When Slimane released Mon Amour, 179 days had passed since the Grand Final of Eurovision 2023. By the same token, 184 days would have to pass until the French chanteur gets his chance to show his chanson in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2024. It’s unprecedented to release a Eurovision contribution so early in a Eurovision cycle. 

Enough about the unprecedented and more about the precedent. Slimane whispers, then weeps and wails en français. It’s the norm, the tradition, the example for him and his country at the contest. He hums in harmony with a haunting piano, desperately wishing for his love to be reciprocated. His hopelessness is heartbreaking. 

A brief explosion of symphonics previews the impending absolute anguish Slimane displays: “Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me, or not?” 

Mon Amour is the cry of a straining heart on the verge of a break.