The 2015 “Expert” Panel – NORWAY

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.

Norway is sending the ballad “A Monster like Me”. Let’s see what the panel has to say about it.

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
Wow, Norway has really become a great country in Eurovision. For the third year in a row they’re providing us with an undoubtedly high-quality entry. With different performers it might’ve come across as slightly cheesy but Mørland and Debrah give it a mysterious and even somewhat creepy vibe. I love how the song builds slowly and then there’s that killer climax which is just to die for. Something that I don’t often feel like positively pointing out in Eurovision songs are the lyrics – but it’s definitely the case here. I really appreciate it when lyrics aren’t totally straightforward and leave room for speculation (So what was that terrible thing he did in his youth?!)
Points: 9/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
The title itself hooked me into this song.  Then the almost stage theatrics of it’s lyrics mixed with the dichotomy of the male singers voice with the alternating of  gruff rocker and sweet yodel.  I like the melody and the harmonies and the interesting take on a fairy tale (a.k.a. confession of a villain), and however aurally satisfying I find the harmony to be, I also think it doesn’t fit the lyrics.  I really wish that the female vocals would play off the “I’m not a Princess, I’m a witch in disguise” instead of basically sounding like she’s singing the same character’s verse 2.  Other than that, I would prefer a stronger, more dramatic orchestral sound to compliment the rock sound in a way that would also replicate the relationship between the good and evil of the storyline.
Points: 8/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Cool, calm and charismatic. This duo have an explosive chemistry. But ultimately it is  Debrah Scarlett’s voice that caries the song. She adds an addictive quality to the song with the broken husk of her voice married with the fragility of Morland’s. Everyone raves about Sweden’s entry, but for me this is a dark horse. It has brought Eurovision into the 21st century of subtle, creative and edgy singer-songwriters. Thank you.
Points: 8/10

Mike – The Smart One
It was a little jarring to hear the very young lead male singer sing about something wrong he had done in a love relationship when very young.  Um.  However this is a conceit from 2009.  The rest of the song is top notch, even when heard in the live national final performance before it is cleaned up for ESC.  A different song with a complex harmony that did require both singers to perform.  Mental health song reminding lovers that some times you have to let each other go when you find you are the wrong people for each other.  This one scores in every area.
Points: 10/10

Daniel – The Noob
Morland’s voice just made my flesh crawl. It is so beautiful and unique and he belongs on the  stage. Somehow I was expecting a more vibrant song. Too bad it stays smooth. However, what I really like about this entry is the ambiance. It is so cold and mysterious, it ran a shiver down my spine. For some obscure reason I assume that the live performance on stage will not overwhelm the audience. This entry is a solid performance though.
Points: 6/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
A big odds’ and fan favorite. A Monster like me indeed ended up winning MGP, to many Norway enthusiasts delight. And it’s a lovely ballad. Kjetil Morland’s voice reminds me a a lot of lead singer from a Norwegian pop band Donkeyboy and I think he and Debrah Scarlat work well together. Unfortunately live, Debrah is the weakest link as her vocals come across as quite shaky and she seems very nervous.  I hope with some rehearsals, that she improves and that they make this ballad (which I think has a potential do be a future Eurovision classic). shine on stage and ddo well.
Points: 8/10

Overall: 49 Points

Well, that’s quite the score. Norway is not only taking the lead, but basically leaves the competition in the dust (at least for now). 49 amazing points, that’s a lot so how does that affect 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!