Latvia: I hear your heart

Latvia debutted in the Eurovision in Stokholm back in 2000 with an impressive, but fair, 3rd place. The following year they endend up in 18th place, but in 2002 they were back to the good results. In fact they won the Eurovision Song Contest that year, with Marie N. and that “song” called I wanna. It was only their 3rd participation.
After two years with dissapointing results, the duo Walters & Kaza managed to get a place in the 2005 final and ended the contest in 5th place.
In my opinion Latvia’s best song so far was My Star, but the most original has got to be this year entrant I hear you heart by the group Cosmos.
This song was written by Molly-Ann Leikin and Guntar Racs and composed by Reinis Sejans and Andris Sejans and will be performed without any instruments. It will be all done by the vocal habilities of the 6 cosmos boys. I wonder if their oral skills are just as good?!
Definitely original. Maybe even original enough to secure them another good result.
Its brings something new to the contest so its nice that they are in the final already. Can this be Latvia’s second victory aproching???
Points for the song: 7 (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 3 (in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Just sounds, not even a song.
Don't know if this will work on the big ESC stage!
Very difficult to enjoy.
I give it 6 points in 20 possible.

Welcoming this song are Secret Garden with Nocturne, a song that initially didn’t have any singing at all.

Israel: Ze hazman

Israel has a very good reputation in the Eurovision Song Contest, they won the contest 3 times, in 1978 with A-ba-ni-bi, in 1979 with Hallelujah and in 1998 with Diva and were responsible for some Eurovision classics like Ey Sham (1973), Hora (1982) and Khay (1983).
Last year they were representend by the beautifull Shiri Mayon with an equalily beautifull song called Hasheket shenish’ar. The song was a very powerfull ballad and with a fantastic performance Israel endend in a worthy 4th place (7th in the semi-final), their best result since Dana International in 1998.
This year they choose Eddie Butler as their representative with Ze hazman, a peace ballad. Eddie was responsible for the music and co-worte the lyrics together with Osnat Zabag and Orly Burg.
I’ve always found it curious that a country that has been almost since its creation in state of war, of very close to it, insists on sending peace songs the Eurovision. It sounds a bit weird to me. I know nobody wants war but this always sounds a bit fake. But of course, the ESC is a music competition so what really matters are the songs and not the countries.
Ze hazman is a very old fashion song, borring, unatractive and that doesn’t makes me want to hear it many times. And I cant even imagine the kitch stage act for this one. White clothes, candles… white doves in the backround…
This is not a song that deservs to be in the final at all.
Points for the song: 3 (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 1- (in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Terrible, oldfashioned and typical Israeli song
Peace for all
All on the same tone, no variation.
I give it 5 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the Eurovision is Tó Cruz, with is gosple song Baunilha & Chocolate. If things are fair Eddie isn’t getting mutch more them the 5 points Tó got in 1995.

Ireland: Every song is a cry for love

The emerald island is one of the most succefull countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. They won in 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994 and again in 1996. Surprisingly all their seven winning songs were ballads, in fact almost all their other entries were ballads too.
Their problem came in 2001 when ballads became totally out of fashion and up-tempo, songs became everyone favourites. In that same year they ended up in 21st place among 23 other songs.
Last year they decided to send something new, catchy, with a big act and a power performance. Well, that was their intention, because Donna & Joe were probably their worse representatives ever. The song was not bad but they looked so unatractive and unprofessional. Very scarry.
This year they choose Brian Kennedy, an already established singer to represent them. He had already taken part in the Eurovision back in 1995. He was one of the singers in the interval act.
In Athens Brian will sing is own composition called Every song is a cry for love. Surprise, surprise, another ballad.
The thing is, this year there are very few listenable songs and suddenly Ireland is back on the first half of the charts. At least in mine.
The first version of the song was very very simple and a bit borring. The new version has a more symphonic felling that makes the song more atractive but at the same times a bit less original.
Brian’s performance in the national final was nothing special, his voice was average and he didn’t give the songs any feelings at all while singing them, maybe he will work that until the semi-final.
I don’t know how this will do in Athens, but it can be a surprise and bring Ireland to the good results. But it can also be just a bit to traditional and unactrative. Maybe in 1995 it would have given Ireland another win.
Points for the song: 7 (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 3 (in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Every song is a cry for love is a typical irish ballad.
Not so original, but at least we have song again from Ireland.
Could get the votes from the older audience.
Its ok but doesn't leave a deep impression.
It is very futile
I give it 9 points in 20.

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Welcoming this song in the Eurovision is Gary O’Shaughnessy with Without your love.

