The 2015 “Expert” Panel – SLOVENIA

Here for You (Radio Edit)

The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back once again reviewing all Eurovision songs and rank them accordingly.

You are probably asking yourself on how we pick our panel and the criteria. We looked at people from all walks of life to bring together a unique group of panelists with a wide range in taste. They all bring different skills and tastes to the table so who are they?

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Arie – The Professional Musician
Daniel – The Noob
Katja – The Schlager Queen
Mike – The Smart One
Olivia – The Journalist

You can read more about them HERE

Disclaimer: While we picked, what we perceived individuals with a wide range in taste, it is subjective to a certain degree so just enjoy their thoughts and if you don’t agree, feel free to post your comments below.

The Panel is reviewing the Slovenian song. Let’s find out what they had to say:

Daniel – The Noob
I didn’t know Duffy is a Slovenian citizen. Thought she is from Great Britain. No seriously, when I was hearing her voice the first time, I really thought that the British singer-songwriter Duffy is on stage. Wrong! But that says something for her. I really like Duffy’s voice and thus I like Maraaya’s, too. Even though they sound similar, Slovenia’s entry is unique in it’s own way which is not only perhaps down to the fact that I’ve never seen a woman play the air violin. Seeing the performance was in fact freaky. Anyway, in Vienna it’s mainly all about the song. And it’s good. It’s not stunning but good. I hope she will make it all the way to the Grand Final. May you do well!
Points: 6/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
coming from Slovenia, I’m in a quite unusual situation this year. Suddenly, instead of other entries being favourites and us being chanceless (which is how it usually is in this contest), it’s suddenly US as one of the odds’ favourites. In fact, this is the highest we’ve been on the odds since 2001, when Nuša Derenda scored a very respectable 7^th place with “Energy”. Now, if Maraaya and “Here For You” represented any other country with a bigger fan and voting base I’d be quite sure of their good result. With us, however, I’m genuinely scared. It IS a very modern and very contemporary entry, ready to hit the radio airwaves across Europe – but considering our bad luck in this contest I’m not quite willing to be fully optimistic yet. I mean we ARE qualifying (we have to!), but then in the final everything can happen – we can either be top 5 or finish somewhere between 12th-20^th. But we are catching our big break this year – aren’t we?
Points: 8/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
Bad lyrics barely distract from the catchy melody, fun piano/violin interludes, and driving dance beat of this intriguing submission.  Another song that inspires me to dance (if not in 80s style).  It barely goes anywhere, but I don’t really think it needs to.  It’s catchy and I like it.
Points: 8/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Another big fan favourite I can agree with. It’s not groundbreaking or anything but certainly a nice little song which works very, very well. “Here For You” is super catchy and especially the violin parts are really effective. Marjetka provides us with a flawless vocal performance which certainly gives substance to the whole thing. The only factor I’m slightly worried about is the staging. Btw: Who would’ve thought Maraaya started out as a turbo folk band?
Points: 8/10

Mike – The Smart One
One of the catchiest songs this year.  Liked by a lot of people.  The lead singer’s vocal quality as an ingénue is a bit distracting at first.  However, the jazziness of it does suit the song very well with its slight playfulness.  The lyrics are good in general.  I liked the slow introduction before the very nice piano and upbeat percussion come in.  Like the slow solo ending as well and enjoyed the syncopation in the bridge section two-thirds of the way through.  The jazz violin is a nice touch as well.  Also liked the fact that it reminds me of Slovene songs from the past.
Points: 8/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Let’s not beat around the bush. I. Love. This. Song. It stands out from a mile away. I love the pacing drums, dramatic off beats; the mélange of jazz piano and ferocious, melodic violin lines. This is probably Slovenia’s strongest entry for a long time. The husky tone to Maraaya’s voice is stunning and unique. And it really compliments the pacey lyrics. It’s catchy, has danceability, and just screams cool. This is a contender! If this doesn’t qualify I will be shocked and very disappointed. Slovenia – you done good!
Points: 9/10

Overall: 47 Points

A very well liked song, the panel is definitely approving of it. But nobody actually gave it 10 points and without it, it’s difficult to finish first. So Slovenia is tied currently with Australia for second. But they lose the tiebreaker due as Australia received one 10 pointer. Let’s have a look at the current ranking:

Do you think that the panel got this right?!? Share your thoughts below and join the convo on our Forum. See yah soon!