Eurosong

Today’s review is of Zaleiah, an entry from the rather accomplished Cuban-Romanian band Mandinga that has been together for ten years. I tend to like countries who send established acts to the Eurovision. This is a fine party tune, but will its rather vacuous lyrics undermine it? Continuons..

CATEGORY: MUSIC

Subcategory: Aesthetics (70% weight)

This tune is quite pleasant to listen to and lifts the spirits, at least from my point of view (I admit that I am biased in favour of Latino music; I find it rather joyous). It is lifted away from being generic by the lovely accordeon (God damn, I love accordeons), brass section and even the occasional blast of the bagpipes. It is certainly not the most accomplished melody in the contest, but it is far from being grating, which is more than one can say about some entrants! 8 points.

Subcategory: Infectiousness (30% weight)

Not as infectious as some songs in this contest (Italy and Israel’s come to mind), but it still is catchy, and certainly commands more than one listen. 7 points.

CATEGORY: VOCAL ABILITY

The vocalist (Elena) can sing rather pleasantly, but the song does not test her range at all. 7 points.

CATEGORY: LYRICS

Subcategory: Content and Theme (50%)

The theme is inoffensive - love. She paints a rather positive image of love - not just as a physical attraction but as a deeper connection. Undaring, but not unpleasant. 6 points.

Subcategory: Accurate use of Non-Native Language (25%)

There are two non-native languages to judge here, and it’s a very mixed bag. The Spanish is quite good - it is typical of the Romanians I know to have a good aptitude in a second Romance language, and Elena is no different, and certainly not unhelped by having Hispanophone colleagues in her band. There are a few weird little things - “puedo gritar” (I can shout) where “podría gritar” (I could shout) would be much more natural, and the very odd “déjate amarte” (let yourself love yourself!) - but it’s probably just to keep the scansion of the song. It’s generally grand, and she has a good accent. The English is grammatically correct but makes little sense. sPANISH - 8 points, English - 3 points.

Subcategory: Inventive and Original Language (25%)

On this one, the song doesn’t do very well. It is almost 100% cliché. 1 point.

CATEGORY: Appropriate Emotional Connection

The song wants to make you cheerful and put you in a dancing mood. It suceeded in giving me some cheer (only unhealthy amounts of single malt scotch can put me in a dancing mood.) 10 points.

SUMMARY: 7 points (6.9 average). Don’t look to this song for any deep message, but as a dance track, it’s pretty good. I predict a top 10 finish for this, at the least.