GERMANY

The German Final was held on February 22nd at Studio Berlin Adlershof in Berlin, hosted by Linda Zervakis & Elton. The winner was chosen using a combination of  televoting, international jury and a panel made up of German TV viewers. The winning entry was “You let me walk alone” sung by Michael Schulte

Michael is alone throughout the whole number and is stood behind a video screen, although it is more akin to a laptop but with screens on both sides. The screens not only show words and lyrics from the song but also a series of black and white family photos, I assume from Michael. The lighting of the rest of the set is quite abstract and not really noticeable. Michael is dressed quite casually in a black t-shirt and jeans and tussled red hair.  

This is a very simplistic piano led ballad with more than a nod to the Adele’s “Someone Like You”. The song really goes into detail the importance of family and the relationships between those people. This is very much backed up by the video screen images. The song has a fairly standard verse chorus verse chorus structure then has a short break of oh-oh-oh ing which also gestures the entrance of more orchestration. We then have a last rendition of the chorus which has a more prominent drum line to it, signalling the crescendo to the end of the song, which ends with the final word of the song – alone – in big letters behind him. Michael is not exactly the most emotive singer visually, but his voice fits the song perfectly – sounding confident and at no point do you feel he can’t reach the notes or will lose the tune.

Before the show, this was the only song I thought had any legs in it. During the live final it seemed rather obvious that this was possibly not only the best song but also had the neatest show/presentation. It seems as though Germany has gone for the ’less is more’ approach this year. The song has a nice feel to it and the lyrics are heartfelt and not too much on the cheesy/soppy side either. That said I don’t think the true narrative of the lyrics hit me until many listens later and then I felt quite a connection to him and the song. I think the last chorus revamp could be even bigger and grander. Also ending with the word ‘alone’ on the backdrop is a very bad idea. Yes, it’s the last word and it’s in the title but it doesn’t fit with the inclusive and loving feel of the rest of the song. It ay also be interesting to see if they keep/bring the screens to Lisbon or if they try something else on stage. Although this was a bit of a ‘no’ hours after the show, it is very much a grower.

ARTIST – Michael Schulte

SONG – You let me walk alone

MUSIC - Michael Schulte, Thomas Stengaard, Nisse Ingwersen, Nina Müller

LYRICS - Michael Schulte, Thomas Stengaard, Nisse Ingwersen, Nina Müller