‘The best entry we’ve had in years’- critics react to Olly Alexander’s Eurovision song

The dance-infused track, co-written with British producer Danny L Harle, is poised to make waves, with some critics speculating it could be a game-changer.

Olly Alexander, the lead singer of Years & Years, is set to captivate audiences with his performance of “Dizzy” at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, in May.

Reflecting on the release of “Dizzy,” Olly expressed relief and excitement, emphasising that Eurovision offers a unique platform for showcasing music and performance artistry. The accompanying music video, featuring Olly dancing amidst a rotating set, mirrors the song’s theme of experiencing overwhelming emotions.

The song made its radio debut on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Olly said: “It’s such a relief – so happy.”

He added: “Now it’s getting closer to the date it’s starting to feel real and it’s good.

“I feel like I’ve got less anxiety now because it’s real.

“I know a bit more about what I’m actually going to be doing and I’m just getting excited.

“There’s nothing else in the world like Eurovision, it’s so unique and I’m just excited to be taking part.”

The pulsing electropop single, inspired by Olly and Harle’s love for 1980s music icons like Erasure and the Pet Shop Boys, embodies a rush of love that turns one’s world upside down. Olly’s anticipation for the Eurovision performance is palpable, with Michael Sheen even expressing interest in joining the stage.

Despite mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its innovation and energy while others expressing reservations, “Dizzy” has gained attention for its catchy hooks and nostalgic synth-pop vibes. With Olly’s track record of chart-topping hits and acclaimed performances, expectations are high for his Eurovision debut.

The Times’ chief rock and pop critic, Will Hodgkinson, awarded the track a full five stars as he feels it is “the best entry we’ve had in years”.

He described it as a “super-catchy hi-energy disco smash that has real innovation in its burbling production” which also has “pleasingly nostalgic shades of classic Eighties synth-pop: Erasure, Soft Cell and, yes, the Pet Shop Boys”.

“This has all the qualities needed to be a guaranteed floor filler at Euroclub, the accompanying nightclub where the real action happens each year at Eurovision”, he added.

The Telegraph’s music critic, Neil McCormick, was more reserved on the track, giving it three out of five stars.

He said: “It is not nul points for Dizzy, but I just can’t see it as a take no prisoners banger to put Britain back on top of the Euro pile.”

McCormick also likened the song’s “upbeat sentiments with a minor chord melodic tension” to last year’s winning track Tattoo by Loreen, but questioned if following in their footsteps rather than striking out was the best course of action.

He added: “The song doesn’t have the earworm insistence or obvious moment of camp drama to win in a competition that is all about sensation and gimmickry.”

The Independent’s music editor, Roisin O’Connor, also gave the track three stars as she felt it “does have its merits”.

She said the effect of the “simple chorus” paired with the “dancefloor rhythms” is one of “romance, hedonism, and euphoria”, which she deems as “all essential ingredients for any self-respecting Eurovision hit”.

O’Connor also placed her hopes on Alexander’s live performance experience to see the UK through, saying: “He’s bound to put on a dazzling visual spectacle. Maybe ‘Dizzy’ is enough to get the judges’ heads spinning.”

As preparations for the performance continue, fans eagerly await Olly’s dazzling visual spectacle on the Eurovision stage. With his stellar track record for UK hits and his stage presence, he is set to make a memorable impression at the international song competition.

He has also starred in a number of TV programmes, including the seventh series of teen drama Skins and It’s A Sin on Channel 4, which saw him receive a Bafta nomination for his role as Ritchie Tozer.

Pop singer Mae Muller represented the UK last year at the Eurovision Song Contest, held at the M&S Bank Arena, and came second-to-last with I Wrote A Song.

Fans can catch the two Eurovision semi-finals on BBC One on May 7 and 9, with the grand final set to take place on May 11.

Watch the official music video for Dizzy on YouTube here.

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