My absolute favorite of the year and my favorite French entry since 2001. A gorgeous song, especially when performed live by Barbara. I really hope this gives France a great result again. Fun fact: Barbara also wrote the song that won JESC last year.
Me too, actually. But honestly, as someone who has France 2009 as their favorite Eurovision entry ever, I don't think "Voila" would reach the same level as "Et s'il fallait le faire" for me.
I wish that all members of the ESC juries had the criteria you have when "judging" and ranking the songs. We definately need more juries like you in Eurovision. Hats-off and thank you so much!
fucking goosebumps!! I have not been so obsessed over a French entry since 2009. Its so perfect so French I feel like im listening to a really hurt person singing the story of their life. Its the feeling that you get from some songs that you cant really describe. Im dying for entries like these. Its insane. I can almost imagine the simplistic staging and the beautiful dynamic end with propably a dance or something like that i dont know i love it.
This is one of my favorites of this year's contest! I love how classy and French it is! I love the message in the song as well! I also love the climax and build up in here as well! I really want this to win this year! This is probably my favorite French entry in the contest ever!
This is my favourite song this year. It's very personal, it's very French and overall it's just a quality song. There's not really anything I dislike about this and we can expect a great stage show because the staging in the NF was absolutely breathtaking
Adore this song. Barbara has a really likeable quality. With effective staging, I would love to see this win the contest. Best song from France since Sognu.
I used to think it was boring, but it is growing on me so much. She actually wrote the French Junior Eurovision entries from 2019 and 2020 which I love, such a talented woman.
I totally agree. I love this song, for its timeless feel and its heart & soul. I hope the audience connect with Barbara because, if so, this could become an ESC classic.
Amazing reaction ! It feels good to see someone react to music by pointing out precise details in the instrumentalisation etc, instead of just saying it sounds nice and that’s it haha You HAVE to watch her singing it live now, it’s a whole new level, Barbara is an amazing performer !
YES YES YES Merci Groot, I’m so proud to be French !!! It’s great , it’s us, it’s raw, it’s honnest and beautiful !!! I hope for a top 5 so muchhhhh I CANNOT wait to see it live on stage IT IS GONNA BE A MOMENT
I also would suggest you to watch and listen de live version, because it's one of those cases which the live is even better. Barbara is an amazing performer.
I remember when I first heard this, I didn't love it, but I thought it would grow on me. And I was right, this is one of my favourites now! The live performance of this elevates it so much, it's amazing how honest and raw Barbara's voice is. The emotion is palpable even if you don't understand French (though luckily I do). Definitely worth a listen if you have the chance. I love the tempo change making everything feel as if it's all spiralling towards an end. There's another song that plays with tempo this year and it's another of my favourites. I also wanted to bring up the slight clicking(?) noise before the third chorus - I don't know what it is, and I don't know if you do either, but it reminds me of a piano pedal being pressed. Really gives it that authentic feel!
Ah that's a really nice wording for it! It really feels like it's spiralling towards the end, it sums up the feeling completely! :) And yes, the use of authentic sounds really make it stand out, absolutely love all that detailing!
This is a hell of a lot better than France last year. Voila is such a poignant and organic chanson from the heart of Barbara and France. Such a beautiful and classic chanson that is so delicate yet powerful at the same time. Many people I’ve talked with have said esc 2021 is a weak year but I think this is an extremely strong year with many different genres of songs done extremely well.
I was excited to see your review for this song, since I knew you'd probably like it! France is definitely my winner this year! I get chills every time I listen to it. I've even been limiting the amount of times I listen to it just to make sure I don't get tired of it by the time the Grand Final rolls around! XD
I cant decide which is my favourite song from this years selection between Switzerland and this. I just love the way it builds, and the last 30 seconds of this song might be my favourite last 30 seconds of a esc song since Jamalas 1944. Considering france did amazingly well with a way harder to approach song in a similar style back in 2009, I think this could be a serious contender for the win next month.
