Albania: Zjarr e Ftohte

Albania made an auspicious debut in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2004, finishing in the 7th position with the song The Image of You preformed by Anjeza Shahini.
Last year their “bridal” song Tomorrow I Go didn’t manage to impress the European audience and so this year they are back in the semi-final with 20 years old Luiz Ejlli.
Luiz is no stranger to music competitions. He took part in the Albanian version of Pop Idol and participated in last year Festival i Kenges, finishing in the 2nd position.
This year Albanian song is called Zjarr e Ftohte, which can be translated as Fire and Cold or, Quente e Frio in Portuguese (which is also the name for a chocolate and cream dessert). And a sweet dessert is what some fans would indeed call Luiz!
Zjarr e Ftohte is an ethnic song with music by Klodian Qafoku and lyrics by Floran Kondi.
Judging by the national final performance Luiz will be joined on stage by a bagpipe player and a chorus of old men, dressed in traditional Albanian costumes.
I usually like ethnic songs but this one hasn’t convinced me yet. I listen to it but it doesn’t stay on my mind. The song is even a bit boring sometimes and lacks momentum.
This will be the first time Albania will be represented by a male singer and also the first time they will sing in their national language.
However the most memorable thing about Albania this year is their video, which looks like a Portuguese bridegroom’s pre-wedding video diary from the 80’s.
Points for the song: 6 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Zjarr e Ftohte as very strange start. It takes 20 seconds before anything happens. The strophes are really nothing special and have no melody.
The chorus tries to imitate Sertab and the whole thing wants to be ethnical with the funny instruments.
In the last 30 seconds you think: when is this over?!

It might get points from the neighbours but not much more. Of course a lot will depend on the performance and the act.

This is not a very good song.

I give it 11 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song in the contest are Sverre Kjelsberg and Mattis Hætta with Sámiid Ædnan, another strange ethnic song, performed in traditional Norwegian costumes.

(NOTE: I would like to give a special thanks to Anixi from Belgium for helping me review this year Eurovision Songs and also hellping me to add an international feel to this blog.)