Friday, January 6, 2012

Review: Latvia Semi Final 1

Latvia was one of the earliest to publish their songs. Latvia’s national final is also on tomorrow night so in advance we publish our reviews of the songs in the first semi-final.

Atis Levins - This song is like motorway driving you get on, get bored driving and are happy when you get off. It is adifficult song to put a genre on. Grade: F

Maia - This is an interesting little song and does draw you in a little. The interude is nice and very unexpected. Latvia is not known for having a good selection process, and this probably will stand out a little. However taking the macro view, this really is annoying song that doesn't go far but goes a little. Ending is sudden and doesn't suit the song. Grade: E

Samantha Tina & Davids Kalandija - At first I thought this was a simiple ballad but the chorus proved me wrong, the fact Davids does not come in until the secondd  verse does nothing for the song. However it is a little complex and the arrangement is good. The piano in the background is very effective. But I am still unsure if their voices actually work together. Grade:D-

Nikolajs Puzikovs - I thought at first this was going to be better than it actually was. Disappointing. The opening screamed so much potenical but this was quickly destoryed. However it has enough redeming features to pass. Grade: E-

Laura Bicane & Romans Sladzis - This song is more like what I was looking for. It is just a little more orginal. We havent heard too much of this at the contest. However it is far from perfect. I fear this only stands out because it has some good points, and would be lost compared to the quality that is already there. Grade: C

PeR - Finally an easy name to spell. This is an odd song. You sit there and wonder just what is going to develop into. The trouble is the song is so repetitive I can't see this actually standing out. Grade: E-

Angelina & Alisa May - Once again I thought this was actually going to good. Vocally good, however the almost childish lyrics are a little distracting. The key change is too late, though good, I'm just a little bored. Grade: E+

Paula Dukure - That’s better, much better. This is a little different and actually sounds like ESC material,  however it would still need a good vocal performance, but listening to Paula sing she should hold notes on the night. Grade: C+

Andris Abelite - Another song that came through the internet selection. The retro feel manages to stay on the right side of retro/dated. Though the song has a nice jazzy feel it does have real jazz strenght; think Raphael Gaulazzi. A little over repetitive. Grade: E+

Ruta Duduma - This stripped back and layed back song could do well if sandwiched between two fast songs. For the genre it is rather good. I am rreally liking the chorus. Grade: B-

Based on these reviews The Best Eurovision Blog supports RUTA DUDUMA for the final. However overall I am disappointed with the Latvian songs.
We will have the second part of these reviews; for semi 2 next week. 

The Best Eurovision Blog will have coverage of the Latvian semi final tomorrow night on Twitter follow us @besteuroblog from 19:15GMT/20:15CET/21:15EET.

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