The Big 2012 (P)Review – Part 14: Slovenia & Croatia

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: Slovenia & Croatia.

9. SLOVENIA – Vjeramem

Eum, why is everyone wearing toilet paper on their head? And will that concept survive the trip to Baku? A song like this depends a lot on how it’s presented and what I’m seeing now doesn’t exactly scream ‘final’ to me. And I must say the song itself isn’t the best Balkan Ballad we’ve heard over time and by now I’m aching to hear something else thank you very much. Which doesn’t mean Eva Boto’s not doing a good job: the concept just doesn’t get me warm anymore.

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? That headgear is.
Intriguing?  It tries to be.
Modern? Been there, done that.
International? Nope, it’ll stay neatly tucked away behind the Alps.

Personal score:  11/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi

10. CROATIA – Nebo

I’ve got a feeling this year isn’t exactly a ballad year and the ones that might work need that something extra to make people and juries vote for them. In other words: they need to be able to nest in people’s ears and that’s where this one completely misses the mark. It’s a beautiful composition, even though it’s a bit too early ‘90s rock ballad for my taste, but it hardly has anything that sticks and only in the last minute does it get a bit exciting. Too little, too late. I do love Nina Badrić’s voice though, even though her direct competitor Kaliopi will sings her straight back to Zagreb without effort.

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Upright uneventful.
Intriguing?  It tries to be.
Modern? Been there, done that.
International? Nope, it’ll stay neatly tucked away behind the Alps.

Personal score:  11/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi

So, what’s your view?

Tomorrow: Sweden & Georgia