PAPER

SVALA

SECHUK JURY

Rating

 220.5/320 (68.9%)

INTERNATIONAL JURY

ICELAND

INT

JURY TOTAL

111.5

Amar

Everything about this is really cool. Svala is a dynamic artist that truly elevates this song and brings forth some great energy to this year's contest. With a little revamp in the performance, I could see this performing very well in Kiev ! 

8.5

Benedek

REAL This song is very modern with a good singer and the stage image is also working nicely. I think Iceland is back in the game.

8

Christos

I would love to write down on a piece of paper all my feelings about this country. I am in love with the culture, the language and most of their entries. I love the entry of Svala’s father in 1995 but this year my feelings are …slim. There are many songs this year that even though they are quiet good they doesn’t create me this ….Eurovision heartbeat.  I think that this entry will go to the final and it will get a place out of the top 20…

3

Daria

Not the best song in its genre, it feels too American for me, usually European sound is better for such deep tunes. Also some feature detail would get more attention from the wider audience.

8.5

Douwe

Svala scored a landslide victory in Söngvakeppnin and will take 'Paper' to Kyiv. She delivered pitch-perfect vocals and her voice works perfectly for the electro-ballad genre. This sticks like glue. Solid, with a strong chorus, catchy, modern and fresh 'Paper' must surely stand a chance of taking Iceland back to the final with this simple yet stirring act. Attention however needs to be paid to the staging and performance but there is time and there are plans. Svala's side-to side movements reminded me of those of Jamala. My only fear is that Iceland are fishing for votes in the same semi-final as Belgium and Azerbaijan , both with similar songs.  

9.5

Elena

I'm quite disappointed here.  First of all, I'd personally prefer if she kept the song in Icelandic.  The changes between verse and chorus is very much Norway 2016. The singer has a lot of attitude and has a cool voice, but the song falls completely flat.

2

Frederico

This is quite a good song from Iceland , and I hope this year they do better than last year. This is contemporary and different, and the whole thing comes across very professional and au point.

6.5

José

I adore the style of this song, such a progressive style. Svala look very confortable in this style and why not to dream with the first visit of Eurovision to Iceland ? we can dare!

10

Mark L

This is a decent song but I don’t think it was the best choice Iceland could have made, will definitely make the final though

7

Melissa

This is awesome! It sounds like something that CHVRCHES and Loreen would do if they collaborated, and paired with Svala's very distinct voice and performance I really hope it does well in Kiev . I cannot fault this at all!

10

Octavio

Her voice is remarkable, good song and radio-friendly.The Icelandic version is amazing and fits the song perfectly. The English one is so forced and annoying. I hope they will make something spectacular for her in Kiev . 

6

Paul C

Not bad at all, I quite like it. Svala has a nice voice. Not sure if tgat will do good in Kiev though.

7

Pia

I didn´t like the video, but when I just listened to the song it was quite good . I think it will go well for the Nordic countries this year ( I hope )

7

Roberto

A scratchy rhythm but often quite obsessive and insubstantial ; a modern sound, sometimes punchy, sometimes ordinary. I expected a bit more.

6

Roy

The song selected in Iceland reminds me so much of their 2016 entry which did not qualify. Will they go down the same path? This is again a typical fan song and represented in a strange way. Just like last year the song is not doing much for me.

6

Samantha

Bit of an '80s throwback, but in a good way. Svala's got a unique voice, too...can't wait to see how this is staged. 

6.5

UNITED KINGDOM JURY

ICELAND

UK

JURY TOTAL

109

Andrew G

I think this is average, not brilliant, it might make the final as I could see a few liking it, it is slightly different to the normal rest

7

Danny

This is a fresh, cool track and Svala has a fantastic voice. The production is outstanding but I think the issue this song has is that it might be a little too edgy to have mass appeal and Svala might come across a little too ‘icy’ (terrible pun I know) and may put some voters off, which is a shame as this is a cracking little track. Borderline qualifier I would say, which is a shame as Iceland haven’t had much luck recently. But I love it anyway!

9

David B

There was never much doubt that this would emerge as the Icelandic entry. Svala's a good performer and she needs to be to squeeze something out of this generic effort. The chorus is all 'I'm a shouting machine in a frock' which is a pity. An entry bursting with dullness.

4

David E

Yes!  A terrific return to form from our North Western neighbours after the disappointments of the past two years.  Svala is an amazing performer and her cutting-edge track is bang on the money!  Top 5 anyone? 

9

Dean

Modern, yet with a very slight 80s feel, this has a very clear hook.  The staging is going to be crucial for this one, but I hope Svala keeps a pantsuit.  It feels totally right for this song. Hoping it’s a qualifier.

7

Eddie

Amazing voice, great song. Modern and accessible. I could see this being a hit across Europe . Well done Iceland .

9

Edward

I know this is good and I want to appreciate it, but it just doesn’t uplift me and the song doesn’t really seem to go anywhere.  I have no doubt the performance will be intense and strong, but I wonder if this will just get people excited enough to vote.

6

Gary

Another of those one-word titles repeated over a beat – I’m still blaming Rhianna. This leaves me cold sadly. A bit harsh and clinical. It has the modern feel and could be impressive on stage, but I find her a little aggressive in style. I’d like to see them back in the final but this is sits with Switzerland and Azerbaijan as a 50/50 chance.

5

Joe  

this is the sort of think I usually really like. But for some reason I can't get excited by it. Maybe the performance will win me over in Kyiv

6.5

Kevin

I love this entry from Iceland, Svala gives us a classy Eurovision track called paper, I can see a brilliant stage set coming on, nice little electro rhythmic number  I think Iceland have a great opportunity over become in the top 10

8

Lloyd

Current electro song with Svala piecing voice and effortless delivery will be appealing to some ESC fans. Svala to me sounds like the 80's icon Belinda Carlisle, which is a good thing. 

6

Mark M

Sort of Sia-esque entry, which could do really well if it's staged well.  I can't help thinking it's two songs meshed together but I really like it and hope we see Iceland back in the final.

7.5

Martin

Why do most Icelandic Eurovision entries sound better in their native tongue than in English?  I much preferred the tone and content of "Ég veit það" but visually Svala definitely owns the stage, although I'm not sure about the platformed heel chav look.  Hopefully the laser show here won't be the only highlight in Kyiv...

6.5

Matt

I really like this.  I can't quite put my finger on why but it has a strong and fiesty feel to it.

7

Nico

Another strong modern song (nightmare) for semi 1. Quite possibly the most contemporary song we've heard from Iceland   in a long while.  Is it instant enough? Hard to say, but it's a great choice.

7.5

Sally-Ann

Usually relied on to send a highly competitive entry, Iceland 's ode to feeling like paper has an equally thin chance of qualifying. This paper is less broadsheet, more tabloid.

4