Iceland: Congratulations

Since in 2000 Bjork wore a swan to the Oscar's it was a matter of time until Iceland come up with something just as crazy for the Eurovision Song Contest.
After flopping big time last year, with fan favourite Selma and the 007 inspired If I had your love, this year they have decided to go with something of a fusion between the Powerpuff girls and Britney Spears.
International star Silvia Night will represent Iceland with the song Congratulations, written and composed by Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson and Silvia.
We have seen many funny acts in the Eurovision before, but none quiet as good has this one. Silvia’s performance on stage is very good, in the best tradition of ESC super-stars. The song as a touch of Britney, and if it was sang by any other singer and with different lyrics, it would be a regular teen pop song.
The video is also one of the best we have this year and the drawing for the semi-final couldn’t be any better, last place, right after the serious Bosnian ballad.
For all this I think that Iceland is a shure bet for the final, and a top 10 final result is almost certain. Comic acts are still to score badly in the Eurovision.
It will also be the first time ever that a singer will talk on the phone with God!
Points for the song: 12+ (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5 ++(in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Kitch song without any melody in the strophes, the chorus is catchy, but that's all.
The performance on stage will probably attract lots of attention.
I give it 12 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the Eurovision is Guildo Horn with his song Guildo hat euch liebe!

Greece: Everything

Although no always with the best results, Greece has been one of the leading contributors of original songs to the Eurovision. Since their first ever entry in 1974 with Krasi, thalasa ke t’agori mu, almost all theirs song were marked by a strong ethnic touch, not always appreciated by the juries and by the fans that today worship Greek entries, even if they are only average songs.
This year they choose one of the countries biggest stars, Anna Vissi to represent them in home ground. She took part in the ESC before. In 1980 she represented Greece, with the innocent Autostop, and 2 year later she sang the romantic Mono i agapi, representing Cyprus.
I expected a spectacular song from her this year, being the big star she is and singing in her own country, what is always an extra honour, but when I heard the song I didn’t really like any of them. Finally the ballad Everything won, a song written by Anna herself and by Nikos Karvelas.
What some say about the Swedish song I say about this one: What with all the fuss???
Its just a normal ballad, with a catchy chorus but also a bit old fashioned. If this were from any other country and from another singer I don’t think that it would be a favourite of so many people.
It can even win in Athens but it will never be a great song. At least not for me off course.
I expected much more from Anna Vissi, specialy when the other songs were not so good. It would be fun to see Greece win again this year, but now I hope they don’t win with this ordinary song.
Points for the song: 7 (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 2 (in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Very dramatic ballad, will probably get a lot of points being the organizing country.
Surely one of the best ballads this year.
I can listen to it, but I don't go completely wild over it
I give it 14 points in 20 possible.

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Welcoming this song in the Eurovision is Rita Guerra, with Deixa-me sonhar (só mais uma vez).

Song of the week: Everyway that I can

Everyway that I can

I feel you're moving on a different cause
Makin' a way for a distant course
You say you love me and you roll your eyes
Turn to stare at the empty skies

I thought it was over and we passed all that
All we've done is to pass back to frame number one
C'mon, now, now
I wanna show you all again what it would be like
Just let go and let me love you

Everyway that I can
I'll try to make you love me again
Everyway that I can
I'll give you all my love and then
Everyway that I can
I'll cry, I'll die and make you mine again

Hold me closer, oh, so good
You make me feel just like I should
I know whatcha thinkin': uh-hu good
Now the rest of the world is overruled

Tell me whatcha see in other girls all around
Come on closer and tell me whatcha don't find here
Come on, now, now
I wanna give you everything you've been missin' out
Just let go and let me love you

Everyway that I can
I'll try to make you love me again
Everyway that I can
I'll give you all my love and then
Everyway that I can
I'll cry, I'll die and make you mine again

I'm in love with you
I'll do all you want me to
You make me wanna huh-huh
Make me wanna huh-huh-huh

I'm in love with you
I'll do all you want me to
You make me wanna huh-huh
Make me wanna huh-huh-huh

Nothing in the world that could stop me, no sir
Nothing in the world that could stop me, no sir
No, no, no, no, no

Everyway that I can
I'll try to make you love me again
Everyway that I can
I'll give you all my love and then
Everyway that I can
I'll give you all my love and then
Everyway that I can
I'll cry, I'll die and make you mine again

