The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 37 competing songs in Eurovision 2024. Next we review Belgium, who have chosen Mustii with “Before the Party’s Over”.
Are we hoping for an invite to Mustii’s party? Read on to find out!
Mustii – “Before the Party’s Over” (Belgium Eurovision 2024)
Review: Mustii – “Before the Party’s Over”
Deban: Belgium’s atmospheric art-pop is in its own lane. Expressive, simmering with depth, and varied with its tonal shifts, Mustii’s voice takes you on a journey. Starting off slow, but building to incomparable highs, this entry is aimed at discerning listeners that appreciate quality music.
Score: 8.5
William: “Before the Party’s Over” is a very slow build. And when it finally reaches its climax, it starts to loop. Lyrically and musically I’m not overwhelmed. Like at all. But Mustii takes things to another level with his charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. At the pre-parties he put his whole body into the performance and it transformed the song into a work of art. His soul is definitely on fire. But I worry Belgium may pour water on it, given they have a chequered history with staging — sometimes it’s been so dark and moody I couldn’t find their artist! Luckily Mustii shines bright and he’ll likely keep them in check.
Score: 7
Antranig: Belgium’s offering for Eurovision this year is rather forgettable as a studio cut, but this was clearly written with the stage in mind. It takes quite a long time to build and then the reward for sitting through it is rather underwhelming, with a very repetitive conclusion to the track. Vocally, however, I think this could be one of the standout performances — and it really needs to be. Overall, this entry does little to excite, but a big performance on stage could change my perspective.
Score: 6.5
Youyou: I know a lot of people will say the last minute is so perfect and I want to emphasise that again. The build-up of the first two minutes of the song explodes in that final moment, with the background harmonies serving as the perfect accompaniment. Even though there’s only one lyric, the shock of it all can’t be expressed in just a few words. Also, if Belgium can bring the microphone surround stage from the music video to Malmö, I can already imagine how powerful it would be live. This song is definitely a strong contender, well done Belgium!
Score: 8.5
Belgium Eurovision 2024 ranking
In the Eurovision 2024 Wiwi Jury, we have 17 jurors but only have room for four reviews. The remaining scores are below:
|
Cinan: 9.5 Georgia: 7 Jonathan: 6.5 Lucy: 7.5 Pablo: 7.5 Ron: 3.5 Ruxandra: 9.5 |
Scarlett: 5 Sebastian: 7 Simon: 8 Suzanne: 5.5 Tom: 8 Tomas: 9 |
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 3.5 and a high of 9.5.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.40/10
What do you think of Belgium’s Eurovision 2024 entry? Share your own score and review for Mustii’s “Before the Party’s Over” below!
The best song this year. 10/10
Belgium overrated once again
I like Gustaph that one underrated
Probably the most overrated song of the year. This is even borderline NQ, does nothing, and Mustii on stage is kinda artificial.
I am surprised this song is doing so well in the polls, from OGAE to Eurovoix’s INFE poll, and here too the scores are quite high for an entry that takes this long to get going. Still, I feel like the song fits Mustii really well, his voice is very pleasant and the visuals in the music video, albeit a bit dark and moody as has become a sort of standard for Belgium, look interesting anyway. I hope for his live vocals to be better once the time comes, as without it, I feel like Belgium could be this year’s… Read more »
3 mins are not enough. One of my favs.
