Today Hungary is one of the most reliable countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. Owing to the strength of the Hungarian national selection show A Dal, and the high calibre of artists and songwriters it now attracts, Hungary has qualified for the Grand Final every year since 2011.
Hungary’s recent Eurovision alums — including Freddie, Boggie, Kati Wolf, Csézy and Magdolna Rúzsa — have stayed busy after their respective contests, creating music both within and outside of their native Hungary. And they’ve been extra productive this year, giving us plenty of new tunes.
So heat up your leftover goulash and draw yourself a hot bath because we are bringing you a roundup of the newest and smoothest singles from the Pearl of the Danube.
Freddie – “Na jó Hello” (“Okay Hello”)
The gravel-voiced heartthrob wasted no time in releasing a follow-up to his Eurovision 2016 single “Pioneer”, which placed 19th in the grand final.
“Na jó Hello” is an uptempo ode to all of the moments in a relationship that make us smile. It’s a little folksy and a little pop, but flavoured with Freddie’s unmistakable Hungarian growl.
The music video is just as cute and sweet as the song — with Freddie looking on and singing along to a couple enacting enough adorable moments to make even the coldest heart melt.
Boggie – “Szeretem Ot” (“I Love Her”)
The song is simple, acoustic and heartfelt — not out of step with Boggie’s Eurovision 2015 entry “Wars for Nothing”.
Unlike “Wars” though, “Szeretem Ot” — translated as “I Love Her” in English — sounds current and classic. The haunting yet simple melody plays on the audience’s heartstrings like a lamented goodbye or a long-forgotten apology.
Boggie placed 20th in the Grand Final.
Kati Wolf – “Szabadnak lenni” (“Tomorrow”)
The big-voiced Hungarian énekesno has released the new single “Szabadnak lenni” — accompanied by its English counterpart “Tomorrow”. It is a beautifully sung and staged electro-ballad of epic proportions. The song is perfectly suited to Kati’s very big voice. It reminds this wiwiblogger of a simpler time — when Celine Dion once ruled the airwaves of nearly every country in the world with her monstrous dance-inspired ballads.
In both “Szabadnak lenni” and “Tomorrow”, Kati is a little jaded. She struggles to figure out whether her relationship is worth the time and the effort she’s pouring into it. She wishes she could just give in, but can’t quite bring herself to do that.
Kati placed 22nd in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2011 with the song “What About My Dreams?”
Csézy – “Ébredés” (“Awakening”)
Csézy gives our fantasies life in the fairytale inspired music video for “Ébredés” (“Awakening”). Lands melt before her. Rose petals fly around her. All give way to the other-worldly qualities of “Awakening”. It reminds us of the magic of an Enya masterpiece sung with Lara Fabian’s clear and discerning vocals.
Csézy placed last in the second semi final of Eurovision 2008 with “Candlelight”.
Magdolna Rúzsa – “Érj Hozzám” (“Touch Me”)
Magdi Rúzsa gives us 1920’s flapper realness in the video for her new single “Érj Hozzám” — which translates to “Touch Me” in English. And who wouldn’t cave under that kind of pressure when beckoned by a beautiful songstress like Magdolna Rúzsa!?
It’s a feel-good head-bobber that neither offends nor inspires. It’s playful yet safe — like vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. It’s still a party — you just know the party isn’t going to get too crazy! And that is exactly how the music video ends — with a carefree 1920’s dance party on an urban rooftop. The perfect ending to a magical evening in Budapest.
Magdi placed 9th in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2007 with song “Unsubstantial Blues”.
Katalegend Godf’s discography is FLAWLESS, ever since “What About My Bibles?” she hasn’t released one bad song.
Freddie’s song sounds like the Hungarian version of J’ai Cherche