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This morning, my tickets arrived for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. Fitting, because last night, I delved into all forty-three entries for Düsseldorf! Just read on…

My Top Ten

Haven’t got time to read my snippets of all forty-three songs? Shame on you! Well, here are the ten you really should check out if you haven’t already! I tried to make it five, but I just couldn’t! Please note the presence of almost all the Big 5 in this list, and Spain just missed the cut at the last, along with Latvia.

I reserve the right to change my mind and contradict the individual scores I gave in each individual preview. Ranking forty-three songs is hard! So here are my top ten, for today at least:

1. Germany – Taken By A Stranger (Lena)
2. United Kingdom – I Can (Blue)
3. France – Sognu (Amaury Vassili)
4. Italy – Madness of Love (Raphael Gualazzi)
5. Belgium – With Love Baby (Witloof Baby)
6. Norway – Haba Haba (Stella Mwangi)
7. Turkey – Live It Up (Yüksek Sadakat)
8. Sweden – Popular (Eric Saade)
9. F.Y.R. Macedonia  – Rusinka (Vlatko Ilievski)
10. Hungary – What About My Dreams? (Kari Wolf)

In the previews below, click the song titles for the videos!

Albania – Feel The Passion (Aurela Gaçe)

Uninspiring. A nice scenic video, but nothing to really capture the audience vocally. There is an Eastern influence evident, but I don’t expect this to get very far. Rather ordinary. Rating: 3

Armenia – Boom Boom (Emmy)

This has a beat behind it, but it’s a rather hollow beat. It relies heavily on the vocals, which aren’t captivating. It feels incomplete. It also features some horrendous Americanised English. Every time Emmy sings “Boom Boom, Chucka Chucka”, it reminds me of the Sri Lankan cricket team… or Murali and Malinga anyway. Rating: 3

Austria – The Secret Is Love (Nadine Belier)

This is like one of those cheesy slow songs people perform at X Factor auditions, and Nadine delivers it well. She’s accompanied by a host of backing singers who compliment her well and the lyrics are better than some we will come on to… Nothing special this, but pleasant to listen to at least. The best so far. Rating: 6

Azerbaijan – Running Scared (Ell & Nikki)

Azerbaijan usually produce a nice song, usually fronted by someone very attractive. Like it or not, it does win votes. This year is no different, and the song itself is well-produced too. Nothing snazzy, but it would probably fit in the charts nicely. Rating: 7

Belarus – I Love Belarus (Anastasiya Vinnikova)

This is the first song to have a distinctive sound, and it is very obviously Eastern European, in sound and in vocals. Unfortunately, lyrically it stinks of Soviet propaganda too, the words consisting mainly of, “I love Belarus”. So you may, but I doubt it will go down well with Europe. It looks like propaganda more than anything. It’s a shame, because the beat is actually quite pleasing. C’est la vie. Rating: 5

Belgium – With Love Baby (Witloof Bay)

This is a brilliant acapella track, consisting of vocals and beat boxing. This is very un-Eurovision. Belgium often produce slightly edgier entries – they entered a song in a made-up language a few years ago. The edginess may go against them in the voting, but I expect them to pick up steady points with this. I’m a fan. Also, can I just say, since this is acapella, this will be the only completely live performance at Eurovision! Rating: 8

Bosnia & Herzegovina – Love In Rewind (Dino Merlin)

I can’t work out if this is a serious entry or a joke, which may tell you something about what I think of it… The song seems to be a little confused between being about love and times tables, features a woman who fails miserably at faking playing the piano and generally looks a little shoddy. Rating: 2

Bulgaria – Na Inat (Poli Genova)

Finally, we have a song not performed in English. Sadly, there have been too few of these at Eurovision in recent times. A nice contemporary song, although I’ve no idea what the song title means. In the absence of any real knowledge, I’m going with, “Not Enough”, because that’s what it sounds like! Solid, not spectacular. Rating: 6

Croatia – Celebrate (Daria)

