This week’s Newsletter reviews both the Belarussian and Maltese National Finals, as well as picking up on the news from heats in Hungary and Lithuania. There’s moderately surprising news from Norway and Denmark and new releases ahead of Spain’s National Final next week.
Robertson’s Reflection this week listens to the Spanish entries, and is left wondering on the impact Swedish composer Peter Boström had on the Eurovision Song Contest.
Boström has only been responsible for composing one Melodifestivalen finalist since ‘Euphoria’, and most fans were mightly disappointed in what became of ‘Amanecer’ last year. G:Son and Boström were reunited on that track which still feels like the composers ran out of ideas half-way through. This year, Xuso Jones’‘Victorious’ feels back on the Boström music train, well produced electronic arena pop that should go big. Instead it feels dated and formulaic. The Boström era hit a peak, and music has moved on. I’m sure many of you watching Malta’s National Final would agree, the cheery pop blend on offer was way off the pace of modern music. The Swedish pop legacy certainly exists, but some countries are still stuck in their exhaust fumes.
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