Germany: No no never

Germany seems to have lost is touch in the Eurovision in the last couple of year. Shure Max ended up in a respectable 8th place in Istambul, but last year they came last, with that awful song Run & Hide by Garcia.
This year they decided to reduce the numbers of participants in their national final dramatically, only 3 songs but with famous singers performing it: Vicky Leandros (Luxembourg 1967 and ESC winner for the same country in 1972); Thomas Andreas (former Modern Talking) and the “cowboy band” Texas Lightning.
Surprisingly, or maybe not, Texas Lightning won with their country song No no never. I was happy they did because even if I do like ballads, Vicky’s and Thomas songs were so, so, so, so old fashioned.
No no never reminds us a bit of Never ever let you go from Denmark 2001, which is just fine because that was one of my favourite songs of that year. However when I compare the two songs I still prefer the Danish one, its happier and captures my attention all the way.
Texas lightning No no never gets a bit too repetitive in some parts. Still I think Germany has a real chance this year, they are sending a very refreshing entry. The singer has a pleasant voice and a gracious stage presence and those cowboy clothes couldn’t be any better!!!
So my prediction is a top 10 finish for Germany in the final, lets see what happens.

The words and the music of this song were made by Jane Comerford.
Points for the song: 7+ (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 1 (in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Now this is such a nice and pretty song.
A mix of soft country, some Denmark 2001, a good female singer and a nice melody, and most of all, it gets stuck in your mind.
Also something you don't expect from Germany, and therefore it is goodI give it 17 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the competition are Rollo & King with their runner-up song Never ever let you go.

FYR Macedonia: Ninanajna

Before 2004 the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was a “in & out” country in the Eurovision. They debuted in 1996 but didn’t qualify for the final in Oslo, so 1998 was Macedonia’s first final. They were relegated in 1999, came back in the contest in 2000 and were relegated again, returning in 2002 only to be relegated again in 2003.
In 2004 they discover the wonders of neighbourhood voting and managed to qualify for the final, being once more relegated to the semi in 2005 where, thanks to the same “strategy”, Martin was able to play is drums in the Kiev final.
This year they will be represented by teen diva Elena Risteka with the song Ninanajna, a song written and composed by Drako Dimitrov.
If all goes according to plan Elena will qualify and I wouldn’t be surprised if this was their best result ever, maybe even a top 10.
The song is very teen pop, Elena is a charming singer and if the performance is as original as the video she will be very successful in Athens. Although the original version in Macedonian was much more attractive to hear them the English one.
Points for the song: 7 (in 1 to 8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5(in 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Another Sertab copy with a hint of Shakira.
Not really a song that invites to sing along.
Very repetitive, much of the same.
I give it 10 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the competition are XXL with 100% ljubam.

France: Ils etait temps

France picked its representative for ESC this year in a contest that gathered young singers from France and its dependencies. The winner would sing a song composed previously by Corneille.
The winner of the contest was Virginie Pouchain. She was visibly uncomfortable singing Vous c’est nous and Corneille admitted that he had written the song with a male singer in mind so a new song was written for Virginie.
The first song was completely boring, the new song, Ils etait temps, is much better. Its not so flat and boring, reminds me a bit of American singer Aimme Mann.
I have no idea on how it will score in Athens, but if Virginie doesn’t want to finnish in the end of the scoreboard she cannot give such a liveless performance, like the one she gave on the video. It’s a slow song, I understand that, but the only emotion she transmits when she is singing it is nerves.
Anyway best of luck for France, I miss having a winning song in the French language.
Points for the song: 6 (from 1 to 8, 10 and 12)

And for the video: 1 (form 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Boring, boring song.
How is it possible that France sends in such a song?
Type of song you hear once and you forget instantly!
I give it 7 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the Eurovision is Sandrine François, with the last truly great French song, Il faut du temps.

Finland: Hard rock hallelujah

Finland first took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 and since that distant year they have sent just about every time of music we can imagine, never with much success. In fact from their 39 entries so far only 11 made it to the top 10. Their best result, 6th place, came in 1973 with the cheerful song Tom tom tom by Marian Rung. A 7th place in 1989 with the song La Dolce Vita sang by Anneli Saaristo was Finland last top 10 finish.
This year they had a great national final and deserve my admiration for choosing the rock monster band Lordi with Hard rock hallelujah. The song was written and composed by the band’s lead singer, Mr. Lordi. It’s a bit crazy I know, but it was the best choice they could do.
Hard rock hallelujah and Lordi’s performance wont leave anyone indifferent. It’s a Eurovision classic already. When I listened to it the first time I only hear about 30 sec’s and stopped the player. Them I heard it again and begin to like it very much. Its rock indeed, but its not that “rock”. The chorus is actually very eurovisionesque.
I don’t see any reason why this can’t do well in Athens and I think that this is what the ESC needs, new and different types of music.
Once again I think that we all need to leave our prejudices behind and let innovation flow. I mean how many ballads, ABBA songs or ethnic songs have we had already…
I must say that I would be very happy if Finland finally won the Eurovision, specially with this song and I don’t think that we would have only monster rock songs next year.
For me this is a classic and a top song off my all time favourites, no matter what the result will be in Athens.
Points for the song: 12+ (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5++ (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Do I really have to listen to it?
I think it is very stupid to try and copy Norway from last year. At least Norway still had a melody!!!
This is only screaming
A song where I push the ffwd button on the cd-player.
I can't stand it
I give it 3 points in 20 and that is very generous.

