My review of "Origo":
-Hungary is one of the few countries I would love to see win soon because a country that regularly sends quality entries (imo) has to be rewarded by a victory at some point. Since I closely followed the contest back in 2009, I loved three of their efforts ("What About My Dreams?", "Sound Of Our Hearts", "Running") and did respect the rest which was less my cup of tea ("Kedvesem", for instance). This year, lots of people here moaned about the fact Tóth Gabi & Freddie Shuman didn't win the NF with their song "Hosszú idők"... I gave it a listen and thought it was indeed a shame we would never hear it in the contest. However, after discovering "Origo", my disappointment vanished as - for me - the entry people chose eventually was miles better. The song has no intro and starts immediately with a vocalise from a woman, Joci's voice and a first verse which almost sounds like a prayer somehow. There is no instrument but a quiet kind of synth setting the serious mood of the song, which allows Joci's voice to shine: his vocal tone is so special and ethno-sounding that it becomes an instrument in its own right. After roughly 30 seconds, the first chorus comes and - even though non-speakers of Hungarian and Romani can't get hooked by the lyrics - the catchiness comes from the melody and the way Joci modulates his voice (literally like an instrument), making the flow of the chorus very memorable for those of us who can't grasp any word. The absence of instrumentation works simply because Joci has that one-of-a-kind tone that captivates you instantly and makes you travel to spiritual places. The song sounds very spiritual to me. An arresting silence comes afterwards, then ethnic arrangements take the lead with organic instruments (violin, percussions), joined later on by an electronic beat, giving a delightful mix of cultural authenticity and music modernity. The second verse gets back to Joci's voice, sparse organic percussions and what I feel like are intermittent synth notes resembling pizzicato strings. Then, the second chorus builds on momentum with an added clear electronic beat, that fits the vocal lines amazingly imo. The instrumental break comes back, and the main twist of the song - the rap part - elevates the composition even more by a welcome rupture of rhythm. It might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the rap here gives an edgier and darker vibe to the song, it doesn't feel out of place and I love the ethnic musical elements they included as embellishments (violin, different percussions) so that it doesn't contrast too much with the rest of the song. Finally, the song ends with two choruses over a full instrumental and violin solo. Overall, "Origo" to me is fantastic and could be the legitimate successor of "1944" by mixing ethno music and instruments (violin, percussions, vocalises) with elements from modern pop (beats, synths, rap) in a masterful fashion: and all that in Hungarian and Romani... I mean what's not to like? The message of the song is also a serious and important one as it deals with the difficulties Romani people face in Europe as a stateless and nomadic people, which is not your everyday kind of message, so props to Joci for bringing that to the table. I love the song. Pros: Joci's marvelous voice, perfect mix of ethno music and modern pop elements, sleek production, effective minimalistic instrumentation, great structure and build-up, touching message, use of Hungarian and Romani (and no English!). Cons: none.
My personal highlight is the chorus, I mean: that voice, that phrasing, that catchiness, that emotion... Please, just let me get goosebumps, thank you!
-Vocally, Joci had THE most beautiful voice of the year hands-down to me, no one even came close. His live performances got me emotional for real and I still become teary-eyed every time I listen to the song live. He can deliver with all his heart, and I'm buying it. Awesome.
-Visually, Hungarians also slayed da house: it started out with white spotlights and an orange-ish sunset. As it disappeared and left the screen black, sparkling shapes appeared on the floor. Joci stood at the center of the stage next to what I assume was a folkloric instrument (it did look like a pot though), while a female dancer was performing arm moves to the left-hand side of the stage. Once the chorus started, rivers of sparkles and orange lights decorated the background. To me, it felt very warm and pared-down yet expensive (like the music basically). During the music break, the attention was drawn by the female violinist standing on the island in front of the main stage: I liked that because she forced listeners to focus on the violin part and acted as a clever distraction while Joci was playing his instrument. The girl seemed to enjoy the moment too, which was good The second verse allowed the female dancer to shine, I think she added a lot to the performance without looking tacky (as is often the case). The second chorus saw a change of visuals with a series of white and orange lights coming from the ceiling, as well as cute stencil-like birds (doves maybe?) on screen. The second music break was one of the main highlights as both Joci and the dancer danced together surrounded by flames, the circular motion of the camera during the rap part was lit too. Then the same background went from orange-yellow to blue-yellow (I loved both colour schemes), then the dancer knelt with her forehead touching the floor, I think the closeup of her face as if she was in pain or desperate tugged at my heartstrings: it was very touching imo. Finally, Joci helped her get back on her feet, and the background turned red, white and yellow while she resumed dancing. I don't forget the appropriate camerawork throughout the whole performance, and the nice white and black fades used before and after the choruses. I approve of everything! It was high-end-looking, very suitable for the song, touching and authentic. Fantastic presentation!
