Quick thoughts and scores out of 10 to the Semi 2 1-min clips:
1. "All My Life (Where Have You Been)" Wiktoria 4p
The verse starts decent, a little 80s vibe that makes me hopeful for something good. But the chorus is a huge let down. Repetive, uninspiring and it doesn't suit her at all. I get so bored and I fear that Wiktoria might have waited too long for her Melfest comeback, so now, SVT has stopped caring about her and give her what seems to be a meh song. She will have trouble even going to the And...I mean "Semifinal".
2. "Comfortable" Eden 3p
Eden has a beautiful voice, but wish the song being a bit stronger. This reminds me a bit of Marie Lindberg, the music teacher who shocked the whole country in 2007 and went to the final. But this ain't as strong as that song and Eden may perhaps not have the same charm as the old teacher had. Could see it end last.
3. "Grytan" Uje Brandelius 5p
Weird to have an another rather slow song next, but the swedish lyrics are quite fun and charming. Uje is known as a singer in the alternative popband Doktor Kosmos, but in particular for his movie "Spring Uje Spring" which showcases his life with Parkinsons disease, so it might be a moment to see him sing again. The song is rather nice, perhaps a little too slow for my taste, but could see it go to the Semifinal.
4. "On My Way" Panetoz 4p
An another group where I wonder if they waited a bit too long for a comeback. This is not as strong as their previous songs. But after three rather slow songs, then this comes as a breath of air, with this World Cup-Anthem latin melody. Very hard to predict and also very hard to know how I feel about it. I found it okay I guess, but it doesn't make me feel excited or happy the same way as they have before.
5. "Now I Know" Tennessee Tears 2p
This feels like a danish entry on the first listen. And they sing very good. But I don't know, I feel a bit bored by this. I could see it do rather well though, not top 2, but fight for a place in the semifinal is possible for sure. But for me, I just want to go to next song.
6. "Never Give Up" Maria Sur 8p
Marias beautiful voice fits this song very well. Feels like an old-fashioned Eurovision-ballad, but with a pretty fresh package. This will touch the heartstrings of many at home and I do agree that it feels like she means every word she sings. Potential best entry so far in Melfest and I don't rule out a potential winner here, despite perhaps not being the most original and exciting of songs. Not that it always have to be though.
7. "Mer Av Dig" Theoz 8p
This is fun summer swedish pop song, reminds a bit of the song last year that was in my top 5 in the end. And this is almost as good, makes me wanna dance and sing a long. And we know from last year that Theoz is a good performer so I don't feel worried at all that he will bring a show. I like this as well, potential to be among my top 5 of Melfest 2023, again!
So my ranking for now will be:
1. Maria Sur
2. Theoz
3. Uje Brandelius
4. Panetoz
5. Wiktoria
6. Eden
7. Tennessee Tears
And my guess at the moment is:
F Maria Sur
F Theoz
S Uje Brandelius
S Panetoz
5. Tennessee Tears
6. Wiktoria
7. Eden