Posted March 28, 200718 yr Like David then, here are my reviews to the songs from this years contest...5 at a time :cheer: Andorra: Anonymous-Let's Save The World The first song I heard this year...not a country that has traditionally performed well at Eurovision, though Marta Roure should have qualified with an amazing pop song in 2004. Anonymous are a punk rock band in the vein of Sum 41 and Blink 182 who they cite as their influences. Like Lordi, this song is not traditional Eurovision fare and I believe is the first of its kind in the contest. An energetic young male band, they could catch on but I can see this catchy song finishing just outside the top 10 of the semi-final... Semi-Final Prediction: 11-15 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 11-15 Bulgaria: Elitsa & Stoyan-Water After a couple of awful entries which haven't passed through to the final, the Bulgarians have come up with something quite special this year...a hypnotic ethno-trance record complete with chanting and drums, the male/female pairing deserve a ticket to the final with this song which grows and grows until you find it looping around your head at work on a sunday morning (or was that just me)!!! Lots of neighbours votes and the quirky vote should hopefully see this be big... Semi-Final Prediction: 1-5 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 3-8 Latvia: Bonparti.lv-Questa Notte Something different from the Latvians this year (as usual). Following last year's poor showing they are back to the semi-final. I doubt they will find a way back to the final unless a particularly large number of old women are watching and its not exactly Il Divo is it...A bit of a risk for the Latvians singing in Italian, this isn't a bad song just not likely to catch on after one listen... Semi-Final Prediction: 15-20 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 15-20 Germany: Roger Cicero-Frauen Regier'n Die Welt In the last 5 years we have heard pop, country, rock and now jazz from the Germans...Roger Cicero is a fantastic singer with an admittedly good jazz song. If it was in English I might be tempted to like it but I find the German language a bit harsh on my ears. Women rule the world is the rough translation of this song and I can only guess what he is referring to when he mentions Posh & Beckham...could do well, but Texas Lightning didn't so I can only predict another relative flop for the Germans Semi-Final Prediciton: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 15-20 Sweden: The Ark-The Worrying Kind One of the bookies favourites but aren't they always :P Sweden return after Carola's top 5 placing last year with a completely different song. This glam rock/pop is the sort of thing that was big in the 70's. The Ark are famous for being a controversial gay rights band in Sweden and sailed through the popular Melodifestivalen to win the chance to be here...I actually love this song but I can't see another win for Sweden, in fact I think a top 10 placing would probably be lucky... Semi-Final Prediciton: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 5-10 Edited April 30, 200718 yr by gooddelta
March 29, 200718 yr Author Netherlands: Edsilia Rombley-On top of the world The Netherlands secret weapon? Edsilia finished 4th in the 1998 contest with 150 points for Hemel En Aaarde, a nice uplifting Dutch pop song...she's back now with a song that was originally in Dutch but is now in English sounding like an Anastacia b-side...Quite a good song to be honest with a good melody but she hasn't got the best voice of the contest and this song would be better by someone more powerful (like Anastacia)...Unfortunately, I think Netherlands will miss the final again unless Edsilia has a lot of fans left... Semi-Final Prediction: 15-20 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 15-20 Belgium: The Krazy Mess Groovers-Love Power After last year's amazing Je T'adore by Kate Ryan finished 12th in the semi-final I just can't see how the Belgians can possibly better that song...this pop-funk song is reminiscent of Jamiroquai or 80's soul tracks...in other words incredibly outdated and not likely to be remembered by many though performing towards the end of the semi-final is an advantage...not a bad song but Belgium need to go back and think again... Semi-Final Prediction: 23-28 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 19-24 Ireland: Dervish-They can't stop the spring The sort of song that would have won in the 1990's for Ireland and would still probably do well if juries were voting...unfortunately its televoters who decide the outcome of the contest and Ireland's traditional jig is amongst those predicted to come last. A nice traditional song in my opinion with a good key change in the middle, the band are middle aged and unlikely to appeal to young voters, though that didn't stop The Olsen Brothers in 2000... Semi-Final Prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 19-24 :cry: Armenia: Hayko-Anytime you need The second outing from Armenia following their impressive top 10 debut last year with Without your love. This is not in the same league and after many great debuts in Eurovision come poor follow ups. This slow unmemorable ballad by Hayko is unlikely to pull at the heart strings too much however 23rd place in the final is a great place to perform but surrounded by 3 semi-final qualifiers who will also be at the end will see a struggle for Armenia... Semi-Final Prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 19-24 United Kingdon: Scooch-Flying the flag (for you) Quiz channel presenter Russ and his three other ex Scooches have joined forces again for their first song since 2000's amazing For Sure...The song beat the popular Cyndi in the UK final which would have undoubtedly gone top 10...This song is unlikely to do much according to pre-contest polls which see it as one of the favourites to come last. I sincerely doubt it will come last but will finish in the bottom 10 unless: 1) The Europeans find the performance funny (e.g. Lithuania 2006, Austria 2003) or 2) The arse-licked countries (Finland, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Estonia) give us some big points which is doubtful...I like it though :wub: Semi-Final Prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 15-20
March 29, 200718 yr I have to agree with you about just about all of them. I do think Scooch will finish 21-24 though.
