The 2015 “Expert” Panel – FYR MACEDONIA

Autumn Leaves (Eurovision 2015 – F.Y.R. Macedonia)

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.

FYR Macedonia sings about Autumn leaves with the hope to return to the Finals. Let’s find out if our panel gives it the thumbs up or down.

Mike – The Smart One
A very likeable song by a very likeable performer.  I’m glad it’s being sung in Macedonian, especially after listening to the very trite English lyrics.  I liked the crisp piano introduction in the Macedonian version and appreciated the cello later in the song.  I liked the verses and how added percussion enhanced interest during the second iteration.  The segue to the refrain was good as well.  However the refrain, itself, was kitschy and a bit banal.  Unfortunately this is all most listeners will hear.  The performer has one of the better male voices this year and gets to show it off.  His lyricism sparkles on the end riff.
Points: 8/10

Olivia – The Journalist
When I first heard the original version of this song it was an instant favourite mine. However, a lot has changed since. The new re-mastered version has a very different vibe. It’s less subtle, over-produd and much more in your face. But in the context of 39 other strong songs, trying harder to stand out is not necessarily a bad thing. But let’s be honest they’ve over-done it with the anthemic backing vocals and added some rather bizarre dubstep style drums with far too much reverb. And sadly, Daniel is no longer singing in Macedonian – a naturally warm and rhythmic language. BUT, nonetheless his voice in the new English versions sounds stunning, and he has an impressive range, which will no doubt score well with the juries. Despite its flaws, this is probably Macedonia’s best entry to date. The chorus soars, the verses fly, and you can’t help but feel a little emotional hearing Daniel’s cries of love found, love lost. So come on Europe, stand up and take note of this small, beautiful country, which possesses some fantastic musical talent.
Points: 8/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
Danijel Kajmakoski is one of the most popular male vocalists from the Ex Yu region at the moment. His vocal tone gives me some Tose Proeski (rest in peace!) vibes and he has a good charisma on stage. Unfortunately the song’s a lacklustre again and the revamp, which was promised to be livelier and more dynamic, we got a slowed down, Coldplay-lite kind of thing. Not bad, but not standing out really. Might struggle to qualify.
Point: 5/10

Daniel – The Noob
Have you ever been to Germany? If so, did you listen to the German radio? If that is the case, you probably recognized that “Autumn Leaves” really fits to the music of the main radio stations. It’s definitely a really cool song and I enjoyed it while listening, but for me it’s like every single song tuned in radio. I’m afraid that this entry will get lost in the shuffle because it doesn’t distinguish itself. A stunning stage performance would be a good chance for striking. All the best for Macedonia
Points: 6/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Another one for the “ok but bland”-stack. There really isn’t anything that would make me want to listen to “Autumn Leaves” again. Daniel Kajmakoski is doing a good job at selling it but apart from that it’s just nothing but weak. The revamp has definitely improved the song though. It was a good decision to go from the outdated pop arrangement to a more organic instrument-heavy one.
Points: 4/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
So they’re breaking up in Autumn….how original.  However, maybe the lyrics should indicate why or who they are or why I should be personally invested in a completely unexplored relationship I know absolutely nothing about?  It’s melody is eh, it’s arrangement is merp, and it’s storyline is wah wah.  At least it doesn’t make me mad, but then again, maybe feeling anything is better than feeling nothing as I do about this song.
Points: 4/10

Overall: 35 Points

Average score for FYR Macedonia but there are plenty of other songs with a similar score. As a matter of fact, both France and Portugal scored the same amount of points. While France received at least a nine point score, Macedonia got 8 points beating at least Portugal. Let’s have a look.

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