We’re back to English, and we’re heading away from Indie/Rock to dance. I do like a bit of dance music. It’s great to run along to in training for races. This provides just what you’d expect from a dance track – a strong beat, some nice vocals, but not taking the place of the rhythm. The video also provides lots of bubbles. Daria will be hoping to Celebrate every single step she takes in Düsseldorf. It’s good, but it’s not quite got the killer touch. Rating: 7

Cyprus – San Aggelos S’Agapisa (Christos Mylordos)

Another non-English entry – hurrah! A reflective song about a man remembering a woman who has escaped his grasp. Distinctively Cypriot/Turkish sound, which works well. Unfortunately, I have no idea what he’s actually singing, but it comes across well anyway. A decent effort, would come across well live too, I think. Rating: 7

Denmark – New Tomorrow (A Friend In London)

Another track that could probably be found in the British charts if it were performed by a well-known act. A positive song, but very formulaic. It’s hard to fault it, other than being rather unoriginal… Certainly it’s no match for last year’s Danish entry, the wonderful “In A Moment Like This” from Chaneé and N’evergreen. Rating; 5

Estonia – Rockefeller Street (Getter Jaani)

See those dancers who can stand in an awkward position for upwards of a minute, completely motionless? I wish I could do that. This is a great, upbeat track, and if it’s performed at Eurovision as well as it was in the Estonian National Final, it should do well. It has a great beat and Getter Jaani’s outfit from the National Final also added a bit some colour to the generally bland outfits many have this year. Rating: 7

F.Y.R. Macedonia  – Rusinka (Vlatko Ilievski)

I’ll be honest, most of the best beats so far have come from Eastern Europe, and this is no different. It has a character missing from many Western European entries. Perhaps that is why Eastern Europe does well at Eurovision, rather than because of bloc voting? But that’s another story. Anyway, bonus points to Macedonia for not performing in English, too. You don’t need to sing in English to come  across well! When something is upbeat like this, you don’t need to understand every word. or, indeed, any of it! However, at the start of the video, there is a piece of graffiti saying, “I Love MK” – I do hope that’s not Milton Keynes! Rating: 8

Finland – Da Da Dam (Paradise Oskar)

I followed a little of the Finnish National Selection process, but it wasn’t ever going to set the word on fire (sorry…) Anyway, this is a bit of a wishy-washy liberal song, some nonsense about saving the planet and all that, followed by that da da dum, da da dum that people say when they’ve run out of things to say. Okay I’m being harsh – this is actually quite pleasant to listen to. I do really like it. It would be fantastic next to a camp fire, it would be quite nice. I don’t fancy Paradise Oskar’s chances of saving the planet single-handed, sadly. It reminds me of another artist, but I just can’t quite picture who. Or maybe he just reminds me of me watching him in the Finnish National Selection programme, Euroviisut 2011. Yes, perhaps it is that after all. Either way, it’s quite nice, this one. Rating: 8

France – Sognu (Amaury Vassili)

Okay, now we’re getting somewhere! How about some classy continental, opera-style singing! Oh yes, that’s the French entry for you. It’s wonderful. It’s much more pleasing than last year’s French entry, which, whilst having a great beat, was merely an excuse to chuck some scantily-clad women in a room in front of a camera. This isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will stand out in Düsseldorf, and it will, France being a member of the Big 5, qualify automatically for the final. Oh, and it’s in French too! Rating: 9

Georgia – One More Day (Eldrine)

This track has a great instrumental background, and the lyrics, mixed in with little rapping, remind me of someone, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Ah, I know, who it is: Evanescence. Yes, it reminds me of them. I like it, but it’s not particularly original. Rating: 7

Germany – Taken By A Stranger (Lena)

And so we’re on to the second of our Big 5, Germany! Singing again in English. Lena defends her title in Düsseldorf. It may be an ask to get people to vote for Lena again, but this is a cracker of a track and is a grower too. Lena’s quirkiness (and, let’s be honest, attractiveness) are certainly strong selling points too. The video for this song is fantastic, and Lena’s performance of this song in the final of “A Song For Lena”, Germany’s National Final, exhibited some of her almost awkward, but rather endearing manner. She also appeared this week on the German version of Sesame Street, which was quite brilliant, actually. Although my German is rustier than a 1986 Ford Escort. This song should do well. It’s fantastic. Rating: 10