Welcoming thins song in the competition is … hum I don’t know, there has never been like this before! Maybe Marian Rung will welcome Lordi and pass them the honour of being Finland’s best result ever.

Estonia: Through my window

Estonia was among the group of countries that tried to take part in the ESC in 1993. They didn’t manage to qualify, so their official debut happened a year later with Silvi Vrait and the song Nagu Merelaine, which I absolutely love, but that ended second last.
After this not so successful start Estonia has achieved impressive results. From their 11 participations so far 4 were in the top 5 (including the 2001 winner), plus 2 in the top 10. However since the introduction of the semi-final they still didn’t manage to get a place in the final.
This year they seem to be back at their best, with Swedish singer Sandra Oxenryd and the Does your mother know? inspired (to say the least) Through my window. The composers of this song were Pearu Paulus, Ilmar Laisarr and Alar Kotkas. They lyrics were written by Jana Hallas.
Sandra’s victory was somewhat a surprise, since in the Estonian national final there was another heavy favourite Ines (Estonia 2000), with the very modern Iseendale. It would have been a much less safer choice but they would be sending a far better song.
This doesn’t mean I don’t like Through my window. I mean I like almost all ABBA songs/ ABBA copy’s. Sandra is a very good singer and judging by the video, the performance on stage will be very good also.
The weaker point of the song is its originality, or lack of it. And to complicate things even more Sandra will sing right after Carola in the semi. It will be like Sweden is sending two songs instead of one.
In the end I think that Estonia will qualify, in part because of its own merits and partly because there aren’t that many good songs in the semi this year.
Points for the song: 12 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 4 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… At first I was very much surprised with the intro of the song, completely copied from Abba.
Since it was one of the first songs that was selected I didn't think very highly of it. But now that we know all 37, I must admit it is one the best melodies with a very powerful voice.
This is a song to sing along with, a happy tune.
It may not be a very original song, but is surely a nice one to listen to.
I'm very curious to hear and see the live version
I give it 16 points in 20.

Welcoming, or maybe not, this song in the contest is Ines and her song Once in a lifetime.

Denmark: Twist of Love.

The Danish people seem to be very keen on 50’s and 60’s American music. In 2001, they were represented by Rollo & King with a “country music” song, last year they had a swing and this year a twist.
Sidsel Ben Semmane (doesn’t this name sounds rather Arabic?) will sing Twist of Love, with music and lyrics by Niels Drevsholt. She is already qualified to the final thanks to Jakob Sveistrup energetic performance last year in Kiev. He really made the European audience swing.
I watched the Danish national final and to be honest I didn’t love any of the songs, but them again I never do like any of the songs from the Danish national finals.
In the 80’s and early 90’s they were probably the champs of Eurovisionesque songs: Hot Eyes, Brithe Kjaer, Lonnie Devantier and Lotte Nilsson & Kenny Lubcke. All this songs gave them lots of points and pretty good places, I like them too, but for some reason I don’t see Denmark as one of my favourite Eurovision countries.
Twist of Love is a nice song, Sidsel has a nice voice and performs it well but it doesn’t appeal to my taste.
I have no clue on how the song will score in Athens. If the performance is good it can be a surprise, but coming right after the another country song from Germany it wont have that “vintage song felling” that Jakob’s got last year.
The video is very Cinderela like, Sidsel is a bar cleaner, in love with the bar owner and that dreams of being a singer. Very soap-opera like. Its ok, but an 50’s like video would have been much funnier.
Overall I don’t love it and I don’t hate it either But its not a song I want to hear many times after the ESC 2006 is over.
Points for the song: 6 (form 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 3 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… This song also gives me the creeps.
Its also very oldfashioned, very 50’s 60’s style. More 50’s perhaps.
That awful instrumental part, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it makes me nervous.
It's probably gonna score because it stands out, but for I give it 5 points in 20.

Welcoming this song to the contest is Jakob Sveistrup with Talking to you.

Coisas de Nada indeed.

A month from today the semi-final of the 51th Eurovison Song Contest will take place in Athens and Portugal will be represented by girlsband NONSTOP with the song Coisas de Nada.

After some weeks waiting, there is finally a studio and ""revamped"" version of the song available. You can find it at Oikotimes.com.

Cyprus: Why do the angels cry?

