Re: MALTA 2018
I just got my life (insurance) and listened to the Maltese songs. Here's what I think.
Christabelle - Taboo I quite like this. Melody is a bit by the numbers, but it's Malta so it comes across as bless. I really like some of the stuff going on with the production. Could probably do without the dubstep section though.
Danica - One Step at a time Those euro beats during the chorus
Full on rave pop. It's a bit repetitive... ok a lot repetitive but I sort of enjoyed it still. I think i'd get very bored of it quite quickly though.
Petra - Evolution I found this one hollow, and it doesn't seem to go anywhere despite the potential there with Petra's powerful vocals.
Rhiannon - Beyond Blue Horizons I got goosebumps during the first chorus. This is all about Rhiannon's voice. If she pulls this off live then BOOM, huge potential for success at Eurovision.
Aidan - Dai Laga Not my kind of thing but seems competent for what it is.
Tiziana - First Time Gorgeous voice. Such a deep, rich tone. This is far too "Malta" though, and after last year it's probably best not to go in a direction like this which would be near enough insta-flop. The song is pleasant and inoffensive and i'd enjoy having it's presence at the contest, but I want to see Malta back in the final.
Lawrence Gray - Love Renegade I like the music. Certainly one of Lawrence's better attempts but the vocals are too wispy. Nothing really to grab onto here.
Dwett - Breaking Point Gosh, this song is the aural equivalent of a large candyfloss covered in glitter. You can't help but bite into it but then you're choking. I somehow can't hate this, and could see myself pretending to ironically enjoy it, whilst secretly actually legitimately being quite fond of it.
Deborah C - Turn it Up A bit too basic. I'd like to see Malta with something fun and upbeat, but it needs to be more than this. Sounds too cheap.
Miriana Conte - Rocket Hippest song in the selection. Providing she can pull this off live, I think this could be quite an alright choice for Malta. It could be appreciated at Eurovision. I'm not particularly keen though on it, personally.
Jasmine - Supernovas I like Jasmine but this song doesn't really go anywhere. "Alive" was much better.
Avenue Sky - We Can Run Please no. It's like this song was put together especially to bug me. Boy group and a woooah oh oh chorus. Urhhhhhh.
Eleanor - Back to Life The most ballsy tune here. Eleanor is slaying that chorus so hard. It's absolutely nothing new, and almost is too generic, but her vocals really do pull things together. My worry is that this would be something appreciated more by Eurovision fans, than the general public. We've had these kinds of entries countless times now, and they've been hyped up by fans and then struggle at the contest.
Matthew Anthony - Call 2morrow Song is inoffensive and kind of chill. I'd like to set fire to that hat though.
Brooke - Heart of Gold The only song along with "Breaking Point" from this selection that managed to annoy me. This is really irritating.
Richard & Joe - Song for Dad Bless this. I don't know really what I think of it to be honest. I like Richard and seeing him sing with his dad is cute. The song itself is not my kind of thing at all, but I appreciate it somehow as a novelty.
Unfortunately no song here I absolutely adore on first listen, but Rhiannon's "Beyond Blue Horizons" is the stand out one I think here. Her vocals are outstanding in the studio version, and the song is impressive without having to go over the top with the music. The vocals do all the work, and the backing vocals add a haunting layer. I'm looking forward to experiencing this one live.
I hope Malta pick wisely. I want to see them back in the final and doing wellxcrossed
