In 1 week, we will have a new Eurovision winner and if you are a true Eurovision fan, you will already have a list of your favourites for this year. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, you can have a look at the videos of the songs (you can find them all here).
I’ve been taking a look at all the songs in this years contest and providing some brief thoughts. If you agree or disagree, why not add your comments at the bottom of the page.
Today is the final instalment, we’re looking at the second half of Semi-Final 2 (plus the last 2 songs already qualified for the Grand Final which I haven’t covered in the previous articles).
Latvia
Aminata – Love Injected
Score
This is definitely one of Latvia’s best entries, although their are a number of fans who don’t seem to like it very much. I think that is because this is a performance song, best seen performed instead of listened to on a cd. Aminata has a very strong voice and should have no problem pulling this off on the night. I personally quite like it, however I do need to be in the right mood to listen to it. Could this be Latvia’s ticket to the final?
Azerbaijan
Elnur Huseynov – Hour of the wolf
Score
One of my absolute favourite songs this year. Azerbaijan always chooses the right song and their past stagings have been spectacular. If Elnur can pull off a flawless vocal along with attention grabbing staging, not only will they easily qualify for the final, but I think they have a very strong chance of their second win this year.
Iceland
Maria Olafs – Unbroken
Score
This song has grown on me more than any other in the contest. When I first heard it during their National Final, I wasn’t blown away. On listening to the final version on the cd however I think Iceland have changed it just enough to turn it into a very strong entry this year. Maria is very young though, so I am not sure if she can pull off the vocals live, but hopefully she will prove me wrong. I would love Iceland to finally win, but she has some strong competition.
Sweden
Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes
Score
Sweden knows how to do Eurovision. This year they have entered a very strong pop song with spectacular staging. It is the type of entry that forces you to watch, even if it is not your style of music. Måns is a very good performer and should pull off a flawless performance. This will easily qualify for the final. I also think they will be very difficult to beat this year, so it may very well be Sweden’s 6th win.
Switzerland
Mélanie René – Time to Shine
Score
A great entry from Switzerland this year. Mélanie performs very well live and has a beautiful voice. Her position in the second semi-final might work in her favour, give a very different music style to both Sweden and Cyprus, but people watching at home may also be a bit distracted by the previous Swedish entrant as it is always difficult following one of the favourites. I wish Switzerland all the best though and hope they will qualify for the final because they certainly deserve to with this song.
Cyprus
John Karayiannis – One Thing I Should Have Done
Score
This is a lovely soft ballad sung by a very competent performer with a great voice. It is going to stand out in the show because it is surrounded by much bigger numbers, but will it be the kind of song to make people vote for it? Hopefully Cyprus will be able to provide some memorable staging though for the audience to really take notice.
Slovenia
Maraaya – Here for you
Score
I’ve loved this song since first hearing it at their national finals. It is different, quirky and enjoyable. Maraaya has a great personality of stage and I love the headphones which she never seems to be without. I really hope this will qualify (and am sure it will).
Poland
In The Name Of Love
Score
When you first hear this song, it comes across as a great ballad and ticks a lot of boxes for Eurovision. However I feel that when you compare it to the other songs in the same genre, it doesn’t really stand out for me. I do sometimes forget who it is when the song comes on, which is not a great sign. I hope Poland pulls it off with some great staging, particularly as they are closing the show. The have come 11th in the semi’s so many times they do deserve to make it to the final.
Germany
Ann Sophie – Black Smoke
Score
I’m not in love with this song and I don’t really know why. It is the kind of music I most tend to listen to, yet there is something about it that just doesn’t appeal to me. I think if maybe it was a softer song, with just a piano and gentler vocal it would make it more enjoyable to listen to. But Ann Sophie is a great performer (I have seen her perform the song live) and I am sure she will do Germany proud.
Italy
Il Volo – Grande Amore
Score
My favourite in the contest. Italy was the only entry that when I first heard it, caused a little shiver up my spine with excitement. I think the song is beautiful and it builds perfectly for a Eurovision winner. It has the soft and the dramatic. The performers are phenomenal themselves and should easily pull off a fantastic performer. Italy has been doing very well most years since they returned to the contest and I do think this could be their year.
The rehearsals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 are scheduled to start in a matter of days and this year’s Eurovision artists are hard at work perfecting their performances for the live shows. You’ll have seen the videos or heard the songs (you can find them all here) and I am sure you all have your own personal favourites.
