Eurovision 2017 - My Top 42
We now have our 42 acts that are headed to Kiev to compete in the biggest singing competition in the world, leaving fans to analyse and predict who will have the best staging, the best live vocal, and most importantly, who will make
the final.
Here is how my personal top 42 from this years contest is looking:
An important note to make is that I locked in my top 42 on the 2nd April, and since then, a few of my rankings have changed, although the bottom and top ten have mostly remained the same.
As well as this, all of the following are my personal opinions, which are based purely on the song and voice of the singer and should not be taken seriously, as who am I to really judge these people's songs and talent?
42) Finland (1.5/10)
Whilst trying not to remain sour over the fact that ANY other song in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu could have won (yes, including "My Little World") would have been better then Blackbird, the song is just painful for me to listen to, due to the repetition and overuse of the title word "Blackbird", and the monotone music that carries though the song. Although I do like the staging, I really doubt that it will save the performance, as I can't see an audience listening for the first time sitting though this and appreciating it.
41) Azerbaijan - Skeletons - DiHaj (1.5/10)
Controversial, I know, but to me it just seems like a slightly revamped "Ghost" by Jamie-Lee, yet everyone seems to rant and rave about this. Its a very basic chord progression and lazy beat, with nonsensical lyrics. Azerbaijan as always will qualify, as they did last year with a dire song.
40) Iceland - Paper - Svala (2/10)
"Paper" has gone up a few places in my ranking, but despite this, the verses fail to grab my interest, and I do think the pace is too slow, and the instrumentation too experimental. The style worked for Latvia in 2015, a year of weak contemporary songs helping it to stand out, and despite it being a favourite for Eurovision fans, I doubt itll have any effect on voting audiences.
39) Slovenia - On My Way - Omar Naber (2/10)
Before the revamp, the song was around the same ranking, but I preferred it to the revamped version, as it felt more familiar and raw. I understand why they would have revamped in order to bring the song to the 21st century, but all the song really needed was different instrumentation, and a key change or two. The extended version of "Euphoria" style violin progression at the beginning, and change in key completely changes the song unessesarily, and turns what was already not the best song in the world into even more of a mess.
38) Poland - Flashlight - Kasia Moś (2.5/10)
I don't completely dislike this song, I just find the progression and structure makes it hard to follow, and the song slightly over dramatized and oversung. I can't personally see a place for it in the final over other songs, but I won't be screaming with rage if it does qualify.
37) Australia - Don't Come Easy - Isaiah Firebrace (2.5/10)
Sam Smith called - he wants his song style back. There's nothing about this that is going to make it stand out from the other contemporary songs this year, and I struggle to think of anything interesting that they could do to stage this very basic, almost demo-like track.
36) Denmark - Where I Am - Anja Nissen (2.5/10)
This song to me does not sound like a song you should send as a finished product to Eurovision. Take it nack to the studio, and make the audio more stereo and I feel like it will make a difference. Aside from the track, I feel Anja oversings, like Kasia, and although it sounds good, she sings at the same levels throughout the songs, meaning there is no dynamics, and no build.
35) Ireland - Dying To Try - Brendan Murray (5/10)
Looking back, I do regret placing Ireland so low this year, however, the fact that I did is due to the fact that I didn't give the song the attention it deserves over other songs. This may be the same for an audience at home, who are seeing the song for the first time on the night, and overlooking it.
34) Croatia - My Friend - Jacques Houdek (5/10)
I'm not really sure what I was thinking when I put this at 34; now, I would put it about 5 places higher. I really think the two voices of Jacques really work with the message of the song, and I think It could be staging gold with the two sides to Jacques' voice. I am hoping that the Croatian delegation can deliver when it comes to staging and costume, as they can be rather unreliable when it comes down to the visuals (flashbacks to Nina Kraljić's tent/cabaret show girl outfit and Nina Badrić's bin bag dress).
