All opinions expressed in this article are those of the person quoted and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the other team members or ESC United as a whole.
It’s time for another set of reviews for Iceland’s national final! Söngvakeppnin returns this Saturday, 24 February with the second of two semi-finals. All songs competing in the semi-finals are sung in Icelandic, and if songs qualify to the final, then the songs are performed in the language the artist intends to sing in Malmö. At least two songs will advance to the final from each semi-final, and Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) reserves the right to include an additional song as a wildcard entry. The final will take place on Saturday, 2 March.
Five ESC United writers have listened to the songs that will be competing this Saturday using a 10-point scale. What songs did we decide should qualify, and which songs did we decide should be thrown in the bin? Let’s find out. The writers in this edition are: Yehonatan Cohen from Israel, Tyler Griffith from New Mexico, James Maude from California, Boris Meersman from Belgium, and David Popescu from Denmark.
The order of the songs presented was based on the current running order for the Söngvakeppnin semi-final two as provided by RÚV (before it changes on Saturday probably).
1. Hera Björk – “Við förum hærra” / “Scared of Heights”
Tyler – 7.5 – I’m so glad Hera Björk is still competing in Söngvakeppnin, especially with this revamped version of “Je ne sais quoi”. I like how upbeat this song is, it’s a good dance gospel-esque song, even if I feel like the song would be a much bigger hit 13 years ago. Her vocals aren’t a question to me if she can perform or not (she can), so with her history, this could be a good choice for Iceland even if it’s not my favorite. It’s a good entry, not amazing, and this is in my lower half of the rankings, that’s how GOOD this selection is this year, what in the world, Iceland? Keep it up.
James – 5 – Hera’s back, and I wonder if her song this time was supposed to be a B-side for the one she sent to Eurovision years back. It’s a pedestrian club track, no matter what the “yass queen, slay!” crowd claim online. Actually, I take it back. It’s probably the uncles of that crowd trying to sound like the kids, even though that phrase is slipping quickly into meaningless, as at this point Icelanders are yelling this at the guy at Subway assembling their BBQ chicken sandwich. Anyway, Hera may claim we’re going higher, but not with this song.
David – 4 – This song gives you immediately that feeling of you’re listening to soul music. I can’t really complain about anything, because it’s well performed, well composed and everything. However, personally I do find it a bit tacky to listen to, since I’m not exactly a fan of soul music, and the constant sound and tempo going for all 3 minutes, it just leaves for very little imagination.
Boris – 9 – There’s a lot of nostalgia bias permeating into this generous nine, but Hera earned it. Luff her for re-embracing her mom schlager roots in this latest song. Even in Icelandic, where the fun metaphors are lost to a non-speaker, “Við förum hærra” bangs and mothers just enough to moisten any gay man. She stands no chance in the stacked second heat, but again – luff her for taking one for the team so one of her spirit daughters Maiaa and Sigga Ózk gets to live, while the other qualifies via wildcard.
Yehonatan – 7 – If there’s something Hera can do is turn a n ok studio version into a great live performance, and this is exactly what I believe to happen with this song. ‘Scared of Heights’ sounds like a good national final song from 2016 (definitely did not think of ‘Never Alone’ by Sanna Nilsen there), and is just generally very fun. It should be enough for her to qualify to the final of Songvakepnin.
Total points: 32.50 points (Average = 6.50)
2. Heiðrún Anna – “Þjakaður af ást”
James – 6 – Chill electropop, but more of an atmospheric piece, less reliant on hooks that may cause it to be lost in the shuffle of a song contest. Like most B-tier electropop, it creates a mood but doesn’t stick in the memory long after it’s over. That could be an issue with the televote, especially since songs like this get bookended by more bombastic pieces. But yeah, this is more of a Set it and Forget it on Spotify song than a viable, interesting entry.
David – 5 – Mystical Icelandic techno, now that’s always intriguing. I don’t mind it, but I also wish there was so much more for it. If the song gained more tempo in some parts, that would’ve helped, if the song maybe included more instrumentation, also another plus, that’s what I miss. Yet, the tempo and vocal do feel in sync and harmonic. Let’s say we’re halfway there.
