Connected

I almost typed "Jennie - Connexor". I guess some things you can never get rid of. This album was expected to be Finland's answer to Linda Bengtzing, but unfortunately, only one of the new tracks is actually good.

#1 Take Me Higher 10

The brightest highlight of Euroviisut 2006, even though Johanna Pakonen gave her respectable opposition with Kerta viimeinen. Lordi's presence in the same preselection had a two-fold effect: first of all, despite being my favourite, Jennie wasn't whom I would've chosen, because I believed more in Lordi's chances. Secondly, she had the misfortune to have to perform both rounds right after Lordi, which was an outrightly physical hindrance. Or have you tried yourself to sing and dance while the air is full of smoke? Full points to Jennie for making it, even though the difficult conditions did affect her performance.

#2 Kiss Me 10

No bones about it, this is the best song ever that didn't win the national selection. Going further to compare this with the likes of Fantasiaa, Eläköön elämä and Aava is something I'm not willing to do, not now and maybe never. I still remember how enthusiastic it made me to first hear this wonderful song and then see the fresh and competent performance that was something Euroviisut hadn't seen before. With no Lordi around, she so should've won the ticket. Hardly would the result been worse than Geir's.

#3 Never Give You Up 10

I have so much to say that I'm lagging badly. This is the only really good new song the album offered. I'm pretty sure this was considered for Euroviisut as well, but the choices they made were right, TMH for being better and LaYL for diversity.

#4 Look at Your Love 9

When I first heard this at the dress rehearsal of the semifinal at Tampere, I was shocked because it's not something that opens up during the first listening. In time I learnt to like it, even though it's no match to TMH.

#5 Connected 5

There it was, the good part of the album. The title track is horrible.

#6 You Just Walked Away 5½

Sounds like something Jari would play as stretching music. Those are usually the moments when I mainly wait for the song to end.

#7 Gonna Be Me 9

In a way, I like this.

#8 Burn This House Down 7

Too funky.

#9 Perfect Wallflower 6½

Sounds more familiar than some other tracks - would that mean I'd given four stars? Let's see. No way.

#10 The End 5

Blugh. All Asian ballads may sound the same but at least they don't sound like this.