MONTENEGRO

The Montenegrin entry was revealed in two parts. The singer was revealed way back in October but it was not until 18th March that the official video and release of the song was made public. In Vienna, Knez will be singing the Montenegrin-language song "Adio" (Goodbye).

Knez was internally selected by RTCG but very little was known about the song for quite a long time. It was then announced in February that the song was going to be co written by Balkan stalwart of Eurovision, Željko Joksimović. Rumours were also abound that the song was more 'up tempo' that some of his other Eurovision works which have all been quite traditional instrumented ballads.

The song a very typically composed Željko Joksimović entry. It has a distinctive long intro, odd timing and phrasing, classical orchestration, echoing drumming which culminates in a dramatic finish. It is very much in the Balkan ballad genre although it's tempo does deviate in the final minute. For those who listen to a lot of Eurovision, this song will feel very familiar and find it quite easy to listen to but for those just watching on the night many might find this tricky to get into until the final minute when the pace picks up a little bit

Knez has been an active part of the Balkan music scene since the 1990's and has extensive experience. Even at the age of 6 he was entering competitions and festivals in his native  Podgirica (known as Titograd at that time). Although known as a pop artist, he has had hits with songs with ballad, dance and turbofolk elements.

The video clip gives us idea as to what we might expect in Vienna. We could see him with 5 other backing singers although I think this unlikely as the instrumentation has been a key visual in many Željko Joksimović songs. I guess we will see 2-3 standing backing singers with 2-3 musicians, who may also provide some backing, on stage. I don't think we will have any dancers. Knez seems to emote and move quite well during the song and hopefully he can transmit that feeling and passion into the cameras on stage, especially with the song not being in a well-spoken or recognised tongue.

I have been a huge fan of Montenegro and was really looking forward to the unveiling of this song. To be honest I was really disappointed. I was hoping for something much more ooomphy and something possibly more 'out of the box' which is what I associate Montenegro to be. Personally, I am not a fan of  Željko Joksimović's work as I find it all too samey - which is the issue I have here. After a number of listens it still felt quite stale and static although after about a week of listening it is starting show more of it's light and shade. It is only really the last minute of the song that saves it from being a real Balkan dirge. Should it qualify? No. Will it? Possibly - and that will be down to people fawning over Željko rather than anything Knez and his team will be doing on the stage.

ARTIST - Knez

SONG - Adio (Goodbye)

MUSIC -  Željko Joksimović

LYRICS - Željko Joksimović, Marina Tucaković, Dejan Ivanović