you always fight for what is rightfully yours and may you always care for what you deeply love.”

Csézy – Passion

Fans of Csézy’s discography now have a full album where Hungary’s 2008 act has brought it all together. Passion features 14 fantastic well-known hits that she has re-recorded, adding her personal touch to each one. The album showcases a captivating symmetry as it opens and closes with songs from the legendary British band Queen. “Show Must Go On” serves as the album’s opening track, while “Who Wants to Live Forever” concludes it. The album also includes songs like “Fall Again” (popularised by Glenn Lewis but originally recorded by Michael Jackson), “I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You” (from the musical Evita by Jonathan Pryce and Madonna), “Sexbomb” (originally by Tom Jones), “Windmills of Your Mind” (by Noel Harrison), and many other iconic tracks by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Céline Dion, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Simon & Garfunkel, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, and Roy Orbison. This album takes listeners on a captivating journey through music history, reminding them of some of the greatest hits ever recorded.

Eimear Quinn & Dublin Brass Ensemble – “Breath Upon The Flame”

Eimear is the proud winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996, representing Ireland. Her new album is a collaborative project with the Dublin Brass Ensemble, resulting in a truly magical musical experience. The album features a range of captivating tracks, from the ethereal prayer song “Salve” to the previously released peace anthem “Peace Upon The Land”. With a total of 13 tracks, this album has the power to bring tranquillity to your soul. It includes several songs previously released by Eimear, as well as compositions in the Irish Gaelic language. Among them is “Damhsa Fíann,” a track that draws inspiration from the “Warrior’s Dance” of Irish mythology. Each of the 13 songs carries its own unique authenticity, offering a serene and calming experience for the listener.

Severina – Sorry

Severina represented Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2006. She’s recently dropped the new EP Sorry. There are five songs on the record, for which the star has also steadily been releasing music videos of over the past couple of weeks.

The first one was a captivating collaboration with Nucci, highlighting the distinct sound of Croatian music. Titled “Metak”, “Bullet” in English, this track is a highly addictive summer anthem. The music video sets the scene on a… very hot day in an office, and it’s safe to say that there is undeniable chemistry between Severina and Nucci. Brace yourself for some sexy vibes. The lyrics describe a love that strikes hard like a bullet, a love that seems to have no cure, neither in Zagreb or Belgrade. Make sure to also watch the videos for “Sorry”, “Pravada Za Ljubav” and “Nebo”.

Damir Kedžo – “Moje srce je”

We remain in Croatia with a beautiful love ballad by Damir, a beloved singer who was chosen to represent his country in 2020 (unfortunately when Eurovision was cancelled due to the pandemic). The music video for his song showcases a delightful couple’s holiday that will bring a smile to your face. The song has a gentle and sweet sound, and its English title is “My Heart Is.” The lyrics perfectly complement the romantic atmosphere of the music video, with the main line in the chorus declaring, “My heart is yours only.”

Nico & Stelu Pandelescu – “Cine Tine La Mine” 

We conclude this week’s playlist with a song from Romania. Nico, along with Vlad Miriță, represented their country back in 2008. Nico’s latest song is a collaboration with Stelu Pandelescu, and their voices harmonise beautifully. The English title of their song is “Who Holds Onto Me,” and it is, of course, a love song. The lyrics pose questions about love, contemplating about how there’s no other who can be as good as the current love partner: “Who holds onto me more than you?/ Come on, tell me who?/ Who?/ I wonder/ I wonder who will be able to love me/ As you do for a lifetime.” The music video showcases the wonderful chemistry between the two artists.

Which of these new songs is your favourite? Have we missed out on any? Do you have any artists you want to shout out to? Let us know in the comments.