0:02 I actually didn’t know that either! Now I just want Malo’ to write a new song to Eurovision as well! Once again I agree with pretty much everything you said. I’ve loved this song ever since the songs for the French national final was released. Even though it might not be the most modern song genrewise it feels so refreshing to have something like this in the competition. I’m hoping for a Loreen/Salvador Sobral moment on stage just like we got in the national final. If she does a great performance I think she can win the competition. A victory that would be well deserved!
For me, it's a good electronic or edm song that i've been wanting us to send for ages, considering we're supposed to be world leaders in that genre lol Anyway about Voilà, I'm really proud of our entry this year. Like you said, its power really comes from how raw and how honest it is, and that's magnified even further during the live performance (which you should definitely check out). And the instruments in it just sound so nice together that I wish we had an orchestra to play it on the stage. People say we could win, I frankly don't believe we'll even come close to the top5, but I don't really care. It's unabashedly parisian and a throwback to our 1950s music scene, and to see people enjoy that even to this day is honestly heartwarming.
Don't claim world leader status in edm to a Swede! But oh my... there needs to be a live orchestra version of this somewhere! It has to happen! I'm just happy France decided to send something like this at some point, I was too young back in 2009 to appreciate the effort back then
This really gives me winner vibes but I have trust issues with France ahah - mercy also gave me winner vibes, even in the actual performance, and people just didn’t go for it for whatever reason. But this song is just so special, and feels like a celebration of every instrument in it. I hope people respond to it
Last year they've sent the most generic and boring song they could. This year they are sending the Frenchiest song there is and I really really love this one, it is on my top 5!
I came accross and i loved it! Great insights on the instrumentation and the production, while still connecting to the raw feeling of the song, and well, i just subscribed to your channel :-) I know that might seem like an overdo, but you should really (TRUST US) do a second video on the live performance… I measure my words when I say that the performance is a masterpiece in every way. The other advantage is that if France wins, it will send a message to many people that ESC is not just about kitsch (don’t get me wrong, i like that too), but it’s a quality contest. Salvador sobral in my i really ‘’changed’’ eurovision, for the better.
Thank you! I've already seen the video of the performance now so I won't make a video on it, there are videos for all other songs coming instead haha! But oh my, this is a beauty right here :)
Oh, yes, this is my second place! I love the Edith Piaf vibes of this song! It hits me hard, the lyrics are fantastic, and the live is better than the studio version. I love everything about this song! Kisses, min kära!
@@groot1421 Seriously, your vids are helping me get through a troubling spell of insomnia. Have you done any analysis of ESC from the turn of the century?
@@annp6396 Help you get through insomnia? Does that mean they make you tired? Hahaha, anyway I will consider it a compliment! I haven't really... time isn't on my side which is unfortunate considering the mid-90s is my favourite ESC era
Interesting fact about Barbara : She co-wrote the Junior Eurovision winning entry "J'imagine" for France last year, alongside Mister Lisboa Jerusalem, the almighty Igit
I love this song, it's my 4th and I want it to win so bad. Tho I suggest you watch the live performwnce too, it's miles better than the studio version. I never listen to the studio
I can't decide if I like this, or just admire it tremendously. It's elegant and very French. The live performance is stunning. But listening to the French song is like eating a rich dessert. One is enough. The Danish song is like a potato chip. I can always eat one more.
