My review of "Blackbird":
-Finland is an interesting nation in ESC because one can never be sure of what they'll send, it could be anything. It's been a long time since I've rooted for one of their entries though (2010). This year, they decided to send an atmospheric and non-Eurovisiony ballad, sung by a group that happened to be the most convincing and professional act of their NF. It's a very slow and almost acoustic song, there's something in it that makes it sound Scandinavian somehow but I'm not sure what, maybe the melody itself. As someone pointed it out, the main interest and amazing feat here is that Norma John have succeeded in composing a song with a sad mood by using major chord progressions, which isn't easy to do. As a ballad lover, "Blackbird" should have been a no-brainer for me, but no. The first time I heard it - while admitting this entry had a clear mood and some musical merit - I didn't really understood the hype surrounding it. Now that I'm accustomed to it, I can see why people may love it and be moved by it. Still, I've personally failed to connect with it, there isn't anything particular in the song for me to like it. Even the piano bridge didn't really impress me. But then again, I recognise the song has some musical merit, it was different from the usual Eurovision ballad format, and that alone made it worthy in the semi final lineup. Pros: the atmosphere and silences of the song. Cons: I find it slightly dull at times, due to me not being able to get into the song.
To me, the obvious highlight is the chorus which has a cinematic and - dare I say - "heavenly" quality to it.
-Vocally, there is nothing to say in particular: it was well sung and quite emotional. The live performance elevated the song definitely. The singer seemed genuinely moved and I admit she could almost sell the song to my unblinking heart.
-Visually, it was fairly simple and similar to their NF presentation: some smoke, a piano, a large white spotlight, a dark blue water-like graphic design in the background, and hints of red light. This might not have been revolutionary, but who cares? This was beautiful and exactly what the song needed: nothing less, nothing more. I really liked the "wall" of lights appearing right before the last chorus, and choosing to make the led screen turn red was oddly a good idea, even though - as far as synesthesia is concerned - I feel like "Blackbird" is a blue and white song. Outfit-wise, I really liked the impressive black dress and the lace-like motifs on it: yes, it was funeral-looking somehow, but it's not like the song conveys a happy message, so... I approve of it!
-Results-wise, I truly thought juries would get behind this one and it appeared that people supported it more... So thank you to these music expects for preferring masterpieces like "This Is Love" and "Gravity" over "Blackbird" (sarcasm mode on). I'm not sure about whether I felt this would qualify or not, I guess I had no clue. I'm not super sad Finland missed the final because the song leaves me cold for the most part, but given some of the qualifiers, they would have deserved to get through. Thank you to the Finnish for sending a classy and different act, keep up the good work, your ballads really tend to be unfairly underrated (never forget "När Jag Blundar").
It is firm Top 5 of the whole Eurovision. So sad ESC crowd does not appreciate something as beautiful as Blackbird...