33) Greece - This Is Love - Demy (4/10)
I don't particularly regret the placing of this one, but I do expect it to qualify, like Argo should have done last year. The problem I find with this song is the disconnected intro chord with the horns, the piano part, and the chorus. Don't get me wrong, it is a good build up, but it's no "Beauty Never Lies", which had a subtler build towards the end of the song.
32) Georgia - Keep The Faith - Tamara Gachechiladze (4/10)
The placing of this was based upon the national final performance we had before the official revamp was released, so my low placing of this is due to the unpolished backing track, and slightly too off time vocals that didn't really catch my attention amongst the sea of ballads when it was chosen. The revamp would bump up the ranking of this a bit, but not drastically.
31) Serbia - In Too Deep - Tijana Bogićević (4/10)
When I have the album on shuffle and this comes on, I struggle to recognise what song I'm listening to until the "Won't somebody save me tonight" part, which I think is the only decent and memorable part to this song, and even then it sounds a bit too much like Ira Losco/David Guetta.
30) Sweden - I Can't Go On - Robin Bengtisson (7/10)
Oh look, here I go marking down Sweden just because queen Loreen didn't win. Aside from the sleazy, shallow lyrics, there's nothing that I dislike about the song, and I often find myself singing the chorus around the house. Despite it having mainstream pop appeal, I think it will also appeal to a Eurovision audience, coupled up with the stunning stage show which will apparently be copied and pasted from Melodifestivalen.
29) Czech Republic - My Turn - Martina Bárta (4.5/10)
Feel free to argue with me on this, but I feel like you have to be a musician to truly appreciate the beauty and meaning behind this song. I'm also slightly cheating, by not judging the studio version, but saying this song comes alive when sung live in front of an audience. Staging for me is a worry with a slow jazz song like this, where the audience may be tempted to use this as a toilet break.
28) FYR Macedonia - Dance Alone - Jana Burčeska (4.5/10)
I was ahead of the game of being a sceptic. I just can't see how they are going to get her voice on stage to sound anything like the heavily synthesised voice in the Official track. A change to this won't be disappointing, as that's just the way it goes, but I think with the current streak of 4 non qualifications, it seems a bit of a risky move.
27) Malta - Breathlessly - Claudia Faniello (5/10)
I do love the Titanic score, which is exactly what the song and video (even though I'm not meant to be judging the video) remind me of. If they can translate some of the magic and the meaning of the lyrics to the stage, I think Malta can get top 10 easily. Although it sounds old, it doesn't seem to sound dated to me, much like "My Heart Will Go On" and "Time Of My Life", that still have mainstream popularity.
26) Norway - Grab The Moment - JOWST (5/10)
Not a song particularly written for Eurovision, and I think it will struggle majorly with the juries, as there is no "wow" moments in the track, which doesn't mean it's bad, it just means it won't stand out without killer staging. They may also have similar struggles as FYR Macedonia with the digital effects used, particularly in the chorus.
25) Switzerland - Apollo - Timebelle (5.5/10)
A fairly average pop song, pleasant to listen to, not too pertinent, but I do think the right place for this song is the borderline. There's little to say about this song, apart from it sounds a bit recycled. Live, this truly comes alive, so If they stage it well, with lots of wiz, bangs and pops, they'll be a borderline qualifier.
24) Bulgaria - Beautiful Mess - Kristian Kostov (7/10)
Again, I'm having to hold my hands up and say that I made a mistake putting "Beautiful mess" so low. The reason I think I did was because I was mad at BNT for not giving Kristian any kind of music video (this was or visuals to work with, as for a song like this, you need to be able to see the emotion and passion he has whilst singing this song.
23) Ukraine - Time - O.Torvald (6.5/10)
One of the most unique and possibly underestimated entries this year comes from Ukraine, who really do not want to win twice in a row, although have sent a very decent song from a well known Ukrainian act. No complaints from me here.
22) Israel - I Feel Alive - IMRI (6.5/10)
Although the verses and pre chorus make me feel alive, the chorus is a bit of a let down for me (needs more bass!). We know IMRI is a dancer, so hopefully he and his pals can make up for some of the lost build up and momentum with some sick moves.