-Results-wise, of course I expected Hungary to qualify with such a raw and moving gem, but - even though their 8th placing in the final is not a disaster thanks to the televoters who positively responded to "Origo", I just can't at the juries' placing... Don't ever tell me these people are music experts, they are just a bunch of random people with their own biases - that have nothing to do with music - who happen to have 50% of say in the outcome. 17th place is literally SCANDALOUS given all the plastic crap they ranked higher: it should have been locked in their top 10 instead. It was "Celebrate Diversity" meets Hungarian culture meets modern pop: from vocals to music, from lyrics to visuals: the total package was there and stood out big time in the lineup. This is to me the most shocking disgrace of the year: "Origo" is one of the best - if not the best - Hungarian entry ever imo, it deserved much more than 48 points (tied with Greece :? b*tch please!). In my personal ranking, "Origo" is my 4th favourite song of the year, and I believe it would have made an awesome winning entry tbh. Thank you to Hungary whose NF always rocks, and special thanks to Hungarians who voted for "Origo", you truly blessed us by sending this song. I'm mad at the juries honestly, they have no taste and should retire if they can't see an obvious gem where there is one. Fingers crossed for next year, I expect great things from you. Hopefully, we'll be able to celebrate your first victory in the years to come. Kisses from Paris, France.
-Hungary is one of the few countries I would love to see win soon because a country that regularly sends quality entries (imo) has to be rewarded by a victory at some point. Since I closely followed the contest back in 2009, I loved three of their efforts ("What About My Dreams?", "Sound Of Our Hearts", "Running") and did respect the rest which was less my cup of tea ("Kedvesem", for instance). This year, lots of people here moaned about the fact Tóth Gabi & Freddie Shuman didn't win the NF with their song "Hosszú idők"... I gave it a listen and thought it was indeed a shame we would never hear it in the contest. However, after discovering "Origo", my disappointment vanished as - for me - the entry people chose eventually was miles better. The song has no intro and starts immediately with a vocalise from a woman, Joci's voice and a first verse which almost sounds like a prayer somehow. There is no instrument but a quiet kind of synth setting the serious mood of the song, which allows Joci's voice to shine: his vocal tone is so special and ethno-sounding that it becomes an instrument in its own right. After roughly 30 seconds, the first chorus comes and - even though non-speakers of Hungarian and Romani can't get hooked by the lyrics - the catchiness comes from the melody and the way Joci modulates his voice (literally like an instrument), making the flow of the chorus very memorable for those of us who can't grasp any word. The absence of instrumentation works simply because Joci has that one-of-a-kind tone that captivates you instantly and makes you travel to spiritual places. The song sounds very spiritual to me. An arresting silence comes afterwards, then ethnic arrangements take the lead with organic instruments (violin, percussions), joined later on by an electronic beat, giving a delightful mix of cultural authenticity and music modernity. The second verse gets back to Joci's voice, sparse organic percussions and what I feel like are intermittent synth notes resembling pizzicato strings. Then, the second chorus builds on momentum with an added clear electronic beat, that fits the vocal lines amazingly imo. The instrumental break comes back, and the main twist of the song - the rap part - elevates the composition even more by a welcome rupture of rhythm. It might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the rap here gives an edgier and darker vibe to the song, it doesn't feel out of place and I love the ethnic musical elements they included as embellishments (violin, different percussions) so that it doesn't contrast too much with the rest of the song. Finally, the song ends with two choruses over a full instrumental and violin solo. Overall, "Origo" to me is fantastic and could be the legitimate successor of "1944" by mixing ethno music and instruments (violin, percussions, vocalises) with elements from modern pop (beats, synths, rap) in a masterful fashion: and all that in Hungarian and Romani... I mean what's not to like? The message of the song is also a serious and important one as it deals with the difficulties Romani people face in Europe as a stateless and nomadic people, which is not your everyday kind of message, so props to Joci for bringing that to the table. I love the song. Pros: Joci's marvelous voice, perfect mix of ethno music and modern pop elements, sleek production, effective minimalistic instrumentation, great structure and build-up, touching message, use of Hungarian and Romani (and no English!). Cons: none.
