The 2015 “Expert” Panel – SWITZERLAND

Time To Shine (Eurovision 2015 – Switzerland)

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.

Every year we seem to have one song talking about Shine. This year it’s Switzerland singing Time To Shine. Here is the panel’s review:

Katja – The Schlager Queen
a ”riot” ballad number gazillion. I got to give ORF a credit for even improving Måns’ chances by placing Melanie Rene after him. As this won’t have any impact after Måns’ epic stage show at all. And yah – this will be probably my toilet break as well. It’s just bland. Not standing out whatsoever. It’s very safe, too safe to make any impact. And I doubt its qualifying chances.
Points: 4/10

Daniel – The Noob
A textbook example! A textbook example for making me disagree with my own opinion and for making me feel like having a split personality. First I thought I hate this song. Then I start feel liking this song. Soon afterwards I hate this song again and after that I hate it immediately once again. So my issue is that I don’t know if I like this entry or not. And that’s what makes me feel weird. By reason of my split opinion I have to give Switzerland a mediocre score. I’m excited what the rest of the panel is thinking and how the reactions of the viewers will be like.
Points: 5/10

Olivia – The Journalist
Here we go again. Another case of a great singer, and a disappointingly poor song. Thank god they’ve re-mastered this track, because the original was at best, grating. The problem with this song is it just doesn’t go anywhere. The middle eight with the electric guitar just sounds decadent, and forced. The key change is weak. There is just nothing which stands out, and there’s very little in it that will draw audiences in. Such a shame, as Melanie clearly has a lot of talent – but the song does her no justice. Missed opportunity Switzerland.
Points: 4/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
The chorus on the verse is terrible while the melody on the chorus is tolerable.  Not a great way to start off, huh?  The background vocals are annoying and the theme is weak.  Sensing a trend?  It reminds me of a lot of other songs this year, as in:  I don’t remember them 20 minutes later.  This is a song competition, people!  Dynamism is what I seek….mediocrity is what I find!  4 points  P.S.  I’ve heard better lead vocals in junior high girls bands.  Sorry/not sorry!
Points: 4/10

Mike – The Smart One
I probably like this song the best of anyone on the panel.  While the lyrics are predictably banal and remind me of many 2000s ESC songs (yes, it’s your time to shine, you’re singing at ESC after all), I did like the chromatics of the verse and refrain.  The subtleties of the tonality were very appreciated.  I liked the lyricism of the female performer and her way with phrasing.  I also was amused at the implicit humor when she performs in a trio with herself and herself.  The echoing during the ending very nice as well.Points: 7/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
One word: Bleh. While the instrumental intro is still somewhat interesting and promising the rest of the song just doesn’t do the trick for me. It’s very rhythmic which is a plus but the melody is really bland and forgettable. There’s also an electronic guitar solo towards the end which is really random in a song like this… just not in a very positive way. Sorry Switzerland, I’m afraid it’s not your time to shine this year!
Points: 5/10

Overall: 29 Points

Oh no, not even 30 points. Switzerland did not receive a lot of love from the panel and is now tied with Malta and Poland. And now we actually have a rather unexpected outcome. Both Switzerland and Poland received the exact same points from the panel (7,5,5,4,4,4). In that case, our forum readers had the final say. And based on our online poll, Poland is more popular so there you go.

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