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The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back. The Editorial team got to enjoy all 43 entries of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, review and rank them accordingly. Needless to say, this is all subjective and you may totally disagree with us. There is a reason we put quotation marks down. Which is why we included a poll and in the end we’ll compare the reader’s results to our results. So check out our comments first and the scroll down to vote in the poll. Let’s get rollin’!
Belgium: Blanche – City Lights
Nenad – 10 Points
This is probably the most special entry of Eurovision 2017. I like the instrumentals and her soaring voice really satisfies me. Perfect match! In comparation with previous Belgium’s entries, this one is very modern and fresh. I know that this will do well in Kyiv, and I cannot wait to see Blanche succeed.
Stefan – 10 Points
Well this is a perfect example how a simple song can be amazing! I really hope that she will practice a lot till Kiev and that she will sound perfect on stage. I think we are all expecting a hell of a stage performance, but it will go with a song like this. I even wouldn’t mind Belgium winning the contest. 🙂
Jordan – 9 Points
Blanche’s voice is as unusual as it is superb. It is a stunningly contemporary song in the Lorde mould. One of the best songs to feature in Eurovision for several years. If Blanche gets the staging right, I can see this being top 3, if not, the winner.
Zack – 8 Points
Another avant-garde pop piece from Belgium! What I love is that in a song contest that seems to glorify shouty-singing, this is a welcome change. Blanche stays very subdued but completely fits in with the tone of the song. My only concern is whether Eurovision jurors and the average, everyday Eurovision televoter will embrace this type of music.
Sean – 8 Points
In my opinion it’s clear that the French broadcaster RTBF has a formula that is working for Eurovision. Young singer? Check. Modern, unique entry that could see some simple yet effective staging? Check. Standout vocals? You betcha. The song could certainly be stronger (it’s not quite explosive enough for me to love it deeply) but make no mistake – Belgium are making themselves and unlikely Eurovision force to be reckoned with. Hopefully the performance will be memorable enough to support it.
Robert – 8 Points
Belgium’s song this year is, and it feels weird to be saying this, really good. It has a beat which just draws you in steadily during the song and it’s kinda infectious as well. I wasn’t hugely sure about it at first, but once I started listening to it properly, I just got hooked. Her voice is fabulous with an air of mystery and the music seems to fit the lyrics as, for me, it conjures up images of a darkened city with street lights. Downsides? It gets a bit repetitive towards the end, and it has a quite flat finish as opposed to a natural climax. I’m intrigued to see how they choose to stage this as I’m worried it’ll lose some of its impact on stage versus in the studio.
Romeo – 7 Points
This is a different voice to what I was expecting. I think this could do very well, but personally I am not a big fan of it. It’s one of those songs that people love but I just don’t get. If it wins I will not be upset but I do prefer other songs.
Calvin – 7 Points
I was very fond of Belgium’s entry when it came out, enjoying its vibe similar to The xx. But I’ve cooled on it recently, having found that it doesn’t reward repeated listens. The chilling lack of energy, present in the percussive production, Blanche’s vocal performance, and the very restrained melody, is impactful at first, which will help when one listen is what most people will have. It just doesn’t hold up for me after more than that. Additionally, it’s a tough song to communicate live, as “low energy without sounding bored” is a tough trick to pull. Still, there’s a lot it has going for it, so it overall works.
Gerry – 6 Points
Belgium has really stepped up their game recently, and Blanche’s “City Lights” is another step in the right direction. It’s so chill that I’m a bit worried that Blanche’s seemingly timid nature might mix awkwardly with the cool, somber vibe of the song, but if Belgium does well with their staging, this will surely be a favorite at Eurovision night in Kyiv. The song itself is a bit repetitive and we definitely miss out on some big vocals, but it’s fresh and distinctive sound will draw in votes from the young crowd.
Matt – 6 Points
I get why people like this song, I really do. But unfortunately it fails to capture my attention or interest as I find it melodically uninspiring. Overall it’s fairly monotone and a bit too anti-climatic for my taste. That being said, I can acknowledge reality and why people find it appealing. It has a dark, yet pleasant vibe to it and Blanche’s voice is quite unique so I can’t really rank it too low. You may not see me jump for joy but I also won’t jump off a bridge, either.
David – 5 Points
One of the big candidates for the win, which I don’t understand. I respect Belgium for trying something different and very edgy, but this song really is a letdown. Many people speak about Blanche and her special vocal abilities, but those are the things that puts me out. The song becomes very depressing and sad to listen, and that’s really destroying it for me. By paying attention to the lyrics as well, then I feel it confirms what I mean, that it becomes very depressing. It’s the music that saves it for me, but other than that, nothing that catches me
Final Score: 84
Now it’s your turn, vote in the poll and let us know how you ranked it. You can comment here or join thousands of Eurovision fans and comment on our Forum HERE.
[socialpoll id=”2437757″]This is the current ranking of the Panel, you can see all Reviews by clicking HERE.
- Estonia – 97 Points
- Italy – 95 Points
- Norway – 94 Points
- France – 86 Points
- United Kingdom – 85 Points
- Iceland – 84 Points (10,10,9,9)
- Belgium – 84 Points (10,10,9)
- FYR Macedonia – 82 Points
- Hungary – 79 Points
- Cyprus – 77 Points
- San Marino – 76 Points
- Portugal – 75 Points
- Serbia – 74 Points
- The Netherlands – 73 Points (10,10)
- Switzerland – 73 Points (10)
- Moldova – 72 Points
- Armenia – 71 Points
- Poland – 69 Points
- Georgia – 66 Points (10,10)
- Montenegro – 66 Points (10)
- Belarus – 66 Points (9)
- Ukraine – 65 Points
- Bulgaria – 64 Points
- Malta – 63 Points (9,7,7,7,7,7,6)
- Greece – 63 Points (9,7,7,7,7,7,5)
- Albania – 62 Points
- Australia – 59 Points
- Romania – 56 Points
- Czech Republic – 55 Points
- Germay – 53 Points
- Lithuania – 50 Points
- Spain – 45 Points
- Croatia – 43 Points
- Slovenia – 41 Points
