Inna - New Singles (2010)

As Inna begins to make her mark in North America with much success with Hot, there is new music being made, most likely for her fans in Europe who have been listening to Hot for quite some time now. You may have heard Inna on the radio here in Canada and she has also managed to reach #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts as well. No small feat for an artist from Romania!

Meanwhile, No Limit and Senorita are new tracks from Inna that show a bit more of a move from Amazing and Deja Vu which were very similar to Hot in sound and are potentially an effort to appeal to a wider market.

Inna recently received the "Artist of the Year" title at the Eska Awards in Poland where she also performed Amazing so it's hard to say where these tracks might be released - if at all - but it's nice to hear some good stuff from Inna and to see that her team are managing to produce her content that could keep her on in the clubs for a while.

If you found her first tracks a bit too 'euro' and you're more into a house sound you just might like these two.

Enjoy!





Inna - No Limit

Inna - Senorita

Hera Björk - Je Ne Sais Quoi

With Melodifestivalen said and done and most of the stand out entries already blogged it is now officially time for Eurovision. As may have already been alluded to, Eurovision is certainly a yearly highlight for me and just about any eurotrash music fan around the world.

First up is who you might call a Eurovision veteran although 2010 is the first time she has made it to the big stage on her own merit. Hera Björk did backing vocals for Iceland in 2008 and again in 2009 helping to two great results for a country that often got forgotten in the Eurovision mix. In 2009, Hera also took part in the Danish selection process trying to represent Denmark but finished 2nd although growing a significant fan base with her efforts around Scandinavia.

And then comes 2010 and Hera Björk finally has her chance to represent Iceland at Eurovision with Je Ne Sais Quoi. The song is a very typically Scandinavian-sounding dance track which will win it some huge supporters in Oslo as well as some huge critics. With the overall mediocre songs making up the Eurovision 2010 playlist, Hera's song will certainly be memorable and stands a pretty good chance at a solid result for Iceland for the third year in a row.

Below is a clip to the official video that has been submitted to the EBU and a link to the final version for Oslo. I'm voting some more action in the background although it's probably unlikely. Eurovision season - here we come! Just two months to go!



Hera Björk - Je Ne Sais Quoi

Sibel - Stop

Along with Ola, Sibel was a contestant on Idol 2005 although she ended up finishing closer to the top and in third overall. With the strong support of one of the judges it seemed as though Sibel would be destined for a successful singing career in Sweden, however, such has not really been the case.

Sibel's only album release, The Diving Belle reached #9 on the album charts and included her Melodifestivalen 2008 entry, That Is Where I'll Go. She made the finals of Melodifestivalen that year, beating out Ola's Love In Stereo in the Second Chance round and that single reached #6 in Sweden.

In 2010, Sibel returned to Melodifestivalen with Stop, which is a bit of a pop-rock inspired track and which competed in the fourth semi-final. Despite a very good performance and a song that was definitely one of the best pop songs of the competition, Sibel only managed to finish 7th in her semifinal and didn't come close to repeating her successes of 2008. The song has not managed to pick up much steam in Sweden, only reaching #36 on the singles charts.

Sibel's performance is definitely worth a watch - from her interesting outfit choice and her even more dancers and not to mention her impressive vocal performance - there is definitely lots to appreciate.

Enjoy!



Sibel - Stop

Ola - Unstoppable

Ola Svensson, known as Ola in the Swedish music scene, was yet another competitor on Swedish Idol in 2005. He ended up finishing eighth that year behind none other than Agnes. Since finishing on Idol, he has had eight top ten hits in Sweden, including four #1's - 2006's Rain, 2007's huge hit Natalie & S.O.S. and Sky's the Limit this past year in 2009.

It was announced in late 2009 that Ola would once again be taking part in Melodifestivalen 2010. Just missing out on the final in 2008 and coming off a #1 hit it seemed that his chances would be quite good. Unstoppable finished 2nd in the first semifinal and went directly to the finals ending up finishing in 7th place and not getting any points from the voting public.

Unstoppable has managed to reach #6 on the Swedish charts so far since its release and although at first listen I wasn't the biggest fan it certainly has grown on me. Ola's performance of the song isn't the best but despite that and the overly cheesy lyrics and references to Natalie from his previous hit, it's definitely worth a listen.



Ola - Unstoppable

Annagrace - Love Keeps Calling

It's amazing the things you learn on the internet! So I've heard the past two singles from Annagrace which had both done quite well reaching #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts but had no idea that Annagrace was actually just a re-branded version of Ian van Dahl, who wasn't as much just a guy but a group that charting all over the world in the early 2000s. Songs like Castles in the Sky and Reason were a part of the 2002 album, Ace, which reached #7 on the UK album charts and was certified gold there - no small feat for a dance artist!

