This is by far the most contemporary song of the
year. Loreen sings emotionally and the mood is made more intense by the
lighting and her captivating martial arts inspired choreography. The song will
be a big hit wherever it places. Ironically this and the very different Spanish
entry are co written by Thomas G:son.
2)
This the best chance Spain
has had of winning since Rosa back in 2002. Is
not exactly the most Spanish sounding of songs (although this has mostly been
their problem) but is a very dramatic ballad that makes best use of Pastora’s
lungs. Sang this flawlessly during the national final and will go BIG in the
hall.
3) Switzerland
This was the first song chosen all the way back
in December and to be honest very little beats it. A good solid rock-pop song
with a catchy chorus. Lots of repetition of the song title. It has a good tempo
which switches between fast and slow and keeps you on your toes. Some
apprehension on the singers pronunciation.
4) France
A really catchy number with lots of twists,
turns, changes of language, tempo and chord. The song switches from French to
English and back again seamlessly and work well in the structure of the song. Recent
videos of her live versions have impressed me and I feel that with a good visual
show this will go big in the hall.
5) Italy
At the last minute, Italy Europe . Like last year will definitely get the jury vote.
6) Albania
OK, OK. There is no way this song will win or even
get out of the semi final but if you want drama, passion and mad vocal skills,
this has to top the lot. Rona has an interesting visual look as well as the
biggest voice (and mouth) possibly ever seen at Eurovision. Possibly too
technical and odd for the once a year viewer.
7)
Let’s be honest, this is no “Lipstick” however
in the scheme of things, this will probably do better. The boys, of course,
deliver their pop number with a lot of gusto and jumping around and actually
don’t do a bad job in keeping to the tune. They are now well known in
Eurovision circles which may get them the odd extra vote.
8)
This is possibly the best out and out rock song
ever seen at Eurovision. Sounds very commercial and could do well all over the
world never mind just in Europe . The mix of
slow and fast beats keeps you on your toes and the chorus is a standout piece
of work. No live performance as yet but this could be a dark horse.
9)
Tooji’s song is an up-tempo pop song with a mix
of western and eastern stylistic influences. Cleverly choreographed as it looks
like he is doing a lot of moving and dancing but is effectively doing it all on
the spot. This will also help his vocals which need to be strong. Will get the young
girl vote like Eric Saade last year.
10)
Initially
an odd choice for the UK
11)
Roman
is a contemporary sounding singer who will get many a young girl vote. The
song, co-written by Jamie Cullum, is a laid back number with a very repetitive
chorus. The tune is very simple and easy to remember. I fear the performance
will be bland compared to others in the contest and will possibly be forgotten.
12)
This
year’s ultimate Marmite track composed by Ralph Siegel. It’s the song you
really, really, REALLY want to hate but has an ear worm so infectious you end
up singing it all day long. Initially disqualified due to its Facebook lyrics
but all this did was gain the song more publicity. Valentina is unbelievably 37
years old. WOW.
13)
One
of the early favourites for this year’s contest. Eva has a good look and I hope
she keeps the weirdly dressed backing singers too. The song, in Slovene, is
strong although it does sound suspiciously like ‘Motliva’ from 4 years ago, however
both are composed by the same person. Will get lots of neighbourly votes.
14)
Trackshittaz
should have won last year’s ESC ticket however this song is nowhere near as
good as last year’s effort. Cannot wait to see what kind of show they put up in
Baku
15)
Denmark
Soluna
sang this song during the Danish final in a military style outfit and having her
backing singers on a sofa. This is a mid tempo guitar based song which is lo
laid back it is vertical. The chorus is extremely memorable but the verses let
it down slightly. Keep on thinking it is going to turn into Seal’s “Crazy”
16)
The
only song in Swedish in this year’s contest. A subtle lilting ballad that has a
lovely laid back jazzy feel and some interesting chords in the chorus. The tune
is easy to pick up and hummable immediately, even if the language is not to
your taste. The performance is also aided by the lovely dancer at the front.
17)
Another of
the dance songs in the contest. Reminisces of Ruslana in the background.
Gaitana has a very distinctive voice although the recorded version does not do
it justice. Will be interesting to see how this is performed. Encouraging to
see an Eastern European country being represented by a black woman.
18)
One
of the very few dance songs this year and it could do well. The instrumental
parts are used well. The chorus is cleverly written involving several different
languages. Sofi’s top notes are little bit on the thin side and quite nasal
sounding. The song could easily be a hit in the clubs of Europe
but maybe not at Eurovision.
19)
I
can feel the evil glares from here. I’m really sorry but Zejlko has been hoist
by his own petard. Compared to his other Eurovision efforts this just doesn’t
cut the mustard. It is far too slow in getting going and the tune is not
memorable enough. His only saving grace is that he didn’t choose to sing the
English version.
20)
Moldova
Well,
well, well. This is a strange one. A fun track which just about stays away from
the ‘we’re taking the piss’ camp. I love the plinky-plonky piano in the backing
track which gives it a fun retro feel. The performance during the national
final was weird to say the least and needs refining. Part of me hopes Sasha
will keep the odd suit !
21)
Hungary
This
is a modern and contemporary pop ballad which has a Hurts kind of feel to it.
The tune, which is a little low at points, must be sung perfectly or it will sound
flat. The band could also do with a bit of a makeover. The chorus really stands
out but the verses are very throwaway and this might be the song’s downfall.
22)
The
Belarusians need to work out if this is a rock song or a dance song and know
which version they are going to perform! The song has quite a good chorus but
the rest of the song lets it down a little. I also hope they have a change of
outfit and leave the Tron-esque jumpsuits at home !
