Portugal’s representative for Eurovision 2022, MARO, is continuing to release new music following her participation in the Contest. The 27-year-old has released her new album: ‘can you see me?’
Journeys into introspection
Containing 14 tracks, MARO takes on multiple themes, taking on a variety of characters. The opening song ‘when mama used to sing’ is a slow-burning overture to the album, lamenting at the memories of MARO’s childhood. Throughout the album, ideas including loneliness, love and self-reliance make regular appearances. This is similar to the themes explored in MARO’s Eurovision entry – “saudade, saudade”.
Similarly, a number of the songs featured on the album blend MARO’s native Portuguese with English. Only one song on the album is entirely in Portuguese – the chilled and pared-back “juro que vi flores”. The album finishes on an uneasy note in ‘i’m just afraid, i’m so afraid’, as MARO sings that her lover will find a way to leave her, despite being happy together.
Overall, the flow of the album blends from one track to the next with ease, leaving the listener wondering when one song ends and another begins. MARO’s iconic voice lends itself to its deeply personal lyrics, and the listener is made to become “the supportive friend” looking after the artist. In a musical aspect, MARO sticks to sounds she knows, but takes risks throughout with sometimes-unconventional time signatures and deliberately clunky beats (see for reference: ‘it keeps on raining’). Anyone who enjoyed ‘saudade, saudade’ would find this album an oasis, far from overproduced pop music, but just as filled with professionalism and reverence.
Listen to ‘can you see me?’ here:
Spotify
Apple Music
MARO’s Eurovision Journey
MARO competed at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “saudade, saudade”. During her participation, MARO managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, she finished 9th, after receiving 207 points from the jury and the televote.
What do you think of ‘can you see me’? Do you think any of the songs could also have done well at Eurovision? Will you be following MARO after her Eurovision participation? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as we delve into all things Eurovision!
News Source: MARO
Photo Credit: EBU / Corinne Cumming
