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: Ukraine & Bulgaria.
7. UKRAINE – Be my guest
The first time I read the title and heard the chorus I raised an eyebrow at the clumsy English: to me it sounds very silly to hear someone inviting to be her guest over and over again. Besides that I think this is a very clever entry – in composition at least. It has got short verses, a very recognizable chorus that appeals to many and I like the silly lalala’s that come back a few times – I just hope they keep those in for the live version in May. What I hope they won’t keep is the sloppy visual presentation from the national final, but Ukraine’s reputation is rather excellent on that level. Gaitana is obviously doing her best for her guests but sometimes she goes a bit over the top, we don’t need a Mariah-Carola combo. Doesn’t harm her busy pop song but it is in danger of being too much really, on all levels.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Perhaps too much so.
Intriguing? Not quite, it’s not that drenched in complicated lyrics or composition…
Modern? The beats are there.
International? I smell a summer hit here and there but it’s just so…loud…
Personal score: 11/20 – Prediction: Final
8. BULGARIA – Love unlimited
Well, if I had to chose between this one and Ukraine I wouldn’t doubt for a second. I have a soft spot for ‘90s dance sung by ladies with powerful voices and this one ticks all of my boxes. It’s a bit weird seeing Sofi Marinova standing all on her own but that only highlights the power of her vocals and while the music is borderline silly it’s actually a great club song I would love to shake my well formed ass to at a party. Until I looked up the lyrics I had no idea there were so many languages involved – except for the ‘I love you so much’ obviously, I didn’t even hear the French bits – so it’s cleverly done and might just get them over the finishing line. Call me crazy but I much prefer this straight-to-the-point attempt than the busy concept from Ukraine and I hope Europe will follow.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Isn’t ‘90s dance always a bit daft?
Intriguing? Those vocals are!
Modern? Retro rather.
International? I think so.
Personal score: 15/20 – Prediction: Final
Dimivision 
Ukraine: she ain’t no Ani Lorak is she, too repetitive for my taste and her voice is too heavy for this weak song, this is gonna be one of those songs that will annoy me for getting so many points…. 9/20
Bulgaria: I’m not a fan of 90’s music, but I tend to like this, pity the visuals don’t match the beat and the song at all (great dress though). I can’t see Europe voting for this one, unfortunately. 13/20