It’s definitely in my top-5 for now. I don’t think it’s going to win, but it will finish high up the ranking, especially if they get the staging right
In many ways, “Before The Party Is Over” feels like an attempt to complete what Belgium set out to do in 2019 with Eliot Vassamillet’s “Wake Up”. Even if I disagree, the common conception was that Belgium had a strong entry that was too much for its inexperienced performer to deliver. They’re doing a lot of the same things here, but with a more reliable and charismatic artist, or at least that has to be a big part of the thought process. There are many similarities with this dark, brooding, foreboding atmosphere being at the forefront. The soundstage is dominated… Read more »
I have a problem with this one. I really like it when I’m listening to it but I don’t have the need to listen to it again nor I can’t remember the melody at all. I have the feeling that it may struggle to qualify as people won’t be able too remember the melody from just one listen. It’s going to need really good vocals and a nice staging to make it work. We could be before a shocking non qualifier. 7.5/10 1. Belgium (7.5/10) 2. United Kingdom (7/10) 3. Australia (6.75/10) 4. Greece (6.75/10) 5. Azerbaijan (6.75/10) 6. Armenia (6.75/10) 7. Slovenia (6.75/10) 8. Serbia (6.5/10) 9. Portugal… Read more »
Included in the trio of songwriters for “Before the Party’s Over” is Pierre Dumoulin, who also worked on “City Lights” (Belgium 2017) and “Wake Up” (Belgium 2019). With the help of Tobie Speleman and Benoit Leclerq, we have a song that has a lot more growth and heavy drama than those previous somewhat minimalist attempts gave us. “Before the Party Is Over” is a little unusual, because even though it is written in traditional Binary Verse/Chorus form, the Chorus is not the main focal point of the song. Rather, it is what comes after the Bridge that is the main… Read more »
Good track, but I am honestly TIRED of witnessing Belgium sending “dark” songs.
2023 was so refreshing for Belgium.
What’s the pressure? 😀
22. Belgium – Mustii – Before the Party’s over – 6.5/10 – a little bit predictable and middle-of-the-road for my taste in the first two minutes. The melody and the production is over-familiar and a tad uninspiring. Then we have that swirling crescendo and a totally fulfilling final minute. It is a fantastic ending to the song.It just takes far too long to get there.
Agree with a lot of this review, Kosey. That extra .5 you gave it is probably because you enjoy that final minute a bit more than I do.
This is going to be my toilet break
No not for me. I go peeing with a Hurricane for that matter!!
and i will pee against the storm.
I stocked upon toiletpaper already.
So what would go wrong?
I forgot Hurricane existed because I blocked the artist from my Spotify so it never comes up lol
When that one comes up I’ll probably mute the TV and go make me a cocktail or something.
I bet you will make a good Bloody Mary by than.
Cheers.
Guys, you need a doctor appointment and medicines. I’m serious.
Belgium 10/12
Watching a Mustii performance is a ride full of moments.
He is a very good artist, a showman, a professional engaged in what he is doing.
He is captivating me with his shows. I think this is doing very well.
Veel succes België.
I see people complaining about the repetition at the end. I see it as a kind of gospel ending, and in gospel it’s perfectly normal to repeat the same line over and over. It gets you in a kind of trance. I like this song, I’m not too sold on the live performances so far though. But quality-wise it’s probably in the top-3 of songs this year.
Love it! Love It! Love It! It’s my 3rd place. Belgium can be hit and miss with staging so hopefully they do it justice. Obvious qualifier, potential winner if they get the staging right. I think it’s something both public and juries will go for
BELGIUM – For some reason, Belgium frequently excells with dark, mystical pop songs. After scoring top 10 with a fun song outside of that style, they returned with another dramatic song that cements them as the force to be reckoned with when it comes to ”Bond-ish ballads”. Mustii is a very charismatic performer (I also saw him as an actor years ago) who can be just as expressive and magnetic as this track deserves. He obviously feels this drama (even too much, some would add, but not me). And there’s a lot to feel. The song tackles the theme of… Read more »
Great review, fair score!
The theme of this song always reminds me of the title song from Cabaret. Fred Ebb’s lyrics are so much better, though, but that’s a hard standard to match I guess.
Thanks, Jonas. 🙂
The song has a fantastic chorus in the first part of the song, but the last part is way too repetitive to the point I’m like SSHHHHHHHH!!!
I want to like it but it lacks something for me. That could alter when i actually see the live performance.
