There is no edition of the Benidorm Fest without conflict. And that's another incentive for a festival that needs a lot of digital and television noise. Everything for the audience. This year, a week ago, there was controversy over some leaks, first about the song titles and then about some audios of the songs, many of which were incomplete. This has fueled the desire of followers for seven days… Until today, when the songs of the 16 selected who will compete in Benidorm between January 30 and February 3, 2024 to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest were announced which will take place from May 7th to 11th, 2024 in Malmö (Sweden).
This is the analysis of the 16 participants in alphabetical order.
– Almacor, “Platinum Glitter”
The 26-year-old singer from Alicante's greatest wish is to one day cross paths with Bizarrap. When he then works with the Argentine, it's ecstasy. A very Quevedo-esque song with unforgettable lyrics and a rhythm from the most obvious form of the urban genre.
Listen to Platinum Shines by clicking here.
The Alicante singer Almacor at the “photo session” of the auditions.
– Angy Fernández, “I know who I am”
Well, here's Angy back in our lives. Because the attempt doesn't work. The word fear has no place for the courageous Mallorcan singer and actress. “I am a disaster, a pure disaster,” he sings in this autobiographical song. It's energetic and has a good chorus. Decent classic pop rock.
Listen, I know who I am when you click here.
The singer Angy Fernández.
– Dellacruz, “Kiss in the Morning”
Another song that is classified in the urban genre is that of the Canarian Jorge de la Cruz Correa, Dellacruz. This style is so saturated that it is very difficult to find original proposals. And that is not the case.
Listen to Kiss in the Morning by clicking here.
The Canarian artist Jorge de la Cruz Correa, Dellacruz.
– Jorge Gonzalez, “Hot”
It starts SloMo style, continues SloMo style and ends SloMo style. The only thing missing is that Jorge González dances as well as Chanel. Let's bet that this handsome man from Madrid amazes us with his moves? It is indescribable how little the topic contributes to this.
Listen to Caliente by clicking here.
The Madrid singer Jorge González.
– Text, “Astronaut”
“You were mean, mean to me, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.” We started badly. An electronic dance song for first year dance. At four in the morning on New Year's Eve, well…
Listen to “Astronaut” by clicking here.
The Lérica duo.
– Mantra: “You will see me”
This year's Nochentera, but without the grace of Vicco's song.
Listen to. Click here to see me.
The pop group Mantra.
– María Peláe, “Transmitter”
Probably the artist with the most performances (along with Miss Caffeina) among the participants. Remitente is a song not exclusive to the festival, as it is included in the Malagueña's latest album, Al Baños María, released in October 2023. A song reminiscent of flamenco, with claps, Spanish guitars, percussive cajones and a great vocal performance and intelligent lyrics, new to this list. It sounds modern, but Peláe did not try to make it approximate urban structures and it is almost appreciated because there is a certain saturation. The outburst, the exuberance, the sadness and the unprejudiced nature of the great Lola Flores immediately capture the heart and body when one listens to the station. And it's good news.
Listen to stations by clicking here.
– Marlena, “Summer Love”
This is what the paper distributed by RTVE says: “With this pop song, Ana and Carolina wanted to create a parallel to the love story between Danny Zuko and Sandy in Grease, two young people who fall in love in the summer, but when September comes their relationship changes for better or worse. It takes an imagination to associate this dance track song with the sparks that flew every time Olivia Newton John and John Travolta started singing.
Listen to Summer Love by clicking here.
The Marlena Duo.
– Miss Caffeina, 'Blah blah blah'
The Madrid group have always brought a confident attitude to Spanish indie, so it's no surprise to see them here with a danceable electronic pop song that isn't embarrassing. The song is beautiful and the title also made us listen to the sensational eighties blah blah blah by Iggy Pop. Not that bad.
Listen to Bla Bla Bla by clicking here.
The Madrid group Miss Caffeina.
– Nebulossa, 'Zorra'
Rigoberta Bandini meets Dinarama. In principle, it's not bad at all. The message is also very healthy, although not as current as one might think: “I like be a bitch” sang the Vulpess back in the eighties. It was put together 40 years ago; Of course not today. The song is worthy.
Listen to Zorra by clicking here.
The Nebulossa Duo.
– Noan, “I miss you –”
We got our hopes up with the T-shirt Noan wore at the presentation: Misfits. However, there is no trace of the special punk of the fantastic US band. Halfway between Sergio Dalma and El Canto del Loco, the song would be a “three, two, one…” in lot 40 of the nineties.
Listen, I miss you – by clicking here.
The Basque musician Noan.
– Quique Niza, “Prisoner”
With the professional voice that works in musicals, Quique Niza presents an intense pop ballad. Meritorious.
Listen to “Prisoner” by clicking here.
The artist Quique Niza.
– Roger Padrós, “The Temps”
A song in Catalan. Very appreciated. A daring lyric about long-term relationships in which respect can overcome even the greatest crises. Good voice, decisive piano presence and beautiful arrangements.
Listen to El Temps by clicking here.
The Catalan artist Roger Padrós.
– Sofia Coll, “Here to Stay”
Despite the English title, most of the song is in Spanish and Catalan. Sofía Coll has already defined her song for us: “Una petardada”. And fireworks songs are a very valued genre in today's Eurovision Song Contest. But wait, who is behind this song? The Canut brothers Nacho and Mauro, experienced creators of pop balls. Well, the Canuts haven't lost their sense of smell.
Listen to Here to Stay by clicking here.
The singer and composer Sofía Coll.
– St. Pedro, “Two Strangers (Quarter String)”
What a joy to listen to this Caribbean Bolero with those violins lulling you to sleep after so much Eurovision bullshit. This boy from Tenerife sings warmly, with feeling and power. Two Strangers has little chance of winning this Benidorm fest, but it's a relief to hear that it's surrounded by such unsurprising suggestions.
Listen to Two Strangers (String Quartet) by clicking here.
The St. Pedro canary.
– Yoly Saa, “I Won’t Forget”
Wonderful and flexible voice of this Galician artist, considered today's singer-songwriter. You can tell it was produced by people who worked with Fuel Fandango because it has that cold, modern sound that matches Yoly Saa's warm voice. There are references to the rhythms of his country, but always at the command of the song. One of the best on the list.
Listen, I won't forget it by clicking here.
The Galician artist Yoly Saa.
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