There’s just something about Estonia kicking things off in December that hits differently – it’s like ESC season is officially on. Eesti Laul released the 20 songs that will go head to head to represent Estonia at ESC 2024. 5 acts are fast-tracked to the February 17 final, while the other 15 will compete in a semifinal on January 20, where 5 more tracks will ultimately advance.
Overall, this selection left me feeling a bit…underwhelmed? Confused? When’s the last time a generic midtempo pop ballad won ESC to warrant such an onslaught here? Why is Laura back with something Babyface would have written in 1992 and immediately set on fire? Why are the 5 song fast-tracked to the final considerably worse (on balance) than the ones that will have to duke it out in the semis? Don’t get me wrong – it’s a decent line-up of songs. A lot of them unfortunately are just not very competitive. That said – these are the 4 tracks that jumped out at me (yes, OLLIE is probably going to win. But I didn’t particularly like Venom last year and this year’s entry isn’t much different or better).
5miinust & Puuluup – (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
This was the first song I listened to and, as fun and bizarre as it is, I didn’t really think or expect that it would ultimately end up here. It walks a fine line between folk and novelty, but there is no denying how catchy and well produced it is. I would say it almost sounds like an EDM version of Trenulețul, and it might realistically have the same visual (and televote) appeal on stage at ESC, but I don’t see Estonia picking this or even sending it through to the final.
This is just a great trance/techno hybrid. It’s a stomper with a great vocal that throws back to ’90s eurodance, and the production remains up there the whole time without necessarily reinventing the wheel. It’s currently the highest rated song of the contest on Eurovision World where it is tied with OLLIE’s My Friend, but it’s definitely more niche and might have a harder time finding widespread support in the final. Also…yes, the title is unfortunate.
Nele-Liis Vaiksoo – Käte ümber jää
There’s something here. A mood. A vibe. I listened to it just sort of casually bopping my head along, and then it ended and I instinctively it play again. Then I played it 4 more times. There’s a certain urgency to it that makes it almost feel cinematic, and it is Charlotte Martin-esque in ways that still feel current and compelling. It is one of the 5 songs already through to the final, and I’m really curious to see what voters at home will do with it, since it should fare rather well with juries.
Traffic are back for the sixth time and this is a complete (and much welcome) departure from their usual pop rock/indie folk sound…so much so that I can’t tell if they’re genuinely having fun or just taking the piss. Doesn’t matter, really. This is another great throwback to eurotrance that just works for what it is, and there is a certain energy and visual appeal to the video (the aerial fire explosions, the orange uniforms, Silver Laas crouched and air-spanking and really doing the most) that really makes me hopeful for the live show. After sending that unlistenable dirge last year, Estonia kinda owes me five daddies just letting loose and a bop like this.
ESC Etc. 
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