New music this week: 20 songs from Frans, Sertab Erener, Tijana Bogicevic and more

Summer is always the quiet period for Eurovision fans as we wait for national finals to start once again. Thankfully, the music will always continue and a number of past 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 and performers associated with both Eurovision itself and the various national selections are thriving.

Here is a selection of just some of the songs and music videos released in the last week or so.

New music from Eurovision artists: 2020 | Week 27 Part 2

Check out the songs included in our part one roundup here.

Frans – “On A Wave”

Swedish singer Frans has released his first new single of 2020. “On A Wave” will feature on the Eurovision 2016 alum’s new album Present, set for release later this month. After a slow intro, “On A Wave” develops into a catchy guitar-driven track – a nice addition to any summer playlist. In a video on Instagram, Frans shared more about the song: “It’s this relationship that doesn’t really exist, but you convince yourself that it’s true and then you just start believing it. As we were doing this song we thought “why not make it nearly too fast”, that it became at the end a kind of a tongue twister”.

Thankfully we won’t have to wait that long before Frans’ next release. He’ll be releasing two more singles over the next two weeks.

Edsilia Rombley & Kenny B – “Goed Voor Mij”

Two-time Dutch Eurovision star (1998 and 2007) and Europe Shine A Light host Edsilia Rombley has joined forces with Surinamese singer Kenny B for the new song “Goed Voor Mij” (“Good For Me”). A summery tune, the song is marketed in the music video’s description as a “catchy duet guaranteed to give a good dose of vitamin D through your speakers”. The accompanying music video is full of colour and sees the two stars playing around with various video effects.

Sertab Erener – “Aç Sesini”

Turkey’s Sertab Erener has dropped the music video for her new single “Aç Sesini” (“Open Your Voice”). The song comes from her eleventh studio album Ben Yaşarım, which the Eurovision 2003 winner released last month. A mid-tempo pop-rock song, the music video features a cartoon woman and her cheetah going out to protest alongside a group of other women. There’s a brief glimpse of the rainbow and lesbian pride flags towards the end.

If you want more from Sertab, she’s also recently released a music video for the foot-tapping “Kafanı Yorma” (“Don’t Tire Your Head”), which also comes from her new LP.

Freddie – “Mindig itt maradsz”

Since competing at Eurovision 2016, Freddie has continued his music career. Now, the Hungarian singer has released “Mindig itt maradsz” (“You always stay here”). This new song has an indie-rock sound with guitar and drum backing. In the accompanying music video we see Freddie and another woman walking around the city at night, though the two never actually meet at all.

Tijana Bogicevic – “Javna Tajna”

Serbia’s Eurovision 2017 star Tijana Bogicevic has continued to build her career since participating at the contest. She’s now released the new song “Javna Tajna” (“Public Secret”). It’s a smooth mid-tempo track that has some nice jazzy touches to it – we’re gifted a saxophone solo three quarters of the way through. The lyric video, shot entirely in black and white, features Bogicevic enjoying the view from her balcony while wearing a baggy shirt.

Ilinca – “Furtuna mea”

Ilinca yodelled her way into our hearts at Eurovision 2017. Now, the Romanian singer has released the new song “Furtuna mea” (“My storm”). It’s a well-produced pop track with a danceable post-chorus instrumental that utilises traditional elements. Ilinca sings about remaining by her loved one’s side even during stormy conditions: “In the middle of the rain I want your warmth … I choose you to be, I choose you to be my storm”. The accompanying music video doesn’t feature any inclement weather; instead, we see Ilinca in the middle of a forest alongside a male dancer.

Pastora Soler – “La soledad”

Spanish star Pastora Soler is known for delivering some powerful and emotional ballads. And that’s exactly what the Eurovision 2012 artist serves in her new single “La soledad” (“Loneliness”). Originally from her 2019 album Sentir, it might be power ballad by numbers – slow start with a crescendo up to the big note – but Soler delivers it passionately and proves that almost any song can sound majestic with her voice behind it. In the lyrics, the Spanish star asks her partner not to give up on their love and leave her alone: “Loneliness will return without mercy / She will reproach me for your goodbye … Loneliness, loneliness, loneliness hurts”.

Chingiz Mustafayev – “Yanıma gəl”

Chingiz Mustafayev’s latest single is “Yanıma gəl” (“Come to me”). A slow soul-jazz track, this new song is the sort of track you might put on in background when you just need to sit back and relax. Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2019 act explained more about the single on Instagram:

“There are people in each of our lives that we want to come to us. To touch them, to feel them, to wish them even when they are with you, to live unforgettable moments. Of course, these were special moments. In this song you will find the reflection of your longing and dreaming thoughts.”

Konstantin & Sofi Marinova – “Проблем”

Despite loosing out on her spot in the Eurovision 2012 grand final due to a tie break, Sofi Marinova hasn’t let that stop her from pushing on with her career. The Bulgarian singer has now collaborated with fellow countryman Konstantin on “Проблем” (“Problems”). It’s a Bulgarian-pop track that mixes traditional rhythms in with the production. The music video, which reached #1 trending and has picked up three million views since its release, sees the duo bringing the party to an abandoned factory.

