The 2015 “Expert” Panel – IRELAND

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.

Ireland is up next. They won the contest more than any other country. However, their last victory was almost 20 years ago. Can they do it this year? Let’s watch our panel “Playing with Numbers” as they’re awarding their scores to Molly’s Song:

Mike – The Smart One
You know it’s a bad sign when you look at the time bar to see if the song is almost over.  This is not a bad song; it just isn’t a good one.  The singer has a decent alto voice and is strong in the lower register.  However, her voice is a bit piercing at times and too breathy in the upper register.  The lyrics are banal and forgettable.  The instrumental accompaniment is also uninteresting and derivative.  Only the cello sparks a note of interest.  Once again Ireland fails to deliver a song in the 2000s that can compare to its winning songs of the twentieth century.
Points: 4/10

Olivia – The Journalist
You now what this is a good entry. In terms of songwriting, this hits all the right chords. The melody of the piano is consistent, and a little more exciting than the same four chords on a loop. Their is something about Molly Sterling’s voice that really resonates. You can hear the pain, the erring for something better ,in her voice. The lyrics include metaphors a plenty, and I enjoy their lyrical, cryptic quality. It’s beautifully produced – not over done, not too in your face – just perfectly balanced. This is certainly one of the stronger ballads in this year’s ballad-heavey competition. Though it’s nothing outrageously different to any other given year, I think this will appeal to audiences looking for something with a bit of heart, and beauty. But is it Eurovision? hmm i’m not convinced. But in all,  well done Ireland,  thank you for putting song back into the ‘song’ contest.
Points: 7/10

Arie – The Professional Musician
Simple, jazzy, and bluesy are the opening strains of Ireland’s entry sung by soul-voiced Molly.  She has a great throaty jazz quality to her voice.  The female harmony on the verse adds a lushness while the 3 part female backup vocals on the chorus create an unexpected call and response type of arrangement.  It could use a little more passion and rhythmic drive, but all in all it’s an interesting piece with a lot that could be done with it
Points: 7/10

Katja – The Schlager Queen
And as Lithuania is the sequel of “Coming Home”, Ireland is the sequel of Anna Bergendahl’s “This Is My Life”. It was heavily favoured by the panel in the Irish national final, therefore it was tipped to win the selection as soon as the performance was over. For me, it’s just too slow and Molly’s voice may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Still think Erika Selin’s “Break Me Up” would have been a better and more stand-out entry, despite of Erika not being Irish. Sorry Ireland, but I don’t think you’ll qualify this time.
Points: 3/10

Daniel – The Noob
I just don’t see why this many countries are sending slow songs like this. Is there anybody out there who is interested in ESC because of those entries? Am I the only one who is interested because of the song diversity? I do not think so. These slow songs are good but they are boring as well. Just like “Playing With Numbers”. It is nothing to write about this, it’s difficult to comment on it. With her beautiful voice, a more electrifying song would have been better.
Point: 3/10

Anselm – The Alternative Guy
There’s no doubt Ireland was a problem child during the last few years – but this year it’s all changed for the better! “Playing with Numbers” is a very good composition but what really makes the difference for me is Molly Sterling’s captivating live performance. She manages to create both an intimate and intense atmosphere on stage. I really like the tone colour of her voice as well. I ‘m crossing my fingers for Ireland to make it through to the final this year – as it might unfortunately not be an easy task.
Points: 9/10

Overall: 33 Points

Ireland seems to be a polarizing entry. From three to nine points, it’s all over the place. Overall, Molly managed to receive 33 points and ties with Czech Republic. But Ireland received a higher, therefore wins the tiebreaker.

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