I’ve been taking a look at all the songs in this years contest and providing some brief thoughts. If you agree or disagree, why not add your comments at the bottom of the page.
Today in part 3, we’re looking at the first half of Semi-Final 2 (plus 1 of the songs already qualified for the Grand Final).
Lithuania
Monika & Vaidas – This Time
Score
A very strong entry from Lithuania this year. “This Time” is a very traditional Eurovision duet but with a more contemporary twist to it. From the video, and other live performances I have seen of this song though, I don’t feel the chemistry between Monika and Vaidas is quite there though – probably because they were both solo artists who were forced together for the final. If they can get us to believe that they are a couple on the night, and look at each other a bit more while performing, this should do well.
Ireland
Molly Sterling – Playing with Numbers
Score
Unfortunately I think this is another year Ireland is not going to do very well. Although it is a competent song with a good singer, in my opinion, it is lacking something to make it stand out. Molly has the voice to stand out on the night, however the song does not. And the fact that it is in the dreaded #2 spot in the semi, will already count against it. I doubt it will qualify for the final, but hopefully Ireland can pull some magic in the staging and performance to prove me wrong.
San Marino
Anita Simoncini & Michele Perniola – Chain of Lights
Score
I really want to like this song. It seems to have a lot going for it….performers from the Junior contest as well as a seasoned Eurovision composer in Ralph Siegel, and I probably do “like” it, but I definitely don’t love it and feel there is a lot of room for improvement. I find the heavy strings from the orchestra at the beginning distracting for what should be a gentle opening to the song, and feel Anita repeating Michele’s vocals in that whispered voice at about 2:25 into the song really unnecessary. But these are issues that can easily be fixed and hopefully the stage performance will come across a lot better.
Montenegro
Knez – Adio
Score
I am a big fan of the ethnic ballad, and no-one writes them quite like Željko Joksimović. This song has the great soft opening with the gradual build up to the wonderful key and tempo change. I love everything about it. I just wish it was Željko performing it again this year. What will work heavily in Montenegro’s favour is that no other country is doing anything this traditional and it should therefore stand out. I think that not only will this sail through to the final, but it will fare very well on the 23rd too.
Malta
Amber – Warrior
Score
This is a bit of a departure for Malta following their upbeat entries from the last few years. It is a good song and Amber sings it very well live. Is it distinct enough though? There are a lot of entries this year filling the same space and Malta is going to need to come up with something to make people take notice if they want their place in the final, although I think their position in the semi should work in their favour.
Norway
Mørland & Debrah Scarlett – A Monster Like Me
Score
This song is the one that has slowly creeped up my favourites list and is now firmly perched in the top 5 or 6. The song seems to like it is too slow, yet it really keeps your interest going throughout. Add to that the perfect harmonising from the performers, despite having such contrasting voices. It is one of the few songs this year I look for when playing the cd in the car and I am nearing my destination. This will no doubt make it to the final, and with a good position on the night, should do extremely well.
Portugal
Leonor Andrade – Há Um Mar Que Nos Separa
Score
When I first saw this performance I thought I was going to really enjoy it. It had a good start and I quite like Leonor’s look and voice. But the song is just missing something for me, although I don’t know what that something is. Hopefully the version given to us on the night will change a bit from this current version. Something with a little more variety in the performance. And Leonor will have to make sure she nails the key-change in her performance.
Czech Republic
Marta Jandová & Václav Noid Bárta – Hope never dies
Score
This is the kind of Eurovision duet that the Scandinavians have done so well for a number of years, but with a Czech influence from Václav’s gruff masculine vocals that Eastern Europe tends to prefer. They are excellent performers live and work very well together. I think this should go down well on the night with the right staging and performance. But it is a strong semi-final, so I simply cannot predict whether this will make it though. I hope so…
Israel
Nadav Guedj – Golden Boy
Score
Israel regularly comes up with one of my favourites every year and this year is no exception. In a contest filled with slower ballad-style songs, Israel has sent something modern and upbeat. The switch from the slow ethnic ballad start to the song to the uptempo Bruno Mars style R&B with a Middle-Eastern flavour added in should really make people take notice. It should make it through to the semi’s without any problems. Despite only being 16, Nadav seems to be a very confident performer and I really look forward to the live performance.
