EUROVISION 2019 REVIEW: AZERBAIJAN - Chingiz - Truth

Let's do a new review!

Today, we turn to Azerbaijan, who after not qualifying for the first time last year are going with Chingiz and 'Truth'. I have a lot of points to make so let's talk about it!

Here are my thoughts:

What I Like: Okay, so Azerbaijan really have come back with a bite this year. The music video for 'Truth' is definitely what grabs me first before anything else. Its a simple concept executed in a fantastic way, creating a bold and colourful visual to fit such a dramatic song. A lot of people are linking this song to 'Bones' from last year, but I think this actually gets right visually what Equinox got wrong, some colour to bring this dark number to life.

About the song, well that refrain is fantastic, isn't it. The 'shut up about it' is fierce and made to stick in the audience's mind so that they keep singing it into the recap and are convinced to vote for it, which is very clever. The song is also very well produced and firmly in 2019, which is always nice to hear in the contest.

What I Don't Like: Well, there are parts to 'Truth' which stop me from liking this as much as I should at this point. My main concern is actually Chingiz himself here. In the music video he is actually the weakest element, he's a bit of a charisma sponge when juxtaposed with the huge characters in the video, which makes me worry he'll not be able to sell such a powerful song such as 'Truth' live, similar to my concerns for Michela this year also. I also haven't really listened to this since it premiered so I have had time to sit with it and the verses are super forgettable. Maybe that's because they are not heard in the recap, but still minutes after rewatching I don't remember them because they are wiped out by that fantastic chorus. Not a massive concern, but personally I do like the versus to hold up against the chorus more.

Prediction: So, I am concerned he won't be able to hit the head voice for the majority of the song like in music video, but as it is closing semi-final 2 and I'm certain Azerbaijan will give this a fantastic stage show I do think whatever happens this should be strong enough to qualify.

Final Score: 7/10

Summary: A powerful entry which returns to Azerbaijan's darker side at the contest, which has gave them favourable results over the years. It's dark element isn't too dark to turn people away, but still hook the majority in. There is a lot of potential here.

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