We are the world's people, different yet we're the same...
So, as you may, or may not, be aware the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is just around the corner with the to semi finals taking place on May 19th and 21st and the final on Saturday the 23rd. Following Austria's victory last year, Conchita triumphed with the wonderful Bassey-esque 'Rise Like a Phoenix', the contest will be beaming it's way across the world from the beautiful city of Vienna - and I will be there!
We've had a look at the songs from both semi finals so now it's time to scope out how the automatic qualifiers are doing in 2015.
Austria - The Makemakes - I Am Yours
The defending champions have put their faith in the hands of the pop/rock band The Makemakes, and along with millions of other nations this year they've gone with a ballad. Starting with delicate piano they song has lovely touches of guitar work and lead singer Dodo has a great rock edge to his voice, particularly towards the end where we get to hear the grit as he really cuts loose. However, I do think this is a little safe and although it will get a great reception in the Wiener Stadthalle on Saturday I can't see it troubling the top of the scoreboard.
Australia - Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again
I've already made my feelings known on this song as it's our 'Track of the Week', it's cool, catchy and credible - love it!
France - Lisa Angell - N'oubliez pas
So Gallic it's almost racist, if a French Eurovision song was created by scientists in a lab this would be the result. Lisa has a lovely voice and the song has great chanson elements and the military drums add something a little different to a song that may have trouble standing out in a competition so heavy with ballads. The sentiment behind the song, a tribute to all those lost or affected by the atrocities of war, is admirable although I'm not sure how many people will pick up on this due to it being sung in French.
Germany - Ann Sophie - Black Smoke
This song arrives at Eurovision under a cloud of controversy following the German national final, it originally finished 2nd but the winner declined the offer to represent Germany in Vienna. Anyway, back to the song, I like it! It has elements of soul and jazz without sounding old-fashioned and although Ann Sophie has an unusual voice it really seems to suit the song (which was co-written by the UK's own Ella Eyre). I'm not convinced this will trouble the upper reaches of televotes or jury results but it deserves to do well.
Italy - Il Volo - Grande amore
This is another of the front runners, but I REALLY don't get it. This is no disrespect to the singers, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca, their talent is beyond question, but I just find the whole thing very old-fashioned. Their voices blend really well and the harmonies are totally on point, there's also a real sense of drama about the whole thing...yet I still find it a bit dull. I think it will get a lot of votes but one of them will not be from me.
Spain - Edurne - Amanacer
Edurne certainly looks the part and is a great little performer, the song itself is a bit of a change of gear from her usual material. Sung in Spanish, meaning 'Dawn', it is one of the most dramatic entries this year, sweeping strings and tribal drums work really well with Edurne's powerful vocal. I like it but feel that the closing section could use something else to take it to the next level, maybe a tempo shift or a key change would have worked as it does seem to plateau slightly. I do like it though.
United Kingdom - Electro Velvet - Still in Love with You
Well, to say this has been divisive on home turf is putting it lightly. Alex and Bianca, known collectively as Electro Velvet, have had an uphill battle since they were unveiled as the UK entry in March. The song will certainly stand out against all the ballads this year and its 1920's influences (Caro Emerald may want to call her lawyer) are certainly something different for the competition. Bianca has a lovely voice but I just don't really buy their chemistry, or lack of, and this really throws off the performance. I really hope this does well and think that the position they get in the draw will really make or break where they ultimately end up on the scoreboard at the close of play on May 23rd. I will be there cheering them on I wish them both all the luck in the world!
So there you go that's all 40 song from this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which one is your favourite? Who will end up battling for first place on Saturday night? Tune in on Tuesday and Thursday night to find out! SEE YOU IN VIENNA, HOW EXCITING!
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