Emma Olivia – My Shoes

“Nope. Can’t listen without cringing.”

Tim: Emma Olivia, a Swedish 14 year old who’s got a song out.

Tom: And it’s called “My Shoes”.

Tim: Good reading skills.

Tom: I’m against this on principle.

Tim: Ah.

Tim: Pleasantly, this isn’t a song about the depth of love and the tragedy and pain of heartbreak that always sounds utterly ridiculous when coming out of, say, 16 year old Zara Larsson. Instead, we just have “I really really really like you,” which, even if it does leave something to be desired in the variety area, does at least save the melodrama for post-adolescence.

Tom: Nope. Can’t listen without cringing.

Tim: Really? Because I can’t listen without smiling.

Tom: That chanting, the “really really really” like you lyrics… no.

Tim: Oh. Although, for the other lines in the chorus – is shoe-writing a thing? Because, well, okay.

Tom: I wouldn’t know, I’m not 14 years old. I suspect I’m getting Too Damn Old for songs like this.

Tim: You say that, but I reckon that despite the lyrics, it doesn’t sound that much like a kid singing – certainly a lot less so than Junior Eurovision’s Julia Kedhammar – and that’s a good thing. Yes, the voice could do with developing a bit, particularly with the long note just after two minutes in, but otherwise: sounds great.

Tom: I think my reaction’s basically summed up as a slightly shuddering “gaaah” — with one exception. That middle eight deserves to be in a much better song. In fact, I’m fairly sure it already is, I just can’t remember where.

Tim: Oh. OHHH. OH GOD, yes it does remind me of something. Agh, oh I don’t know. I still think it’s great.