Hello everyone, and welcome back to another OisinDoesESC article. Today, I’ll be reviewing the songs from the upcoming Entscheidungsshow. There’s only 6 to review so this will be a quicker job than my usual. Nonetheless, I usually enjoy the Swiss songs. Timebelle won this contest last year, but were robbed of a qualifying place in the semi final. Was it the staging that killed it? Who knows! Anyway, let’s get into these songs.

Alejandro Reyes – Compass

I started off expecting another bloody Despacito imitator a la Soledad. But this is decent. A nice little acoustic guitar rhythm starts the song and kicks on up til the bridge to the chorus, which leads into a nice little bass drop. This is really chart friendly and radio friendly, and for once I’m actually enjoying the Latino flair coming from this Chilean born singer.

My prediction: 3rd

Angie Ott – A Thousand Times

A thousand times? That’s how many times I’ve heard one of these types of songs. This doesn’t even do the ‘breaking free’ vibe properly. The instrumental is sweet and gentle, but it doesn’t suit the theme of this song one bit. Another thing is Angie’s voice is far too breathy and gentle for this song, and it makes it nearly a mousy attempt. It’s also worth noting that Glen Vella, the ESC participant for Malta in 2011 wrote this entry.

My prediction: 6th

Chiara Dubey – Secrets and Lies

Chiara is a veteran of the Swiss national finals, and I looked forward to discover what her entry would be like. She has another breathy gentle voice like Angie, but this time it actually suits the song, and gives it a nice little atmosphere. But this seems a bit more musical theatre than Eurovision. Nonetheless, a sweet little effort from Switzerland.

My prediction: 4th

Naeman – Kiss Me

Starts off pure funk, and goes on like that. Nothing I haven’t heard before, but I can’t say I’m not enjoying it. But compared to the verse, the chorus is only slightly disappointing. This would get the teenage vote, but it’s not the best song in this selection.

My prediction: 5th

Vanessa Iraci – Redlights

Vanessa’s voice is somewhat familiar, I just can’t tell who she sounds like but she sounds like someone famous! Nonetheless, this song is awfully similar lyrically to Katrine Lukins’ song in Supernova, and I love that. But this is a more minimalistic approach to the song, and the gently beating piano rhythm is a lovely touch.

My prediction: 2nd

Zibbz – Stones

So far there had been nothing special in this selection. But the last song changed that. It starts off thumping like the usual rock song, then builds into an absolutely shattering chorus. The lyrics are absolutely sublime, and the instrumental is fantastic. This duo really deserve the Swiss ticket to Lisbon!

My prediction: 1st

PREDICTIONS:

1. Zibbz – Stones

2. Vanessa Iraci – Redlights

3. Alejandro Reyes – Compass

4. Chiara Dubey – Secrets and Lies

5. Naeman – Kiss Me

6. Angie Ott – A Thousand Times

In conclusion, I believe Zibbz should be the act Switzerland sends to Lisbon this May, and could be the ones to get them their first qualification in four years. What do you think? Should Zibbz go? Leave your answers in the comments below!