Arwin – “Glitter”
18-year-old Arwin was born long after Anders Glenmark and Orup competed with “Upp över mina öron” in Melodifestivalen 1989, but sounds like their unknown son. “Glitter” is an unabashed 80s pastiche with classic “na-na-na”, handclaps and a slightly banal Swedish text.
Laila Adèle – “Oxygen”
The Swedish “Dreamgirls” star returns to Melodifestivalen after 20 years. “Oxygen” is an autobiographical song where Laila Adèle sings about how her interest in music was sparked when she saw a black singer (Whitney Houston?) on TV as a seven-year-old. This is a grand power ballad in true “I have nothing” spirit.
Robin Bengtsson – "Honey honey"
This will be Robin Bengtsson's fifth time in the competition (which he won in 2017) but his first time in a completely new genre. “Honey honey” is 100 percent country – if by country you mean Avicii's “Wake me up”. It's hand clapping and woho choruses that are perfect for both the line dance floor and a large arena.
Felicia – “My system”
Felicia changes tracks and languages – from Swedish epadunk to what sounds like British 00s house. Her voice is almost unrecognizable under the autotune filter and “My system” feels like it could possibly be played at a rave in Ibiza this summer.
Klara Almström – “Where the whole world is waiting”
Former “Idol” contestant Klara Almström sings just as sweetly as Bianca Ingrosso in “Den blomstertid nu kommer” and offers just as much summer feeling. “Där hela världen väntar” contains grand strings that build up to a chorus that feels very much like Myra Granberg’s “Lose my mind”.
Brandsta City Extinguishers – “Straight into the fire”
It sounds like Drängarna have donned firefighter gear, complete with a key shift at the end. As much of a hit warning as their 24-year-old “Kom och ta mig” – which is not surprising when the “Bara bada bastu” songwriters are behind it. “Rakt in i elden” could be the hit of the year on apres ski dance floors and preschools across the country.
Arwin – “Glitter”
099-908 01 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
Laila Adèle – “Oxygen”
099-908 02 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
Robin Bengtsson – "Honey honey"
099-908 03 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
Felicia – “My system”
099-908 04 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
Klara Almström – "Where the whole world is waiting"
099-908 05 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
Brandsta City Extinguishers – “Straight into the fire”
099-908 06 (10 SEK per vote, of which 9.13 SEK goes to Radiohjälpen)