Greece – Watch My Dance (Loucas Yiorkas feat. Stereo Mike)

Greece often enter something a little bit different, but not so much this year. Perhaps their austerity measures are biting hard. This is performed in Greek. I’d love to tell you what this is about, but unfortunately I only ever studied classical Greek, and I’ve certainly never had to listen to more than about two sentences at a time, from non-native speakers. So I’ve really no idea. Interesting that the title is in English, does this mean they will sing in English at Eurovision? Nothing special about this. Rating: 4

Hungary – What About My Dreams? (Kati Wolf)

“What About My Life? What About My Dreams?” I hear ya, Kati, I hear ya. Sadly, I can’t help you, but this might just be worth 79p on iTunes. Another of those dance tracks you could run along to when the pain starts to set in at the end of your 10k run. Maybe that’s just me, but anyway, I like it. Rating: 8

Iceland – Coming Home (Sjonni’s Friends)

Iceland’s national selection – Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins, was overshadowed in 2011 by the death of Sigurjón Brink just before his semi-final. His song was performed in the selection process by some of his friends under the title “Aftur heim”, as all entries to the national selection had to be in Icelandic this year, but will be sung in English in Dusseldorf. Their win in the national final was seen predominantly as a way of remembering Sigurjón, and Iceland will probably not expect to do very well, but that will probably not concern them this year, given the circumstances. That said, I think it is a very good entry and will hopefully qualify for the final at least. Rating: 7

Ireland – Lipstick (Jedward)

Oh. Dear. This pair just don’t know when to stop. Okay, I’ve got a little admission to make, but keep it hush, would you? Just you and me, yeah? Don’t go telling any of my friends… yes, even you in your far away land… I actually quite like this! But that’s a secret between you and me. I just hope Jedward have learned how to sing live…if they have, this might do well. Otherwise, it could bomb. I think it will do respectably though. But I’m not putting it in my top ten. Rating: 8

Israel – Ding Dong (Dana International)

Dana International won the Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham in 1998, and now she looks to bring Eurovision back to the Middle East. It’s a catchy tune, I must say, and for the right reasons, unlike some other Israeli entries that have been mentioned in the past! Rating: 7

Italy – Madness of Love (Raphael Gualazzi)

First things first, welcome back, Italy! Glad you’ve joined us again. Also, glad to see they are immediately back with a classy, classical track. The Big 5 are really pulling out the stops this year… so far, anyway! I’m not sure how well classical will go down at Eurovision these days, but I suspect Western Europe will enjoy. I certainly rate this. The only thing it’s missing is the Italian. Why in English? Classical in Italian is almost the very definition of beauty. I’m a little sad one of the world’s most sensual languages won’t be present on stage in Düsseldorf. Rating: 9

Latvia – Angel In Disguise (Musiqq)

This track is a grower. The first time I heard it, I wasn’t sure. I listened a few more times, and I slowly came round to it. It’s got a pleasant backing track to it, and it is distinctive compared to the other entries. I have only one problem with it, seemingly shared by a few Latvians… it isn’t Lauris Reiniks’ Banjo Laura. Banjo Laura is just beautiful, and would be one of my favourite tracks this year. It will surely feature on my list of songs that should have made it to Eurovision, coming soon! Still, this is good, and like I said, it does grow. Not sure how well it will do though. I’m still Making (My) Mind Up about that one (ho ho ho!) It misses out on my top ten – but Banjo Laura would definitely be in it. I’ll perhaps save that for a post on “songs that missed out on Eurovision”, in a couple of weeks! Rating: 8

Lithuania – C’est Ma Vie (Evelina Sašenko)

