Estonia National Selection Review (Semi-Final 2) - David Dewhurst

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