23)
Possibly
the most typical Eurovision song of this year- an up-tempo song with a
repetitive chorus. Kurt sings the song well and even does a little bit of
swivel dancing during the chorus. Needs a bit more performance to take it to
the next level. The earworm of the ‘eh-eh-eh’ part of the chorus will be a
Marmite moment.
24)
Iris
is a pretty girl and has a strong voice although she goes a bit Diana Vickers
every so often with the squeaking. The song is a slow ballad (no “Me and my
guitar”) but has its own memorable moments. Not sure how well the song will
stand out amongst the others in the semi and I fear that that is where it will
stay.
25)
I was
impressed when Nina revealed her entry a few weeks back however the newer
‘produced’ version lacks power and build. I am hoping her live performance
is better than the one on the CD. It would be nice to see this entry do well as
it is a good song although we are yet to hear or see Nina sing this song live.
26)
I
am still a little wary of this entry, hence its low placing. Mandinga have
produced a great dance-party song mostly in Spanish with a plethora of strange
instruments. I just feel it is style over substance (especially with the
drumming choreography) and the nonsense title and simplistic chorus doesn’t sit
right with me at all.
27)
I
feel quite harsh putting this entry this low down. Donny is a great singer and
performer, he works a good gimmick and the song is not bad either. However for
me it just doesn’t work. I guess it just feels a little bit dated and possibly
a bit on the predictable side. It needs a lot more oomph and power to be more
memorable
28)
Country
music has never done well at Eurovision and this won’t buck the trend. Joan has
an interesting tone and accent to her voice, sounding a bit ‘mockney’ at times.
She will need to update and stylise her performance much more from when she won
the Dutch ticket. Will she still be wearing the headdress?
29)
A
dark and moody song with a kind of mystical, Medieval and Celtic feel to it. It
is quite slow to get into its groove and one could dismiss it too early. The
verses have a strange rhythm which is not conducive to singing along to
straight away. Greta and Jonsi are good singers but the song sounded better in
Icelandic.
30)
This
song is just annoying. I am sure there used to be a joke about Eurovision songs
being full of la-la-las… The song is one of the few dance songs in the contest
so will stick out a mile. Mind you, Ivi mimed all of her songs in the Cypriot
final, so confidence of her being able to sing this live is a big fat ‘nil
points’
31)
A
Eurovision song that is *kind of* about Eurovision. Trying to work out if this
is a joke entry or not. The tune is OK and the title of the song is very
prominent so will be remembered. Everything about its presentation screams
‘we’re trying to be wacky’ but the song is indulgent. Plus Anmary has the
strangest eyes ever.
32)
When
will the Portuguese learn? Sending the same song year after year is the reason
you haven’t won once in 48 years! The song is passionate but predictable and
also needs a lot of work visually. Typical Portuguese Fado fayre sung by
a(nother) pretty girl. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, another no-win.
33)
It
doesn’t really matter what I write about this song, it will qualify whatever
happens (even if she sings every note out of tune or forgets the words
completely). A very typical girlie pop song with Greek influences and a chorus
made out of oh-oh-oh-ing to the nth degree. If they do win, Greece
34)
Two
things are is for sure – 1) this will get 12 points from Turkey and 2) we won’t
be back in Baku again next year. Very forgettable in the scheme of things. The
song is a nice enough jazzy ethnic ballad but Sabina puts on far too many vocal
gymnastics into it and it takes away from the simplicity of the actual song.
35) FYR
This
is one of the best entries from this country for quite a while, yet that only
gets them this lowly placing. Kaliopi’s song certainly has some gusto about it,
as well as a range of styles to show off her voice but most of the time it
sounds like she’s in pain. I have a feeling many of her top notes may well be
flat ones too.
36)
This
probably wins the title of strangest retro track of the contest. Verses in
English, choruses in Hebrew and the song’s structure belongs back in the 60s or
70s. Possibly the most ‘un-Eurovision’ song of this year. The choruses sound
like the band are taking the piss too… which I don’t think they are.
37)
Surprisingly
high on the list considering this is as far away from the meaning of the word
‘song’ as you can probably get. A mish-mash of supposedly comedic rapping in an
incomprehensible accent and random shouting, over a weirdly accented backing
track. The repetition of the title does give it one memorable feature.
38)
One of the
many cases of the wrong song winning the national final (both 2nd and 3rd
places were much better) A nice enough ballad in the local tongue but is
instantly forgettable. Ott does absolutely nothing during the song (either he
is shit scared or he is actually paralysed) Either way, it’s 3 minutes of your
life wasted.
39)
If anybody
needed proof that this year’s ESC has been taken over by the mad quarter – this
is it. Only one of the grandmas seems to know what they are doing, where they
are OR know the words. Can imagine at least one of them wandering round Baku
40) Turkey
Do you know what? I don’t get this at all. Can’s dress sense and dance sense is a sight to behold. Bez has a Turkish love child ! The tune is just awful and the backing track sounds really cheap. However what is more annoying is that the chorus contains the line “Like me like I like you and say na nani nani nani na...” Man alive !
41)
Is this a
song or a list of Anri’s mental health problems? He seemingly has more
personalities than there have been Eurovisions. The song has been updated and
improved (well it could not have been made any worse!) since the Georgian final
but it is still dire and embarrassing. Cup of tea time, put it in your diary
now.
42)
Look - it's
last year's plinky-plonky woman ! I am very disappointed by this song. By all
means it is a beautiful song sung by a very beautiful and talented lady but
having heard it at least seven times I still can’t remember any of the words or
the melody. I would equate it to upper class muzak you might hear in a posh lift.