Last year Cypriot entry was a classic example of a good ESC song being totally overshadowed by a very ambitious, but rather silly, choreography.
This year they are back in the semi and in the ballad world with the song Why do the angels cry?, performed by greek-american singer Annete Artani. Petros Giannaki made the lyrics and composed the music.
I first listened to this song in a live version from the semi-final from the Cypriot national contest and it seemed pretty clear to me the reason why the angels were crying: they heard Annete singing, or should I say scream, her way to the final with a ballad that tried to be so many things that it was nothing really.
For some weeks this was on the last place of my personal chart. Them I listened to a studio version and actually started to like it a bit more. I mean Annete has an irritating voice but I love ballads and the Disney beginning of Why do the angels cry? is pretty nice.
Still this is not enough to consider this a good song. In some forums fans say Annete is a terrific performer and as an incredible voice. From what I have seen and heard she is an average performer and an average to bad voice. But I give them the benefit of the doubt and believe they know her career better them I do.
I don’t know if they will reach the final or not but I hope not. There are far better ballads in the semi them this one.
Points for the song: 3 (form 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 2 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… This is such an awful, boring and old-fashioned song!
I don't like her voice at all.
After 1m30 nothing has happened in this song and then suddenly there is an incomprehensible change in the rhythm, like another song is starting. And then someone starts killing the cat.
I give it 4 points in 20 possible.

Welcoming this song in the competition is Lisa Andreas with her song Stronger every minute, that I guess was one of Petros sources of inspiration for this thingie.

Song of the week: La, la, la

La, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...

Yo canto a la mañana
Que ve mi juventud
Y al sol que día a día
Nos trae nueva inquietud
Todo en la vida es
Como una canción
Que cantan cuando naces
Y también en el adios

La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...

Le canto a mi madre
Que dio vida a mi ser
Le canto a la tierra
Que me ha visto crecer
Y canto al día en que
Sentí el amor
Andando por la vida
Aprendí esta canción

La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...

Croatia: Moja Štikla

Croatia is one of my favourite countries in the Eurovision. In fact I think that most of their 14 entries so far would have been worthy winners and I anger the day that they will indeed triumph in the contest.
This year, Croatia will be represented by the multitalented Severina, with Moja Štikla (My stilettos).
This shoe song was composed by last year Croatian representative Boris Novcović in cooperation with Franjo Valentić. The very original lyrics, with the unforgettable sentence Africa, paprika, were written by Severina herself.
If the lyrics are a real ESC poetry pearl, the music is beyond original. Moja Štikla is indeed an ethnic song but maybe the best way to describe is to say that it is total madness.
Maybe Jelena with Ne zovi me Marija would have been safer choice, but Moja Štikla is totally unorthodox and because of that I love it.
In the national final, and I imagine also in Athens, Severina will be joined on stage by a group of men, in traditional clothes, that sing along with her and play traditional instruments.
Since Serbia & Montenegro withdraw Croatia passed directly to the final but I think that even if that didn’t happened they would still qualify.
It’s a shame they didn’t make a video this time, they usually make very good ones and I would love to see how they would shot this one.
Overall a very nice singer and original song so maybe it will be Croatia best result so far. In the other hand it may sound just a bit too strange to the European audience and score only among neighbours.
Points for the song: 10 (form 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 1 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… At first I wasn't very keen on this song, but the ESC version has improved a lot.
This song has a funny rhythm and attracts the attention all the way.
Shame about the long instrumental interlude, but the chorus is very funny and cheerful
It might be a surprise in Athens.
I also like the combination of the different voices
I give it 15 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song in the Eurovision are the golden boots boys Herrey’s with their shoe song Diggi-loo diggi-ley.

Bulgaria: Let me cry

Bulgaria started their participation in the Eurovision last year within the best European tradition: with a scandal!!!
This year things were a bit quieter and they ended up choosing the beautiful Mariana Popova with the ballad Let me cry, composed by Dani Milev and lyrics by Elina Gavrilova.
Mariana will be the second to sing in the semi-final. As statistics say nobody has ever won the Eurovision singing in second place and in the two previous semi-final both Belarus and Lithuania, who also sang second, remained in the semi. However Bulgaria will sing after Armenia and before Slovenia, two up-tempo songs. This can be a good thing and help this drama ballad to stand out. However there will are still many more songs to come and without a powerful performance Let me cry is quickly forgotten. And I dont think putting a drag queen on stage will help them mutch.
It would not shock me if this song reached the final. I like this kind of ballad. Mariana has a nice voice but the song seems to lack something to make it more consistent and give it that extra appeal.
The video is very nice and fits the song. It was shot in an original sepia colour and explores Mariana dramatic skills. Beside the singer it also stars Mr. Bulgaria 2005, Rumen Georgiev, and two gymnasts, Joanna and Iliana.
Points for the song: 8 (form 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 4 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Let me cry is an average song. I don't like Mariana’s voice, its too screamy, especially in the chorus
Stupid brigde in the song with moaning sounds, continued by a male singer who gets going like someone is torturing him
Mariana joins him near the end to try and save the song, but I'm afraid it is too late by then.
I give it 10 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song in the competition is Danijela with her power ballad Neka mi ne svane.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Lejla

