The 2015 “Expert” Panel – SWEDEN

The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back once again reviewing all Eurovision songs and rank them accordingly.

You are probably asking yourself on how we pick our panel and the criteria. We looked at people from all walks of life to bring together a unique group of panelists with a wide range in taste. They all bring different skills and tastes to the table so who are they?

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Arie – The Professional Musician
Daniel – The Noob
Katja – The Schlager Queen
Mike – The Smart One
Olivia – The Journalist

You can read more about them HERE

Disclaimer: While we picked, what we perceived individuals with a wide range in taste, it is subjective to a certain degree so just enjoy their thoughts and if you don’t agree, feel free to post your comments below.

Sweden is always a force to be reckoned with in Eurovision. And they’re back this year with the song “Heroes” which will (most likely) have an elaborate Staging. But how does our panel like the song? Let’s find out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP5TKhX4I_g

Katja – The Schlager Queen
ah, top fav alert! What else is there to say, what hasn’t been said about this one? I think it’s a good song, but like many people before me – I think the package makes the song stand out. Which is not a bad thing, as Eurovision is a TV show after all and all sorts of gimmicks and show elements will always be there, but I think without an impressive stage show, this would’ve been an album filler or a third or fourth album single, rather than a Eurovision-winner. Besides, in Irish NF, the drag queen Panti Bliss compared Erika Selin’s song to Avicii – wonder what Panti’s opinion will be on ”Heroes”, then. As I’m slightly biased in favour of Måns (I’ve been following his career since 2007) I’ll just pretend this is a revenge for ”Cara Mia” and await his inevitable MF-comeback with a proper schlager stomper instead. Song: 7.5/10, full package is 10/10. So it’s between 8.5-9. I give it a 9/10 then
Points: 9/10

Daniel – The Noob
I saw his stage performance at Melodifestivalen. I have never seen a performance like that. It is so unique every single viewer will be remembering his appearance and I love it. This the song is great, Mans is very energetic and his voice is as unique as the stage performance. I have no objection against a victory of Sweden.
Points: 9/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Let’s be honest, this song is nothing new. We’ve heard it all before: the classic Avici-style flirtation with country music in the intro; David Guetta middle 8’s and a chorus full of sing-a-long oh’s. Not to forget the obligatory clean shaven, tanned, muscular protagonist – Mans… in leather pants! The message of the song is universal, and the melody is infectious. This is a no-effort-required entry, you can listen to it and instantly dance and sing along. It will without doubt do well. And, if the current staging is anything to go by, it will also appeal visually. But i’m yet to be convinced whether it will really be 2016! Points: 7/10

Mike – The Smart One
Always a force to be reckoned with, this year’s Swedish song is no exception and is one of its best of the last few years.  Despite a somewhat rocky start in the low register, as the lead singer tries to imitate cowboy and country stars such as Johnny Cash, the refrain soars in a more comfortable register.   The lyrics are good and the choreography is even better.  One can already imagine the performance in Vienna.  The singer is also very appealing.  With some vocal coaching of the cowboy song beginning to improve it, this song could win this year.
Points: 8/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
It’s country!  No, it’s rock!  No, it’s Indie!  No, it’s a kid’s discotech song.  Whatever it is, what’s weird is that the odd kids chorus actually distracts from darker edge of the lyrics.  I like the chorus….I just wish there was another 1/2 to it musically, and that there was more substance to it.  Mans has a good voice for the song and it is catchy, but then it’s not hard to be catchy when 1/2 the song is a repeat of the same two lines (oo oh oo ooooohhhh).
Points: 6/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
ime for one of the big favourites. Unlike their Eastern and Western neighbours, Sweden tends to stick to the safe and predictable stuff. And this year is no exception. The verses are still quite good but the chorus reminds me too much of the typical in-your-face schlageresque stompers which I’m definitely not a fan of. Obviously the song is very professionally produced and perfectly tailored for the contest in true Swedish manner.
Points: 4/10

Overall: 43 Points

Sweden may be one of the fan favorites but it didn’t achieve the same status with our panel. It still received a bunch of points but ties with Austria and Germany for third place. Fortunately to Mans, he received a bunch of nine pointers which means he wins the tie-breaker and finds himself in third place.

Do you think that the panel got this right?!? Share your thoughts below and join the convo on our Forum. See yah soon!