Norway NORWAY 2018 - Alexander Rybak - That's How You Write a Song

[RainyWoods]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Gosh, that Alexander Rybak song is so shockingly the wrong direction to take that I almost like it. Who would have thought one of the biggest and most beloved Eurovision winners ever would come back with what sounds like an Alcazar album track. It's so (I hate this word) dated and cheesy. I'm wondering if it's an April Fools but we're only in January. I know that "Fairytale" was very much Eurovision cliche to the max, but it was big and bombastic, with an unforgettable hook. "That's How You Write A Song" wouldn't sound out of place at a Las Vegas casino show. Goodness, the song even has a "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" scat section. It's such a weird comeback. I'm wondering how far name power will get the song. When I saw Rybak was back I assumed that his participation in Lisbon was a done deal, but boy, even with this song choice!? I'm super curious now.

On a positive note, I like it actually a lot more than "Fairytale". In fact, I think I secretly am quite enjoying this ridiculous comeback songxwhistle

 

[theCONWEL]

Re: NORWAY 2018

What has happened to you Norway? A dreadful selection of songs here. Why do they all sound so cheap and dated? At a push I'd go for NICOLINE or Vidar Villa, but it seems as though Norway is going to struggle in Lisbon.

 

[ory26]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Disappointed, sad to say it again, by you Norvège...

Maybe the songs will be better live my ranking:

1- Alexandra Stella - You Got Me
2 - Aleksander Walmann - Talk To The Hand
3 - Alexander Rybak - That's How You Write A Song
4 - Rebecca - Who we are
5 - Moren Din - Vidar Villa
6 - Nicoline - Light Me Up
7 - Ida Maria - Scandilove
8 - Alejandro Fuentes - Tengo Otr
9 - Tom Hugo - I Like I Like I Like
10 - Charla K - Stop the Music

 

[Gera11]

Re: NORWAY 2018

What the hell, "How to write a song" is actually his MGP entry? I've seen it today on youtube, but didn't think it's actually the one he's trying to compete with. I don't know what to think, to be honest. On one hand, it's not of the borefests he released lately. On the other hand, what on earth is this song? Dated af

This whole participation is a mistake.

 

[RainyWoods]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Tengo Otra» - Alejandro Fuentes Not my kind of thing at all, but who knows what could happen if Norway jumped on a trend and brought this kind of music to Eurovision? It could possibly do well.

That's How You Write A Song» - Alexander Rybak As I mentioned in my previous post, this is a highly weird comeback. After having listened to all the songs, it's bizarrely turned out to be actually one of the best ones here, so I don't think it would be shocking at all if it at least won the selection.

Talk to the Hand» - Aleksander Walmann Great to see Aleksander and his mighty fine taste in hats back so soon. This song is pretty great. Not quite as kick-butt as "Grab The Moment" but this is super catchy, and it builds very nicely. The bridge is kind of delicious, and then the final chorus has a lovely texture to it. It does all just abruptly end though. This doesn't exactly feel like a Eurovision song, which perhaps could play to it's advantage. It's a little bit sassy and I want to see Aleksander back unleashing his inner sasspot.

Stop the Music» - Charla K Those OoooOOoooOOoooOOooo's at the beginning made me want to turn the song off straight away, but I pushed through. The song isn't bad but I don't find it appealing.

Scandilove» - Ida Maria Something different. This is an earworm and I don't think i'm keen on it. I find it irritating and a bit obnoxious which is a shame. The music is ok but lyrically it bugs me. Lord, any song that name checks hipsters I think automatically will have a rough time with me.

Light Me Up» - NICOLINE This one leaves me feeling quite cold. Another song that's a bit irritating.

Who We Are» - Rebecca I wasn't sure which direction this one was heading in. It feels like three songs in one. The verse, the pre-chorus and chorus itself connect together in a peculiar fashion, but weirdly it sort of works. There are parts of this that usually i'd be quite critical of (not keen on the chorus for instance) but there's so many little things going on in this song that I somehow forgive it. I don't like it that much, but it did manage to keep my interest during the 3 minutes.

You Got Me» - Stella og Alexandra I really disliked "Haba Haba" and I don't mind this one so much, but like Rybak, another really weird comeback. Sounds like something that might have done well at Eurovision in early 00s. Wouldn't sound out of place in a UK national final.

Like It Like It Like It » - Tom Hugo What's with all the pop-funk in this NF? This is inoffensive and kind of cute, but I mean..... come on, is this the best you have to offer?

Moren din» - Vidar Villa This one sounds super dooper Norway-ish. At first I thought it was the guy with long hair from Staysman & Lazz. This one just isn't my kind of thing.



If Aleksander Walmann wasn't here, I think the NF would be a complete lost cause. His song is very solid and i'd like to see him back. My curiosity levels are quite high though to see just what would happen if Rybak made a comeback. His song isn't extremely bad, in fact it's guilty pleasure material, but it certainly doesn't strike me as something that could come anywhere near close to the success "Fairytale" managed. In fact, in other hands I think it could end up a big semi flop. Rebecca's "Who We Are" has elements I like (in particular the production) but i'm unsure how much I appreciate it yet. The others i'm not into.

Go for Aleksander again please or face talking to my hand.