April 4, 200718 yr Author Cyprus: Evridiki-Comme ci Comme ca Having not qualified with their ballad last year, Cyprus try again with an uptempo Hi-NRG dance track...a good song and very catchy which could get the votes that went to Luminita Anghel a couple of years ago. Not a huge favourite of mine at the moment as it sounds a little dated and is hardly daring to be different but the trance-lite sound is proving popular with fans as it is coming towards the top of many fan polls!!! Semi-Final prediction: 5-10 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 5-10 Serbia: Marija Å erifović - Molitva Debuting in 2004 when they were with Montenegro, Serbia came 2nd and then top 10 the following year before withdrawing last year and splitting into two countries. Female singer, Marija has sent a Serbian ballad along this year and it is tipped to qualify easily. Similar in style to other ballads we have heard over the last few years, she is a good singer and sings this dramatic song with power but it doesn't have an amazing melody and its not one of my favourites. Semi-Final prediction: 1-5 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 3-8 Hungary: Magdi Ruzsa-Unsubstantial Blues Well described! These 'Blues' are well and truly unsubstantial...In 2005 Hungary had an amazing song by Nox which came 5th in the semi-final but missed the top 10 in the final and they pulled out in 2006...this comeback is hardly incredible and not likely to be remembered by many in the semi compared to some of the other songs on offer so I think it may struggle without an incredible stage performance... Semi-Final prediction: 23-28 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 19-24 Malta: Olivia Lewis-Vertigo Over to the bridesmaids of Malta who are in the unique position that their songs are acutally voted for instead of the country...hence, they get amazing top 3 placings (Chiara 2005, Ira Losco 2002) or last place (Fabrizio last year)...I think this dramatic powerful song from old-timer Olivia Lewis will easily qualify and put Malta back in the final...Apart from last years awful song, Malta never fail to disappoint me and I think that this song is a real grower...will it be a maiden win for Malta? Semi-Final prediction: 3-8 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 3-8 Russia: Serebo-Song Number 1 Trashy pop is what every good Eurovision needs and this year it comes courtesy of Russian girl band Serebo...with an introduction nicked from Jamelia's Beware of the dog (complete with 'listen to me') it is a perfect pop song...Russia have a good track record coming 2nd twice (Alsou 2000, Dima Bilan last year) in this decade and 3rd with tATu in 2003, it seems Russia have a good ear for contemporary pop and a winning formula with young singers!!! It should finish in the top 5 especially with so many loyal neighbours, but the fact that the semi-finalists seem to have an advantage on the night might see this finish low top 10... Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 7-12 Edited April 4, 200718 yr by gooddelta
April 4, 200718 yr Nice reviews, my money's on Serebro to win after seeing pre-qualified Greece win in 2005 ^_^ That showed me they can do it so my hopes are high for Russia! :funky:
April 4, 200718 yr Author Nice reviews, my money's on Serebro to win after seeing pre-qualified Greece win in 2005 ^_^ That showed me they can do it so my hopes are high for Russia! :funky: I've put a £1 on Russia so I hope you are right :heart: I've also put a pound on UK (because I always do) and Belarus (because they have an amazing song and the advantage of the Balkan block vote)
April 8, 200718 yr Author France: Les Fatals Picards-L'amour a la Francaise One of the big four, a tag which has been more of a hindrance than a help in the last few years and since 2003 France have finished 18th, 15th, 22nd and 23rd usually with a poor ballad. This year they have done something completely different and sent a quirky rock band. Singing their song in a mixture of English and French, it is a lot more instant than their recent efforts and if like rumours suggest, they will perform in a snowglobe, it could do well!!! Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 13-18 Czech Republic: Kabat-Mala Dama Making their debut in 2007, it seems that the Czechs could fall at the first hurdle with this awful song...adopting a sort of Lordi sound but the vocalist has a much more gruff voice than Mr Lordi...not at all catchy after the first listen, it could do with some neighbourly voting and it just proves that if you emulate the previous winner's sound it is often not a good idea... Semi-Final prediction: 20-25 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 17-22 Finland: Hanna Parkinen-Leave Me Alone Last year's winners thanks to Lordi, will Finland return to their usual Eurovision failing ways this year. Reality show contestant Hanna sings another rock entry for the Finns which is good but not incredible...it is quite catchy but it will have to be a spectacular show for the home nation to come in the top 10 again...back to the semis next year? Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 13-18 Greece: Sarbel-Yassou Maria The last few years have been amazing for Greece coming 3rd in 2004, 1st in 2005 and 9th in 2006, the Greeks are once again already qualified for the final. This song is less spectacular than the other three and sounds about 5 years out of date to me with a Ricky Martin sound that also seems to borrow from Helena Paparizou's recent single Gigolo...However, it is likely to get a large number of points as the Greeks always do and they might qualify again for next year's final... Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 7-12 Norway: Guri Schanke-Ven a bailar conmigo A popular actress in Norway, this would perhaps be a more credible entry for Spain or Portugal as the latin rhythms seem to have nothing to do with Norwegian culture...having said that, it is a very catchy song and Guri seems to be a woman that people will be able to warm to so if it does qualify then it will probably go higher in the final and could be a surprise top 10 finisher...or of course it could return Norway to their favourite spot of last place... Semi-Final prediction: 7-12 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 5-10
April 8, 200718 yr I've REALLY warmed to Norway lately, I think it may do well for them actually, top ten I reckon... And Greece would be a lot better if the vocalist didn't sound so much like Ricky Martin as I LOVE the backing track...any coincidence I also love Gigolo? :lol:
April 8, 200718 yr Author I've REALLY warmed to Norway lately, I think it may do well for them actually, top ten I reckon... And Greece would be a lot better if the vocalist didn't sound so much like Ricky Martin as I LOVE the backing track...any coincidence I also love Gigolo? :lol: It is a good melody but very predictable lyrics from Greece... IF Norway qualify, it will do very well as it will be one of those Cool Vibes/The Silence That Remains type of songs that will sound better when heard more than once...it could go top 5 :o
April 8, 200718 yr It is a good melody but very predictable lyrics from Greece... IF Norway qualify, it will do very well as it will be one of those Cool Vibes/The Silence That Remains type of songs that will sound better when heard more than once...it could go top 5 :o Cool Vibes/Hasheket Shenishar :wub: Agreed on both counts :lol:
April 12, 200718 yr Author Austria: Eric Papilaya-Get a life, Get alive Not one of ESC's most successful countries, they failed to qualify in 2005 and dropped out voluntarily last year. They are now back with a pop-rock song which sounds a bit like a Bon Jovi b-side but doesn't really stand out to me. Having said that, it is the official song for an AIDS charity event in Austria so at least its for a good cause and apparently the Austrians are planning a spectacular stage show so who knows how well they will do? Not a finalist though... Semi-Final prediction: 23-28 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 19-24 Estonia: Gerli Padar-Partners In Crime Another country whose fortune has faded recently, Estonia haven't featured in the Eurovision final since 2003 when they came in the bottom 10 having finished top 10 for most of the previous 10 years including a win in 2001...Sandra couldn't qualify with her fun scandi-pop last year but perhaps because she was outshone by Carola...Winner Tanel Padar's sister Gerli who looks like Pink sings yet another pop-rock song which won't qualify for Estonia...better luck next time Semi-Final prediction: 18-23 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 13-18 Spain: D'Nash-I Love you mi vida Spain are back after two tragic results with the rest of the big four...They sent a Las Ketchup soundalike in 2005 and then they actually sent Las Ketchup last year...both failed to impress so the hunky Spanish men are back to try and reignite some interest into the Spanish entries. Quite a catchy song but sounds very much outdated like a Ricky Martin/No Mercy song from 1997...Will do much better than they have been doing but not a winner for Spain I wouldn't think... Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 11-16 Ukraine: Verka Serduchka-Danzing The second drag queen and the fifth entry for the Ukranians who have featured in every contest since their 2003 debut including a win for Ruslana in 2004...Verka is huge in Ukraine and is the only pre-qualified drag act as Denmark have to get through the semis...If Denmark get through and perform before Verka it could look like copying...This is faster and odder than the Danish entry and typical Eastern Europe fare...Very controversial and could do well or could absolutely bomb... Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 9-14 Moldova: Natalia Barbu-Fight A bit more rock is what we need! Moldova will have to qualify after the tragic Arsenium last year who even finished below Daz :-0 Natalia Barbu is a young female with a powerful song which is tipped to do well. I can't say how this will do as it seems to be a fan favourtie and quite popular with the bookies...but perhaps the ESC voters are bored with solo women after they ruled for so long in the last 5 years until Lordi, Dima and Hari Mata Hari came along...Not one of my favourites at the moment... Semi-Final prediction: 7-12 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 7-12