Spain
Edurne – Amanecer
Score
Spain definitely won the award for the most anticipation thanks to the buildup from first announcing the performer as Edurne (who has been one of my favourite Spanish artists for years) to their slow leaks of studio clips and bits of information about the song and video. And they didn’t disappoint. Edurne will take to the stage singing a very confident power ballad. Amanecer means dusk, so expect at least one beautiful sunset to appear on the stage during their 3 minutes. Edurne is an extremely competent performer with an amazing voice, so I am sure she will do Spain proud on the night.
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is just over 1 month away away and this year’s Eurovision artists are hard at work promoting their entries. You’ll have seen the videos or heard the songs (you can find them all here) and I am sure you all have your own personal favourites.
I’m am taking a look at all the songs in this years contest and providing some brief thoughts. If you agree or disagree, why not add your comments at the bottom of the page.
In order to avoid personal bias, I’ve decided to review the songs based on their semi-final. So in part 2, we’re looking at the second half of Semi-Final 1 (plus 2 of the songs already qualified for the Grand Final).
Serbia
Beauty never lies – Bojana Stamenov
Score
This is a strong entry by Serbia this year. It is also the first time ever that they are performing the song in English. Bojana has very strong vocals, but the song is VERY big and I hope she can pull it off on stage every night. I think this should easily qualify for the finals. It probably won’t win the contest altogether, but should become a classic at Eurovision parties for years to come.
Hungary
Wars for Nothing – Boggie
Score
This is the kind of song that tends to do relatively well at Eurovision. The simple and pleasant voice with backing guitar singing about making the world a better place. Unfortunately I feel we’ve had this type of entry a few times too many now. It is placed between 2 songs in the semi-final with much more of a stage presence, so they will need something to make the viewers take note of Boggie if they hope to make it to the final.
Belarus
Time – Uzari & Maimuna
Score
For me, this is a great Eurovision song. Something you can sing along too, and also has potential for great staging with the violinist in the hour glass. The vocals are quite strong although a little more attention could be taken on the diction of the words. I would love to see this song qualify for the finals, and with a professional staging, I think Belarus should be able to make it to the Saturday night.
Russia
A Million Voices – Polina Gagarina
Score
I absolutely love this song. It is everything I want from a Eurovision ballad – the slow buildup, the strong vocals, a good message (even if it does come from Russia), the big notes….this is certainly one of my favourites. It will easily qualify for the Final (although this will probably be met with the usual boos from the audience).
Denmark
The Way You Are – Anti Social Media
Score
This is unmistakenly Danish. Slightly retro, but yet slightly modern. A good little vote earner from many of the countries around Europe, it is sure to make it to the final. I don’t think it is strong enough to win, but it is a pleasant song that you can tap your foot to.
Albania
I’m Alive – Elhaida Dani
Score
In a year with a number of “Angst-Ballads”, I think this is probably one of the strongest. Elhaida has a fantastic voice and this song is a very strong entry from Albania. It is one of the few songs that I end up singing to myself after I hear it which should hopefully help Albania in the results. I’m Alive, is certainly a better entry than the one Albania had originally selected, and hopefully changing the song will end up working out in Albania’s favour.
Romania
De la capât (All over again) – Voltaj
Score
Romania is very often one of my favourite entries, although this song is a far departure from their usual high energy songs. It is a very high-quality soft-rock song and should be performed brilliantly on the night, given the quality of the artists. It’s not the type of song that usually sets the scoreboards on fire, but I do enjoy it, and it will be included in my Eurovision playlists from now on. Hopefully Romania will be rewarded on the night for entering this very high quality song.
Georgia
Warrior – Nina Sublatti
Score
I love Nina’s voice, and at first the song sounds like it had great potential, but unfortunately I am not sure if the song quite does it for me. It is slightly too repetitive and I find myself not really paying attention by the end of the song. Hopefully Georgia will be able to keep our focus through the staging but for me, I think this song is in danger of not qualifying.
Austria
I am Yours – The Makemakes
Score
I think this is a very confident entry for a hosting nation. Something that won’t win, but is good enough to make them proud. It is obviously inspired by the great bands of years gone by, but yet still feels current, meaning it should appeal to both the younger and older generations. The Makemakes have a good stage presence and perform with confidence which should see Austria quite high on the scoreboard.
