EDITORIAL – In a few weeks’ time, Germany will hold its national final “Unser Lied Für Stockholm” (Our song for Stockholm). After last year’s nil point in Vienna, no need to say that the country wants to shine again. Let’s see who the bidders are and who may wave the German flag in Sweden. One word could sum up this year’s line-up: ECLECTIC!
Alex Diehl – Nur Ein Lied (Just a song)
That’s a nice and melodic German ballad. I must say that I’ve heard two versions of the song, and I just don’t know which one will be performed on the big night (I have a clear preference for the symphonic one). It is pleasant but, it’s… just a song.
Avantasia – Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose
Some typical northern European rock now since Avantasia are the direct heirs of Europe or Scorpion… I’m afraid this kind of tune has been heard thousands of times before even on Eurovision stage (reminds me of Wig Wag actually). A bit outdated then…
Ella Endlich – Adrenaline
Has Cascada decided to sing in German? No, it’s just Ella bidding with a pure Euro-dance song. Once again, nothing that original here. Trusting good old recipes can be a good thing, but originality can be even better… Nothing to shake up your adrenaline I’m afraid…
GREGORIAN – Masters Of Chants
At least that is original! We’ve heard everything on Eurovision stage, from pop to hard rock, from opera to rap… but a Gregorian choir would be a premiere! Welcome to the middle ages with this song. It is very similar to French project ERA but I must say that I’m enjoying this act, even though I’m not sure it could conquer a European audience…
Jamie-Lee Kriewitz – Ghost
A slow pop ballad which can be promising given the voice of Jamie-Lee. It’s rather modern and could please some ears, even if I’m a bit scared it would be hard for “Ghost” to stand out in Stockholm. It’s one of of my favourite I must say.
JOCO – Full Moon
Girl duo JOCO proposes what I would call a “French Touch” act. Ironical isn’t it. Once again, how can we figure out this act on Eurovision stage instead of in some trendy underground music bar? Is it experimental music? The song isn’t bad but would definitely need to be revamped for Eurovision.
KEØMA– Protected
That’s very slow, almost mystic. Much more suitable for a lounge bar than for Eurovision, even if “Protected” is a good track. No chance this one could become a Eurovision classic!
Laura Pinsky – Under The Sun We Are One
What would be Eurovision without a song by Ralph Siegel? Paradise I guess. I cannot write anything about this act which hasn’t been premiered yet (not even on the eurovision.de website!). But given the title, I guess we can expect some cheesy schlager…
LUXUSLÄRM – Solange Liebe In Mir Wohnt (As long as love lives within me)
Well, well, well, what to say about this one. Well, it’s a German popish act that really does nothing to me I’m afraid (ok, I can’t understand the lyrics). The song is forgotten just after the final note, and that is not a good sign for a potential Eurovision act…
WOODS OF BIRNAM – Lift Me Up (From The Underground)
Once again, that is very “French Touch”. It’s up tempo and rather good but, for Eurovision? Really?
I must say that Germany does not seem to have learned from last year. After the Xavier Naidoo affair, it seems that NRD was in a rush to find a bunch of decent entries. The line up is too “underground” with many songs that could not stand on Eurovision stage even though they are good ones. Would Ann-Marie and “Black Smoke” compete this year, they would win the national final again! If Germany wants to avoid a new disaster, it seems to me that GREGORIAN or Jamie-Lee could be a wise choice. Let’s wait for February 25th and see what Germans want.