France is a very interesting case this year. Hence their song symbolizes a whole genre and a whole country, it already is one step ahead of its competition. To me this is both good and not so good. No other participants has the luxury to be baked up by a whole culture. France has a great advantage not Just musically but also culturally. They have the strongest USP as in marketing: a combination of perfect cliches with the title, the melody, the look and voice of the singer. It could be an easy feat for them this year. I See the juries going crazy over their song and the random viewer liking it. I will be surprised If they dont win or they are out of the top 3. But on the other hand I will be happy If another song wins because to be honest, I think there at least 2-3 more entries with more original songs and more charismatic artists. To say that France is underrated as some People say, is untrue. They are the big favourite, an obvious one. Whoever beats France this year will be my hero! In temrs of the song: it's beautiful, a safe choice for France, nothing new though. I feel like I have heard it many times before. I am moved and bored with it at the same time. It's a really bizarre feeling... I liked it on first hearing and I believe a lot of random viewers will like it too. It's truly a repetitive song after the first minute. Barbara is a great performer so she compensates for that. But I also feel like there will be Just as many People Who would Find the song overly dramatic, too repetitive and a bit forced. I found such opinions too. So, I think the song is a serious contender that I like personally, butit's not my personal favourite to win because it doesn't touch me emotionally and I don't listen to traditional French music. I prefer their contemporary music.
That's a really interesting elaboration, I think you could be right on many points there... Whoever beats France this year will NOT be my hero though! Hahah
Speaking of the song’s craft itself - I have nothing to complain about. However, the song is quite repetetive. It is the song that mention it’s title the most this year. And it was released in december. So for me - just for me - it has just worn itself out. But most people will hear it for the first time in may and therefore it will feel fresh :)
I definitely see your standpoint, it can feel a bit too much in its repetition, but I have to say that I'd rather have a song repeating its title than one that shouts its title followed by some instrumental drop
7:29 Yeah, you did. It was quite torturous waiting for your reaction to this song while knowing you've apparently listened to this song multiple times already. Bear with me, mate. It's going to be a long one. Tbh I had to rewatch your reaction again because I spaced out (sorry, don't hurt me). The song is that good even though I have been listening to this so many, many times already. Barbara has ruined all of the other Eurovision entries this year (kinda like how you ruined all other new songs that I want to listen to by adding such an emotional and well-crafted Tristam song "With Love Until We Die" to your playlist; I still can't forgive you for that lol). This song is a Sanremo-level song where it's something that should not have been competing in modern Eurovision where the focus is largely flash without the authenticity that the viewers are longing for. It's as authentic as a song can be, especially for a song that is competing in Eurovision where sometimes staging itself can become a reason for the song to win despite the song is an average one. Yes, some songs this year are quite personal to the respective artists but this song at its essence is about the song itself, not the staging, not the vocal prowess with high notes and such, not some choreography, and certainly not the radio-friendly type of song (at least outside of France). The song is put at the centre stage of everything, which is compatible with the core of Eurovision (or at least what modern Eurovision should strive for). Compositionally, it's simple but that does not mean that it's boring. The arrangement is very stereotypical of a chanson française and although we may have seen this type of genre in classical Eurovision, the genre is timeless IMO. Not only that, she mixes things up by increasing the tempo in the final part of her song to appeal to a wider audience, which I think is a brilliant move. Lyrically, that tempo change serves a purpose. It's about her being acknowledged by everyone as an artist and that tempo change by my interpretation shows that she's achieved her dream after the struggle (noted by the breakdown(?), you know the part where everything is scaled back). It's a song about hope, about one's struggle to achieve a dream and how it can be done despite everything. It may be specifically about her as an artist but in the midst of a pandemic, the message of hope is something that everyone can relate to. Oh, you should watch her live national selection performance; it's much more expressive than the music video. There's emotional quality as well. This is my number one for this year and yeah, I've longed for a song like this since Patricia Kaas in 2009. I'd better stop here before I ramble even more and waste more of your valuable time reading this damn essay. Back to WLUWD!
