EUROVISION 2023: ESTONIA - EESTI LAUL 2023 REVIEW

Estonia had its semi-finals in January and 20 songs became 10. Wildcard round added to the line up Elysa and Mia and so we have a perfect dozen for the grand final. The voting in final is first 50/50 with televote and jury and Top-3 will get to the superfinal where only televote is used.

Sissi seems to be an early favorite (and Eurovision winner Dave Benson's daughter) and has got the pimp slot in the line up. And yes, this is the first time I listen to these songs, like most of the reviews I am doing this year. Haven't really followed the semi-finals at all.

Meelik - Tuju *

Oh dear what is this? Garage Beach Boys light? Nah....

Inger - Awaiting you *

That outfit, autsh. Quite monotonous, uninteresting song I wouldn't pay any attention outside the Eurovision bubble. Not really a great start, Eesti laul what's going on?

Janek - House of glass ***

Ok, now this is better. Not very original and sounds a bit suspiciously familiar but it doesn't matter. This is onto something but sadly never gets anywhere. But not bad.

Elysa - Bad philosophy ***

An early fan favorite I understand that struggled to get this far and lost its momentum. And it's easy to see and hear why. Just like last year Elysa herself is the weakest link sadly, the song's catchy 80's vibe one that surely sounds nice on studio version. And the awkward staging doesn't help either. This goes to my playlist and I erase the live version off my head.

M Els - So good (at what you do) ***

Two Euroviison veterans behind this song (Stefan and Stig Rästa) and somehow this works. Not and Eurovision winner or even Eesti laul winner but enjoyable three minutes. This might be one of those playlist songs that makes you go "oh what was this again?" when it comes on.

Bedwetters - Monsters *****

I had no idea what to expect but this is actually quite, very, good. The verses are quite tender pop, but the chorus a bit heavier but not too much to digest. The masks might be an useless gimmick, the song's strong enough.Not sure about the priest stuff on stage so. Hmmm..... Could this win? Maybe it's still a bit lukewarm to win or do well in Liverpool. The masks feel unnecessary.

Andreas - Why do you love me **

A Finn in the author team. Sadly I lost concentration pretty much after a couple of lines. And what's that cliche dancer doing there? Is she his teacher or something? What is this story? No. No way.

Alika - Bridges ***

Now I'm a sucker for piano ballads. And in this one's everything right compared to the previous one where everything seemed to be off and wrong. Not crazy for her voice but she sings with gusto and power, emotion. Well done!

Anett & Fredi - You need to move on *

Brings me to a chill out cocktail bar before rush hour, as usually I'm the first to arrive and soon at the border of getting bored and leaving before the night picks up. This song embodies all that.

Ollie - Venom ***

THis one I have heard before for some reason and thought Wow Estonia's onto something with this, but now hearting and seeing the live version I'm not sure anymore what I was thinking back then. But as Finland is not bring the rock to Liverpool this year (as Käärijä is not only that but a bit of everything!) let Estonians do it and collect those televotes.

Mia - Üks samm korraga **

Anthemic ballad with piano and uselss dances. At least it's in Estonian. The piano again is the best part.

Sissi - Lighthouse **

The designed winner. But I must admit I don't get this. Average song, average vocals live, what's so special? There are 13 songs like this in a dozen, how would this stand out in Liverpool? Why would people vote for this? I didn't believe her.

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