21) Cyprus - Gravity - Hovig (6.5/10)
What do you get if you take Zlata's song title, Rag'n'Bone man's style, your dad's dancing and Highway's girl? Gravity by Hovig! Not considering this however, the song sounds professional, current and polished and his voice suits the song perfectly.
20) San Marino - Spirit Of The Night - Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson (6.5/10)
Although not the snappiest of act names, Queen Valentina (who BROKE THE RECORD of the most Eurovision participations) and Jimmie do make a very dated song Eurovisiony enough to perhaps qualify at best, with the long held notes courtesy of the queen, and enough key changes to accommodate any vocal range.
19) Albania - World - Lindita Halimi (6.5/10)
Any other year, this would have easily made my top ten, but without the 20 second belt out towards the end and absolutely stunning voice, this would have gotten lost in the sea of ballads this year, and although the juries are going to lap this up, I fear the televoters will vote for a more current and contemporary song.
18) Hungary - Origo - Joci Pápai (7/10)
I laugh at myself now putting this lower then Montenegro. A true masterpiece once again under ranked by me, probably due to my complete ignorance of A Dal this year as I was unable to find time to follow it over preferred national selections. The song tells a story, and I feel as if I understand what he is portraying with his song, even though I don't speak the language, which is what "Celebrate Diversity" truly means.
17) Belgium - City Lights - Blanche (7/10)
Again, I am sceptical of the live delivery of this one, as the dark, gloomy, deep vocals work well with the studio version of the song, but I don't know how well this slightly monotone song is going to translate live in a big arena. As a raw song though, I do think it is brilliant, and deserves to be a fan favourite.
16) United Kingdom - Never Give Up On You - Lucie Jones (7/10)
Yes I know I got the title of my own countrie's song in the ranking before, but this is a song that I disliked the National Final version of, due to it being too bare and stripped back, but the revamp, with the bass and cleaner vocals really resonates within me and actually makes me feel the emotion of the song, which the initial version didn't. Well done BBC for actually getting something right for once!
15)Armenia - Fly With Me - Artsvik (7.5/10)
Easily the most alternative song of this year. The visuals and the humming make this so psychedelic, I feel like I am on some kind of drug being handed out in Triana park. The song is through composed, so doesn't follow any set structure, which is a risk when it comes to Eurovision, but a risk that should pay off.
14) Estonia - Verona - Koit Toome and Laura (7.5/10)
The simplicity of this song is echoed in its pertinent staging in Eesti Laul, which I hope and pray they will bring to Kiev too. The only thing I find slightly weary about this song is the "oohs" and "aahs" which are normally put into songs when the lyricist can't be bothered to wirte proper lyrics.
13) Montenegro - Space - Slavko Kalezić (6/10)
Slavko Kalezić Is the only reason this is so high In my rankings, as he slaaaayyys to the highest capacity in the music video, and will hopefully bring some of his sick moves to Kiev. Song wise, the verses are not strong, and in a song competition, the sleazy lyrics are going to be marked down by the juries.
12) Moldova - Hey Mamma! - Sunstroke Project (7.5/10)
Come on, what isn't to like about Moldova? Sunstroke Project have their own brand of music, with their simple yet effective moves that anyone could do, their good looks, and their use of unconventional instruments for pop and dance tracks; best of all, they have EPIC SAX GUY. I rest my case.
11) Portugal - Amar Pelos Dois - Salvador Sobral (8/10)
On first listen, I wasn't a fan of "Amar Pelos Dois", as I was annoyed at all the ballads floating around the competition this this year, but once I sent time listening to this, I fell in love with Salvador's smooth, soft voice, and I love the duet he did with his sister after winning. This is genuinely a contender for the win, and I wouldn't feel bad placing a bet on this.
10) France - Requiem - Alma (8/10)
A lot of people hated on the song after Alma's team decided to add English lyrics to the song, but not me. I do think the English helps non Eurovision fans who won't bother to search up the lyrics to translate them understand the meaning of the song, and perhaps give the cute French girl a few votes.