Major bore
This is awesome. It sat at number 1 for a while for me, but still does sit at number 2. I remember it and enjoy belting it out and listening to it. It’s a good mainstream song, with a decent singer. I will often catch myself singing this. Another great production from Belgium, hopefully it translates to the stage.
Score 10/10
it’s an okay song, not great but not awful either, no idea how this was once 3rd or 4th in the odds…
The song is a good one. I am still a bit concerned about Mustii delivering it on stage. Vocally he sounded weak in the pre-parties but we should not judge from those parties as they are (ahem) parties and events, not the actual contest. I would be happy to see this song in the Top-10. Good luck Belgique / België!
8th place – Belgium A work of art, that’s what “Before the party’s over” really is. When I first heard the song I was genuinely surprised in a good way. Yes, it builds slowly but still sounds great and captivating. His vocals are amazing and I’m sure he will deliver and give his everything at Eurovision. I can definitely see this being in the top 10. I’m also 100% sure it will qualify. No way is there it won’t go through. What kind of worries me is the staging. Belgium doesn’t always do good stages and it depends on who… Read more »
I have no explanation for why this is so overrated. Maybe his homosexuality plays a role in it.
Anyways, a NQ is possible. I predicted a NQ for Belgium back in 2018 way before anyone considered it an option.
If he performs as in the pre-parties, yes, there’s a chance of flopping. Plus, the song is at its best at the end. Artistically speaking, it has a good gradual build-up. I’m not sure if the viewers can wait that long to get elevated. In any case, good luck to Mustii and the Belgian team!
“his homosexuality” LOL what are you some 1960s medical expert? Get a life
Beware Of The Homosexual
Sounds like a reject from a Belaruss NF
LOL
Cringe. I can’t… and his live vocals are… bad.. 3/10
I’m shocked seeing this 5th-6th in the odds and all the polls. Like, what do people even see in those very slow build and overdramatic last minute repeating the same 2 lines over and over again? Is it really worth to be see as the best not crazy-party song of the year?
The song came for me at the right time. Currently going through a lot in my life, grappling with who I am and what my goals in life are. Honestly, this song really speaks to me. It’s not the usual boring song message, it’s about making your mark in the world, fulfilling your destiny, leaving a positive change on the world before its too late, ‘before the party’s over.’ To me, it is a very captivating and memorable song, certainly those last repetitive moments really stick with me.
o man you are shocked!!!! i feel so sorry for you 🙂
Any elaboration on what the lyrics mean? Appreciate life while you can, basically?
That’s more or less how I got it too (read it more in my incoming review).
I look forward to reading it!
I think they are indeed vague but most of the lyrics I enjoy outside the contest too are vague and open to interpretation. I believe they quite match the mood of the song nevertheless in all parts and show well the slow accumulation of feelings (of any kind) that are then abruptly let out.
Perhaps it is about one last move to try to save a political party from its downfall. 😀
9) Belgium – Great song! I like the instrumentation and the use of the peoples choir at the end (not new of course, but still well done). The only reason I can’t put it any higher is that it’s a tiny bit too slow to get to the climax, but the ending is still good. 8/10
I have this song along with ramonda in my clients playlist (I have a beauty salon) and this is one of the most liked ones people ask for.
Obviously, the clients want to get their hair faster… before the party is over! Pun intended (no offence) 🙂
Silver star.
I find it really boring
When it comes to Belgium, it all comes down to staging.
If they get it right, they might do well.
Belgium – Genuinely a brilliant, epic song, I live for this kind of epicness. – 4. Place
also yes i’ll try to be more positive minded from now on and less hateful
my faves remain the same kinda: Norway, Estonia and i have a incredible weak for Latvia (because he reminds me of Ed so much, quite emotional for me, since Live was the first artist i had a cd from in my childhood)
One of the better studio cuts for me, although I’m not overwhelmed either. But the way he performs it guarantees that I won’t be giving it any vote. It’s like he needs to overly dramatic every second to give the song more meaning than it actually has.
