Finland: Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman – Look Away

Felix: Finland is probably the age verification system of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Not only have I never heard the name “Darude” before, I also come from a time in which the named artists were always the singers. Or bands. Or Mike Oldfield.

As someone who rolls their eyes at that DJ phenomenon, I must accept that I’m now part of the older generation, but let’s not forget that this is a song contest. So, putting my idealistic glasses away and taking a closer look at “Look Away”, I find an unspectacular song, but by no means a bad one.

In the context of this year’s abysmal first semi-final, it is for sure one of the more pleasant tracks to listen to, but I don’t see why anybody would vote for it. Or I might be wrong, and finally fall through the age verification system.

Martin: This is so far removed from “Sandstorm” it doesn’t really matter whether you know Darude or not. Taken on its own merits, it’s not my favourite “Look Away” but I actually really quite like it, for all it’s generic as hell. But will anyone care about this kind of song in 2019, whoever the name behind it?

Shi: Would you believe it, I actually know Darude tracks that are not “Sandstorm” thanks to my Eurodance obsession way back when, so this one makes me nostalgic. I also think it’s pretty good and while not the most unique composition, it stands out enough in this line-up. I just don’t trust anyone involved to stage this well.

video and title image source: eurovision.tv