Portugal is a vibe. Even when their songs are angsty, like Iolanda’s entry this year, they still manage to convey a deeply chill emotional experience.
I mean, the literal title of her song translates into ‘shout.’ She spends half the lyrics talking about how she’s burning, and I still listen to this and go, “Wow, what a nice relaxing song that would be perfect for a day at the beach.”
During Portugal’s National Final, much was made of the moment 2:30 into the song, when the intensity becomes so great that Iolanda lets out a powerful wail of a note that’s held for about ten seconds. It’s a captivating moment, and if she can replicate it in Malmo, it will be a surefire qualification. In a contest without a lot of ballads, it is an element that will make her even more memorable.
Without it? Well, the song is a vibe. I enjoy it while it’s on, but aside from that note, there’s not a particularly catchy hook that’s burrowed its way into my brain. That’s partially because of my well-documented preference for bangers, but partially because the song is very mellow. (Again, Portugal!) So I think it will find a well-deserved audience at Eurovision, but I just may not be part of it.
Indeed, the song I was rooting for at Festival da Cancao this year was …Pelas Costuras, which answered the age-old question “What if a vampire and an IBM engineer from 1984 teamed up to perform a song about having sex with rivers?” With its guitar solo, mic effects, and heavy synths, it was the antithesis of the Festival da Cancao vibe. Portuguese people loved it – it won the televote. Maybe they’re sick of everyone thinking they’re a chill country, when real life exists over there too?
dudepoints.fun 