The very long marathon comes to an end finally and what we have left is four artists, each with two songs. After a voting on February 3 we will find out which one of their two songs they will take to the February 5 final. Let's see what they offer us as their own songs after all those covers! I'm glad they didn't jump on the rock train nor went all 80's bubble gum pop, but at the same time sad for lacking songs in Hebrew and proper local flavor, and where there's a bit of it it's not in the best songs.
Let's see how this ends. Last year Eden Alene won with my favorite song against all odds when fandom was backing all but that song, so.... What do I know?
Two more shows to come: Thursday a sort of semi-final where each artist gets the top song to Saturday's final, where a Spain like jury (50% televote, 25% X Factor jury, 25% expert jury) will crown the winner.
Sapir Saban - Breaking my own walls ***
Rather standard power anthem that differs only the way of using her voice adding a nice oriental hint to it with other arrangement choices that are always a plus in my book. Still I was left missing a bit more.
Sapir Saban - Head up ***
The oriental mood continues in her other song, that reminds a bit of Eden Alene's entries. In a good way. I would choose this one for her for the final.
Inbal Bibi - Marionette **
Typical Eurovision entry of 2020's, shouty singing, massive production, some nonsense bla bla bla thrown in. I guess what the young people are into these days. I'm not.
Inbal Bibi - Zaza **
Why am I thinking Eden Alene again? A bit more interesting entry this one, probably works well live with a big staging but song wise there isn't that much sense in this one either. This said I would choose this for the final.
Eli Huli - Nostalgia ****
The intro recalls Arcade and he even sounds a bit like Duncan Laurence, and when I drop names and songs it doesn't mean they are imitations or whatsoever, just impressions and easiest way to describe something is to compare, isn't it? After that start this song goes clearly elsewhere reaching even Bond-esque moments when it keeps building and unfolding. Wonderful atmosphere, nostalgic indeed and probably will sound even better live. I would take the risk and take this to final even if I think the other one will get the ticket. And I would even send this to Turin 2022.
Eli Huli - Blinded dreamers ***
Today's pop with more adventurous arrangement with a lot of little things going on in the background. I wouldn't be surprised if this written by some Swedes, could be easily out of Melodifestivalen. Any random year.
Michael Ben David - I.M ***
Michael that I checked out in early stages of X Factor was singing beautiful ballads with his very lovely voice, like this one. During the season he blossomed into the gayest entertainer there is and I'm not so sure I'm pleased. This song has all makings of a spectacular show that sadly would be once again a lot of show, not so much of song. It's a no from me. He's so much better than this. Love the oriental bits though.
Michael Ben David - Don't ****
His other song is rather anonymous yet nice pop tune that does nothing to highlight his voice which is a big shame. This could be sung by anyone, I hope he brings some extra to it live then. I can only hope this one's selected for the final though, and he concentrates on singing and performing instead of going all gay and over the top. Then this would be my second contender for Turin 2022.
Update 3.2.2022 The results:
Michael Ben David: I.M Vs. Don't 83% Vs. 17%
Eli Huli: Nostalgia Vs. Blinded dreams 33% Vs. 67%
Inbal Bibi: Marionette Vs. ZAZA 53% Vs. 47%
Sapir Saban: Breaking my own walls Vs. Head up 69% Vs. 31%
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