BULGARIA

The Bulgarian entry was revealed on the 21st March via a video clip on eurovision.tv. Last Month, BNT revealed that they had internally selected former Eurovision entrant Poli Genova to represent Bulgaria  but that the song would be revealed much later. It has since been announced that she will be singing the song “If love was a crime”

This is modern pop song with a slightly ethnic twist. The verses have a good steady rhythm and is quite radio friendly. The first part of the chorus, which contains the name of the song, is a little weak. The tune doesn’t seem to fit the mood of the song and seems a bit too happy and chirpy. The second part of the chorus, which is partially in Bulgarian, is very catchy and repetitive. Poli also sports a very unusual and eye catching one-sided hairstyle which might be a good look for Eurovision.

Poli is already a well known face and name to the Eurovision community. Her musical career began when she was very young and was a member of the group Bon-bon for many years. On her 4th attempt she won the right to represent Bulgaria at Eurovision 2011 but came 12th in her semi final. Since then she has released an album, become a jury member on X-Factor Bulgaria and at the end of last year hosted the Junior Eurovision song contest.

The video has a simple story line and has some interesting views and ideas. The black and white feel works really well. She also looks really interesting and is memorable to the eye. Vocally we know she has a good voice however I would like to hear that she can get her English spot in, especially in the faster parts of the chorus. She will need backing singers as she will need extra oomph in the chorus as well as the overlapping parts at the end. There is something that is missing. On first listen it didn’t gel together for me but felt better on subsequent listens. One would hope that Poli will qualify and she has a good chance of doing so. Her song is possibly one of the few ‘normal’ songs in the second half and I feel that viewers may well relate to this much better in the semi than in the final. I predict an easy route into the final with a finishing place of low teens.

ARTIST – Poli Genova

SONG – If Love Was A Crime

MUSIC – Borislav Milanov, S. Arman, J. Persson

LYRICS – Borislav Milanov, S. Arman, J. Persson, Poli Genova