April 17, 200718 yr Author Belarus: Dimitry Koldun-Work Your Magic The song with everything...like Dima Bilan last year, Dimitry has it all...the looks, the charm, the song, the bookies backing, the fan vote, enough neighbouring countries and the teenage girl vote. A top 5 placing therefore looks guaranteed for Belarus...not a country that has ever had success before but this song is just great. Sounding like a Bond theme that was never used, Dimitry sings over this dramatically orchestrated pop song which with a great performance could even win...smart money goes on this... Semi-Final prediction: 1-5 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 1-5 Romania: Todomondo-Liubi, Liubi, I love you A very clever song now from a nation who came 4th last year and 3rd in 2005, Romania are aiming to go a bit higher with a song by a six piece that sing a song about love in six different languages. Pawning for votes it could be seen as but this is amusing on the ear with a steadily increasing tempo and coming after Ukraine's drag queen and Scooch in the final will either be a help or a hindrance on the Romanians. This sounds like the sort of song that could finish bottom 10 but who knows...very hard to predict??? Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 16-21 Iceland: Eirikur Hauksson-Valentine Lost Iceland are not related with success in the Eurovision. Their best result was the sublime Selma in 1999 who came 2nd and lost to the Abba revivial from Charlotte Nilsson...Eirikur Hauksson, an Icelandic Eurovision judge for many years ventures into the contest with a rocky song, Valentine Lost...It is quite different and is unlikely to appeal to the mass audience but that didn't stop Lordi last year, although Lordi's costumes helped them...Not a finalist methinks... Semi-Final prediction: 17-22 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 15-20 Lithuania: 4Fun-Love or Leave Aah the Lithuanians...they came 6th last year with the joke, We are the winners which was by far their best ever result after finishing last unfairly in the 2005 semis with the excellent Little by Little. 4Fun are a folky band and Love or Leave sounds like the sort of song that comes out of a Greek cafe/Spanish villa on a sunny saturday afternoon passing you by...for Saturday European entertainment it is not really the right choice and will flop... Semi-Final prediction: Already Qualified Final Prediction: 19-24 Macedonia: Karolina-Mojot Svet Over to the Macedonians who in 2004, 2005 and 2006 qualified for the final before finishing slightly below the top 10 and ending back up in the semi final...Elena Risteska provided their best entry so far last year and this year they are aiming for a top 10 finish by sending the 2002 entrant Karolina...A much better song to my ears than her last effort, Mojot Svet is catchy and doing well in pre-contest polls and will undoubtedly qualify for the Macedonians but will they break the curse and make the top 10 of the final??? Semi-Final prediction: 3-8 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 5-10
April 18, 200718 yr Author I just have a gut feeling that one of these years Macedonia will have to come top 10 and this year it could well be!
April 19, 200718 yr Author This is the best Macedonian song ever, by a mile. :heart: It ranks alongside Elena's entry from last year (which should have been easily top 10)
April 19, 200718 yr Author I can't wait to read your opinon on Portugal's song. Won't be long :lol: I'm doing them in a completely random order ^_^
April 19, 200718 yr Author 12 left to review, so four at a time now: Georgia: Sopho Khalvashi - My Story A debuting country now and its the first entrant from Georiga...quite an odd first entry that sounds like something Bjork might record if she was doing a medieval concept album...not a bad song and very unique in comparison to the rest of the songs in the contest with its changing tempo and fast pace. Not a winner and I don't think it will even get to the final but nonetheless a valiant first effort from Georgia!!! Semi-Final prediction: 13-18 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 11-16 Slovenia: Alenka Gotar-Cvet One of the more favoured female solists of this year, Alenka Gotar has an impressive operatic vocal range that she displays on this mid-tempo song with a eurobeat and traditional Eastern European instruments. Its tipped to do very well, with many people tipping it as a winner...it does stand out and with an incredible performance it could do well but I don't see it winning or even coming in the top 5, though it could be the best ever result for the Slovenians... Semi-Final prediction: 6-10 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 6-10 Portugal: Sabrina: Danca Conmigo Portugal now, a country who have always been unlucky in the Eurovison despite usually sticking to their own language...they've had a couple of underrated entries this decade, MTM in 2001, Rita Guerra in 2003 and 2B in 2005 were all good. Sabrina sings this uptempo fun summer song which is more acceptable than the Norwegian entry as Portugal is actually hot. Unfortunately it is not as good as the Norwegian effort and will probably go unnoticed, particularly if there is no accompnaying stage show... Semi-Final prediction: 20-25 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 15-20 Switzerland: DJ Bobo-Vampires Are Alive One of the bigger names in this year's contest hence DJ Bobo being one of the favourites to win...a catchy song with a good melody and a nice accompanying female, he will pick up a lot of votes for the song and a lot of votes for the fact that he is a big star in Europe. I wouldn't say that this is a winner as it is slightly odd and perhaps more suited to children than a lot of the Eurovision audience...Bobo can expect a top 10 finish with this one though like Vanilla Ninja did for Switzerland in 2005... Semi-Final prediction: 3-8 Final Prediction: (if it makes it) 3-8
Create an account or sign in to comment