The 2015 “Expert” Panel – ESTONIA

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.

We’re halfway through the list so let’s review another fan-favorite. Estonia is high up in the betting odds and on many people’s favorite lists. The question is, will our “Experts” agree?!?

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Time for another big favourite! And I can definitely see why this one is is so popular. The song is interesting, original and succeeds in building up tension. Arrangement-wise it’s clearly noticeable that “Goodbye to Yesterday“ is one of the most high-quality tracks this year. Moreover, the contrast between the two voices works beautifully. I hope they’ll manage to get the staging right in Vienna – as that is going to be the crucial point as to whether the song can be sold to a wide audience.
Points: 9/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
This song has an interesting mix in sound to me.  Like a 60s James Bond era song with the vocals of an 80 New Wave sound.  I like the lyrics a lot.  They tell a story with a point of view without feeling forced or manipulative.  The orchestration, though fully live instruments, has a sort of karaoke sound which has to do with the mixing that I don’t care for.  Unfortunately, it takes away a great deal of drama from the song that I believe needs to be present in the instrumentation to support the drama of lyrics.  The only other wish is that Stig would pronounce a little more clearly and Elina would have a little more presence.  At this point, I miss about 1/3 of what he says, and she ends up sounding more like an echo than a duet partner (which also has to do with the composition of the vocals).  8 points…barely!!!
Points: 8/10

Olivia – The Journalist
It seems this year we’re working through every decade of Eurovision – now we’ve entered the 1960s. And this musical throwback couldn’t be more apropos considering it’s the 60th anniversary! However, the song does not start well. Stig’s vocals sound a bit weak and are not particularly appealing. This needs to change before the semi finals – most listeners are hearing the song for the first time, so first impressions are crucial! However, from 30 seconds in, things really start to lift, and the song grows really nicely, especially when Elina begins singing. Her vocals are smooth, sultry and in all, the duo’s tones mix well. And the musicality really is lovely, with some great, punchy brass elements and whiney, hovering lead guitars. Together, they tell a story, and I think this could have real chemistry on stage. It’s got wide appeal, and should qualify.
Points: 8/10

Mike – The Smart One
This was one of the early favorites.  This one stands out.  The guitar playing is especially good and dramatic.  As a story of love gone wrong the alternating verses and refrains that switch from the somewhat mild voiced lead male tenor to the much stronger soprano woman are quite striking.  The vaguely 50s beat and rock work well with this piece of older lovers fighting violence and apathy to try to discover what their future will be, whether together or not.  While the melody is not an earworm it is very good, and complex enough.  The mildly minor tone of the verse contrasts well with the more major refrain.
Points: 8/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
ah, one of the big ones. Up until some weeks ago also a convincing leader with the bookmakers. It’s evident Elina & Stig aim to re-do some of the magic with Common Linnets last year. But something’s missing, in my opinion. They’re competent performers (albeit a tad bland), but the song’s just a bit…dull. I understand that this kind of music is a “thing” at the moment, but it’s not something I would listen to on repeat on my iPod after the contest.
Points: 7/10

Daniel – The Noob
I can not see why a lovely singer like Elina is sent to Vienna along with a singer like Stig. I really do not like his voice. Sounding like he’s hitting the wrong notes, I really do not like his voice. I think he is the very first artist who is a horrible live performer and singer. In contrast to Elina’s voice  whiich is nothing to sneeze at. The entry isn’t bad but it is far away from first place.
Points: 4/10

Overall: 44 Points

Not a first place, but Estonia manages a Top 3 result with 44 points. But, there are still 20 songs to go so anything can happen. Let’s have a look at the ranking:

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