United Kingdom
Still in Love with you – Electro Velvet
Score
Easily one of the most controversial entries this year. After some promising hints from the BBC, fans were expecting something very modern, only to be surprised by a Charleston. I personally really love this song for Eurovision. Having seen Electro Velvet perform the song live, they certainly have the vocal ability to provide a great performance on the night. And the song is so different from any other this year, that is should stand out. Hopefully the BBC will be able to come up with some really innovative staging, was the song really does need more than just 6 people of stage and some flashing lights. I doubt that it could win, but I suspect that it will fare much better than the UK’s songs the past few years.
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is less than 2 months away and all the songs for this year’s contest are now know. You’ll have seen the videos as they were released (you can find them all here) and I am sure you all have your own personal favourites.
Over the next few weeks, I will give you my review of this year’s entries. The views are entirely of my own personal opinion and I encourage you to share your views in the comments section. Please do try to keep your comments constructive though, rather than simply declaring your hatred for the entry.
In order to avoid personal bias, I’ve decided to review the songs based on their semi-final. So in part 1, we’re looking at the first half of Semi-Final 1 (plus 2 of the songs already qualified for the Grand Final).
Moldova
I Want Your Love – Eduard Romanyuta
Score
Initially this song feels familiar. It has a catchy beat and tune, but you feel like you’ve heard it before. In my opinion, it does feel slightly dated for the modern audience – although a good little pop song, a bit unremarkable. Had it been entered a few years ago, I think it would have had a broader appeal. It should however still find some fans around Europe.
Armenia
Face the Shadow – Genealogy
Score
This is a very mature song. Well produced and performed and with a lot of potential. The idea behind the band is great and the performers each very good. However I feel there may be some work to go on this song. The singers sound great individually and in harmony, but when moving from one singer to the next, their different singing voices seem to compete with one another rather than blend together. If they can better match the solo parts so that the voices have more cohesion, then this could do very well.
Belgium
Rhythym Inside – Loïc Nottet
Score
This is one of those songs that you either love or you hate. It is a style of music I quite like from time to time, but unfortunately the first time I heard it I was left underwhelmed. It has grown on me to some extent however. It is an incredibly modern and professional song and very brave of Belgium to select an entry like this. It will all depend on the staging for them in my opinion.
Netherlands
Walk Along – Trijntje Oosterhuis
Score
I can’t help but like this song. It is very well performed and has a feel good factor that makes you happy listening to it. It is missing the wow factor though. The song is quite repetative, so you expect it to build up to something special (maybe a spectacular key change or a change in tempo) but it doesn’t quite happen. It’s likeable and should get votes, but is it enough?
Finland
Aina mun pitää – Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät
Score
This is a very difficult song to review. It is in a very specific genre and if you don’t like that style of music, you’re never going to like this song. It’s going to stand out, it’s going to cause discussions, and it probably will get votes.
Greece
One Last Breath – Maria Elena Kyriakou
Score
A beautiful ballad and very “Eurovision”. Greece continues to enter good quality entries. In a year with a lot of ballads, this one should stand out a bit as it really is meant for a big stage. It ticks a lot of boxes, and assuming a good staging and performance, should to very well indeed
Estonia
Goodbye to Yesterday – Elina Born & Stig Rästa
Score
A very contemporary entry (with a retro feel) very reminicent of The Common Linnets last year. The artists have great voices and the simple staging in the national final should work well to gian votes from both the Jury and the Public. Although not one of my personal favourites, I think it will score well
FYR Macedonia
Autumn Leaves – Daniel Kajmakoski
Score
FYR Macedonia is usually one of my favourite entries every year, however I really wish they hadn’t decided to enter the song in English. The original was one of my favourites of the year. In English, I feel it gets a little lost among the other entries. It’s very pleasant to listen to, and is still a good song, but will it get the votes?
Australia
Tonight Again – Guy Sebastian
Score
A very good quality song from a great singer. It’s very contemporary and something you are likely to sing along to on the radio. In my opinion, this R&B style song could be difficult to stage though. A great song also needs a great performance to get the votes. Will Australia be able to pull off a great stage performance with this entry though? I think it is likely to do better with the Juries than the televoters, but given this wildcard entry is a first, who knows what will happen?
France
N’oubliez pas – Lisa Angell
Score
Everything you expect from a French power ballad. A very sophisticated song and performance with the potential for fantastic staging. With the right position in the final, it could do very well – particularly with the Juries
