1. Greczula – “Half of me”
No one will be surprised when last year's third-place finisher, Greczula, delivers a melodic anthem in a 70s glam rock style. This is “Believe me” on steroids, with an even catchier and extremely fast chorus.
It remains to be seen how the 33-year-old from Falkenberg will top his entrance on a grand piano lowered from the ceiling when he starts this year's competition.
2. Jacqueline – “Woman”
“Idol” runner-up Jacqueline is back in the competition with a Y2K-scented Beyoncé pastiche. The intro was stolen from En Vogue by the songwriters, if anyone remembers them, and it's R&B and cocky in a suggestive way.
“Woman” consists of an uh-oh-whispering chorus and a low-key Jacqueline in the verses that explodes into an effective chorus.
3. Noll2 – “Drunk Words”
You might wonder if it's that guy who sings Bellman songs on the subway on TikTok who's planning to take to the Melodifestivalen stage. But no, it's a debuting duo from Örnsköldsvik who have previously achieved great success with songs like "Störd".
“Berusade ord” could have been sung by Simon Superti, accompanied by violin loops that tie the song together and give it a modern sound.
4. Junior Lerin – "Copacabana Boy"
Brazilian joy-maker Junior has become popular by being married to artist Lars Lerin and attempting to race the Vasaloppet. The latter is referenced in the lyrics through a not-so-subtle Gunde Svan reference.
“Copacabana Boy” is an origin story a la Sean Banan’s first appearance in Melodifestivalen, but with a less audience-friendly sound. Instead, the backing is in a minor key, which makes the song unexpectedly dark.
5. Indra Elg – "Beautiful Lie"
Indra Elg was voted out in the first week final of "Idol" 2020 but now has a chance for revenge. Her husky voice evokes Amanda Jenssen, and "Beautiful Lie" is a dark fairy tale or a James Bond-style song with a modern twist.
Behind the song are three of the songwriters from last year's "Bara bada bastu". It remains to be seen whether Indra Elg will also be a debutant who makes it straight to the final.
6. A-Teens – “Iconic”
Will it be an iconic comeback for A-Teens? The quartet has never competed in Melodifestivalen before, but reunited for an interlude last year and were left wanting more.
The song itself is a clubby take on their previous hits, with autotune working hard at times. It's a far cry from the poppy Abba covers the band made their name with, where Greczula's contribution sounds much more schlager. Instead, it's a more intricate sound, with a chorus that sticks out in different directions and a bass that beats rhythmically.
Can the A-Teens' now-30-year-old fans vote them on? We'll see on Saturday.
Ann Edliden/TT
Facts: They compete in Linköping on January 31st
TT
1. Greczula – "Half of me"
099-908 01 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 01 (3.60 SEK per vote)
2. Jacqueline – "Woman"
099-908 02 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 02 (3.60 SEK per vote)
3. Noll2 – "Drunk Words"
099-908 03 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 03 (3.60 SEK per vote)
4. Junior Lerin – "Copacabana Boy"
099-908 04 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 04 (3.60 SEK per vote)
5. Indra Elg – "Beautiful Lie"
099-908 05 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 05 (3.60 SEK per vote)
6. A-Teens – "Iconic"
099-908 06 (9.90 SEK per vote, of which 9.20 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
099-208 06 (3.60 SEK per vote)