My personal highlight is the chorus, I mean: that voice, that phrasing, that catchiness, that emotion... Please, just let me get goosebumps, thank you!
-Vocally, Joci had THE most beautiful voice of the year hands-down to me, no one even came close. His live performances got me emotional for real and I still become teary-eyed every time I listen to the song live. He can deliver with all his heart, and I'm buying it. Awesome.
-Visually, Hungarians also slayed da house: it started out with white spotlights and an orange-ish sunset. As it disappeared and left the screen black, sparkling shapes appeared on the floor. Joci stood at the center of the stage next to what I assume was a folkloric instrument (it did look like a pot though), while a female dancer was performing arm moves to the left-hand side of the stage. Once the chorus started, rivers of sparkles and orange lights decorated the background. To me, it felt very warm and pared-down yet expensive (like the music basically). During the music break, the attention was drawn by the female violinist standing on the island in front of the main stage: I liked that because she forced listeners to focus on the violin part and acted as a clever distraction while Joci was playing his instrument. The girl seemed to enjoy the moment too, which was good The second verse allowed the female dancer to shine, I think she added a lot to the performance without looking tacky (as is often the case). The second chorus saw a change of visuals with a series of white and orange lights coming from the ceiling, as well as cute stencil-like birds (doves maybe?) on screen. The second music break was one of the main highlights as both Joci and the dancer danced together surrounded by flames, the circular motion of the camera during the rap part was lit too. Then the same background went from orange-yellow to blue-yellow (I loved both colour schemes), then the dancer knelt with her forehead touching the floor, I think the closeup of her face as if she was in pain or desperate tugged at my heartstrings: it was very touching imo. Finally, Joci helped her get back on her feet, and the background turned red, white and yellow while she resumed dancing. I don't forget the appropriate camerawork throughout the whole performance, and the nice white and black fades used before and after the choruses. I approve of everything! It was high-end-looking, very suitable for the song, touching and authentic. Fantastic presentation!
-Results-wise, of course I expected Hungary to qualify with such a raw and moving gem, but - even though their 8th placing in the final is not a disaster thanks to the televoters who positively responded to "Origo", I just can't at the juries' placing... Don't ever tell me these people are music experts, they are just a bunch of random people with their own biases - that have nothing to do with music - who happen to have 50% of say in the outcome. 17th place is literally SCANDALOUS given all the plastic crap they ranked higher: it should have been locked in their top 10 instead. It was "Celebrate Diversity" meets Hungarian culture meets modern pop: from vocals to music, from lyrics to visuals: the total package was there and stood out big time in the lineup. This is to me the most shocking disgrace of the year: "Origo" is one of the best - if not the best - Hungarian entry ever imo, it deserved much more than 48 points (tied with Greece :? b*tch please!). In my personal ranking, "Origo" is my 4th favourite song of the year, and I believe it would have made an awesome winning entry tbh. Thank you to Hungary whose NF always rocks, and special thanks to Hungarians who voted for "Origo", you truly blessed us by sending this song. I'm mad at the juries honestly, they have no taste and should retire if they can't see an obvious gem where there is one. Fingers crossed for next year, I expect great things from you. Hopefully, we'll be able to celebrate your first victory in the years to come. Kisses from Paris, France.