ALBANIA [UPD]

The Albanian song was initially chosen on December 28th  However, on the 24th February it was announced that the winning song of the Albanian preselection would not be the song sent to Vienna as the composer of the song had withdrawn permission for the song to be used. On 15th March, the video for Elhaida Dani's new song "I'm Alive" was revealed.

Needless to say, this news came to all out of the blue as Elhaida had been working on an English version of "Diell" in America. This said, it seemed a little suspect that the team already had a stand in song ready to go. This almost suggests that the song had been 'withdrawn' much earlier and that maybe the Albanian team had sat on the announcement until they had a cast in stone alternative.

The song starts off as quite a low paced ballad but soon the drums kick in which gives the song a much needed boost and a bit of oomph until the end when it slows down again. It really feels like the song has been written with Elhaida in mind as it really shows off her voice and range however I suspect that it might get a little bit too shouty if she doesn't keep the reins on. I personally feel that there is a bit of 'filler' in this song with a bit too much shouting, wailing and yeah-yeah-yeah-ing that does very little in progressing the momentum of the song. I also think that there is too little distinction between the verses and the chorus. in fact the chorus is very weak and you realise after the event that you have missed it

The video has an interesting message but I'm not sure if this will have any bearing on what the team intend to bring to the Eurovision stage. Firstly the song requires quite a few backing singers to help with creating the depth the song needs. But I also feel the song needs something more visual and immediate to go with it. Part of me wonders if they could do with a couple of dancers or drummers to emphasise the beat of the song. Although I think that that she is a good enough performer the song needs much more.

In some ways this is a more immediate song compared to "Diell" however I don't think that the structure of the song is good enough. She is a great singer and maybe she can pull out a performance good enough to qualify on the night. Semi-final 1 is already looking very tight and with Georgia's "Warrior" in the same half they could find themselves fighting for the attention of the same pool of potential televoters. also Italy is not voting in this semi so that is another chunk of votes they have lost out on. I have a feeling this might not qualify but if it does it will do no better than about 16th in the final.

ARTIST - Elhaida Dani

SONG - I'm alive

MUSIC - Zzap, Chriss

LYRICS - Zzap, Chriss