We’re back again! There were over 60 new releases in the month of March, so some tough decisions when we ranked them. The team here at ESCBubble have named our Top 10 from the last month of releases. From contests new to old, Eurovision finalists through to national finalists. Check out some of the freshest new music here and don’t forget to check out the full YouTube/Spotify playlists at the bottom!
10. Eleni Foureira – “YAYO” (Cyprus 2018)
First up is the return of your 2018 runner up and on fire superstar Eleni Foureira. She’s been prolific since her time at ESC and has followed up her success in Spain with hot singles including ‘Tomame’ and ‘El Ritmo Psicodélico’. New single ‘Yayo’ has a more urban flavour which allows her to show us even more of her talent and artistry.
“Eleni Foureira is back, New Music, New Look, New Genre a full update in general. Just makes us wonder, is there anything this woman can not do well? ‘Yayo’ speaks about something that makes you lose yourself into it, Something that hooks you up and hurts you pleasantly. The rhythm the music, the video is a 10 out of 10. The new urban track with some folk tint show us a new Eleni that is fearless as always inviting us to a new world of freedom and pleasure.” – Ahmad
9. Waterflower – “Gashes” (Latvia National Final 2019)
Next up is one of Latvia’s most eccentric musicians – the very talented Sabine Moore, better known as Waterflower. “Gashes” is the third composition from Waterflower’s latest EP, released in December 2019 on the independent UK label Liminal Noise. The author of the composition and lyrics of “Gashes” is Sabine herself, whilst the music was recorded, mixed and co-produced by Rinalds Zelmenis. Her entry ‘Grow’ made it to the audition stage of Supernova in 2019 and she spoke to our Joe to tell us more about herself.
“You may remember Waterflower from the Latvian Supernova preselection for 2019. Unfortunately her song ‘Grow’ didn’t impress the judges enough to progress to the live shows, but she is back with an EP featuring not only ‘Grow’ but also her new single ‘Gashes’. ‘Gashes’ brings something completely different to anything else in our list this month by using plants to generate her unique brand of avantgarde electronica. Be sure to check out the stunning video!” – Joe
8. Francesca Michielin – “Yo no tengo nada” (Italy 2016)
Francesca Michielin’s style of music has really evolved over the past few years and this is just another case of how far she has come! It’s hard to believe that the shy girl who sung a sweet ballad at Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm could bring the sass and attitude for this reggaeton pop song! It combines her delicate vocals with a more edgy backing which all in all delivers a great single.
“‘Yo no tengo nada’ is a wonderful departure from Michelin’s classic italian ballad releases, she has grown progressively with new genres and getting more into dance genres and this track allows her to connect in with the big trends in Latin music. It sounds like a lost JLo track and I love it.” – Sam
7. Benny Cristo – “Lockdown Love” (Czech Republic 2020)
We are all having to find new things to do as we come to terms with the very surreal nature of this global pandemic and lockdowns. Fortunately, Benny Cristo has put his artistry and lyricism to good use and has collaborated with Homes to create this virtual song lined with optimism. You can even see a few familiar faces in the video, including Bubble’s very own Ahmad! His aim was to send out good vibes, and we feel he succeeds in communicating a really valuable message at the moment – to stay positive through these tough times.
“This is truly a song for our life right now! Benny gives us an authentic performance, wishing “I hope nine years from now these lyrics are gonna sound crazy” which is something we’re all praying for. It’s a heartfelt 3:42 and lets hope these lyrics age like milk and we can all heal in time.” – Anne
6. Ilkay Sencan, Era Istrefi, Arash – “No Maybes” (Azerbaijan 2009)
Arash is no stranger to incredible collaborations, whether it be Snoop Dogg on “OMG” or Pitbull, Nyusha & Blanco on World Cup 2018 banger “Goalie Goalie” and “No Maybes” is no different! Teaming up with Turkish DJ Ilkay Sencan & one of the hottest talents out of the Balkans at the moment, Era Istrefi, this song is a dance-pop banger through and through and we love the slight sample of Era’s global hit “Bonbon“. There’s no maybes about this one … this pop song has all the formulas to be a huge commercial success
“A smash hit banger combining the clout of Era Istrefi and Arash with Turkish beats…what more could we want! Perfect early summer tune that inspires me to want to dance at my balcony and get the neighbours to join in with this banging isolation bop. More of this please!” – Kyle
5. Luca Hänni – “Nie Mehr Allein” (Switzerland 2019)
In a step away from his most recent releases, Swiss Luca Hänni once again shows that he’s a great talent with his latest release “Nie Mehr Allein” – a return to his style before Eurovision. German isn’t the easiest language to convert in to a credible pop banger however Luca has definitely managed. It’s got hints of modern schlager which are only emphasised by the awesome choreography in the music video. This song will definitely have you bopping as you get out of bed!
