I think in a million things when I'm trying to sleep and one night I came up with the idea of getting musicians to comment on my favorite NF songs from this year and that was very appealing to me so the next morning I woke up and I DMed Erik and asked him if he would be up for it and he said yes!
Erik Dalhqvist is one of the songwriters of Dotter's Bulletproof and he is also part of the team that wrote Queen by Samra.
Now it's time for me to say: Erik, I can't wait to know what do you think about these 2020 NF songs!
Elvana Gjata - Me tana
This ethno pop-song is quite mysterious and I really like her voice, but that’s also it. I’ve heard the same song many times before in Eurovision. I’m sure there could be a club remix of this that would gain a lot of attention on the dance floors all across Europe.
Erika Vikman - Cicciolina
I’ve read a lot about this song, but this is the first time hearing it. The song reminds me of a mixture of a bunch of Swedish acts like ABBA, BWO and Little Jinder. If you want to send a traditional Eurovision-song, you should send this. Good or bad? I don’t know.
It is an ok pop-song, but to be honest I think it is a bit dated.
KaYra - Alligator
At a first listen I found myself singing along to the song, which is always a really good sign. The song has a lot of potential to be a hit as it has both good melodies and lyrics topped with nice vocals. I’ve read all the buzz about The Roop, but I think this is a much better song. I’ll add it to my Sunday afternoon-playlist for sure.
Didirri - Raw stuff
If you’re into classic piano ballads from the likes of Elton John, this will be right down your alley for sure. The artist sure can sing and has a very pleasant voice to listen to, but what stands out a little extra here are the lyrics! ”Life has some raw stuff” is very relatable. The production of the song feels 100% on point as well and it leaves a lot of space for his voice. Will this be featured in a big movie anytime soon? It should.
Barbara Tinoco - Passe-Partout
Who resurrected Edith Piaf? I mean that in the best way possible!. I love this 30’s jazz-swing-waltz-what ever it is-song. Even though there’s quite a lot going on (with different time signatures and such) in the song, It’s very easy to like and listen to. Her voice is very smooth and sits in the song like a charm. I’m sure this would’ve done really well in Rotterdam, even though it’s not as radio friendly as most of the competitors are these days.
Looking forward to my next trip to Paris.
Pinguini Tattici Nucleari - Ringo Starr
I like this happy pop/rock banger from the band that must have the best band name in the history of band names!. The song makes you wanna dance and I sing along to every word, even though I have no idea what they are. If I should be a tiny bit on the negative side I could point out that the production could’ve gained from a couple of more turns in the studio as it feels a bit dated, but that’s not a big issue so I’ll stay positive.
Eden Alene - Roots
What stands out here is the chorus (or is it pre-chorus??) that comes before the drop. Really nice melodies combined with an ethno-feel. The song is good overall, but just as said about Me tana: I’ve heard the same song many times before. It’s not at all bad, but it lacks an edge that makes it stand out.
Rancore - Eden
I’ve got a problem with this, and it is that for me rap is all about the lyrics and when I don’t understand any of it, it’ll be hard for me to say anything fair about it. What I can say about is that the track is nice, the piano-hook and the chorus is beautiful. I like that there’s a lot going on within the production and that it’s not just a simple loop that goes over and over again. I’m sure I’d be more enthusiastic if I understood the lyrics.