I definitely did hahah! I'm happy to hear you like it so much as well (not to mention you also liking WLUWD... I've been obsessed with it, mainly the title track hahah) And I absolutely agree on the Sanremo compliment... I'd really love to see this with an orchestra, but it's a beauty regardless! I'm actually not sure if I agree with it being simple in composition. I mean sure, it could have been more advanced, but looking at the context of Eurovision, I really think it stands out in its song-writing. I just love how they've gone for an entirely different thing and especially the instrumentation! It's unlike any of the other songs competing (plus the tempo automation of course, oh my) :) That's a really nice summary of the reasoning behind the tempo change, I definitely see it... nice one! Thanks for the full comment! A lovely read :)
I'm in the minority but it's in my bottom 10, I like the idea but I don't like the lyrics, after the first chorus it feels like I've already heard the whole song, I just believe this should not win even if it's among the favorites, there's better things that can stand out for this year.
I think it suits a particular demographic - probably older and more nostalgic. If I want tradition and songs with a sound that represent the country I prefer fusions as in Ukraine.
@@groot1421 What I mean is the `feel` of it is very much for a particular type of person. I believe that music is very much a reflection of ones `soul beat` or even `time beat`. This isn't a reflection of mine. There is music you instantly know is for you, others you have to work on (and get rewarded), this is nothing to me.
I'm sorry but it's `pas ma tasse de thé`. I really dislike Edith Piaf music and it's a bit niche. I respect other people like it. I wonder if the general public will like it as much as the fans.
No song is for everyone, but every song has its fans! Tastes are different. That 's why we are here to discuss this and share opinions! To be honnest I didn't like this on the first listening either, but it has grown on me.......
Anyone ever going to address the fact that it's a clean ripoff of Edit Piaf's Padam Padam? This song should be banned and the songwriters sued, lol, not participate in a freaking Eurovision contest.
That's quite a ridiculous claim... A song sharing the same rhythmic hits on one part of its chorus is not plagiarism. There have been far greater similarities shown among other competing entries. Repeating the song title in repeated staccato hits is not ripping off What makes the claim even more ridiculous is that the melody of "Padam Padam" ascends the minor second on each of these title hits, where as the melody in "Voilá" descends the minor second. Therefore, this minimal part considered a "ripoff" doesn't even have the same melody, its only similarity being the rhythm and the fact that it's sung in French, something which definitely doesn't grant one the possibility to sue. If there's another part of the song you consider to be guilty of ripping off the former, please do elaborate so I can see your point.
Man, have you even heard the song “Padam” before ?? How about you go listen to it and come back to let us know if you still stand by your nonsense ? edit : I just went to listen to it again myself and was straight up laughing because of how much they sound nothing alike, they could hardly be more different. What a simplistic way to think. “Oh, she repeats the title in the chorous too : THE ENTIIIRE SONG is a rip off !! 😤”, jeez
I believe France will get their best result in ages.
"Let's hope for something really French!" Oh, how right you were! 😅
My absolute favorite of the year and my favorite French entry since 2001. A gorgeous song, especially when performed live by Barbara. I really hope this gives France a great result again.
Fun fact: Barbara also wrote the song that won JESC last year.
This is the type of song I want to see France send more of. As a fan of their entry from 2009, I really want to see more of these songs in this genre!
Me too, actually. But honestly, as someone who has France 2009 as their favorite Eurovision entry ever, I don't think "Voila" would reach the same level as "Et s'il fallait le faire" for me.
I wish that all members of the ESC juries had the criteria you have when "judging" and ranking the songs. We definately need more juries like you in Eurovision.
Hats-off and thank you so much!
Thank you! That's so nice of you to say :)
fucking goosebumps!! I have not been so obsessed over a French entry since 2009. Its so perfect so French I feel like im listening to a really hurt person singing the story of their life. Its the feeling that you get from some songs that you cant really describe. Im dying for entries like these. Its insane. I can almost imagine the simplistic staging and the beautiful dynamic end with propably a dance or something like that i dont know i love it.
I can't wait to see it on the stage either!
@@groot1421 You have too! I am here for you if you need someone to talk to.
My Favourite to win so far, Live Performance is also AMAZING.