* needs to be
This one wins The Most Pretentious Song of the Year Award
that’s for the netherlands this year
very overhyped, can’t see this making the final unfortunately, song is good but a huge mismatch to a horrible live singer
3.0
I wouldn’t call this overhyped. I would give that trophy to Baby Lasagna and Nemo.
Overhyped, tawdry nonsense that makes a complete mockery out of Bowie’s legacy. He can’t sing it live, staging knowing Belgiums track record will be absolutely dire and will hurt it’s only marginal chance of qualifying. Seeing as the Belgians only have a small group of countries to rely on when it comes to the public vote. Don’t be surprised if this doesn’t make it.
Sorry for maybe being clueless, but what has David Bowie got to do with this?
He said his song was inspired by Bowie.
Aaaaaa, gotcha. thanks
Lol ‘makes a complete mockery of Bowie’s legacy’. Get a grip. Mustii has every right to express who he was inspired by, despite what you think of the song. Do you really think every artist who says their song is inspired by a legend is going to reach that level? Of course not. But this is Eurovision, I very much doubt ‘Before The Party’s Over’ has tainted Bowie’s legacy by even a fraction. Mustii sang and performed it very well at Eurovision In Concert, that showed what he’s capable of. You may think it’s tawdry nonsense, but thousands connect to… Read more »
1ST PLACE: BELGIUM: Belgium is one of my two winners of the year. The song is very multi-layered and diverse, musically speaking, starting off introspectively and mystically and gradually adding more and more energy until it explodes in the final minute. This kind of atmospheric, dark art pop is really to my taste and the fact that the song doesn’t have a predictable development makes it multi-faceted and interesting, while also retaining its cohesiveness, something that other songs of the year haven’t managed to accomplish. The song is a rollercoaster of emotions ending in a catharsis and is extremely powerful… Read more »
Fully on board here, Thanos! Belgium is currently my 3rd, but shares the highest rating with my first two places. Glad you love it too!
We have a song we both rate 10/10 this year as well! I just read your review and I agree.
Now I am curious about your other 2 10/10 songs. The first one is Ramonda if I remember correctly but I don’t remember if the other one has already been reviewed.
As far as my own second winner is concerned I think I’ve spoiled it some times in the comments, but it’s yet to be reviewed!
My second place (and also a 10) is yet to be reviewed too. Yes, Ramonda is (currently) my winner, even if my top 4 are all in the game this year. The very top is quite strong. I really enjoyed in your review too, and I am looking forward to the review of your other winner. Is is possible that we are talking about the same song? 🙂
Quite possibly as if he wins it will be the first time that particular country has ever won and it will be a huge success story for the singer as well. Also, the contest would return to our dear Balkan region.
It’s all about personal taste – but to me this is clearly the highlight of ESC 2024! 12 points from Norway!
Not my personal favorite but I would be okay with it winning. I do have it in my top 5.
Honestly Belgium is worth more than a 7.4
I like the song a lot, but do not like the staging as he is overdoing it too much which makes it kinda aggressive.
You have already seen the staging?
I will never understand what people see in this. It’s overdramatic and he’s overdoing it on stage with bad vocals as well. Only good staging will save it. It’s dropping in the odds.
He indeed showed bad vocals in London but the performance was okay in Amsterdam. Tbh I’m surprised that he doesn’t do better in the preparties because I’ve seen some video of his rehearsals and he can sing the song perfectly. He said in an interview that he’s doing the preparties just to have fun and connect with the public but for me it’s not an excuse to not give himself a hundred percent. I hope what he says is true and he will be great in May. I’ve seen one of his concert and the guy can sing, really. He… Read more »
If he’s bringing the gold body paint and glitter then I’m up for it.
Seriously, his performance in Amsterdam was so much better than in London the week before that I think he might get back into the top 5 if he really brings the show to town.
in amongst all the so called “fun” entries, he has a real chance to stand out.