Before starting, I just want to say that the FDC's design always slaps. It's just so beautiful, please give the designer a raise !
Now, let's talk about the national final in itself. You know what I love about it ? They just don't give a flying fuck about being eurovision friendly. Each song is a ride and even if sometimes I struggle to finish some of the songs, it's nice to listen to some music styles I would never listen to otherwise. Overall, I find the quality of this edition higher than the last one. I'm just a bit sad that there isn't as much fado as there usually is (I'm just a big fado lover, lol). But since I've liked more songs that I did last year, I'm cool with it.
My top (I will comment on my absolute favorite ones)
1 - Maro - Saudade, Saudade : this one feel like the lingering memory of a warm hug. It stires something strong in me
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2 - Jonas - Pontas Soltas : the chorus ? Give me more of it. This is so intense and sophisticated !
3- Fado Bicha - Povo Pequenino : the rhythm is a vibe, the voice is strong, the lyrics are great, there is fado... what else can i ask for ?
4 - Pongo & Tristany - Degra.Dé : Y'all calling it a mess ? Please. You just don't get the style of this song and it's ok to admit it. this one makes me wanna dance until the end of the night. It's so modern and the message good ! Honestly I'd kill to see Portugal being represented by a song like this one day (maybe this year ?)
5 - Norton - Hope : it's the type of music I listen the most to outside of eurovision
6 - Syro - Ainda Nos Temos : very emotional but even tho I like it he was so hyped that I was expecting something a bit better
7 - Os Cuatro E Meia - Amanha : I knew this band before and I like them a lot. Simple but efficient, I knew they wouldn't disappoint.
8 - Blacci - Mar No Fim : dreamy, she has such a sweet voice (I wished the end would have been a bit stronger)
9 - Cubita - Uma Mensagem Tua
10 - Diana Castro - Ginger Ale
11- Milhanas - Corpo de Mulher
12 - Aurea - Why ?
13 - TheMisterDriver - Calisun
14 - Como E Bom Esperar Alguém
15 - Os Azeitonas - Solta a Voz e Canta
16 - Kumpania Algazarra - A Minha Praia
17 - Pepperoni Passion - Codigo 30
18 - Ines Homem de Melo - Fome de Viagem
19 - O Vampiro Sbmarino - Ao Lado de Mim
20 - Valas & Os Astronautas - Odisseia
I love 1 to 8, but 1 to 4 are so special to me that I would LOVE to see them represent Portugal this year. 9 to 13 are lovely, not my favorites but it's cool. I'm not vibing with the rest (especially the last one).
I know Aurea is very popular but I lowkey hope her name won't be the reason of her victory. The song is cute but there are so many great and much more original options in the selection.