Boris – 9.5 – A bubblecore song if ever there was. Heiðrún isn’t here to compete for a ticket to Sweden. She is here simply to make me happy. How could she not, as a glam cougar with a fun well-crafted electric trance of a song. This entry is for me, I am the demographic ::car alarm noises::. Of course I am not the entire nation of Iceland, so she’ll finish last in this overpowered heat, but that’s a small price to pay for gaining a personal favourite who wasn’t going to win SVK anyway.
Yehonatan – 5.5 – Mysterious, and fully in Icelandic. I should like this song on paper but for some reason I’m not clicking with it as much as I thought I would. I’m struggling to find it competitive, but at the same time I’m drawn to the unique vocal style in the song, and the sci-fi backing track. If it was in the first semi it might have stood a chance, but this is the strong semi unfortunately.
Tyler – 6.5 – This song is an entire vibe that I can get behind. Love the beat, the angelic lyrics and vocals, this would be a good choice! I’m not sure if it connects with everyone though and captures people’s attention, but it would be entertaining to watch for sure. I wish the song was longer, it feels edited down from a longer composition and I wanted MORE from this. I’m fine if this doesn’t escape the semi though if the performance is great and matches the vocals in the studio cut.
Total points: 32.50 points (Average = 6.50)
3. Bashar Murad – “Vestrið villt” / “Wild West”
David – 7 – Well… let me just say, I was honestly expecting something harsh and loud, and here we actually are with an actual Western song. Title of the song is spot on, and so is the story telling. I honestly find it refreshing to have something out of style like this, reminding you of other genres and it’s very cool and calming. Maybe a bit more energy, which could’ve sparked a bit of that wild wild idea.
Boris – 8 – Netizens can be such babies. If you want to take a stance against the current situations, why not include a Palestinian option and compete instead of being like “Boohoo Israel”. What matters to ME though, is whether his song is good, and it is. “Wild west” is a clever protest by the cunning hand of Hatari’s Einar. The parallels between Palestinians and outlaws is not touched upon but can be discerned if you look for it – and you’d only have yourself to blame for any political connotation that may carry. Overall, a fun and well-harmonized country themed pastiche that could lend itself for great staging too. The only gripe is that Bashar, as someone who doesn’t speak Icelandic, still needs to make it past the Icelandic-only heat… and we all know what happened to Markéta Irglová. This might be the one time a wildcard finalist wins the selection.
Yehonatan – 6 – ‘Wild West’ stands out amongst the rest of the selection for a very clear reason. It’s the only non electro pop/indie song. The country sound just automatically makes it pop out in this field of 10 songs that all sound pretty much similar. It worked for Estonia with ‘Hope’, and while this is a significantly weaker song, it could still have a similar impact.
Tyler – 8.5 – Just imagine the sheer chutzpah to send Bashar to Malmö, I would love it so much. For a non-native speaker of Icelandic, Bashar does a great job with “Vestrið villt”! I also like “Wild West” and if the song had Arabic in it, I think it would elevate the song and be even better. I love hearing this cowboy western aesthetic from Iceland, and it speaks volumes to have it be Bashar to be that cowboy. The lyrics are clever and even if the song isn’t as up-tempo as others in the selection, it stands out a lot and would be a big risk for Iceland to send. It might be a fan favorite flop in the semi or be a top 5 finish, it’s a gamble either way. I like the risk here though and it’s a great vibe song for me at least since moving out to New Mexico.
James – 7.5 – So this is what getting stoned in a 19th Century Arizona Territory brothel sounds like? It sounds like someone heard the theme song for the HBO Max show Warrior (the Western show about Chinese immigrants in 1870’s San Francisco), borrowed some of its elements such as the guitar tone, and slowed it way down. The Wild West is an allegory for Bashar’s experience as a Muslim immigrant, which is a creative choice and one that works if you know the outsider tropes that inform that film genre. And for those European political keyboard warriors who will so smugly hold this song up to bash Israel, be aware that Bashar addresses the frosty reception in the West he’s received. Don’t let your anti-Israel zeal blind you to the fact he’s commenting on your anti-Islamic politics which you’ve conveniently put on the backburner this year.