9) Italy - Occidentali's Karma - Francesco Gabbani (8.5/10)
I have to be picky now. I absolutely love the song, but I'm not sure whether it's just the English translation of what is being said in Italian, but I don't think the lyrics are as clever as everyone makes them out to be. Regardless of this, Francesco is a fantastic performer, and the track itself is a worthy winner if the bookies is anything to go by.
33) Greece - This Is Love - Demy (4/10)
I don't particularly regret the placing of this one, but I do expect it to qualify, like Argo should have done last year. The problem I find with this song is the disconnected intro chord with the horns, the piano part, and the chorus. Don't get me wrong, it is a good build up, but it's no "Beauty Never Lies", which had a subtler build towards the end of the song.
32) Georgia - Keep The Faith - Tamara Gachechiladze (4/10)
The placing of this was based upon the national final performance we had before the official revamp was released, so my low placing of this is due to the unpolished backing track, and slightly too off time vocals that didn't really catch my attention amongst the sea of ballads when it was chosen. The revamp would bump up the ranking of this a bit, but not drastically.
31) Serbia - In Too Deep - Tijana Bogićević (4/10)
When I have the album on shuffle and this comes on, I struggle to recognise what song I'm listening to until the "Won't somebody save me tonight" part, which I think is the only decent and memorable part to this song, and even then it sounds a bit too much like Ira Losco/David Guetta.
30) Sweden - I Can't Go On - Robin Bengtisson (7/10)
Oh look, here I go marking down Sweden just because queen Loreen didn't win. Aside from the sleazy, shallow lyrics, there's nothing that I dislike about the song, and I often find myself singing the chorus around the house. Despite it having mainstream pop appeal, I think it will also appeal to a Eurovision audience, coupled up with the stunning stage show which will apparently be copied and pasted from Melodifestivalen.
29) Czech Republic - My Turn - Martina Bárta (4.5/10)
Feel free to argue with me on this, but I feel like you have to be a musician to truly appreciate the beauty and meaning behind this song. I'm also slightly cheating, by not judging the studio version, but saying this song comes alive when sung live in front of an audience. Staging for me is a worry with a slow jazz song like this, where the audience may be tempted to use this as a toilet break.
28) FYR Macedonia - Dance Alone - Jana Burčeska (4.5/10)
I was ahead of the game of being a sceptic. I just can't see how they are going to get her voice on stage to sound anything like the heavily synthesised voice in the Official track. A change to this won't be disappointing, as that's just the way it goes, but I think with the current streak of 4 non qualifications, it seems a bit of a risky move.
27) Malta - Breathlessly - Claudia Faniello (5/10)
I do love the Titanic score, which is exactly what the song and video (even though I'm not meant to be judging the video) remind me of. If they can translate some of the magic and the meaning of the lyrics to the stage, I think Malta can get top 10 easily. Although it sounds old, it doesn't seem to sound dated to me, much like "My Heart Will Go On" and "Time Of My Life", that still have mainstream popularity.
26) Norway - Grab The Moment - JOWST (5/10)
Not a song particularly written for Eurovision, and I think it will struggle majorly with the juries, as there is no "wow" moments in the track, which doesn't mean it's bad, it just means it won't stand out without killer staging. They may also have similar struggles as FYR Macedonia with the digital effects used, particularly in the chorus.
25) Switzerland - Apollo - Timebelle (5.5/10)
A fairly average pop song, pleasant to listen to, not too pertinent, but I do think the right place for this song is the borderline. There's little to say about this song, apart from it sounds a bit recycled. Live, this truly comes alive, so If they stage it well, with lots of wiz, bangs and pops, they'll be a borderline qualifier.
24) Bulgaria - Beautiful Mess - Kristian Kostov (7/10)
Again, I'm having to hold my hands up and say that I made a mistake putting "Beautiful mess" so low. The reason I think I did was because I was mad at BNT for not giving Kristian any kind of music video (this was or visuals to work with, as for a song like this, you need to be able to see the emotion and passion he has whilst singing this song.
