ITALY

On 25th January, it was announced that the Emma Marrone  will be representing Italy at Eurovision. It was also revealed that she will be singing her self penned song "La Mia Citta" (My City)

 

This year RAI decided not to choose their entry via San Remo but through an internal selection. The song appears on her latest album and she has performed this on several television show of which videos have appeared online. It is from these I will review this entry.

 

Her song is an up tempo rock pop number, said to be inspired by 80s rock, which you can see and hear. Her style seems to shine during these types of numbers and obviously like to express herself outwardly. She is backed by an all male band which helps with the rock feel. As I watched it felt slightly similar to Amandine Bourgeois from France last year, especially the parts where she went a bit mad and screamy.

 

The song starts with a thumping drum beat, which although ear catching does go on for a bit too long, she has a very energetic performance and engages with her band as well as the audience really well. She does a lot of jumping about and in this performance in particular she is playing much more to the fans and the audience than she is to the cameras. Her voice suits this style of music and I think the style will stand out on the Eurovision stage. I also seem quite confident that she would be able to perform this well live and under pressure.

 

There are two main issues for this song - one which can be fixed and one which possibly can't. Firstly, it is a good 37 seconds too long. Even by omitting the long drum intro something would have to give somewhere else in the song. Secondly there are just no hooks or memorable moments to hang onto. The only true memorable part is the intro and I think that will have to go! This rock style will appeal to the Eastern and Baltic states but I am not sure if this is enough to get it more than about 3 points per country, if any.

This is quite a disappointment. She is a much better singer and performer than this song allows her to be. I don't even think a language change would change their fortunes. Emma should be grateful she's already in the final because I would not fancy her chances to have succeeded in the semi-final

Artist - Emma Marrone
Song - La Mia Citta
Music - Emma Marrone

Lyrics - Emma Marrone