Total points: 37.00 points (Average = 7.40)
4. Sigga Ózk – “Um allan alheiminn” / “Into the Atmosphere”
Boris – 10 – GÓÐ TILFINNING! As with Heiðrún, this song was created to make me happy. My brain favours CeaseTone but my heart belongs to Sigga Ózk. The Icelandic version is fantastic, like top shelf frivolous EDM that sheds an undying burst of light into the darkest minds. This is a mental health anthem through its unrelentless positive tone which is the only antidote to internet toxicity . “Um allan alheiminn”” is the only song in this selection where going bilingual is the correct choice – I can already imagine the crowds screaming GO TIFFANY (now that you’ve read that, it’s engraved in your brain forever) at the chorus while the English verses provide it with easy access. It won’t win SVK but it should –Sigga’s brand of levity is a Nanny McPhee-like force of basic bliss that Eurovision may not want, but desperately needs.
Yehonatan – 7.5 – Yet another slightly old Britpop sound, but what a great one is it. Tiffany, ah I mean Sigga, has also proved us last year that she can put on a show, so I have the most expectations out of her in the line up. If she can deliver on those expectations she can go Tiffany all the way into the final!
Tyler – 8.5 – It probably wasn’t Sigga Ózk’s intention to make her song catchy with a certain phrase in the Icelandic version, but God bless her for it. This song is so damn catchy and it’s a club Eurodance banger for sure that would get votes. It’s a slay! This song could have gone on longer and I wouldn’t have been annoyed by that at all, if anything, I’m annoyed that it’s too short and doesn’t go nearly enough past its catchy choruses. The musical chords are great and based on last year’s Söngvakeppnin performance, we know she can perform. I’m excited to see this live and if the potential in the studio cuts give us good staging that could absolutely work in Malmö. GO TIFFANY! (Might I suggest dropping some Icelandic in the build-up to the chorus in the English version?)
James – 6 – If this goes any further at Songvakeppnin, it will be known as the “Go Tiffany” song, which sounds like “Good feeling” in Icelandic. And uh, that’s about all I have to say about this dated pop song. It’s hard to judge this one right now, as we need to see a live staging to see how charismatic a performer Sigga is. If she can sell this live, my score will increase and she may have an outside shot of people shouting “Go Sigga!” as she boards the plane to Malmo.
David – 6 – I can so easily picture this being in a musical instead, it just creates a very easy visual idea here. Space themed song, which starts a bit cold and deep, and then picks up towards the chorus. For some reason, this could’ve been great as a duet even, but it works well. Maybe it’s trying a bit too much or too hard, especially with the high pitch vocal, but it works overall.
Total points: 38.00 points (Average = 7.60)
5. Maiaa – “Fljúga burt” / “Break Away”
Yehonatan – 7 – This song almost feels like the stripped version of ‘Tattoo’. It has the same skeleton as of the song structure, just wrapped in a mid-tempo Nordic pop costume. So overall it’s a very solid entry, that feels modern, and builds onto something relevant without actually sounding too derivative of other songs.
Tyler – 7 – This entry is similar to CeaseTone’s in that the entire song is a sine wave. The song starts slow and contemplative, keeps rising in the middle to a jammer chorus, falls again with the piano key change bridge, then finishes with an explosive chorus. It’s a great musical journey and the song ends on a good note. I find Maiaa’s vocals to not be strong enough in comparison to the beat, but she sounds nice still. The lyrics are good, could have been a little stronger, but this entry is still good and interesting! Great job this year, Iceland!
James – 8.5 – Delicate electropop of the sort only the Nordics, particularly Norway, Iceland and the Faroes, can seem to elegantly produce. This builds nicely, the lyrics, though about a break-up, lead to a neat resolution that is matched with the instrumentation. It starts dark and brooding, and by the time the final strings fade out, you feel Maiaa’s tortured protagonist has achieved some sort of peace. There’s been a couple in this genre at this year’s selection, and I hope RUV brings more of this to next year’s Songvakeppnin to make it a more unique, interesting watch for an outsider.
