Here is the second part of four of my countdown, i.e. from my least favorite to most favorite to win, for my Eurovision picks this year. (Read my previous Eurovision post for my picks 40-31.)
30. Czech Republic
Marta Jandová and Václav Noid Bárta — Hope Never Dies
This definitely sounds like a Bond theme meets Nickelback song.
29. Portugal
Leonor Andrade — Ha Um Mar Que Nós Separa
I actually dig this throwback sound, when pop-rock was a really popular genre during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The song is lacking a middle eight; if there is one, then it’s a weak middle eight, and I didn’t really hear it. However, I dig this a lot more than last year’s entry, so boa sorte to them that they do get through to the finals this time.
28. Denmark
Anti-Social Media —The Way You Are
Cheesy? Yes. But what’s Eurovision without a bit of cheese. Not my favorite Danish entry by a long shot (I was actually rooting for Julie Bjerre and her cute backup dancers).
27. Germany
Ann Sophie — Black Smoke
I haven’t really been digging Germany’s entries as of late. I have the same problem with this as I have with Switzerland: the verses are monotonous. No wonder this only got second in televotes in their home country selection.
26. Hungary
Boggie — Wars For Nothing
This is my lullaby song (read: it puts me to sleep). Shame because the message is great. It just doesn’t have an impact to me personally.
25. Ireland
Molly Sterling — Playing With Numbers
Again, this wouldn’t have been my choice for Ireland. It’s drowning in the sea of ballads this year.
24. France
Lisa Angell — N’oubliez Pas
Last year France sent one of the craziest songs, and also one of my guilty pleasures. This year, not so much. I do appreciate the message of the song (of course I don’t speak French, I just read the English translation), and Lisa Angell has an angelic voice.
23. Poland
Monika Kuszyńska — In The Name of Love
I initially panned this song for (1) being another ballad, and (2) featuring a singer with a physical disability, which seems to me like a desperate ploy for votes. But then I listened to this song. And it is indeed a gorgeous piano-driven ballad. It would fit right into any of the Final Fantasy soundtracks.
22. Armenia
Genealogy — Face The Shadow (f.k.a. Don’t Deny)
This is very musical theater, and I like it. I just don’t get why they started the song with, who I feel is, the weakest vocalist in the group. Plus it gets a little messy during the last chorus when everyone starts shouting along with that operatic breakdown. But the pre-chorus and chorus parts are great.
21. Belgium
Loic Nottet — Rhythm Inside
I’ve never seen a diamond in the — Oops, wrong song. I do like this for sounding different among its peers. It’s one of the few actual pop songs this year.
That was the second part of my Eurovision picks this year. For the 1st part of this series, check my previous Eurovision post. Watch out for parts 3 and 4 coming in the following weeks. Sound off in the comments or tweet me if you agree (or disagree) with my choices.
2 Comments
Strangely, the Czech song is one of those which sound much, much better live than recorded, partly because of the performers´ personal charisma and the way they communicate with audience. Check out video of Marta and Václav performing it at London Eurovision Party and see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFZmkFODlPc
I agree! It totally works a lot better live. Unfortunately I made this list at the time when not all of the songs had live versions, so I based it on how I felt when I heard the studio versions. I’ll probably change my mind again once the semi-finals start. Their final note, though! Pitch perfect.