This is one of my favorites of this year's contest! I love how classy and French it is! I love the message in the song as well! I also love the climax and build up in here as well! I really want this to win this year! This is probably my favorite French entry in the contest ever!
Surely this would be a great way to end their drought of almost 45 years of not winning
This is my favourite song this year. It's very personal, it's very French and overall it's just a quality song. There's not really anything I dislike about this and we can expect a great stage show because the staging in the NF was absolutely breathtaking
Live version is even better 😍❤🇨🇵💥👏
my absolute favorite even though it was one of the first songs to come out last year I can’t get tired of it
Adore this song. Barbara has a really likeable quality. With effective staging, I would love to see this win the contest. Best song from France since Sognu.
I used to think it was boring, but it is growing on me so much. She actually wrote the French Junior Eurovision entries from 2019 and 2020 which I love, such a talented woman.
I totally agree. I love this song, for its timeless feel and its heart & soul. I hope the audience connect with Barbara because, if so, this could become an ESC classic.
I really hope you're right :)
Amazing reaction ! It feels good to see someone react to music by pointing out precise details in the instrumentalisation etc, instead of just saying it sounds nice and that’s it haha You HAVE to watch her singing it live now, it’s a whole new level, Barbara is an amazing performer !
Thank you very much! :)
YES YES YES Merci Groot, I’m so proud to be French !!! It’s great , it’s us, it’s raw, it’s honnest and beautiful !!! I hope for a top 5 so muchhhhh I CANNOT wait to see it live on stage IT IS GONNA BE A MOMENT
You're overdue a win
You're right, very raw and sincere. Just beautiful!
I also would suggest you to watch and listen de live version, because it's one of those cases which the live is even better. Barbara is an amazing performer.
I remember when I first heard this, I didn't love it, but I thought it would grow on me. And I was right, this is one of my favourites now!
The live performance of this elevates it so much, it's amazing how honest and raw Barbara's voice is. The emotion is palpable even if you don't understand French (though luckily I do). Definitely worth a listen if you have the chance.
I love the tempo change making everything feel as if it's all spiralling towards an end. There's another song that plays with tempo this year and it's another of my favourites.
I also wanted to bring up the slight clicking(?) noise before the third chorus - I don't know what it is, and I don't know if you do either, but it reminds me of a piano pedal being pressed. Really gives it that authentic feel!
Ah that's a really nice wording for it! It really feels like it's spiralling towards the end, it sums up the feeling completely! :)
And yes, the use of authentic sounds really make it stand out, absolutely love all that detailing!
This is a hell of a lot better than France last year. Voila is such a poignant and organic chanson from the heart of Barbara and France. Such a beautiful and classic chanson that is so delicate yet powerful at the same time. Many people I’ve talked with have said esc 2021 is a weak year but I think this is an extremely strong year with many different genres of songs done extremely well.
I have to say there's a lot of variation this year for sure!
Clearly FRANCE is the number one this year !
Honestly, one of the best things they have done in ages.
The first time I heard "Écoutez-moi" and that piano chord, I knew we were in for a treat. This is my number 1 this year.
You should check out the live performance as well, it elevates the song to even higher level!
I think this song will be a jury favorite.
I was excited to see your review for this song, since I knew you'd probably like it! France is definitely my winner this year! I get chills every time I listen to it. I've even been limiting the amount of times I listen to it just to make sure I don't get tired of it by the time the Grand Final rolls around! XD
Good plan there haha!
I can't see myself getting tired of this but better not take any risks!!
Wonderful song from France ❤️
I cant decide which is my favourite song from this years selection between Switzerland and this. I just love the way it builds, and the last 30 seconds of this song might be my favourite last 30 seconds of a esc song since Jamalas 1944. Considering france did amazingly well with a way harder to approach song in a similar style back in 2009, I think this could be a serious contender for the win next month.
I doubt it somehow. I can see it as doing the same as Patricia Kaas.