 

[Fierro]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Aleksander Walmann FOR THE WIN

Can't wait to add it to my favorites on YT. What a lovely song! I adored his last year's entry, would be cool to see him again on ESC stage.

Also there are couple of decent songs but overall NF is weak (however better than Maltese and Czech for my taste).

EDIT: I officially confirm that Rybak song is huge disappointment.

 

[ParadiseES]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Nice, decent, listenable songs, but there's nothing with the wow factor. My favourites are the two of them which are not in English

Rybak's song is meh, but Stella and Alexander's comeback are muuuuuuch worse. They have the two worst songs.

 

[tuorem]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Love the acts' names: Alexander, Aleksander, Alexandra and Alejandro... We've got the whole family there.

 

[QwaarJet]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Not much at all here. Not a lot of bad songs, but such blandness. I have a bad feeling Nicoline will win, even though I hate the song and the lyrics. I'd be OK with Wallmann or Rebecca winning. Rybak winning would be good for the lulz.

 

[Schlagerman1]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Well on paper, this is a extremly strong NF with four MGP-winners, one of the biggest songwriters of all time (Per Gessle from Roxette) and several pretty big norwegian singers, this had all the chances of being a superb NF. Overall it ends in a "Meh".
Most of the songs are pretty okay, but doesn't work fully for me. I guess the top 2 for me is the ones that give the middle finger to the public, Aleksander Walmann and Ida Maria. Aleksanders song is so cool, fun, catchy and really gives no f**ks. Very Jamiroquai and Pharell Williams, modern and makes me just wanna dance.
"Scandilove" is so similar to "You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon and also a little "Wannabe" by Spice Girls, but is so modern, catchy, and is as well giving everyone to f**k off if you don't make love like an scandinavian! I have a hard time seeing Norway go for something this bold...but I have seen surprises before from the norwegians so who knows. I love it like a scandinavian I guess.

Alexander Rybaks song was really bad...but I guess he is just in to restart his carrier in Norway and well...that is his choice I guess.

 

[Schlagerman1]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Go for Aleksander again please or face talking to my hand.

I will join you with this statement.

 

[Gera11]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Alexander Rybaks song was really bad...but I guess he is just in to restart his carrier in Norway and well...that is his choice I guess.

Oh now it dawned on me what's with this random comeback in MGP

 

[DirtyFalcon]

Re: NORWAY 2018

I am surprised no one says Rebecca song is a masterpiece
This song is sooooooooooo good and is a Top 3 material at Eurovision

 

[Schlagerman1]

Re: NORWAY 2018

I am surprised no one says Rebecca song is a masterpiece
This song is sooooooooooo good and is a Top 3 material at Eurovision

Well It has potential perhaps, but like with Mørlands last song, it doesn't grip me at all. The verse and chorus doesn't fit together...but that hasn't stopped Norway sending a song to ESC (2016...), so I wouldn't be surprised if it is in the top 3 in MGP at least. But doing well in ESC...that I doubt...

 

[Gera11]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Ok, finally had time to check all the songs.

Alejandro's Tengo Otra is super hot

Also, Tom Hugo as in "Open up your eyes" Tom Hugo? Shame this song isn't as strong as that one.

Rebecca's "Who we are" is kinda hot too.

Overall a nice, but not extraordinary NF. Seems to continue the MGP tradition from the last years. Aaaand I hate to admit, but Alexander's song is one of the strongest even if it is such a dissapointment >.>

 

[JonnyWest]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Charla K – Stop The Music I like the gospel touch but the song is not very memorable I'm afraid
Alejandro Fuentes – Tengo Otra: 2nd spanish song in a NF I listen in just one day I prefer the one from Armenia but it's still a nice addition to the line-up
Aleksander Walmann – Talk To The Hand: don't care for it, it's nice I guess. But I don't want him to return so soon
Stella (Mwangi) and Alexandra – You Got Me this song reminds me a lot of another one but I can't remember right now. Anyway is great to have Stella ''Minaj'' Mwangi back the song is decent imo, tho a bit repetitive
Vidar Villa – Moren Din (Your Mother) decent attempt, but not really my style
Tom Hugo – I like I Like I Like Justin Timberlake rip-off... absolute bye
Ida Maria – Scandilove u know what, I actually like it! it's not a winner but at least is fun
Rebecca – Who We Are disappointing since it came from Morland...
Nicoline – Light Me Up Meeeeh don't care for it
Alexander Rybak – That’s How You Write A Song First: great to have Alexander back! Second: given the low level of this NF this is actually my favorite I really don't think it's as bad as some people say, but it does remind me of another certain song :

All in all, just like in the past years, I'm disappointed with Norway they need to go back to the level they had prior to 2015, the past few years have been really weak ...

 

[Sammy]

Re: NORWAY 2018

I will join you with this statement.

May I just add a little french flavor here.

 

[Fierro]

Re: NORWAY 2018

[MENTION=15079]JonnyWest [/MENTION]Jesssica Lange I love that song btw

 

[JonnyWest]

Re: NORWAY 2018

[MENTION=15079]JonnyWest [/MENTION]Jesssica Lange I love that song btw

Me toooo

 

[JonnyWest]

Re: NORWAY 2018

Ok just came back here to say that Rybak's song is brilliant and if there's any justice he will win MGP xoxo