It’s the 6th time for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest. Albania had a very successful debut in 2004 with “The image of you” performed by Anjeza Shahini (rank 7). The following years were quite mediocre and there was nothing outstanding. The unique issue with Albanian music is that the taste of music is totally different from the rest of Europe. Of course, there are always folkloristic elements in the songs, but the way the songs were represented in the Eurovision Song Contest later on is like from different world. Albania is also voting totally different, too, which is nothing bad at all.
Songs in the Albanian pre selection are wholly recomposed and revamped to bring the song to an international standard. At the end, it still sounds differently though, but the song has also elements, all countries will understand, and furthermore it will be sung in English.

This years song “Carry me in your dreams” is quite a pop tune for Albanian compositions. The chorus is catchy and the folkloristic interlude is not missing. All in all a quite good song with potential. After hearing this a couple of times it’s getting stronger. On stage the sympathetic singer Kejsi still appears a bit insecure, but impresses with her strong voice.