The 2015 “Expert” Panel – RUSSIA

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.

Russia is up next: Polina Gagarina is representing her country with the peace anthem “A Million Voices”. Now songs singing about world peace is nothing new in Eurovision. The question is, will the panel be affected by that? Let’s find out.

Arie – The Professional Musician
A  Million Voices – In particular, one very exceptional voice is that of Polina.  It’s bright and clear and poppy with depth  and personality.  The lyrics are generically inspiring without having too much schmaltz.  Unfortunately, without a major overhaul, this song just doesn’t get off the ground and soar.  It’s lyrics, while epic in nature, get lost in uninspiring imagery and the major issue it has is it’s video game-esque orchestrations.  From it’s synthesized tympani rolls to it’s dated synthesized strings, A Million Voices needs about 20 real instruments before it can even hope to achieve and 8 or a 9 (which I see as it’s limit), so for now:
Points: 7/10

Anselm – the Alternative Guy
Oh Russia. I know Polina Gagarina is a big name in her country (so kudos to her for taking the risk of getting booed at Eurovision) but this song is a missed opportunity par excellence. Instead of letting her participate with her usual uptempo pop they once again went for a generic peace ballad that lacks any kind of soul or genuineness. Russia used to be a great Eurovision country but right now they’re doing a terrible job – let’s hope they can revert back to their old ways soon!
Points: 1/10

Mike – The Smart One
Once again, Russia uses the pulchritude of young women singers to present a message promoting world peace. And once again the performer may be booed. The hypocrisy of these songs is not lost on the Eurovision audience. And, unfortunately, a pretty good song with, at times, a bravura performance will be disregarded. The basic refrain and lyrics are certainly banal and their hypocrisy will engender the boos. However, there are elements of complexity in the song and the lead performer is allowed to show off her wonderful voice. From another country this song would make me happier. As it is Russia’s power will likely culminate in another top ten placement despite.
Points: 7/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
When I said that Eurofan Community have issues with Belarus in ESC, that’s nothing comparing to hostility directed at Russian entrants the past couple of years. But Russia, unbotheres by the whole chaos, decides to send one of their biggest stars, with quelle suprise. YET another peace ballad. But this one is slightly harder and edgier in production. It reminds me of AFIL’s New Tomorrow in structure. And you know what, I like it. I’m cool with it doing well. Haters gonna hate. Zhelayu udachi, druzya.
Points: 7/10

Daniel – The Noob
Wow! What a great voice and lovely lyrics. Such a beautiful and lovely singing woman deserves being on stage. However, I have a small problem  with the lyrics. I do not know if the purpose of the lyrics lyrics is to improve the reputation of Russia. I like this entry though. One little thing I miss is a big final. I mean with that powerful voice it definitely would have been possible.
Points: 7/10

 Olivia – The Journalist
Well they certainly didn’t spare any expense on making this song. A mix of international song writers – Swedes, Russian, Australian, this follows a very familiar formula – redolent of Dina Garipova’s 2013 Eurovision entry, ‘What If’. It uses the classic song-writing technique of beginning with the hook ‘We believe’. And by 30 seconds in we’re already launched into the chorus, with strong drums. And there’s an even Queen ‘We Will Rcok You’ moment in the bridge where you can imagine fans across the world stomping their feet and clapping their hands in unison. It’s a big song, with a big voice in the form of Polina Gagarina. It has more verve and bite then some of the other ballads in the competition, but it is all just a little bit too bland, too safe and too predictable. But if that is what voters like, then this will do well. However, though I hate to bring politics into, what is supposed to be, a song contest, Eurovision does not exist in a vacuum. Therefore, with geopolitical tensions still raging on, Russia could, like last year, receive another hostile response from Eurovision audiences.
Points: 7/10

Overall: 36 Points

Countries already reviewed:
Czech Republic

Very interesting, five out of six panelists gave the Russian song seven points with the exception of the Alternative guy who can’t stand it. Is this an indicator on what’s going to happen in May? Being universally liked isn’t a bad thing but if nobody “loves” it, is that going to be enough?

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