Melodifestivalen kicks off at long last this weekend; and now it feels like we’re really off to the races in the countdown to Eurovision 2021.
The seven songs competing on Saturday have had their first teasers released online by SVT, and true to form I have ranked them by how excited they’ve made me thus far.
You can see everyone who’s performing at future semis here.
7. Lillasyster – Pretender
‘Gruff-voiced man sings massive rocky rock song’ was never going to be up my street, was it, but you know what, I wish this lot the best! And I give them kudos for A) doing a bait-and-switch with the sound of the verses into the chorus; and B) bringing variety of genre.
6. Paul Rey – The Missing Piece
Paul made it to the final last year, and I wouldn’t be massively surprised if this piece of yearning boypop did it too – but I wonder if he needs something a bit more captivating. Could be a grower! Could be a smash if it kicks off over the course of the rest of the song! But for now I’m… tepid. Sounds like what the UK would send.
5. Danny Saucedo – Dandi dansa
This does sound like the kind of song that could cut through in a big way if the stars align. If the performance is good enough and if the whole thing comes across as fresh rather than pastiche-y, maybe he could be on to something…? It’s not the kind of song I myself get a raised heartbeat over, but hey, I’m open!
4. Arvingarna – Tänker inte alls gå hem
BOUNCY! I’m surprised by how much I smiled listening to this. Good for you, Manband! This lot of course represented Sweden at Eurovision back in 1993 – could a 28-year gap be just the thing?
3. Nathalie Brydolf – Fingerprints
I am always keen for a good ballad to give me all the feelings – and this could be one such song! The first minute is promising enough – here’s hoping it all kicks the fuck off before the end.
2. Jessica Andersson – Horizon
This sounds like the exact kind of sorta-basic pop song I’ll develop a real soft spot for, but ultimately won’t connect with the masses. It sounds like it’s building to something right as the snippet ends… hopefully it won’t be a bit of a let-down.
1. Kadiatou – One Touch
Songs called One Touch are historically excellent (Julie Bergan! Mini Viva! Steps!) and this sounds very good too. From what we can hear of the chorus, it sounds like a biiiiit of an anticlimax… but depending on how the rest of the song builds, I am extremely open to stanning. Kadiatou will be performing first (same as The Mamas last year) and she is – at this very early stage – the one to beat in the first semi for me.
Electric Angels 