This is my first time reviewing Eesti Laul. 156 entries for this year’s contest, 24 selected for the two semi-finals. Songs are selected for the Final based on the First round (jury and televote) qualfiers and Second round (televote-only) qualifiers. Last year’s winner, Uku Suviste, had an automatic entry to the Semi Final. The Final is on 6 March.
I was struck by the high calibre of the songwriting, in particular. Even though this is only a Semi Final, Estonians are spoilt for choice, given the variety and quality of the performances. That said a number of songs, whilst good, are somewhat ‘cookie cutter’.
I’ll let you judge for yourself from the clips provided. Under each song, I’ve put what came to mind when I heard it for the first time.
Sissi - “Time”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkju-RG7Djk&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Wow, such a wonderful gospel voice.
Second round (televote-only) qualifier
Gram-Of-Fun - “Lost In A Dance”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMQErvJkP8&ab_channel=Gram-Of-FunOfficial
Quality! Great beat; good to work out to in a spin class
Kadri Voorand - “Energy”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9ZJwbKT6z8&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Loved the piano; reminded me of Oleta Adams
First round (jury and televote) qualifier
Helen - “Nii kõrgele”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GeQZTi7XQU&ab_channel=EestiLaul
This song was full of visual distractions; I couldn’t see the connection between Helen and her backing dancers. Despite the wings this song never flew high, for me.
Redel - “Tartu”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpAwF8afRhI&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Visual, notable for a backing dancer flying in
Second round (televote-only) qualifier
Rahel - “Sunday Night”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH4fhlLWlpo&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Good beat but the song over powered Rahel’s voice
Uku Haasma - “Kaos”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIx8d8QKY4w&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Chilled, melancholy voice with a beautiful guitar sound
Heleza - “6”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKBLqfwBdPs&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Heleza has an heaven sent voice. Staging and her outfit did not do her justice. Her official video is enchanting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4vCudY7lgU&ab_channel=HELEZA
Uku Suviste - “The Lucky One”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exs8GsIrkJQ&ab_channel=EestiLaul
A worthy follow up to his entry last year, though reminiscent of Mans Zemelow
First round (jury and televote) qualifier
Alabama Watchdog - “Alabama Watchdog”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmbnIcPh84c&ab_channel=EestiLaul
Tonight’s soft rock entry
Jüri Pootsmann - “Magus melanhoolia”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX87S27cjAA&ab_channel=EestiLaul
This song makes the most of Juri’s voice; a real contender
First round (jury and televote) qualifier
Suured Tüdrukud - “Heaven’s Not That Far Tonight”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQtWAE43D_g&ab_channel=EestiLaul
This duet has a throwback 80’s feel, a heady mix of Donna Summer and Bobby Socks from 1985!
First round (jury and televote) qualifier