CYPRUS

On the 14th February CYBC, the Cypriot broadcaster, officially presented their internal selection for Eurovision 013. Going to Malmo is the singer Despina Olympiou with the song "An me thimase" (If you remember me)

The presentation was not live and done in the form of a music video. This is a shame as I think judgements about a live singing competition can be done much more fairly when a live version is used. Even a mimed performance can give some insight into performance and visual values of the song. Therefore this review may be a little tricky...

The song is a ballad entirely in Greek. However it is  not really a ballad with many Greek influences, which is no bad thing. It starts a cappella, just like the Cypriot entry of 2004. The song follows quite a straightforward structure however the beat in the background comes in and out a fair but making the song seems faster and slower in parts. The chorus though is very weak and although it is repeated a fair few times, because of the changes of beat you never quite see or hear it coming and it sounds different each time. During the second half of the song, there are too many chord changes and you don't have that familiar feeling about it even after a number of listens.

Despina is quite a well known artist in Greece and Cyprus and I would therefore think that performing live will be second nature to her. As for staging I could see her alone on stage or maybe to add some extra power to the song she might have some extra backing singers with her. I don't think the video (including the subliminal advertising) gives us any clue about what might be in store - unless this is part of some grand plan...

I think this is a bold choice by Cyprus. I admire the fact that they have stayed in Greek and gone for something they have some faith in. It is a well structured ballad which may curry favour with the jury members (especially if this is the kind of thing if this fits the criteria for their voting patterns). However I think Messrs. Joe Bloggs, Jan Jansen, Max Mustermann or Chichiko Bendeliani sitting at home, or their wives. will not find any reason at all to vote for this. Shame.

Artist - Despina Olympiou

Song - An me thimase (If you remember me)
Music - Andreas Giorgallis

Lyrics - Zenon Zindilis