Norway has a special skill when it comes to Eurovision, and that’s being the nation who has come last the most times in Eurovision history. Admittedly, it’s not the greatest skill to have, but it’s not all bad. The nation has had some luck too, having most recently won the contest in 2009 with today’s subject, Alexander Rybak, who was selected once again this time with the song That’s How You Write a Song.
After having already won the contest, it was definitely interesting to see Alexander return to the contest, although he has attempted to return over the years. This was predominately as a song writer but it took his return as an artist to get back to the contest he once won – but can he repeat that success, or is his song-writing formula a dud?
Out of all the competing nations this year, Norway was one of the national selections I was most excited about, and it wasn’t because of Alexander’s return. The national selection featured so many modern, catchy and potentially successful Eurovision entries, and it was sad to see none of those entries continue on the Eurovision journey. Although it was somewhat expected to see Alexander Rybak return to the contest with his almost satirical entry, I was definitely disappointed with the result.
Time has passed now, and it’s time to objectively look at the song and see whether it has Eurovision potential and the answer is a big YES. Even though I find the song to be pretty cheesy, incredibly kitsch and a little out of place in this year’s contest, there will always be fans who go for these types of entries. It’s definitely no Fairytale, and I suspect we won’t be seeing him take the top position once again, but realistically, this is such a fun show opener for the second semi-final.
The song won’t be to everyone’s taste, and it certainly isn’t among my favourites of the year, but there is no denying that Alexander can bring the energy on stage. His national final performance was dynamic and incredibly charming, and that’s what will get him the votes. You can tell he is just rolling with it, as per step 2 of his song-writing process, and it really shows on stage. The level of fun on this one is contagious, and regardless of whether the song is cheesy or not, it’s hard not to get caught up in his stage presence.
All aboard… the love love peace peace train!
Yes, it feels like a bit of a rip off of the iconic Eurovision 2016 interval act, explaining what it takes to be successful at Eurovision (satirical, of course), but hey, we needed a fun song in the line-up and this delivers. Do I think it will reach the final? Absolutely. Do I think it will win this year’s contest? Absolutely not, but that’s not to say it won’t get widespread support. I think this will do fairly well at the contest, and can see it reaching the final, but it’s hard to know what it will do from there.
Our rating: 7/10
If you support Norway at Eurovision, make sure to vote for Alexander in our poll! Watch his official video below, and follow our Eurovision 2018 playlist on Spotify.
