The Tower (song)
"The Tower" is a song by Polish singer-songwriter Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas, also known mononymously as Luna. Self-described as an account of the journey of strength and self-realization from the depths of darkness and negativity, it was co-written by Luna, Paul Dixon and Max Cooke, and was released on 23 January 2024 by Universal Music Polska. The song represented Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, and finished in 12th place with 35 points during semi final 1.
Background and composition
"The Tower" was written and composed by Aleksandra Katarzyna Wielgomas, Paul Dixon, and Max Cooke. In interviews, Wielgomas has stated that the song is about a journey to self-realization and self-actualization from the negativity humanity faces. The song uses the metaphor of a tower of negativity and limited potential, urging the listener to topple the tower with strength. Wielgomas later stated in an interview with Wiwibloggs that she wanted others to "create your own rules in the world, your own terms and build your own tower – the one that leads to your destiny, something that is great for your life and for your happiness".The song officially premiered on 23 January 2024 at the Spatif nightclub in Warsaw. Around a month later, the song was announced by Telewizja Polska, Poland's broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest, to represent the country for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
Critical reception
Vultures Jon O'Brien ranked the song seventh out of 37 Eurovision entries, opining that it "echoes" Ellie Goulding, Aurora and Grimes. He concluded: " is the kind of featherlight synth-pop that seems tailor-made not for Eurovision but for trendy Spotify playlists. In years to come, this may be regarded as 2024's lost gem." On the other hand, Erin Adam of The Scotsman gave the song a rating of 6 out of 10, but called it "frothy" and "catchy".Music video and promotion
Along with the song's premiere, an accompanying music video was released. According to Wielgomas, the music video uses the metaphor of chess to describe the relationships she has endured. Wielgomas has stated in interviews that the appearance of her opponent represents struggles in her life, including "crossing boundaries". The duel itself represents her facing different loved ones and their relationships, and by the end of the video, she is battling herself, knowing that she has to defeat her past self to create her own fate.To further promote the song, Wielgomas confirmed her intent to participate in several Eurovision pre-parties, including the Nordic Music Celebration, the London Eurovision Party, Pre-Party ES 2024, and the Barcelona Eurovision Party 2024.