World (Lindita song)

"World"
Single by Lindita
Released	29 March 2017
Format	Digital download
Genre	Rock pop soul
Length	2:56
Label	Universal Music
Songwriter(s)	Lindita Big Basta Klodian Qafoku
Producer(s)	Klodian Qafoku
Lindita singles chronology
"Now" (2017) "World" (2017) "Rock Whine" (2017)
"Now" (2017) "World" (2017) "Rock Whine" (2017)

"World"
Eurovision Song Contest 2017 entry
Country	Albania
Artist(s)	Lindita
Language	English
Composer(s)	Klodian Qafoku
Lyricist(s)	Lindita Big Basta
Finals performance
Semi-final result	14th
Semi-final points	76
Appearance chronology
◄ "Fairytale" (2016)

"World" is a song recorded by Albanian–Kosovar singer Lindita. It was made available for digital download on 29 March 2017 through Universal Music. The track was written by Lindita and Big Basta, while production was handled by Klodian Qafoku. "World" represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 and has been originally selected under its Albanian title, "Botë", after winning Festivali i Këngës 55.^[1][2] For promotion, an accompanying music video premiered on 13 March 2017.

Eurovision Song Contest

On 1 November 2016, Lindita was confirmed to be taking part in Festivali i Këngës 55, Albania's national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, with the song "Botë".^[3] She qualified from the second semi-final on 22 December 2016, to the final, held on 23 December.^[4] In the final, she won the jury vote and came third with the televote, ultimately winning the competition and becoming the Albanian representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.^[1] On 26 December, she revealed that the song would be revamped for Eurovision and that its lyrics would be translated into English.^[5] The revamped version was revealed on 13 March 2017, while the song was released as a digital download on 29 March.^[2] Albania competed in the first half of the first semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest.^[6][7]

Promotion

Lindita made several appearances across Europe to specifically promote "World" as the Albanian Eurovision entry. Between 3 and 6 April, she took part in promotional activities in Tel Aviv, Israel where she performed during the Israel Calling event held at the Ha'teatron venue.^[8][9] On 8 April, Lindita performed during the Eurovision in Concert event which was held at the Melkweg venue in Amsterdam, Netherlands and hosted by Cornald Maas and Selma Björnsdóttir.^[10] On 15 April, she performed during the Eurovision Spain Pre-Party, which was held at the Sala La Riviera venue in Madrid, Spain.^[11]

Music video

The music video of the "World" is a hybrid genre incorporating elements of post-apocalyptic setting and underwater videography visuals merged into dieselpunk, steampunk and retrofuturism. Video starts with the singer in aquatic locomotion then depicts her standing in front of ruins while the scenery gradually showcases technology visuals of the interwar period and postmodern sensibilities. The video was shot using a cyclorama and chroma key whereas similar visuals such as retro-futuristic lighter than air ironclad warship driven by a gear train and a clock face with geocentric model but roman numerals, were featured on the backdrop and LED during the Eurovision performance.

Critical reception

"World" received positive remarks from The Telegraph and Daily Express. Sebastian Kettley from Express wrote: “Powerful message of spreading love in her pop-rock song “World” ,^[12] whereas Telegraph concluded: “Another Eurovision staple: the “what is happening to the world?” power ballad”.^[13] Meanwhile, John Kennedy O'Connor in an exclusive presentation for San Marino RTV stated: "This is definitely one of the most beautiful and inspiring video of this year's previews but that counts for nothing as what happens on stage is all that matters. I can't see this song inspiring to many viewers to pick up the phones to vote but we'll see..." ^[14] Among the Eurovision's fansites, “World” received mixed reviews whereas among the fans it was met with strong enthusiasm.

Reaction

Following the first semi-final results in which Albania was among the disqualified entries, a group of dissatisfied Pan-European fans announced via Disqus on the Eurovision’s official website that they shall boycott the contest due to – as the group stated – “vile composition of injustice, politics and manipulation” implying the EBU's alleged unfair treatment of Albanian and Finnish entries in particular. Outraged over an unexpected low score, the group accused Eurovision for vote rigging and called for Albania’s withdrawal from the contest and the song withdrawal from commercial availability via Eurovision's official album. Further, some fans posted images of them leaving the arena minutes before the grand final took place and vowed via comment sections to never watch Eurovision again. While EBU did not address their concern, it was revealed that Eurovision 2017 was watched less than expected, excluding Russia’s withdrawal.

Track listing

Charts

Release history

References