After 2006, there was a bit of a break and things started back again in 2008 with Annagrace. They've had their most consistent success in their home country of Belgium since the early days, but as Annagrace they've topped the Belgian Dance charts with their first two singles. Annagrace's greatest success, however, has come on the US club scene. All three of their last singles have reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts - something that a duo has never managed to achieve before.

Love Keeps Calling is definitely more similar than the past two tracks to the sound of the van Dahl days but it still manages to do it with a more current edge. It's quite nice to see this kind of stuff charting well in North America! It appears like the video is linking it to some movie so not the most exciting to an unknowing viewer, but the song is great so enjoy!



Annagrace - Love Keeps Calling

Alcazar - Headlines

My love for Alcazar can hardly be overstated. For years they have been making the kind of music that people have come to expect and love from Sweden and Melodifestivalen is a stage that suits them like no other. They have finished third at the contest twice and ended up fifth last year just behind Mans Zelmerlow.

They are back at it again with Headlines which is pretty much what you'd expect from them although possibly a bit more modern and a bit less disco (read "a bit") than some of their previous tracks. They appear to have borrowed some of Agnes' infamous strings (a la Release Me) for the intro in what might be an effort to appeal to her massive success over the past year. It suits the song quite well and in my opinion, Alcazar have created another one for the ages here that I'd probably call my top pick for Oslo this May.

Unfortunately, Alcazar were unable to qualify directly for the final as they were able to do in 2009. In the defense, theirs was by far the most difficult of the three semifinals this year and it is also interesting to note that although qualifying directly for the finals in 2009 they only managed to secure 5th place overall last year. In 2003 and 2005, when Alcazar had their highest finish of 3rd on both occasions, they were forced to qualify through the Second Chance finals as will be the case this year. All in all, it could work in their favour. After missing out just barely in the past, the are definitely the most deserving of a chance on the Eurovision stage.

Although not being totally solid on some of the bigger notes, Alcazar put on a great show and the visual of them on stage makes the performance so much more enjoyable than the studio version - but both are available below for your enjoyment!



Alcazar - Headlines

Eric Saade - Manboy

Earlier in the year I posted one of Eric's first singles, Sleepless and referenced this upcoming entry for Melodifestivalen 2010. There are a lot of similarities to Sleepless and I'd venture it is equally, if not more, addictive. After a few listens, you almost forget the kind of ridiculous title of Manboy.

It starts off with a bit of a Backstreet Boys intro reminiscent of Everybody but then expands into the typical pop-dance song you'd expect from both its writer, Frederik Kempe, and of course from Melodifestivalen. The vampire/Twilight thing is certainly being pushed when it comes to Eric Saade here.

This song was part of the second semi-final and clinched top spot and moved directly to the finals coming up on March 13th. His performance was one of the best of the evening and I'd argue even Melodifestivalen overall. The stage show is impressive and modern without being too kitschy (save for the ending scene) although Eric might be a bit too young and similar to last year's winner to really have a chance at doing very well at Eurovision.

It'll probably be Darin vs. Eric when it comes to the voting of both the public and the jury and unfortunately I think my money will have to be on Darin despite the fact that You're Out Of My Life is unimpressive to say the least after his performance in semifinal 3.

Regardless, hopefully Manboy isn't the last we hear of Eric Saade at Melodifestivalen. Enjoy!



Eric Saade - Manboy

Linda Bengtzing & Velvet - Victorious

Linda Bengtzing has taken part in Sweden's Eurovision selection contest, Melodifestivalen, three times in the past five years. Her best result came in 2008 when she finished in 5th place despite not receiving any votes from the public. She has had several other releases outside of her Melodifestivalen entries - reaching #1 in 2007 with a duet featuring Markoolio. It is claimed that Victorious was submitted to take part in Melodifestivalen 2010 but was not selected by SVT.

Velvet has had several hits in Sweden and throughout Europe although her efforts at Melodifestivalen have not been the most successful. She reached the Second Chance round in 2006 but finished 7th out of 8 and failed to reach the finals that year. Her song from that year Mi Amore achieved success in Bulgaria, Russia, Greece and several other European countries.

So with a song that was rejected from Melodifestivalen, Linda and Velvet have opted to work together. Velvet would have been unable to take part in Melodifestivalen with this entry as she had competed in 2008 and 2009 and would have not been eligible to take part a third year in a row. It's the kind of anthem you would expect from these two with a bit of influence from each showing. It's got that Swedish anthem sound to it and ends in the typical key change. The kind of song you'll either love or hate!