23) Ukraine - Time - O.Torvald (6.5/10)
One of the most unique and possibly underestimated entries this year comes from Ukraine, who really do not want to win twice in a row, although have sent a very decent song from a well known Ukrainian act. No complaints from me here.
22) Israel - I Feel Alive - IMRI (6.5/10)
Although the verses and pre chorus make me feel alive, the chorus is a bit of a let down for me (needs more bass!). We know IMRI is a dancer, so hopefully he and his pals can make up for some of the lost build up and momentum with some sick moves.
21) Cyprus - Gravity - Hovig (6.5/10)
What do you get if you take Zlata's song title, Rag'n'Bone man's style, your dad's dancing and Highway's girl? Gravity by Hovig! Not considering this however, the song sounds professional, current and polished and his voice suits the song perfectly.
20) San Marino - Spirit Of The Night - Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson (6.5/10)
Although not the snappiest of act names, Queen Valentina (who BROKE THE RECORD of the most Eurovision participations) and Jimmie do make a very dated song Eurovisiony enough to perhaps qualify at best, with the long held notes courtesy of the queen, and enough key changes to accommodate any vocal range.
19) Albania - World - Lindita Halimi (6.5/10)
Any other year, this would have easily made my top ten, but without the 20 second belt out towards the end and absolutely stunning voice, this would have gotten lost in the sea of ballads this year, and although the juries are going to lap this up, I fear the televoters will vote for a more current and contemporary song.
18) Hungary - Origo - Joci Pápai (7/10)
I laugh at myself now putting this lower then Montenegro. A true masterpiece once again under ranked by me, probably due to my complete ignorance of A Dal this year as I was unable to find time to follow it over preferred national selections. The song tells a story, and I feel as if I understand what he is portraying with his song, even though I don't speak the language, which is what "Celebrate Diversity" truly means.
17) Belgium - City Lights - Blanche (7/10)
Again, I am sceptical of the live delivery of this one, as the dark, gloomy, deep vocals work well with the studio version of the song, but I don't know how well this slightly monotone song is going to translate live in a big arena. As a raw song though, I do think it is brilliant, and deserves to be a fan favourite.
16) United Kingdom - Never Give Up On You - Lucie Jones (7/10)
Yes I know I got the title of my own countrie's song in the ranking before, but this is a song that I disliked the National Final version of, due to it being too bare and stripped back, but the revamp, with the bass and cleaner vocals really resonates within me and actually makes me feel the emotion of the song, which the initial version didn't. Well done BBC for actually getting something right for once!
15)Armenia - Fly With Me - Artsvik (7.5/10)
Easily the most alternative song of this year. The visuals and the humming make this so psychedelic, I feel like I am on some kind of drug being handed out in Triana park. The song is through composed, so doesn't follow any set structure, which is a risk when it comes to Eurovision, but a risk that should pay off.
14) Estonia - Verona - Koit Toome and Laura (7.5/10)
The simplicity of this song is echoed in its pertinent staging in Eesti Laul, which I hope and pray they will bring to Kiev too. The only thing I find slightly weary about this song is the "oohs" and "aahs" which are normally put into songs when the lyricist can't be bothered to wirte proper lyrics.
13) Montenegro - Space - Slavko Kalezić (6/10)
Slavko Kalezić Is the only reason this is so high In my rankings, as he slaaaayyys to the highest capacity in the music video, and will hopefully bring some of his sick moves to Kiev. Song wise, the verses are not strong, and in a song competition, the sleazy lyrics are going to be marked down by the juries.
12) Moldova - Hey Mamma! - Sunstroke Project (7.5/10)
Come on, what isn't to like about Moldova? Sunstroke Project have their own brand of music, with their simple yet effective moves that anyone could do, their good looks, and their use of unconventional instruments for pop and dance tracks; best of all, they have EPIC SAX GUY. I rest my case.
