The Big 2012 (P)Review – Part 3: Albania & Romania

We’re running up to the 2012 Contest, all entries for Baku have been chosen and it’s time to take a closer look at what we can expect to see and hear at the end of May. I’m reviewing everything in order of draw: I’ll first give my general thoughts on the countries’ choices, then I’ll subject them to the DIMI test and finally I’ll score them, accompagnied by a predicition of how I think they’ll do in Baku. I’ll be tackling them in pairs & on the menu today: Albania & Romania.

5. ALBANIA – Suus

Oh my. Those screamy bits are simply too much for my nerve system. Not the happiest of the bunch and while that’s not a strict condition in my book this is a bit too funeralesque and contrived for me to really do anything. Which I think it won’t come May. I don’t feel like wasting too much time on this actually.

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Nein!
Intriguing? If you want to call it that, to me it’s what it strives and fails to be
Modern? I don’t think so.
International? No way.

Personal score:  4/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi

6. ROMANIA – Zaleilah

Coming up so close after Greece I wonder if they’re going to cancel each other out as it’s the same type of summer song going for the same type of voter (not counting Greece’s diaspora of course). This one didn’t have the slick routine (in the national final) you’d expect with this kind of song but its nonchalant presentation worked actually and while I feared for Mandinga’s live vocals when I heard the studio version I have to say she manages quite well. Just make it a bit more appealing for an international audience and this could very well be the next summer hit. But in Eurovision? Same remarks as Greece really.

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? In an airy summer hit kind of way.
Intriguing? Hardly, but it’s happy-go-lucky enough.
Modern? This kind of tune could turn up any summer really.
International? Sure thing.

Personal score:  12/20 – Prediction: Final

Tomorrow: Switzerland & Belgium