Albania is taking part in the ESC for the 20th time and the Albanian ESC representative was chosen by the public as a part of Festivali i Këngës.
This time I’m going to show you my honest comment on the song that will represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. This is “Zemrën n’dorë” (“Heart in Hand” in English) by Besa Kokëdhima.
Well, frist things first. A quite delicate introduction. With some electronic sounds in the background. I like the fact that we can here the Albanian language in this song – and I’m on the same page with those who claim that at least some part of the song should be sung in the native language as this gives this national dimension to the entry (similarly to the JESC language rule). However, Besa herself admitted that the song had been originally written in English. What will be the final version, we don’t know yet, do we? Is this going to be a banger?
Besa builds up the stanza towards a bit stronger part later on – a melodic chorus, which I just love. It’s done in a skilful way, isn’t it. This appears to be a rock ballad, doesn’t it?
I feel Besa’s full involvement in the song. What about you guys?
I love those backing vocals – this party of three make a difference, don’t they?
And then this funky, rap-like part. I’m keen on it as it gives this composition this modern dimension and makes this song so fresh. The whole song appears so powerful, doesn’t it? And unique – this mixture of styles. Would you expect this rap part in this song, having heard the beginning of this composition?
I love her vocals.
What’s the song about? It seems to treat of an unrequited love, doesn’t it?
I like the staging, as it harmonizes with the song and we have some more static elements and just a little bit of some movement.
Besa’s outfit appears coherent as well as her kind of ‘crown’. She seems to be a goddess like figure. It reminds me a bit of the Statue of Liberty.
But yes, Besa, you have to be careful with your dress, not to fall down.
I’m wondering if the staging will stay the same. I’d personally go for this version as it completes the song very well.
Is this going to be a massive hit? We’ll see. But, in all likelihood this entry is going to make it to the final, isn’t it?
All in all, I’d say this is a very good performance with very good vocals.
As each juror is going to rank all the competing songs in each show based on the given criteria. I will assign points in the same categories (eurovision.tv):
– composition and originality of the song, 8 out of 10;
– quality of the performance on stage, 9 out of 10;
– vocal capacity of the performer(s), 10 out of 10;
– over’all impression of the act, 9 out of 10.
So the total is: 36 out of 40 that is 90%.
Will Besa’s song lead her to victory with the ‘heart in hand’? We’ll see if she will get the best result for Albania. To do that she would have to finish fourth (as Albania’s best result was the fifth place to date; it was in 2012).
In the end, I can only say: Well done, Besa! Congratulations, Albania! I assume this song may qualify for the Grand Final. Do you agree, Guys?
What do the bookmakers say about the Albanian entry? Well, at this moment (28th December 2023) it’s in 34th place (out of 37 contestants on eurovisionworld.com). But to be honest, we only know three songs, don’t we?
Let’s hear it for Besa and the whole team!
Thank you for watching my video and reading my article!
What do you think of the Albanian entry? Let us know in the comments section!
Source: YouTube