David – 4 – I somehow would’ve preferred if this song remained more like a ballad. Well, I do like the build up it has, but more it’s a bit too much and so the song jumps maybe too far over. It had this lovely melodic build-up, which goes well with Maiaa’s vocal, so it would’ve been probably more pleasant had it been in it’s own lane. Overall, still very sweet, but focus is lost.
Boris – 9.5 – Söngvakeppnin ballads are notoriously old and dire and should retire, so imagine my surprise when Maiaa served the best ballad of the NF season so far and possibly the best one since “Hold me closer” – “Break away” is a Cornelia ballad with Elsie Bay instrumentation. Strong electropop melody that puts Maiaa’s very clear voice central, emotional intelligence through wonderful poetic lyrics, powerful build up with strings and piano that grips you instantly and never lets go. IT IS INSANE how potentially good this is, and even more INSANE we’re never getting it at Eurovision because of how stacked SVK is this year. DO WE REALLY have to choose between her AND CeaseTone AND Bashar AND Sigga? Can’t we just have all four? It’s not like Australia, Azerbaijan and San Marino are going to pick something good on their own accord…
Total points: 36.00 points (Average = 7.20)
So who did ESC United collectively endorse to go through to the Final?
In a stacked and very close race, our endorsement for the two for-sure qualifiers are Sigga Ózk and Bashar Murad, with the remaining three songs falling below the dashed line and out of our contention for the final. Based on the scores of the third-place finisher in both semis, our wildcard is Maiaa.
1. Sigga Ózk – “Um allan alheiminn” / “Into the Atmosphere” – 38.00 points (Average = 7.60)
2. Bashar Murad – “Vestrið villt” / “Wild West” – 37.00 points (Average = 7.40)
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3. Maiaa – “Fljúga burt” / “Break Away” – 36.00 points (Average = 7.20)
4. Heiðrún Anna – “Þjakaður af ást” – 32.50 points (Average = 6.50, Highest Score = 9.5)
5. Hera Björk – “Við förum hærra” / “Scared of Heights” – 32.50 points (Average = 6.50, Highest Score = 9)
That’s it! We’ve reviewed all of Iceland’s songs for this selection. However, just for fun, what did we think overall based on our scores? Well, after ordering all of the entries together, ESCUnited’s dream Söngvakeppnin has the televote and jury advance Sigga Ózk and Bashar Murad to the superfinal, where in the televote-only it’s Sigga Ózk for Iceland! We’ve already been wrong based on last week’s semi-final, but if we could rule the wooooooooooooorldddd — Aistè, here’s how it’d look:
1. Sigga Ózk – “Um allan alheiminn” / “Into the Atmosphere” – 38.00 points (Average = 7.60)
2. Bashar Murad – “Vestrið villt” / “Wild West” – 37.00 points (Average = 7.40, Highest Score = 8.5)
3. Anita – “Stingum af” / “Downfall” – 37.00 points (Average = 7.40, Highest Score = 8)
4. Maiaa – “Fljúga burt” / “Break Away” – 36.00 points (Average = 7.20)
5. CeaseTone – “Ró” / “Flow” – 32.00 points (Average = 6.40)
Non-Qualifiers
6. Heiðrún Anna – “Þjakaður af ást” – 32.50 points (Average = 6.50, Highest Score = 9.5)
7. Hera Björk – “Við förum hærra” / “Scared of Heights” – 32.50 points (Average = 6.50, Highest Score = 9)
8. Blankiflúr – “Sjá þig” / “Love You” – 30.50 points (Average = 6.10)
9. Sunny – “Fiðrildi” – 27.50 points (Average = 5.50)
10. Væb – “Bíómynd” / “Movie Scene” – 26.00 points (Average = 5.20)
Who do #YOU think will qualify for the Söngvakeppnin final? Do you agree with our thoughts? Who do you think will win it all for Iceland? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our Discord, or on our forum page!
