18/05/2020 – David Watt
Last Saturday, 16 countries took to the Free European Song Contest Stage to see who had the best song in Europe. Yeah it does sound familiar… In the aftermath of the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, Germany broadcast it’s own mini style contest last year and even though we have ESC again, it’s back!
Personally, I enjoyed this way more than I did the last edition, that one of our few but ever growing readers ‘forced’ me to watch! Fans of Eurovision may be excited to see a certain Ben Dolic in the line-up. He may not have gotten to reach the Eurovision stage but at least he got his moment here. And even if despite the fact there are 16 songs you still can’t find one you like, it has Conchita hosting (in German though of course) so what’s not to love! Here are my thoughts on the competing songs this year.
A really chill song, perfect for a long road trip. Whilst lacking a certain wow factor, you would expect in a competition – this song is to its credit a vibe.
Italy: Mandy Capristo – 13 Schritte
Get your summer shirt on because this song brings all those Mediterranean vibes! A casual groove and a summer flair, it’s got me boogieing a little! This song is perfect for the radio on your summer holiday but again I don’t know if it’s grabbing me as a competitive song.
Slovenia: Ben Dolic – Stuck In My Mind
I can’t help but feel this is a much more authentic feeling side to Ben that what we saw in Violent Thing. This feels artistic and current, a fine line to straddle. Is it a bit too hip for my own personal tastes? Yup. But is that a problem in any way? No!
This song feels mysterious and haunting to me, whilst also having those elements of dance pop that make the song accessible and very easy to sway along too. It does make me feel nostalgic for early 2000s Eurovision in a way.
Well Modern Talking have changed! This feels like 80s German dance pop which should be a great thing but it just isn’t executed the best here. Very camp and fun though.
Ahhh we are back in the Mediterranean again, with a dance pop number that’s a little catchier this time. The reggaeton influence is also a really welcome addition to the track. Totally want to chill and dance by the poolside now.
Country is not normally to my taste so I personally am not a big fan of this one. Putting that to one side I view this as a quality little country track. The harmonies blend well and the song has enough of a beat to stay interesting throughout.
Croatia: Jasmine Wagner – Gold
Vocally this was a little flat throughout, but I have to say guilty pleasure. It’s one of the catchier songs in the contest and it’s just a bit of fun!
Netherlands: Danny Vera – Rollercoaster
I really like the added touch of the violins in this but the song is just a little too sleepy for me to connect to in any way. Again, I feel this is an OK song but not really competitive at all.
Herz, herz, herz! This is a bop! This could have come top 10 in Eurovision in the late 00s and for that I adore this track. I imagine it would probably flop in ESC these days though.
Hey! Hey! You didn’t think I could start this one off any other way did you! I don’t mind this song, would I listen to it regularly? Probably not but it has a certain je ne sais quoi to it that means I can’t help but smile when it plays.
Austria: Mathea – Tut Mir Nicht Leid
Austria serving chill vibes and a beautifully artistic track. Its maybe a bit too much ‘pop’ to completely immerse me but the pop does add a vivacity to the song that helps carry it and probably ultimately makes it stand out more in the line-up.
France: HUGEL ft. Bloodline – VIP
The DJ is in the club! Fake DJing doesn’t really ever work at ESC and by the looks of things, it doesn’t really work in Free ESC either. It’s just a bit too cringe. The song though is nice, fun and with a dance rhythm that is definitely appreciated!
Scotland: Amy MacDonald – Statues
Well as a Scot who consequently knew of Amy before Free ESC I am obviously pretty biased on this one… And yes I did really enjoy it.
Switzerland: SEVEN – Unser Kleines Wunder
Well this song manages to successfully be mellow but also have enough drive behind it to keep my attention. Also lovely harmonies! But beyond that it just feels like a pretty safe entry.
Germany: Udo Lindenberg – Supergeiler Helge Schneider
What to say, what to say? He’s an absolute showman and sells this little number. A worthy show closer!
As for the actual results of the show, well I will link the winner here rather than spoil them. But my personal top three (I won’t include Scotland as my own country)? 3: Turkey 2: Austria 1: Greece
If you haven’t already seen Free ESC all the links are in this article and hey it might be the cure to the dreaded Post Eurovision Depression (PED) we all experience from Sunday (but let’s not think about that just yet). Either way I am sure you will have plenty you agree and disagree with me about and I welcome friendly discussion as always! Your weekly update will be coming soon too btw (for anyone who is actually wondering – is there anyone haha). But with Eurovision coming up all this week, we are sure to all be busy!
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