We’re back to the piano now, which is always good to hear. The simplicity of this song is its friend. No fancy fireworks, no dancers, just a piano and a wonderful singer, singing in a mixture of English and French. The song does end a little abruptly though. I was left feeling like there was a chapter of the story missing. Rating: 7

Malta – One Life (Glen Vella)

We’ve not danced for a while, so a quick stop in Malta will solve that. Good friends of Britain, Malta are. They usually give us a couple of token points, even when we deafen them with the most horrendous pop music this side of the moon. We are eternally grateful. There’s nothing to really set this apart from the other dance-style entries, but you don’t have the urge to move along either. It’s a steady Eddie, as Lord Sugar would say. Rating: 7

Moldova – So Lucky (Zdob și Zdub)

Last year, Moldova gave us Epic Sax Guy, and were not rewarded for their fantastic performance, although the cult following they gained thereafter certainly did them no harm. Sunstroke Project & Olia Tira have been replaced with something a little rockier. It’s not really my cup of tea right now. If I were in a different mood, perhaps, but it’s not setting my heart on fire right now. Rating: 4

Norway – Haba Haba (Stella Mwangi)

A combination of English and Swahili, this, and the runaway winner of Melodi Grand Prix this year, beating The Blacksheeps comfortably in the final. This is a catchy song and you can see the influence of Waka Waka on it. It should do really well as is one of the front-runners at the moment. It’s lively, fun and well-produced. Rating: 9

Poland – Jestem (Magdalena Tul)

Hard to know what to say about this one. It’s got a nice beat, but it just doesn’t stick out. I’m not sure you’d remember it after you’ve heard a few more songs. The video shows some nice Charlie’s Angels style dancing though. It’s not bad, just unmemorable. Rating: 6

Portugal – Luta É Alegria (Homens Da Luta)

Now on to Portugal, who, given the dire financial straits the country are in, may have to beg their way to Dusseldorf. They needn’t bother. Not tuneful. Badly dressed, they look like hippies stuck in a 1960s political rally, not helped by their placards they raise at every chorus. “Singing” in Portuguese though, I’ll give them a bonus for that. That said, it has to come straight off as they are clearly miming in the national final, and all of them are out of sync. Tip: stay at home guys. Rating: 1

Romania – Change (Hotel FM)

Hotel FM are confirmed as playing at London’s West End Eurovision festival next week which, given that it’s on a Thursday evening, I sadly am unable to attend. This is a decent entry, though not quite as memorably as last year’s “Playing With Fire”, which certainly woke up anyone who was asleep, and came a well-deserved third! This is more than solid, it’s good, but it’s not got that killer edge. Rating: 7

Russia – Get You (Alexej Vorobjov)

Sorry, but I’m not going to vote for Russia. Not after T.A.T.U. and the disgrace of last year’s entry. Thankfully, this year they have entered something with a little quality, but it’s hard to see past the fact that they’re Russian. I suspect I’m not the only Western European of this view, especially after the vigorous booing the Russians received last year in Oslo. Still, musically, this isn’t bad. Rating: 6

San Marino – Stand By (Senit)

Back to something a little more conservative now. Something with more feel and intimacy about it, which seems to be scarce in Eurovision this year. It may gain for that. It’s missing a spark though. Rating: 5

Serbia – Čaroban (Nina)

Serbia can usually spice things up a bit, and they certainly look like they’ll be adding some colour to Eurovision this year! Add to that a little saxophone action in the background, along with some backing singers who could be out of Heartbeat, and it has the makings of a decent entry, but it doesn’t make me go, “Wow!” Rating: 6

Slovakia – I’m Still Alive (TWiins)

It’s an odd name for a duo, isn’t it? Must be some post-modern nonsense. The video contains videos of Slovakia’s past, historically and sportingly, including some occasion when they beat Russia at ice hockey. It looks like propaganda to me… and I’m not a fan of mixing that with Eurovision. Sorry. Rating: 4

Slovenia – No One (Maja Keuc)

Hold in there, not many left now! And there are some worth seeing! This isn’t one of them, sadly. This just seems a little too busy. A very good – and attractive – singer, but it’s just hard to concentrate. There’s a little too much going on. Rating: 5

