'the morgue (drowning),' 1992 in andres serrano: body and soul - bell hooks, bruce ferguson + amelia arenas (1995)
14. FINLAND
Take a look for the live version cause it’s better than the studio one. It wasn’t my personal choice but since it received most of the points I can admit my defeat. It’s scandinavic, dark, beautiful, poetic, controlled but still emotional performed by two artists that have a true vision. I just love the piano! The live version completes what you hear. Among all these power ballads this simplicity could actually stand out! I hope it reaches its audience.
15. ESTONIA
Wasn’t so sure of this when it qualified but it does get better the more you listen to it. Well produced mid-tempo ballad with a catchy beat and sound. One of the best ones this year. Also the duet version goes well with the story. The staging should be good too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vq3GFVeVE8&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=15
16. MOLDOVA
I understand why someone wouldn’t like this but it’s just because I do! This is the clown of the show but in a good way! So entertaining! I find them funny, uplifting and corny but they stand out with their fresh performance which is rich in sounds. Looking forward to live show in Ukraine!
17. AZERBAIJAN
This one’s even scary and haunting. Dark pop at its best with nice modern sound. I especially like the contrast between the sound and angelic vocals.
18. UK
I didn’t like this when I saw the winning live performance but I think it’s improved. Great singer! Something’s still off and I find the studio version still better than in live. There’s obviously power and emotion in here but still can’t help the feeling that something’s missing. It’s a good song but I doubt it will stand out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac5xNUfzCY4&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=18
19. ICELAND
You either like this or then you don’t. It’s a bit weird, even cold but I think that’s part of the charm. Interesting and organic electro pop sound but will it be enough? I believe it gets better the more you listen but then in Eurovision it’s a bit risky cause many hear these songs only once or twice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFyl7h4_H1k&index=19&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt
20. CYPRUS
Heavy sound and deep electronic beats. Great mysterious opening! Dramatic but still catchy. Similar to Azerbaijan but it can stand out.I hope he does well!
21. ITALY
My ultimate favourite this year and I truly hope we’re gonna have the competition in Italy next year! This is pure joy from the begining ‘till the end. I find it very stereotypical but still oh loveable! Francesco is so charming and real and the song with its happy, up-beat tune stands out. Not forgetting the gorilla, what a charismatic pair!
42 countries take part this year’s competition which is held in Ukraine in less than 2 weeks. Feeling super excited but also sorry for the politics involved into whether Russia’s participation because I’d still prefer Eurovision to be poltics-free and let the world be about music and a good song for a few nights once a year.
Finland is participating with Blackbird by Norma John. This year I’ve found a lot of ballads, big, dramatic, emotional and intense ones but also up-beat tracks that some have 70’s-80’s kind of sound. Also 90’s disco tunes are present as mid-tempo, radio friendly tracks. Not many rock songs, apart from the host country Ukraine but some very dark, deep, even depressing songs which have interesting sounds.
About 20 some countries will qualify to the final which will take place in May 13th and these are the countries I’d hope to see in there! They’re not in preference order.
I’m also aware that how these opinions aren’t my final ones cause anything can happen in the actual competition. And I’m changing my mind all the time. Some do better than others nevermind who’s your favourite.
1. HUNGARY
One of the rare countries that doesn’t sing in English and folklore songs in the competition this year! I love the rhythm and even the rap part blends well which I don’t usually like. Also I find the song and its sound organic and kind of eastern, traditional but unique. Credits for that! Stands out from the rest of the crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2stjsoO0NfM&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=1
2. MONTENEGRO
Best party/dance tracks in the competition this year! Catchy! Disco! I love the energy in this one. The sound reminds me of the 90’s. For a change the men are half naked instead of the women.
3. NORWAY
Nice sound! Electro-pop track with catchy sound which is still danceable. Fun, carefree and optimistic! I like the dj being a major part of the performance also. It’s not as athmospheric and emotional as the passed norwegian entries but I like it anyhow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPp37uz8vUs&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=3
4. ICELAND
You either like this or then you don’t. It’s a bit weird, even cold but I think that’s part of the charm. Interesting and organic sound. I believe it gets better the more you listen but then in Eurovision it’s a bit risky cause many hear these songs only once or twice. Looking forward to the live performance and staging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp3apBsLjvk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=4
5. IRELAND
One would say that there’s nothing special about this ballad but there’s definitely nothing wrong either. Like a Westlife ballad really. Classic, almost a cliché but to me this represents the perfect ballad. Such a sweet song and a voice. There are many ballads this year but I find this as the best one. I hope he does well in Ukraine. Apparenty this should be amazing live!
6. CZECH REPUBLIC
Fragile jazz tune with appealing message and sound. It’s easy to relax and sink into your thoughts while listening to this. I like the singing not trying to reach the high notes but keeping it simple. And it works just fine as it is. Fresh among all these power ballads. I hope the live performance goes well and makes the song stand out even more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoLWemuLP_g&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=5
7. FRANCE
My first Eurovision love this year! So french! So charming! So feminine and light! I prefer the original French version (below) but I understand the reasons why they added the English lyrics. I truly hope she does well and I can imagine following her career what ever happens in Eurovision. Please do well Alma!
7. LATVIA
Nice disco beat. Edgy. I really like vocals and singing in this one. It doesn’t really rise as high as I would have hoped but it does have a nice even exotic sound. I find this kind of dance music popular this year also which is awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFdSKiWyF_k&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=7
8. CROATIA
This song has many sides. It’s operatic, it’s pop, it’s in English, it’s in Italian. Loving the classical singing in this one bringing something different compared to other songs! Risky but it stands out! It’s a bit corny but so positive and uplifting! I hope people will appreciate this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy1Gy3nuGU&index=8&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt
9. POLAND
Such a dark, strong tune. Even haunting atmosphere. There are quite a few of these in the competition this year. Well produced this one and perhaps the best one of the darker songs this year.
10. BELGIUM
I don’t quite understand the popularity around this. It’s good and I love the electronic sounds but I guess it could rise a bit higher to the next level. Now it’s a bit laying low. But I liker her sound and I’m looking forward to the live performance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbomdE81_mA&index=10&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt
11. SWEDEN
Great live performance! I love the creativity! Even thou it is from Sweden… One of the best dance songs this year. A hit song, no doubt about it. Playful, a bit flirtatious even.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jSrBdN4b5c&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=11
12. MALTA
Beautiful. Very classic power ballad. It could be a part of a movie soundtrack. The singer’s voice reminds me of Faith Hill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfoq7udRPwk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=12
13. SWITZERLAND
Best of the mid-tempo tracks! A soaring pop song with a classic sound and singing. Typical but works really well.
Season 1: EP6
Season 2: EP4
Season 3: EP5
Season 4: EP5
Season 5: EP4
Season 6: EP16
Season 7: EP11