In February, she won Armenia’s Depi Evratesil with her song “Chains On You”. Now, Athena Manoukian has dropped a revamped version of the track, which will be the version she performs at Eurovision 2020.
But, we want to know if you think the revamp was a good, or less so good, decision. Have the changes to the song made an improvement on what was already there?
You can listen to both versions of the song below and identify what the major changes are between the original and revamped versions of “Chains On You”.
Then make sure to vote in our poll. Be aware that you can only vote once, so make sure you’re certain of you’re decision before you submit your vote.
What are the major differences between the original and revamped version of “Chains On You”?
Some had complained that the original was monotonous. Well not anymore. Subtle production tweaks mean there are frequent changes in sounds and texture.
New additions include a deep synth reverb, more prominent percussion taps and intense clapping. The presence of the claps adds to the fire and gives the electronic production a very human touch.
About 1:20 in we hear vocal breaths — a deep huh, huh, huh — and at 1:40 sci-fi space sounds take us to a new realm.
The bridge at 2:15 now comes with major bass. Amid the instrumental Athena adds the lyrics “hurt me”, cutting through the vocal silence and creating a moment of intense connection. The final 20 seconds crank up the heat and lead to a dynamic climax.
Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You” (Original Version)
Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You” (Revamped Version)
Poll: Do you prefer Athena Manoukian’s revamped version of “Chains On You” or the original?
[crowdsignal poll=10521706]What do you think? Are you #TeamOriginal or #TeamRevamp? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below!
That is how you make a revamp *cough* Albania and Czech Republic *cough cough*
Honestly, Albania wasn’t that bad….
Honestly, this song is like one of those radio songs which they play when they run out of hits. :/
Athena needs more love. She really has good potential in Eurovision.
I like both versions but revamp really elevated this song
With proper staging has a good chance to qualify
I don ‘t like the song at all. It ‘s my nr. 41
Mine too BEFORE REVAMP.
Now I have liked it more.
I just don’t like it. The song in both versions is in my bottom 3
Now she is my number 1)
I’m one of the few who prefers the Original (always do) 🙂
That’s a good revamp. Armenia can actually qualify if she sings better than Depi Evratesil
“Everyone liked that”
I LOVE ARMENIAS SONG SO MUCH AND ATHENA
I love it, but this will need great visuals to stand out and not cheap ones. We’ll see hoping to see Armenia again in the final, tbh Qami would qualify in the second semi and Walking Out needed a better staging (love the song tho)
The revamp is kinda heavy with added features like adding whipped cream with a cherry in top with along with chocolate syrup covered in sprinkles with a sparkler lit on top of a good chocolate cake.
Eurofans will love it but the public will probably perfer the original chocolate cake.
I’m indifferent but the revamp does sound more fuego. The live mix during the semi finals will probably make me like t more.
I respect your opinion but I don’t understand why you needed to compare it to fuego. They are in two different genres of music. I think this Fuego term is getting overused by the fandom and also used incorrectly at times.
Both are really good. The live staging was not, so I hope for an imoprivement there.
I don’t know why much of the changes has to do with adding stuff to the songs. For example the claps in this revamp. The claps don’t add another flavour. We already had the rhythm from the original beat. The strength in this song is the minimalism so I’m glad they did not ad a lot more.
the revamp was much needed, the production sounds more “expensive” now
Yes the revamp is better, but let’s not act like this song suddenly is worthy of a top 10 placing.
True. Still a weak cringey song, wannabe Nicky Minaj who can’t sing.
Could say the same to you. Just because you think of her as a wannabe Minaj who can’t sing and of the song as a weak cringey one, that doesn’t mean they are accepted like that by all! Besides, let’s remember that Eurovision quit being a song contest. It’s now “let’s make a show and drama!” contest and “let’s see who is courage enough to break some stereotypes” contest and “let’s pick the weirdos and trash” contest.
well yeah, but it deserves to go to the final – I prefer this to Greece and Serbia if we are judging the upbeat songs in semi final 2.
Just because you prefer something doesn’t mean it deserves to go to the final. I’m still thinking who has the award for the most cringeworthy lyrics among these you mention.
true I should’ve said IN MY OPINION.
Take that back! Greece ?? is legit this year.
Legit unoriginal mediocrity.
Yes, the revamp is well-produced. But what is at stake is the performance on stage. She needs to improve her vocals and make the staging more appealing.
Revamp, but its still a song that I dont like.
The revamped version actually is my overall favourite… I don‘t know why, but I‘m vibing with it ?
I don’t like either version, but the revamp has much crisper, clearer and more modern production. I couldn’t see this qualifying at all, but after the revamp I could see this doing a Zena and borderline qualifying as it’s a catchy pop song, even if it isn’t very good.
Is it even a question? The revamp is miles ahead of the original. She wasn’t even my favorite to win (based on the studio version) in a rather mediocre selection. Now, she’s probably going to be in my top 15. This is how you make a revamp – take a weak-ish song and re-do it into something powerful! Already powerful songs should restrain from revamps or they might accidentally spoil it.
It’s the most successful revamp of the year. I’ve seen a lot ppl that said It literally went from bottom 10 to top 10 in their top. The Armenian team did a great job, now she needs to focus on her vocals and the staging and she’ll do much better some ppl think
I mean…
I mean cringe.
Very easy to choose..