Perhaps it’s because of the overabundance of copycat solo female singers, or the lack of a song that’s really grabbed me, or the fact that my attentions are distracted elsewhere…hence why this blog is looking so neglected.
But I’ve decided to make a last minute effort to get involved. So, with no rhyme or reason, or drawn out countdowns, here are my thoughts about this year’s crop of contenders.
The Good
For the first time in a while, I won’t be miffed if the bookie’s favourite takes out the glitterball trophy. Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest has a catchy tune in Only Teardrops, and she puts me in mind of a Scandinavian Florence (of ‘and the Machine’ fame). There's also a haunting whistle interlude, a guaranteed Eurovision points magnet. Plus Copenhagen 2014 sounds pretty good to me – popping in for a cup of tea with Princess Mary and staking out the Parliament pretending to be an extra in Borgen.
I also am quite charmed by Malta’s Tomorrow, sung by newly-qualified doctor Gianluca Bezzina. This may be simply down to the fact I’ve got a soft spot for charming, musically talented medical types (due to having one of my very own), but his song is lovely and the retro filmclip is cool too.
I’m also quite partial to Iceland’s be-jumpered ballad as well, in spite of this video which is very much “Kurt Cobain Goes Fishing”.
The Bad
Checking out this year’s entries, it’s quite clear that everyone around Europe watched Loreen take it out for Sweden last year and thought solo female singers were the new key to victory. Hence about a million songs sung by a lovely young lass, ranging from techno to Disney ballad. For all the countries that pull it off with aplomb (Norway, Russia, Netherlands, Germany) there are just as many who fall flat (Ukraine, Estonia, Slovenia, Austria).
Another country to jump on the solo female bandwagon (albeit with a slightly older lovely lass) is the UK, who are sending 80s legend Bonnie Tyler.
Look, I’m not saying that Bonnie is past it and her song is a real snoozer (I am)…but let’s watch Total Eclipse of the Heart again instead. I think this is how we should remember her.
The Ugly
May I present Cezar from Romania:
Happy Eurovision everyone!