Bosnia & Herzegovia best result, a 7th place, happened in the 1999 contest with the song Putnici by Dino and Beatrice. The other curious fact about this is that Putnici was not the winning song of the Bosnian national final. Starac i more by Hari Mata Hari was the winner but was later disqualified because it had already been released in Finland some years before, thus postponing the participation of Hari Mata Hari, one of the most famous groups of the Balkans in the Eurovision.
This year they have another chance to represent Bosnia with the song Lejla, composed by Željko Joksimović and lyrics by Fahrudin Pecikoza and Deja Ivanović.
And what a comeback for Hari Mara Hari. Lejla is one of the best songs of this year contest and has a very good chance of becomming Bosnia best result ever.
This beautiful love ballad follows the footsteps of Lane moja and is a top contender for victory in Athens. The lyrics are top quality, the song is very pleasant overall, it develops well, but maybe a bit more enthusiasm in the end would be nice.

The video is also very professional, showing us the beautifull city of Mostar that was declared by the UNESCO a World Heritage site in 2005.
Points for the song: 12 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)

And for the video: 5 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Lejla is probably one of the best compositions of this year. It’s a very beautiful song musically.
It’s a very simple melody that has been enhanced with lots of different instruments. Also a very good voice from the lead singer.
Clearly Joksimović style.
This is a song that can grow with the live performance and attrack the attention by the way it is composed, building up towards the end
Clearly a quality song and therefore 18 points in 20.

Welcoming this song in the contest is Eimear Quinn with The voice, the last ballad to win the Eurovision in 1996.

Belgium: Je t'adore

Belgium is one of the hot favourites to win in Athens.

Famous singer Kate Ryan defeated 27 other singers, including the popular Belle Perez and former Eurovision participants Barbara Dex and Vanessa Chinitor and won Eurosong 2006 with the Swedish style pop song Je t’adore.
The composers of the song are Kate Ryan herself together with the Swedish musicians Niklas Bergwall, Niclas Kings and Lisa Greene.
In spite of the early draw, 7th in the semi-final, I think Kate is an almost certain finalist and if the stage act is good maybe a top5 in the final. However since 2004 there is a sort of "Xandee trauma" so anything can happen and this song can end up flopping big time. The performance in the national final was rather uninspired.
The video was probably shot in Greece, I don’t imagine Belgium having all that sunny beaches, but after the first seconds, when Kate sings by a stonewall, the video becomes rather silly and doesn’t really helps to promote the song. I saw Belle’s video for El mundo bailando and it was superb, giving the song and extra fiesta felling.
Well videos are also not that important, most of the viewers doesn’t even watch them so this is just me trying to say something bad about this song that is actually a very eurovisionesque tune with every change to give Flemish broadcaster VRT their first Eurovision victory and Kate Ryan another European summer hit.
Points for the song: 12 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 2 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… I really like the beginning of Je t’adore. It gets going directly.
This song as very catchy chorus, very Eurovision, witch might be a risk.
Its an easy and simple song. Happy tune, makes you wanna dance to it.
Je t’adore has the power appeal to many viewers, it is a song that could do well with most western and northern countries, but I'm not sure about the eastern countries and the south of Europe.
I like it! It was my favourite in our preselection. In Athens all will depend on the performance and act.
Maybe a bit too polished.
I give this song 17 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song to the contest is Charlotte Nilson with the 1999 winning song Take me to you Heaven.

Belarus: Mum

I must admit that I have some sort of fetish about the songs from Belarus. I loved My Galileo, I adored Love me Tonight. Angelica Argubash was an absolute diva.
This year Belarus is sending Polina Smolova with the song Mum, composed by Sergey Sukhomlin and lyrics by Andrey Kostiugov.
Polina is an experienced singer. She took part in the two previous national finals and participated in many contests in her native country as in Russia.
When I first listened to the 3 finalist songs from Belarus I didn’t like any of them. Some weeks later they announced that Polina was the winner and I watched the video of her performance in the national final. At this point I began to like the song.
Her live performance was indeed very lifely, a mix between Madonna and Britney Spears, with a touch of 80’s music.
Off course I’m not saying this is a good song, but I don’t think that is also that bad. Ok, I agree that Polina’s sounds more like she is singing in Russian them English, but still it has some charm.
If the Eurovision this last few years was all about the stage performance them this will have a good result. Her performance in the video is excellent, the choreography fits the song very well. Its modern and kinda sexy.
I don’t think this song is any worse them that thingie Tatu sang, and they got 3rd place.
Realistically I know that this is still not the year for Belarus.
Points for the song: 6 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
Points for the video: 4 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Mum is just a wannabe rocksong. And a very repetitive one.
The guitar sound is inspired by Moldova from last year and that instrumental part after the first chorus is really terrible.
Even the mama mama mama = bonika bate doba.
Terrible song.
7/20