11) Portugal - Amar Pelos Dois - Salvador Sobral (8/10)
On first listen, I wasn't a fan of "Amar Pelos Dois", as I was annoyed at all the ballads floating around the competition this this year, but once I sent time listening to this, I fell in love with Salvador's smooth, soft voice, and I love the duet he did with his sister after winning. This is genuinely a contender for the win, and I wouldn't feel bad placing a bet on this.
10) France - Requiem - Alma (8/10)
A lot of people hated on the song after Alma's team decided to add English lyrics to the song, but not me. I do think the English helps non Eurovision fans who won't bother to search up the lyrics to translate them understand the meaning of the song, and perhaps give the cute French girl a few votes.
9) Italy - Occidentali's Karma - Francesco Gabbani (8.5/10)
I have to be picky now. I absolutely love the song, but I'm not sure whether it's just the English translation of what is being said in Italian, but I don't think the lyrics are as clever as everyone makes them out to be. Regardless of this, Francesco is a fantastic performer, and the track itself is a worthy winner if the bookies is anything to go by.
8) Lithuania - Rain Of Revolution - Fusedmarc (8.5/10)
Everyone is going to think it is criminal for me to put Lithuania higher then Italy in a ranking, and I completely understand. The song is very dated and MIDI demo-like, but it is my guilty pleasure, and you know what? I like the yeah-yeahs, so don't change a thing!
7) Austria - Running On Air - Nathan Trent (8.5/10)
This is Nathan Trent, and this is his song that HE wrote. he is not a pop diva, he is his own person, and his personality and style comes across through his song. It is very positive, uplifting and chilled, yet still relevant, and I think they are easily capable of a top ten finish with such a unique style of song this year.
6) Netherlands - Lights And Shadows - O'G3NE (8.5/10)
How can you sing like these girls and NOT come top ten? Although the song is contemporary and perhaps dated, the harmonies and unity the 3 sisters have save it. The strongest part of the song is the last chorus, where it is just the pure harmonies along with the drums, where I imagine (and hope) to see the crowd clapping along.
5) Romania - Yodel It! - Illinca Ft. Alex Florea (9/10)
Romania aren't here to send out messages to the world or try to get famous, they are here to party! Who said Eurovision can't be fun anymore? It really astounds me how well rap and yodelling actually go together in this song, and why Yeezy hasn't travelled to Austria to record his latest track with the yodellers in the Alps..
4) Spain - Do It For Your Lover - Manel Navarro (9/10)
Even after the shock horror controversy of the Spanish National Final, and Mirela NOT making it to Eurovision with the absolute banger that is "Contigo", I have looked past it and appreciated the summer vibes Manel serves, along with his Ed Sheeran guitar realness. I don't see the repetitiveness in this song personally, and I just love, love love the instrumentation, and expensive production of the track and official video.
3) Germany - Perfect Life - Levina (9/10)
Hate as you will, but Levina doesn't need a huge banger, or a soulful ballad to sound great, it all comes from her unique voice. She could make "Happy Birthday" sound like a masterpiece, and truly makes "Perfect Life" sound, well, perfect. The introduction is smooth and builds rght up to the chorus, where she lets go and belts it out.
2) Latvia - Line - Triana Park (10/10)
One word to describe Triana Park - Edgy. They be themselves, and they don't care what anyone else thinks. "Line" Is a song that makes me feel high, though the hypnotic "All. I. See. Is. You" all the way to the epic mid song breakdown, where Agnese lets go and paves way for some sick camera shots and amazing explosions of light and colour, a top ten contender for sure.
1) Belarus - Historyja Majho žyccia - Naviband (10/10)
Naviband just make me want to get up, run into the forest and just enjoy nature. Ksienija comes across as so warm and welcoming in the music video, interacting with the camera and really bringing the song to life before your eyes. Song wise, you can't fault it, the structure is simplistic, with a folky yodel (Illinca's influence?) towards the end, bringing the song to an end with style. If this doesn't stand out amongst the dance songs and ballads, I'm not quite sure what will, and I will be voting and supporting Belarus all the way.
Who are your favourites? Are you surprised by any of my rankings?