0:02 I actually didn’t know that either! Now I just want Malo’ to write a new song to Eurovision as well!
Once again I agree with pretty much everything you said. I’ve loved this song ever since the songs for the French national final was released.
Even though it might not be the most modern song genrewise it feels so refreshing to have something like this in the competition. I’m hoping for a Loreen/Salvador Sobral moment on stage just like we got in the national final.
If she does a great performance I think she can win the competition. A victory that would be well deserved!
For me, it's a good electronic or edm song that i've been wanting us to send for ages, considering we're supposed to be world leaders in that genre lol
Anyway about Voilà, I'm really proud of our entry this year. Like you said, its power really comes from how raw and how honest it is, and that's magnified even further during the live performance (which you should definitely check out). And the instruments in it just sound so nice together that I wish we had an orchestra to play it on the stage.
People say we could win, I frankly don't believe we'll even come close to the top5, but I don't really care. It's unabashedly parisian and a throwback to our 1950s music scene, and to see people enjoy that even to this day is honestly heartwarming.
Don't claim world leader status in edm to a Swede!
But oh my... there needs to be a live orchestra version of this somewhere! It has to happen!
I'm just happy France decided to send something like this at some point, I was too young back in 2009 to appreciate the effort back then
@@groot1421 There is this cello version: ruclips.net/video/rChjwPYMTUU/видео.html&ab_channel=eurovision-spain.com
@@groot1421 May I ask how old you are?
@@groot1421 Norway beats you guys hands down :x
@@snowcold5932 Norway beats you guys in catering to me hands down*
Indeed they do, but the sales records say otherwise (insert sunglasses emote here)
This really gives me winner vibes but I have trust issues with France ahah - mercy also gave me winner vibes, even in the actual performance, and people just didn’t go for it for whatever reason. But this song is just so special, and feels like a celebration of every instrument in it. I hope people respond to it
Last year they've sent the most generic and boring song they could. This year they are sending the Frenchiest song there is and I really really love this one, it is on my top 5!
I came accross and i loved it! Great insights on the instrumentation and the production, while still connecting to the raw feeling of the song, and well, i just subscribed to your channel :-) I know that might seem like an overdo, but you should really (TRUST US) do a second video on the live performance… I measure my words when I say that the performance is a masterpiece in every way.
The other advantage is that if France wins, it will send a message to many people that ESC is not just about kitsch (don’t get me wrong, i like that too), but it’s a quality contest. Salvador sobral in my i really ‘’changed’’ eurovision, for the better.
Thank you! I've already seen the video of the performance now so I won't make a video on it, there are videos for all other songs coming instead haha!
But oh my, this is a beauty right here :)
On point, as usual... Thanks, Groot!
Thank you! :)
Oh, yes, this is my second place! I love the Edith Piaf vibes of this song! It hits me hard, the lyrics are fantastic, and the live is better than the studio version. I love everything about this song! Kisses, min kära!
I love your enjoyment of this entry. Your videos are fantastic.
Thank you! :)
@@groot1421 Who are you liking for the win this year? 👨🎤🎶
@@annp6396 Ah many would be welcome, but I'd love to see this one right here take it :)
@@groot1421 Seriously, your vids are helping me get through a troubling spell of insomnia. Have you done any analysis of ESC from the turn of the century?
@@annp6396 Help you get through insomnia? Does that mean they make you tired? Hahaha, anyway I will consider it a compliment! I haven't really... time isn't on my side which is unfortunate considering the mid-90s is my favourite ESC era
Interesting fact about Barbara : She co-wrote the Junior Eurovision winning entry "J'imagine" for France last year, alongside Mister Lisboa Jerusalem, the almighty Igit
I love this song, it's my 4th and I want it to win so bad. Tho I suggest you watch the live performwnce too, it's miles better than the studio version. I never listen to the studio
France will be the winner!!!
So frenchy, the frenchiest french song we have heard so far.