Spain – Que Me Quiten Lo Bailao (Lucía Pérez)

The fourth of our Big 5, and it’s not in English! This has a great, upbeat, backing track to it. The video features what looks like a carnival behind it, and people dressed up as the Incredibles… It’s fun, celebratory, should do well, and, as a Big 5 entry, is guaranteed a place in the final! Rating: 8

Sweden – Popular (Eric Saade)

Eric Saade beat Danny Saucedo comfortably in the final of Melodifestivalen this year in the race to represent Sweden in Dusseldorf. It was clear right from the start that he was going to win. I won’t spoil the performance for those of you haven’t seen it, but I’ve never seen my Twitter feed so full of people going, “WOW!!!” as half-way through this song. I’ll be honest, the song in itself is not the best there was, but this is all about the performance, and there is no denying, Eric Saade is a brilliant performer. Sweden went CRAZY the first time they saw this. I was rather impressed too. In a very British, stiff-upper-lip kind of way. It is a little let down by not being the best song you’ll ever hear, though! Rating: 8

Switzerland – In Love For A While (Anna Rossinelli)

I like it. It’s just got that easy listening feel to it. I wouldn’t vote for it, but it’s pleasant enough. I wouldn’t expect it to get to the final though. Rating: 6

The Netherlands – Never Alone (3JS)

It might be because I’ve already been through thirty-nine songs, but this just doesn’t set my world alight. It’s just another group playing guitars and drums and singing a bit… It’s not bad, but it’s indistinguishable from the crowd. Sad to see it’s not in Dutch too. Rating: 5

Turkey – Live It Up (Yüksek Sadakat)

Aha! Violins! An orchestra! But…wait! It’s a ruse! It’s been replaced by a rock act! Oh well, at least that caught my attention. And they are quite good too. You never quite know what you’ll get from Turkey. Sometimes they present a very Eastern sound, other times, very rocky like this. They certainly provide variety in their entries, which is good. I like this. There are some quite interesting sounds mixed in, and the violins do come back, by the way! The blend of rock and strings makes this a top ten hit in my Eurovision chart, and it should do very well in Düsseldorf. Rating: 8

Ukraine – Angel (Mika Newton)

Penultimate entry… Ukraine. It has a nice Eastern feel and strong vocals, with a nice break in the middle just to exercise the vocal chords in a way that I couldn’t without shattering the iceberg in front of the Titanic. It’s good – but I have to wonder, can she hit those high notes live? I hope so, otherwise it won’t be pretty… Rating: 7

United Kingdom – I Can (Blue)

The final entry, and it’s from the Last of the Big 5 – the United Kingdom! And we haven’t disappointed in pulling out the stops this year, pulling Blue out of the hat. I have to say, when I first heard this, I wasn’t a massive fan, but it is distinctively Blue and it’s a grower. I’ve come round to it, and it’s got some firm money on it in the betting markets too. I certainly should do well. In fact, it’s one of the best entries we’ve had in years, I’d say. When I was in Oslo last year, waiting at the artists’ entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of Lena when she arrived, I was jostling for position with some people who worked for German TV, who asked me what I thought of the British entry… I hope I bump into them again this year, so they can ask me the same question! Rating: 9

Closing Thoughts

Well, there you have it. Anyone who read all the way from the top to the bottom of this post can legitimately call themselves a hardcore Eurovision geek – and that’s a good thing, no matter what other people say! Which reminds me, I must find my Norway Eurovision badge and start wearing it again. Anyway, there you have it, my thoughts on the Eurovision 2011 entries. It only took upwards of four hours to put together… look out for more Eurovision posts coming soon, subject to request, that is…

Disagree with my opinions? Leave a comment, or write a post of your own on your blog, or write a guest post up on here… or be boring (or embarrassed) and just keep your thoughts to yourself.

Tags: Eurovision

This entry was posted by Noelinho on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 21:00 and is filed under Eurovision Song Contest, Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.