Here is the third 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 30-21.)
20. Israel
Nadav Guedj — Golden Boy
Sounds like three different songs mashed together, one of which is an Ed Sheeran sound-alike. And nobody believes Nadav is a teenager. But to hell with all of that, this is the funnest song this year. You know, the kind you sing along to at the club in your drunken state. I’m a golden booo-ooo-oy.
19. Georgia
Nina Sublatti — Warrior
The superior “Warrior” IMO. The retooling of the production did this song wonders. The middle eight has a lot more impact now, even though it still sounds a bit loud all throughout the song. And I learned the word “oximating,” but I’m pretty sure it’s not used correctly. 😳
18. The Netherlands
Trijntje Oosterhuis a.k.a Traincha — Walk Along
This is definitely a late-90’s early-2000’s sound. Like a Natalie Imbruglia album track. This chorus is addicting. Why-aye-aye-aye. Why-aye-aye-aye. Why-aye-aye-aye. The lyrics are a bit elementary, but at the very least it’s catchy. Bonus points if he brings that hunk of a man with her on stage at Vienna.
17. Lithuania
Monika Linkyte & Vaidas Baumila — This Time
The folk-pop is not yet dead at Eurovision. But this attempt is a lot better than last year’s entries. The chorus is an earworm, even in French and Lithuanian. I know this is in danger of not going through the final, performing first in the 2nd semi-final, which would be a shame, as this is miles better than last year’s screech-fest.
16. Russia
Polina Gagarina — A Million Voices
I know Russia is controversial right now, and is being criticized for being a hypocrite and sending another song for peace. But if this isn’t the best peace song they’ve sent so far. The songs from previous years have put me to sleep, but finally this year we’re getting Polina’s powerhouse vocals to go with their “message.”
15. Romania
Voltaj — De La Capat/All Over Again
The Romanian-English combination, along with keeping the final line in Romanian, is a smart choice.
14. Australia
Guy Sebastian — Tonight Again
Great first effort from Australia. This track is very radio-friendly, especially right now that the funk sound is back in fashion. Is it enough for a win on their first try? I don’t think so.
13. Macedonia (a.k.a. F.Y.R. Macedonia by some nations)
Daniel Kajmakoski — Autumn Leaves
Another song that benefited from an overhaul. The previous version in Macedonian sounded like your typical Eurovision pop anthem. But this new version brought the R&B in spades, with a little bit of the One Republic sound. Bring them snares!
12. Iceland
Maria Olafs — Unbroken
Olaf! Well, technically, Maria is Olaf’s daughter, hence her last name, Olafsdottir. This is the token Disney theme song this year. And she’s this year’s token barefoot girl. I am in love with the pocket pop princess’s charming vocals. I’m a little iffy with the pacing on the “One step at a time” line. The Icelandic “Tek lítil skref” works a lot better.
11. Belarus
Uzari & Maimuna — Time
I’m a sucker for a pop/EDM track with classical instruments. This song is so right up my alley. Although I still don’t understand how time is, sounds, or beats like thunder. Oh, and I love Uzari’s elven ears. That hourglass prop should be in their stage performance.
That was the third part of my Eurovision picks this year. For numbers 30-21 of this series, check my previous Eurovision post. Watch out for the last part where I reveal my favorites to win this year’s contest. Sound off in the comments or tweet me if you agree (or disagree) with my choices.
