2. ukraine: ridnym - leléka (4.5/5) (art pop, ukrainian folk)

• one of the most effective examples of song structure paralleling lyrics i’ve seen in a long while. it is in perpetual flux between the juxtaposition of peace and chaos in the instrumental, the revamp highlighting the bandura in the intro presents peace as the status quo disrupted by violence.
• the lyrics themselves have the poetic quality of a folk song. they reveal the imagery of a natural world forever in states of change: leaves grow and wilt and such is the natural order, but leaves can be burnt by destructive external factors (meant to represent the russian invasion.) yet, the lyrics gain the pronoun “we” and the song transforms into an active construction of hope from debris — embroidering, sowing seeds, regrowing.
• leléka is an exceptional vocalist, deftly navigating the transition from breathy to firm, ethereal to solemn. i understand that the insane held note is a deliberate attempt to push her boundaries, which really complements the themes of this entry, though i personally wish it built up to something more.
  • the world does not suddenly become peaceful again because one waits for nature to take its course, it heals from effort and hope and opposing our fears, rebellion and national memory and reconstruction.
• my only real fault with this entry is the shaky and underwhelming vidbir camerawork. the dandelion is a universal symbol of wishes and hope with recognisable stages in its life cycle, i’d like it to be used further
• top 5 in final, potential jury & overall winner. even if the true beauty of this song is more understated, it’s hard not to see her rewarded for the held note
  • this assessment was very unrealistic given that there are many capable vocalists this year, but i maintain that 5th place is possible