“Luca is presenting us a sweet and modern pop song which could be played if you wanna dance and if you wanna relax at the same time. Another great thing about it, it’s sung in German language which I really love, the lyrics are nice too.” – Nikola
4. Ruslana – “We Are Wind” (Ukraine 2004)
Two years ago at the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon the 2004 Eurovision winner Ruslana launched her vision for renewable energy and to halt the deforestation of the world’s woodland . This month she released her new single ‘We Are Wind’ in her next step to pursue her cause. The video of the song is unique, since its shooting took place at an altitude of 120 meters, on the platform of the 3.65 MW wind turbine’s gondola. This wind turbine is located at the Vindkraft Tavria’s Novotroitska wind farm in Kherson region.
How to fill music with clean energy and give clean energy popularity? How to make “clean” energy understandable and popular for people around the world?
Ruslana’s reflective questions on why she recorded ‘We Are Wind’
ESCBubble spoke to Ruslana when she launched her aim for renewable energy back in Lisbon.
“I was lucky enough to be in Lisbon at the launch of Ruslana’s quest to make the world safer and less dependent on fossil fuels. The fact that she is able to use her platform to improve the environment makes her one of the best Eurovision winners in my eyes. ‘We Are Wind’ is a stunning video and true to the style of Ruslana’s incredible musical back catalogue.” – Nick
3. PAX ft. Roxen – “Over and Over” (Romania 2020)
We move onto one of 2020’s disappointed artists who won’t get to perform in Rotterdam but who will definitely be back in 2021 – Roxen. The 20 year old superstar produced some of the best songs of the national final season before the Romanian jury and televote unanimously picked ‘Alcohol You’. Here she teams up with PAX for a banger similar to the style of her much loved national final entry ‘Cherry Red’.
“Roxen has no free time, she is releasing new music most of the time, this time she’s back with another banger, similar to “You Don’t Love Me”, one of her previous singles. In my opinion this style of music suits her more, it feels natural to her, hope we can see something like this in Eurovision next year. I think this is one of my favourite songs from her, catchy, raw, great energy, I would push the repeat button over and over again.” – Marco
2. Max Barskih – “Dvoye” (Ukraine National Final 2012)
It was a close contest back in 2012 between Max Barskih and national final winner Gaitana however Max has shown over the past decade that he didn’t need Eurovision to be a huge success. Time and time again he has released brilliant songs, from “Nebo” to “Moya lyubov“, and “Dvoye” is definitely no exception. A super-modern pop song with catchy electronic beats over the top, it’s very Eastern-European in its production which only adds to how much of an ear worm this is.
Whilst currently banned from entering Vidbir under the current rules due to his performances in Russia, we certainly hope these change soon and Max can show Europe what a star he is – especially if he brings such an intoxicating song like “Dvoye“!
“I love the mood of “Dvoye”, it has a good flow, and the sharp beats give it a dark feeling which I really enjoy. I’d love to see him represent Ukraine at Eurovision one day, with a similar entry.” – Ervin
AND the song we felt was the best release of the month…
1. Samra – “Queen” (Azerbaijan 2016)
Our top choice for March was from the Azerbaijani ‘Queen’ from 2016 – Samra. An infectious, ear worm of a track, this is definitely by far some of the best pop we’ve heard all year. And who better to describe her hookup with some superb Swedish songwriters than the Queen herself:
On International Women’s Day, before March 8, I congratulate all women with my song, I dedicate myself to all the “Queens” who are self-confident, standing on their own two feet and do not care what anyone thinks! I am sure you will like the product of our cooperation with Swedish composers. Soon my hip-hop album in Azerbaijani will be ready and I have another surprise for you.
Samra on the release of ‘Queen’
“Azerbaijan’s own Pop Princess Samra is back with her first English release in a few years. ‘Queen’ is a poptastic track with a bombastic chorus co-written by Swedish darling Dotter (you might have heard of her) with strong powerful lyrics like ‘all the pretty bitches trying to bring me down’ and ’S-A-M-R-A, I’m a Queen!’, she’s sure to resonate with many Queens all around Europe, and the world!” – Danny
Because we are just too kind to you – we’ve also made you a YouTube & Spotify playlist with all of the songs above! Make sure to check them out here:
See you again in a month’s time where we’ll again be reviewing all the new music from our favourite Eurovision artists!