Loukas Yorkas – “Πάμε Απ’ Την Αρχή”

Cypriot-singer Loukas Yorkas represented Greece at Eurovision 2011. His new single is “Πάμε Απ’ Την Αρχή” (“Let’s Go From The Beginning”), which has a traditional Greek sound to it. The music video was shot in one take and sees Yorkas walking around the streets accompanied by a quartet of musicians. He even finds the time to partake in some traditional dancing with the locals.

ohFrank – “Millennial”

Robin Stjernberg sang solo for Sweden at Eurovision 2013. But, he’s recently formed the new duo ohFrank with fellow Swede Benjamin Roustaing. Their second single together is “Millennial”. It’s another fun upbeat track centred around acoustic guitar and percussion instrumentation. As the title suggests, the lyrics of the song play around with the various stereotypes of millennials – a demographic of people born roughly between the early 1980s and late 1990s.

Kenan Doğulu – “Vay Be”

Last month, Eurovision 2007 star Kenan Doğulu released the music video for his latest single “Vay Be” (“Wow”). The song is the title track of the Turkish singer’s 2018 album and is an atmospheric pop track. The music video centres around a giant orb that levitates out of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul. In the video’s description, Doğulu notes:

“It represents the enlightenment that we experience as we go through a period where we have fun, touch our loved ones, roam the streets freely, understand the value of what we have. Of course, we will encounter many things that surprise, upset and change our lives throughout our lives, but I believe that we will overcome all difficulties with love, unity and beautiful energy.”

Luminita Anghel – “Se Lasa Noaptea”

Romania first reached the Eurovision podium in 2005 thanks to Luminita Anghel taking home the bronze medal. The star has recently teamed up with composer Mihai Alexandru (who was behind Romania’s Eurovision 2017 song “Yodel It”), for the new track “Se Lasa Noaptea” (“It’s Getting Dark”). The song has a tropical-jazz feel to it – the type of thing you might expect to be playing in a holiday resort as you lie by the pool sipping a piña colada.

Lena Philipsson – “Han går på vatten”

Eurovision 2004 fifth-place finisher Lena Philipsson continues her music career with the music video for the new single “Han går på vatten” (“He walks on water”). The song comes from the Swedish singer’s new album Maria Magdalena, with Philipsson singing about a man who is able to enjoy life to the fullest: “He enjoys every step he takes / He enjoys every second he has / There are no limits to what is possible”. In the music video, Philipsson performs some synchronised dancing with three other versions of herself.

Patrick Fiori – “Un air de famille”

Patrick Fiori represented France at Eurovision 1993, ultimately placing fourth. His new single is “Un air de famille” (“A family resemblance”). Starting off with lone ukulele accompaniment, the instrumentation develops into a charming band sound. The lyrics are all about family, with Fiori singing about how these are the people you’ll always be there for even after you’ve flown the nest: “These are the ones we choose / Who keep us alive / In the family / There is you and me / You will be at home”.

Giusy Ferreri and Elettra Lamborghini – “La Isla”

Elettra Lamborghini competed at Sanremo 2020, while Giusy Ferreri has participated at the contest three times (2011, 2014 and 2017). Now, the two Italian stars have come together for the song “La Isla” (“The Island”). A pure summer bop, the duo sing about spending the nights with your loved one on a tropical island: “You make me sing / I swear, I don’t need anything anymore / If you stay with me, me, me”.

Sheppard – “Symphony”

Australian group Sheppard have dropped the new single “Symphony”. The Eurovision – Australia Decides 2019 bronze medallists are bringing in the summer with their upbeat indie-pop sound. Lyrically, the song sees lead vocalist George comparing his loved one to the triumphant sound of a full orchestra: “Your heart sings to me / A melody that sets me free / Your love is like a symphony”.

Samir & Viktor – “Vad sa du att du hette”

It wouldn’t be summer without a new bop courtesy of Swedish duo Samir & Viktor. The three-time Melodifestivalen stars have released “Vad sa du att du hette” (“What did you say you were called”). As always, the track is fun, upbeat and aimed at getting the listener in the party mood. The lyrics centre around Samir & Viktor trying to work out what’s going on at the end of a night full of alcohol and dancing: “Oh baby baby s*** / How do I get home with you? / One last shot – oh oh / What did you say you were called babe?”.

JÆGER – “Crocodile Killer”

Norwegian singer JÆGER took us to Mars at Melodi Grand Prix 2020. Now, she’s released the new single “Crocodile Killer”. It’s a dark pop song that draws the listener in due to the suspense and sense of mystery surrounding the production. In the lyrics, JÆGER sings about a woman who won’t take any prisoners: “Dead in a minute / She haunts you down / She puts you out / Like a crocodile killer”.

Achille Lauro (feat. Gow Tribe) – “Bam Bam Twist”

Achille Lauro gained many new fans after his camp and artistic performances at Sanremo 2020. The Italian singer has now released “Bam Bam Twist”, again collaborating with producer Gow Tribe. In the music video, Lauro performs on a stage while a couple do the twist on the dance floor. The video delivers a 2020 Italian take on 1960s twist dancing inspired by the classic 1990s film Pulp Fiction. And it’s reassuring that there’s plenty of social distancing going on between Lauro and his band.

Click on the links below to read our individual articles on other new songs released this week by past Eurovision artists:

• Lesley Roy – “Gold”
• Tamta – Awake
• Stefania – “Friday”
• Anja Nissen – “If We Only Had Tonight”

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.

Read more new music reviews here

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