Linda Bengtzing & Velvet - Victorious

Star Pilots - I'm Alive

Star Pilots are a group out of Sweden that rose to fame with their track In the Heat of the Night which reached #2 in Sweden and after a release in the UK last year reached #21 there. They also participated in Melodifestivalen 2009 with Higher which made it to the Second Chance round but didn't reach the finals in the end.

Back then Star Pilots were lead by Johan Becker, although he has since left the group. They are keeping on keeping on without him with I'm Alive getting its release last week in Sweden. In its first week on the Swedish charts it's already up to #22 although it might have a hard time competing with the Melodifestivalen songs getting released shortly.

I'm Alive is in the same vein as the previous Star Pilots songs - but this isn't a bad thing! It's got the 80s feel to it which was well promoted in the Top Gun-themed video for In the Heat of the Night. I will admit that I'm Alive wasn't an instant hit for me but after a week of listens it's definitely growing. The video is also an unashamed trash-fest. Think Baywatch meets Miami Vice with more bikinis and car washing. Yes it's that kind of video.

On another (somewhat related) note - this weekend is Melodifestivalen Semifinal 3. A big deal with Alcazar, Darin and Elin Lanto all competing - it's going to be BIG!

For now - enjoy the latest from the Star Pilots!



Star Pilots - I'm Alive

Alice - I Wanna Live

Another of the alumni of Swedish Idol, Alice Svensson (better known as Alice), was a participant in the 2008 competition. I happened to watch her in the final rounds last year when I was in Stockholm and was pretty impressed by the big voice coming out of this little girl. Adopted from Vietnam as a baby, Alice grew up in Sweden and was part of several musical projects in her youth before Idol.

Her first single after her Idol success, Lady Luck, was a bit of a motown-ish inspired track that reached #12 on the Swedish charts but for her latest effort she has moved into the dance genre. She has worked with Pitchline (responsible for work on Velvet's latest remix of her song My Destiny) and I Wanna Live is something pretty special. Although the extended version is a bit drawn out, once the verses and chorus starts the song is pretty amazing.

The song is quite reminiscent of My Destiny but Alice's unique sounding voice certainly takes it up a notch (and more). Enjoy a sample of the song from YouTube before you download as well as Alice (borrowing what looks like one of Agnes' dresses) performing at Sommarkrysset with Lady Luck for a taste of her live talent (as well as one of the best intro's ever).

Enjoy!





Alice - I Wanna Live

Linda Pritchard - You're Making Me Hot Hot Hot

Pretty much the best six weeks of music in Europe got started last night in Sweden with Melodifestivalen 2010 having the first semi-final take place in Örnsköldsvik. Overall, this is one of the least hyped up semis and in the end Ola and Salem were the first two to progress directly to the finals. Eric Saade competes next week and Elin Lanto, Alcazar AND Darin compete in semifinal three in two weeks. More good things to come.

The only real song worthy of note came from Linda Pritchard, a former Swedish Idol participant from 2008, who competed with You're Making Me Hot Hot Hot and ended up 5th - just out of a spot in the Second Chance finals with a final shot at competing in the finals in Stockholm.

Her vocals were pretty spot-on for the night and the whole performance went quite well but it appeared there were some bigger names and bigger songs. Something tells me this one will still manage to make its way to the Swedish airwaves in high rotation much like most of the rest of the songs from this week and to come.



Linda Pritchard - You're Making Me Hot Hot Hot

Belinda Braza - Million Dollar Baby

With Eurovision season well underway with several national finals happening across Europe, it is time to start blogging about what is happening. With Sweden's national final - Melodifestivalen - set to start this weekend, there will certainly be lots to talk about but until then it's Belinda Braza who gets the distinction of being the first to be mentioned despite her not-so-good result at the Norwegian finals - Melodi Grand Prix.

Belinda has been mostly behind the scenes and has worked primarily as a choreographer including work with Velvet Inc. from last year's Norwegian finals and also work on So You Think You Can Dance Scandinavia. This year she found herself vying for a chance to represent Norway at Eurovision although she didn't manage to make through to the finals or even the Second Chance Round.

Million Dollar Baby is a great pop track mixing a lot of pop with a bit of Belinda's hip-hop style as well. The result on the night isn't too hard to believe when seeing her performance (below) as the vocals were pretty crap but the song itself is pretty good and the studio version is definitely worth a listen.

Keep tuned for the results of the Norwegian (and other) national finals over the next few weeks.

enjoy!



Belinda Braza - Million Dollar Baby