Welcoming this song to the contest is Jean-Jacques with his song Maman, maman.

Armenia: Without your love

Armenia is ready for their first participation on the Eurovision Song Contest and will have the honour of opening the 2006 contest, being the first to sing in the semi-final.
Without your love is the name of their song and according to the ARMTV ESC site the lyrics tell the story of a boy, who loved a girl that for some reason doesn’t love him anymore.
The Armenian entry was composed by Armen Martirosyan, has lyrics by Catherine Bekian and was produced by Ara Torosyan. The singer is Andre, who was chosen by the Armenian broadcaster after being elected singer of the year in 2004 and 2005.
Presumably he is one of Armenia biggest singers. He started learning music at the early age of 6 and has since participated in many international music contests.
I haven’t heard any of Andre other songs but this one surprised me in a very good way. I think that if we want to take part in something we should do it the best and most professional way we can and Armenia seems to have been seeing the Eurovision very carefully in the last years, and bring us a very professional and eurovisionesque song and video.
I would love to see them go to the final and reaching a good position. With a good stage performance, this Ricky Martin meets Sertab Erener song follows the recent trend of eurovision uptempo ethnic songs. Maybe if it came from some other country like Greece, Servia or Turkey fans would be mad about it, because it comes from Armenia the reactions are not so enthusiastic. For me it is one of my favourite songs this year.
Points for the song: 12 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Without your love is very much like Sertab Everyway that I can, so I don’t think this is very original song.
I don't like that cut rhythm, but after first chorus it gets better.
The instrumental break is over the top, too long and too much CHAOS.
I give it 13 points in 20.

Welcoming this song to the contest is Sertab Erener with her winning song Everyway that I can.

Andorra: Sensa tu

Like Albania, Andorra also made is debut in the Eurovision in Istanbul. However they were not so successful and didn’t reach the final night.
Last year they were represented by a hotel owner, born in The Netherlands, took Anabel Conde along for the screaming parts, plus two naked guys and … remained in the semi-final.
This year Andorra is represented by Jennifer. She will sing Sensa tu, written by Antoni Rechi and composed by Rafael Artesero.
Jennifer is a former waitress trying her luck in the showbiz world. She as a powerful voice that fits her song perfectly and judging by the presentation of the song she is also an excellent live performer.
The song, a mid-tempo ballad about love, is another worthy entry for Andorra. The first time I heard I didn’t love it but didn’t hate it either. With time I learn to like it, even if the lyrics are a bit too repetitive and the ending is far weaker them the rest of the song.
In the video we see Jennifer transformed into an abandoned cabaret diva that passes her time looking at photos of herself while preparing for that night show. The video is average, perhaps a bit hyperactive. The last part when she sing on stage is nice but she should chance hairdresser and buy new dresses for Athens.
Points for the song: 8 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 3 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Sensa tu is a very heavy and far too complicated song.
Its not a song that you want to hear again. Very dramatic and not very nice.
Its also bit boring, 100 times the same thing, sensa tu, sensa tu, sensa tu.
I give it 6 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song to the contest is the group Furbaz, with their song Viver senza tei.

Song of the Week: Nocturne

Nocturne

Let the day get its rest now
And the night will guard in its place
Nocturne

Even the darkness must disappear sometime
So the night can give birth to a day

Albania: Zjarr e Ftohte

Albania made an auspicious debut in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2004, finishing in the 7th position with the song The Image of You preformed by Anjeza Shahini.
Last year their “bridal” song Tomorrow I Go didn’t manage to impress the European audience and so this year they are back in the semi-final with 20 years old Luiz Ejlli.
Luiz is no stranger to music competitions. He took part in the Albanian version of Pop Idol and participated in last year Festival i Kenges, finishing in the 2nd position.
This year Albanian song is called Zjarr e Ftohte, which can be translated as Fire and Cold or, Quente e Frio in Portuguese (which is also the name for a chocolate and cream dessert). And a sweet dessert is what some fans would indeed call Luiz!
Zjarr e Ftohte is an ethnic song with music by Klodian Qafoku and lyrics by Floran Kondi.
Judging by the national final performance Luiz will be joined on stage by a bagpipe player and a chorus of old men, dressed in traditional Albanian costumes.
I usually like ethnic songs but this one hasn’t convinced me yet. I listen to it but it doesn’t stay on my mind. The song is even a bit boring sometimes and lacks momentum.
This will be the first time Albania will be represented by a male singer and also the first time they will sing in their national language.
However the most memorable thing about Albania this year is their video, which looks like a Portuguese bridegroom’s pre-wedding video diary from the 80’s.
Points for the song: 6 (from 1-8, 10 and 12)
And for the video: 5 (from 1 to 5)

