SWEDEN

The Swedish Final was held on March 11th at the Friends Arena in Solna, hosted by Clara Henry, David Lindgren & Hasse Andersson. Before the final there were 4 heats and a second chance round. In the heats, voting was split between televoting and app voting. In the final, the winner was chosen by televoting (50%) and 11 international juries (50%). The winning singer was Robin Bengtsson and his song is called “I can’t go on”

In an effect over used by talent competitions, Robin and his backing dancers all start behind the scenes. They walk though the technical area before appearing on stage. They are all dressed quite smartly in suits which are done up and undone during the choreography.  When they get to the stage they then perform their well-rehearsed routine on travellators which move all different kinds of ways at different speeds. The background is very geometric which gives the effect of actually walking to or from somewhere else. The effect is very pleasing, especially when their cues are spot on and the camera angles show off the formations. Apart from that not much really happens.

The song is a stereotypical Swedish production. It is very radio friendly can you could easily imagine any generic western boyband or upcoming teenage star singing this song or ant contemporary commercial radio station playing this to bits. The verses are quite flat and have quite a low tune which means you must listen quite hard to pick up the lyrics and the tune. The chorus is much more instant, especially as the title of the song is repeated fight at the start of the chorus and really punctuates this important part of the song. The ending is quite effective especially as all the props stop dead and the lights go off too.

This is a perfectly good pop song and it presented and is performed well. In fact, one could say it’s just a bit too slick. Although Robin is a good singer and moves quite well he has the charisma of a twig and looks about as likeable as stepping in a dog turd. What this makes up in professionalism it totally lacks in charm and likeability.  First, I would get him out of the suit. It looks like the local bank manager has got drunk and is trying his hand at karaoke. It would almost be better if Robin did minimal choreography, spent his time and energy connecting with the camera and making more effort in his facial expressions, which are pretty blank and smug. It must also be noted that if he wants additional backing vocalists he will either have to get rid of 1 or 2 of his treadmill chums OR find a couple of people who can sing and dance whilst on a moving platform. 
This should qualify, as this will appeal to today’s download and streaming generation. However, it must be noted that this song won the international jury vote but only came third in the Swedish televote. This will be a welcome addition to the final but is no winner.

ARTIST - Robin Bengtsson

SONG - I can't go on

MUSIC - David Kreuger, Hamed "K-One" Pirouzpanah, Robin Stjernberg

LYRICS - David Kreuger, Hamed "K-One" Pirouzpanah, Robin Stjernberg