So, as Rob’s continually
reminded me, in a Christmas morning-esque excitement, Eurovision is not far
away!
On the evening of Saturday 23
May, millions of us will flock to our TV screens to watch a fabulous festivity
of colour, sequins, dance – an explosion of musical loveliness.
Now whether you agree with me
on that previous statement, or not, Eurovision does take over the country.
Everyone likes a good punt, so you never know, you might see a financial return
on being forced to watch the contest.
I’m by no means an expert,
but here are my top 5 to watch in this year’s sing-off…
NO. 5: Italy: Il Volo - “Grand Amore”
Charming, classy men (oops)
with charming, classy voices, this is an excellent entry from the Italians. It’s
so nice to hear a song in the native language, with the Italian lyrics
enhancing the dramatic nature of the orchestral piano, drums and synths
arrangement. Operatic, rock, yet poppy sound that’s make it stick in the mind.
A definite outsider with a
good chance of succeeding, will the boys charm their way to the title?
NO. 4: Denmark: Anti Social Media - “The Way You Are”
The sheer irony of the band’s
name makes this laughable – this track is poppy, annoyingly catchy and typical
Denmark Eurovision style. It’ll get people talking on social media across the
continent.
I’ll give the Danes this –
it’s nice, cheery and happy, almost reminiscent of a rocked happy clappy song
you’d find at the end of a kids TV show. I’m not the biggest fan, but it’s just
smells of Eurovision success, just not the top prize (hopefully!).
NO. 3: Sweden: Måns Zelmerlöw “HEROES”
Year on year, Sweden always
deliver when it matters, and this track is no exception.
Mixing the wild west twangy
guitar and dense dance beat at the start, into a catchy, familiar tap your foot
to the beat techno track, I’m a big fan of Heroes. This’ll appeal to those in
the middle – an occasional fan of the traditional ballad, just sped up with a
4/4 to the floor foundation.
This sounds like the modern
ballad, hitting the Eurovision contest strong, and I like it! Top 3 for me.
NO. 2: Russia: Polina Gagarina “Million Voices”
Russia’s never been popular politically,
but with previous history with a number of European countries and allegations
of block voting for the former Soviet state, their acts have always performed
decently in the contest.
This song is an anthem,
hypocritically not possible in the actual country (oops), for freedom, unity
and speaking out for justice. Could this be a battle cry to show Russia’s
strength, or secret cry of protest? Either way its catchy, and should do well.
NO. 1: Australia: Guy Sebastian "Tonight Again"
Now, I know, this is a
controversial choice, THEY’RE NOT EVEN IN EUROPE.
But, the Aussies are joining
us for this year’s contest, and I have to say I’m a massive fan of the track!
The mix of big drums, sax in the back and soulful/swing style makes it stick in
my mind. Incredibly catchy with an unknown sense of ‘cool’ about it – not
something we usually find in a Eurovision track (c’mon lets be honest with
ourselves!).
They go and steal The Ashes
and now they might, just MIGHT, win Eurovision. Nice return on a bet made on
these lot I’d imagine!
STAY TUNED TO THE EURO TRIP
So those are my tips, but as
with every race, some random outsider may pop up and steal the show. Could it
be Electric Velvet for the UK? Probably not. I’d hope for a top 10 finish,
mind.
Here at Euro Trip HQ we can’t
wait for the contest, and we’re delighted to be bringing you exclusive access
to the heart of Eurovision from the heart of Vienna, in the days leading up to
Europe’s musical bout.
We’ll be releasing more
details, but have a look out on Twitter, blogs and beyond as Rob (and his
lovely girlfriend Emma) bring you lots of Eurovision loveliness from Austria.
Jonny
x
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