Belgium calling… Zjarr e Ftohte as very strange start. It takes 20 seconds before anything happens. The strophes are really nothing special and have no melody.
The chorus tries to imitate Sertab and the whole thing wants to be ethnical with the funny instruments.
In the last 30 seconds you think: when is this over?!

It might get points from the neighbours but not much more. Of course a lot will depend on the performance and the act.

This is not a very good song.

I give it 11 points out of 20.

Welcoming this song in the contest are Sverre Kjelsberg and Mattis Hætta with Sámiid Ædnan, another strange ethnic song, performed in traditional Norwegian costumes.

(NOTE: I would like to give a special thanks to Anixi from Belgium for helping me review this year Eurovision Songs and also hellping me to add an international feel to this blog.)

Stockholm calling...

Music critic Markus Larsson, from Swedish newspapper Aftonbladet, awarded 4 stars (in 5 possible) to the Portuguese song, Coisas de Nada!!! This must shurely be the best news item of the 2006 Eurovision season. I hope nobody in the Portuguese delegation reads them, because if they do we will be in trouble.
Acording to Larsson the top songs from the semi-final are: Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, Portugal, Bosnia&Herzegovina, Slovenia, Finland and Iceland!

Im patriotic but, except for Portugal, all the other songs mentioned by Markus Larsson are in my top 10. Does this make me a music critic??? Or just confirms that I love ABBA songs and dramatic performances with wind machines?
Meanwhile the english version of Evighet is also availabe. Invincible might very well turn out to be unbeatable in Athens and take the contest back to Sweden next year. As mutch has we all love to hate Carola her song if full of eurovision cliches and its a very strong contenter, specially when the Swedes will want to take reveange after last year bad result in Kiev.
This is becoming a interesanting year after all. Diva fight in Athens: Carola, Anna, Kate and why nótt, Sílvia.

NOTE: You can read the Aftonbladet artcile here. The link to hear the english version of Invincible is available at Oikotimes forum. If you want to buy Evighet and other nordic ESC cd's and dvd's go to http://www.cdon.com/.

Song of the Week: Ne partez pas sans moi

Here is another of my favourite Eurovision songs of all time: Ne partez pas sans moi.

This song won the ESC in 1988, performed by the world famous Celine Dion, being the last song to win the contest that was performed in french and also the last winning singer to gain worldwide fame after triumphing in the Eurovision. Althouh the contest didnt actually contribute mutch to Celine sucess.

Ne partez pas sans moi represented Switzerland and won the contest in the last jury to vote, with only one point more them the U.K. song Go performed by Scott Fitzgerald.

In the 50th aniversary of the ESC this song was choosen as one of the all time best songs of the eurovision, probably not only because of its musical quality but mutch because of the person who sang it.

The authors of Ne partez pas sans moi also wrote another of my favourite songs Pas pours moi, which ended second in Bergen back in 1986.

Ne partez pas sans moi

Vous, qui cherchez l'étoile
Vous, qui vivez un rêve
Vous, héros de l'espace
Au cœur plus grand que la terre
Vous, donnez-moi ma chance
Emmenez-moi loin d'ici...

Ne partez pas sans moi
Laissez-moi vous suivre
Vous, qui volez vers d'autres vies
Laissez-moi vivre

La plus belle aventure
Le plus beau voyage
Qui mène un jour
Sur des soleils, sur des planètes
D'amour

Vous, les nouveaux poètes
Vous, les oiseaux magiques
Vous, vous allez peut-être
Trouver de nouvelles musiques
Vous, donnez-moi ma chance
Je veux chanter, moi aussi...

Ne partez pas sans moi
Laissez-moi vous suivre
Vous qui volez vers d'autres vies
Laissez-moi vivre

Le bleu de l'infini
La joie d'être libre
Sur des rayons, sur des soleils
Sur des chansons, sur des merveilles
Et dans un ciel
D'amour

Le bleu de l'infini
La joie d'être libre
Vous qui cherchez une autre vie
Vous qui volez vers l'an deux mille
Ne partez pas sans moi