Ireland, Jedward, 1

Jedward won Ireland’s Eurosong 2012 in a landslide last month. So when it was time for the Wiwi Jury to review “Waterline,” our expectations were as high as Jedward’s glued-up hair. Was there a pot of gold at the end of our musical rainbow, or did the twins leave us wanting? Read on to find out….

Wiwi: I have loved John Paul Henry Daniel Richard Grimes and Edward Peter Anthony Kevin Patrick Grimes ever since we met for breakfast in London last April. They love what they do—which usually involves making a lot of noise and getting into a lot of trouble—and their enthusiasm is seriously contagious. Do they have the range of Adele or the powerful vocals of Mariah? Absolutely not. But are they performers? Yes they most certainly are. Equipped with that charisma (and some solid back-up vocalists) they climbed all the way to 8th place at Eurovision 2011.

Waterline” demonstrates a real maturation in their sound. The song doesn’t rely on the digitized antics of “Lipstick,” and it forces the boys to grapple with their own voices, which have definitely moved in the right direction since last year. The lyrics tell a story—essentially that love is overwhelming—and the overall package smacks of Blink 182. And while “Waterline” may lack the shock value of “Lipstick,” it does get stuck in your head—which is crucial when you have just three minutes to court televoters. But I’m not awarding a score based on any of that. I’m raiting this song highly because it makes me happy. I’m hoping Europe feels the same way.

Score: 8/10

Vebooboo:  They’re bound to do well in light of the huge teenage fan base they’ve built up across Europe, but this song isn’t as memorable as “Lipstick.” It tries to be too much of a real pop song. But in light of Jedward’s atrocious vocals, it falls short of its lofty goal. Expect a big stage show in Baku, though. And a ticket to the Final and Top 10.

Score: 6/10

Meows Kitty: Yes, after much anticipation, the twins return to the stage with another off-key performance in which they jump around rather randomly. But there’s a difference: last year’s red hot “Lipstick” was actually an awesome song – and the one that won my 12 points. Of course, they never stood any chance of actually winning because if that happened, Eurovision would lose all credibility (sadly, little is remaining in this year’s competition). Even so, we must respect Ireland’s sense of humour and thank them for providing the rest of Europe with some entertainment value for the second year running. The one-handed cartwheel never ceases to impress me!

Score: 5.5/10

Deban: Having been a part of Jedward’s unofficial campaign for a Eurosong victory (read it here), I’m delighted that, yet again, they’re the Emerald Isle’s choice. “Waterline” is a coherent piece of pop music that swims on first listen, and takes residency in your brain afterwards. Although it bears no surprises with vocal range, it’s befitting for Jedward’s charisma and comical genius. Regardless of demographics, “Waterline” is universally lovable, and provides a fresh spin on the themes of love. With the help of four backing singers, Jedward’s branding and signature dance moves, it’s a sure-fire contender for Top 5 success in Baku.

Score: 9/10

The Wiwi Jury Verdict: 7.13/10

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Amy
Amy
11 years ago

I genuinely love “Waterline,” while “Lipstick” got on my nerves the first couple of times I heard it. I think Jedward’s voices have also improved over the past year, I just saw John cover “Boyfriend” on youtube and it was really lovely. I might be biased by their incredible hotness though.

Christian
11 years ago

This is one the songs that gets worse for every time I listen to it.I wish I had not heard it before.Sorry boys but was it a good idea to participate again?

Remi
Remi
11 years ago

Though they come across somehow annoying as you sometimes feel like dragging them by the hair across the stage, they do actually (in my opinion) make an excellent duo.

To further support what Deban says, their song isn’t only very punchy whilst keeping you awake (unlike most); but likewise compliments their charmingly fun-loving & chaotic personalities, which isn’t necessarily a bad mix. They’re certainly my Guilty Pleasure. Go Jedward!!!

Anthony
Anthony
11 years ago

I have a bad feeling that Jedward will end up suffering the Eurovision equivalent of Second-season syndrome. Doing Eurovision again when Europe are probably bored of Jedward’s novelty entertainment and may have worn off already.

francisco
francisco
11 years ago

They can’t sing, they can’t dance, they look funny (funny as in “odd”, not as in funny “ha-ha”) and their hair-do is like Tintin’s when he is on E…Appalling, really

MF
MF
11 years ago

Agree with Vebooboo on this one! Even Dustin the Turkey was better!

Zolan
Zolan
11 years ago

I have never seen or heard Jedward outside of ESC I listened to the official, tweaked version when it was released, then promptly moved on to other things because bubblegum pop bores me instantly. When I got back to it more than a week later, the hook popped instantly to mind, even though I had not given it any thought earlier. It’s an adequate song of its type, but I don’t believe it benefits from being forced into a Jedward shaped mould. And worse, the song prevents Jedward from expanding their act in directions they might actually be good at.… Read more »

Nathan
Nathan
11 years ago

Im bored silly of this song. Does anyone else think its weird that the lyrics include “the Big one”
Big one?

Christian
12 years ago

I try not to listen to this too much as I am running scared of getting easily bored with this one

Neil
Neil
12 years ago

Stickability – top marks!

Jana
Jana
12 years ago

I think it would be hot to be in the middle of a Jedward sandwich. MMmmmm.

Nirgal
12 years ago

I can’t believe someone just actually called Lena “amazing”.

Gavin Brockwell
12 years ago

Is it kind of the pattern now that winning entries are always in the last quarter, also in national selections the winning entry to be late in the running order? If I was in charge of Eurovsion I would have a much different form of voting… Anyway, GO JEDWARD! I wanted ‘Mercy’ to win until I saw the lack lustre performance. I have to say the singing of the twins makes me cringe and I’m not a fan of the random jumping, or indeed the backing vocalists mikes being louder than the performers. Lipstick was a winner on my iPod… Read more »

ct
ct
12 years ago

“they never stood any chance of actually winning because if that happened, Eurovision would lose all credibility”

I doubt that Eurovision got any credibility after victory was snatched by a cheesy ballad from an oil-rich central asian nation with a lady singer thet could not sing. In fact a song that won completely by default, with only two countries giving it “douze points”.

They lost all the credibilty they had gained with the amazing winning entries of the previous two years.