Such a beautiful song... Good luck from Russia
Do you watched live performance? We need reaction on it too. It was amazing...
I've seen it, yes! Beautiful :)
I can't decide if I like this, or just admire it tremendously. It's elegant and very French. The live performance is stunning. But listening to the French song is like eating a rich dessert. One is enough. The Danish song is like a potato chip. I can always eat one more.
Nicely put, a very understandable standpoint!
@@groot1421 Thanks. :)
Lisboa Jerusalem was so robbed. Voilà is my 2nd now btw!!
Petition to have Offbeat remix of Lisboa Jerusalem?
@@groot1421 if it's not broken, don't fix it
France is a very interesting case this year. Hence their song symbolizes a whole genre and a whole country, it already is one step ahead of its competition. To me this is both good and not so good. No other participants has the luxury to be baked up by a whole culture. France has a great advantage not Just musically but also culturally. They have the strongest USP as in marketing: a combination of perfect cliches with the title, the melody, the look and voice of the singer. It could be an easy feat for them this year. I See the juries going crazy over their song and the random viewer liking it. I will be surprised If they dont win or they are out of the top 3. But on the other hand I will be happy If another song wins because to be honest, I think there at least 2-3 more entries with more original songs and more charismatic artists. To say that France is underrated as some People say, is untrue. They are the big favourite, an obvious one. Whoever beats France this year will be my hero! In temrs of the song: it's beautiful, a safe choice for France, nothing new though. I feel like I have heard it many times before. I am moved and bored with it at the same time. It's a really bizarre feeling... I liked it on first hearing and I believe a lot of random viewers will like it too. It's truly a repetitive song after the first minute. Barbara is a great performer so she compensates for that. But I also feel like there will be Just as many People Who would Find the song overly dramatic, too repetitive and a bit forced. I found such opinions too. So, I think the song is a serious contender that I like personally, butit's not my personal favourite to win because it doesn't touch me emotionally and I don't listen to traditional French music. I prefer their contemporary music.
That's a really interesting elaboration, I think you could be right on many points there... Whoever beats France this year will NOT be my hero though! Hahah
Voilà !
Speaking of the song’s craft itself - I have nothing to complain about. However, the song is quite repetetive. It is the song that mention it’s title the most this year. And it was released in december. So for me - just for me - it has just worn itself out. But most people will hear it for the first time in may and therefore it will feel fresh :)
I definitely see your standpoint, it can feel a bit too much in its repetition, but I have to say that I'd rather have a song repeating its title than one that shouts its title followed by some instrumental drop
7:29 Yeah, you did. It was quite torturous waiting for your reaction to this song while knowing you've apparently listened to this song multiple times already.
Bear with me, mate. It's going to be a long one. Tbh I had to rewatch your reaction again because I spaced out (sorry, don't hurt me). The song is that good even though I have been listening to this so many, many times already. Barbara has ruined all of the other Eurovision entries this year (kinda like how you ruined all other new songs that I want to listen to by adding such an emotional and well-crafted Tristam song "With Love Until We Die" to your playlist; I still can't forgive you for that lol).
This song is a Sanremo-level song where it's something that should not have been competing in modern Eurovision where the focus is largely flash without the authenticity that the viewers are longing for. It's as authentic as a song can be, especially for a song that is competing in Eurovision where sometimes staging itself can become a reason for the song to win despite the song is an average one.
Yes, some songs this year are quite personal to the respective artists but this song at its essence is about the song itself, not the staging, not the vocal prowess with high notes and such, not some choreography, and certainly not the radio-friendly type of song (at least outside of France). The song is put at the centre stage of everything, which is compatible with the core of Eurovision (or at least what modern Eurovision should strive for).
Compositionally, it's simple but that does not mean that it's boring. The arrangement is very stereotypical of a chanson française and although we may have seen this type of genre in classical Eurovision, the genre is timeless IMO. Not only that, she mixes things up by increasing the tempo in the final part of her song to appeal to a wider audience, which I think is a brilliant move.
