Serbia, one of my favorite Eurovision country usually what comes to the national selections will have its grand final on March 4 after two semi-finals on March 1 and 2. I'm quite sure I won't have time to do the review in between so I do it beforehand exceptionally in Sanremo style. Serbia is riding high again having dared to take a risk last year with Konstrakta and placing 5th in the final in Turin. That certainly wasn't a safe entry and paid off wonderfully. Biti zdrava, biti-biti-biti-biti zdrava!
These 32 semi-final songs were selected among the about 200 submissions, among them Eurovision veteran Tijana Dapčević (North Macedonia 2014) and Hurricane (Serbia 2021) but that doesn't count as all the members have changed.
There will be 50/50 jury/televote. Half the songs will reach the final, the other half is eliminated.
Mattia Zanatta & Angela Kassiani - Novi svet *
This has a lot going on from Serbian operatic singing to broken English in Italian accent and the arrangement full of gimmicks. All that is missing is the song.
Adem Mehmedović - Osmeh **
The intro seems to take forever and you have no idea what to expect. In the end it's Serbian r'n'b. Elevator groove.
Nađa - Moj prvi ožiljak na duši **
I like her voice. Pleasant easy listening but nothing much happening here either.
Tijana Dapčević - Mamim
Sounds more like an album track or even single's B-side than Eurovision entry. Monotonia she said, did she? Indeed. Or is this just demo?
Princ -Svet za Istoka ****
Ok, now we are talking. I was already getting worried Serbia has gone all boring this year. This sounds Serbian, habibi! With a hint of oriental or gipsy flavor. This could turn out great live on stage, I hope so! This is a bit Zeljko Joksimovic gone wild. Habibi habibi!
Filip Baloš - Novi plan drugi san ***
Good beat, nothing original but works thanks to Serbian. I imagine myself in some hot sweaty summer club 3am with drink in my hand jamming along.
Filip Žmaher - Čujemo se sutra *
Now this must be a demo? Very amateurish sound. Forced vocals and uninteresting package overall.
Luke Black - Samo mi se spava **
Quite weird, is this Serbian take on Madonna's Erotica mixed with a mess of everything else? I'm intrigued. I need to hear this few times more to see if this goes to * or *** (or more).
Angellina - Lanac ***
Why I have a feeling this will be a mess live? But I like this somehow. Not strong enough for Eurovision but deserves a place on my playlist of those that didn't make it.
Empathy Soul Project - Indigo *
Ok, every selection needs one song like this. And they always sound the same.
Stefan Shy - Od jastuko do jastuka ***
Now I imagine myself on a beach this playing there and it suits me very fine. Balcan reggaeton light. Nothing special but pleasant.
Hercenšlus - Vremenska zona **
Very old in every way. Could be a lot more energetic to make a difference.
Savo Perović - Presidente ****
Lililililiii....Balcan turbo reggaeton or something. Could be a Cuban hit if in Spanish as well. Maybe singing praise to the president, now I have no idea what he's singing about. Oh, screaming ladies! I so want to see that on stage.
Igor Stanojević - Iza duge **
Vladimir Graic song. Very classic ballad. Sadly not one of his best ones I suppose.
Boris Subotić - Nedostupan ***
Another ballad but with sometimes questionable arrangements, too heavy beats here and there. This is one of those songs that might work better live if he sings well live.
Chegi & Braća Bluz Band - Svadba ili kavka ***
Who do I think Serbs will vote for this a lot? It's not bad and I quite like this but isn't this a bit old, too?
Update:
The finalists are
Stefan Shy, Princ, Chegi & Braca Blux band, Boris Subotic, Luke Black, Filip Balos, Nada and Empathy Soul Project
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