Lyrically, that tempo change serves a purpose. It's about her being acknowledged by everyone as an artist and that tempo change by my interpretation shows that she's achieved her dream after the struggle (noted by the breakdown(?), you know the part where everything is scaled back). It's a song about hope, about one's struggle to achieve a dream and how it can be done despite everything. It may be specifically about her as an artist but in the midst of a pandemic, the message of hope is something that everyone can relate to.
Oh, you should watch her live national selection performance; it's much more expressive than the music video. There's emotional quality as well. This is my number one for this year and yeah, I've longed for a song like this since Patricia Kaas in 2009.
I'd better stop here before I ramble even more and waste more of your valuable time reading this damn essay. Back to WLUWD!
I definitely did hahah!
I'm happy to hear you like it so much as well (not to mention you also liking WLUWD... I've been obsessed with it, mainly the title track hahah)
And I absolutely agree on the Sanremo compliment... I'd really love to see this with an orchestra, but it's a beauty regardless!
I'm actually not sure if I agree with it being simple in composition. I mean sure, it could have been more advanced, but looking at the context of Eurovision, I really think it stands out in its song-writing. I just love how they've gone for an entirely different thing and especially the instrumentation! It's unlike any of the other songs competing (plus the tempo automation of course, oh my) :)
That's a really nice summary of the reasoning behind the tempo change, I definitely see it... nice one!
Thanks for the full comment! A lovely read :)
I'm in the minority but it's in my bottom 10, I like the idea but I don't like the lyrics, after the first chorus it feels like I've already heard the whole song, I just believe this should not win even if it's among the favorites, there's better things that can stand out for this year.
I think it suits a particular demographic - probably older and more nostalgic. If I want tradition and songs with a sound that represent the country I prefer fusions as in Ukraine.
Ah, really?
Did the final 30 seconds not surprise you?
@@groot1421 to be honest I was more interested in that gorgeous rolling stock!
@@groot1421 What I mean is the `feel` of it is very much for a particular type of person. I believe that music is very much a reflection of ones `soul beat` or even `time beat`. This isn't a reflection of mine. There is music you instantly know is for you, others you have to work on (and get rewarded), this is nothing to me.
This reminds a lot of "Je suis malade" by Lara Fabian.
I'm sorry but it's `pas ma tasse de thé`. I really dislike Edith Piaf music and it's a bit niche. I respect other people like it. I wonder if the general public will like it as much as the fans.
No song is for everyone, but every song has its fans! Tastes are different. That 's why we are here to discuss this and share opinions!
To be honnest I didn't like this on the first listening either, but it has grown on me.......
Anyone ever going to address the fact that it's a clean ripoff of Edit Piaf's Padam Padam? This song should be banned and the songwriters sued, lol, not participate in a freaking Eurovision contest.
That's quite a ridiculous claim... A song sharing the same rhythmic hits on one part of its chorus is not plagiarism. There have been far greater similarities shown among other competing entries. Repeating the song title in repeated staccato hits is not ripping off
What makes the claim even more ridiculous is that the melody of "Padam Padam" ascends the minor second on each of these title hits, where as the melody in "Voilá" descends the minor second. Therefore, this minimal part considered a "ripoff" doesn't even have the same melody, its only similarity being the rhythm and the fact that it's sung in French, something which definitely doesn't grant one the possibility to sue.
If there's another part of the song you consider to be guilty of ripping off the former, please do elaborate so I can see your point.
Man, have you even heard the song “Padam” before ?? How about you go listen to it and come back to let us know if you still stand by your nonsense ?
edit : I just went to listen to it again myself and was straight up laughing because of how much they sound nothing alike, they could hardly be more different.
What a simplistic way to think. “Oh, she repeats the title in the chorous too : THE ENTIIIRE SONG is a rip off !! 😤”, jeez