Eurovision Pocket Size Previews #7

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is just a couple of weeks away, and we're nearing the end of our "Pocket Size Previews". Today we look at The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia and San Marino.

THE NETHERLANDS - DOUWE BOB "SLOW DOWN"

Emily - I’m not a huge fan of country music, but I don’t mind this. It’s sweet and Douwe seems like a nice guy. I’d like to see how they stage this. Overall, I like it. 6/10

Elliot - Reminds me A LOT of R.E.M. lead vocalist, good singer but a dull, forgettable song in a field of 18. 5.5/10

Noa - Catchy song , reminds me of their entry in 2014 I like it , but nothing special 7/10

James - It's okay, but just isn't what we're used to hearing from Douwe, so I guess I'm just underwhelmed. 6/10

Rob - This song could go either way - either a non qualifier or a top ten in the Final. 7/10

TOTAL SCORE: 31.5/50

NORWAY - AGNETE "ICEBREAKER"

Emily - Absolutely love this one. Wasn’t sure on it at first as the transition from verse to chorus felt unnatural to me, but I still loved it. Strong song, strong performer with so much potential! 9/10

Elliot - Jarring verse to chorus change, shaky vocals in NF and seriously broken English in the song, not fan. 5/10

Noa - Lately this song really growing on me , I love it ! I like how uinique it is and how it changes in the Chorus 9\10

James - I'm in love! Agnete is gorgeous and the song and her vocals are a match made in heaven! But, I do think the song should be kept at a more consistent tempo as it sounds like three songs all into one. 8/10

Rob - When I first heard this I thought this could be a potential winner - I just hope Agnete is fully recovered. 9/10

TOTAL SCORE: 40/50

Agnete took part in the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing

POLAND - MICHAL SPZAK  "COLOUR OF YOUR LIFE"

Emily - This has grown on me so much. I’m a big fan of Poland this year; the chorus is so catchy, Michal is a great guy and I think they should do very well! 8.5/10

Elliot - Sweet proper male ballad, would like it to do well but not holding my breath for its chances due to NF drama. 6.5/10

Noa - Perfectly made ballad , his vocals are very strong and the message is really beautiful. 8\10

James - It's dated & boring but Spzak has a lovely voice which was demonstrated well in Poland's National Final. 6/10

Rob - Not my kind of song at all - the lyrics are nice but just not really a fan. Sorry Poland. 4/10

TOTAL SCORE: 33/50

RUSSIA - SERGEY LAZAREV "YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE"

Emily - Another one I love. Probably my favourite Russian entry, very easily my number 2 after France. Cheesy, great looking guy, catchy. All I need in a song! 10/10

Elliot - Lot like Moldova, cheesy old school track but just performed a lot better, wouldn't be a contendor if wasn't Russia though 8/10

Noa - Really strong song ! a potential winner . his vocals are pretty strong live as well , he surely got it all !!! 10\10

James - It's catchy, gay-friendly, radio-friendly... PERFECT for Eurovision. But, I wouldn't say this is an absolute winner. 8/10

Rob - Back in the mid 2000s this was a definite winner - this will content with France for the 2016 edition. - 9/10

TOTAL SCORE: 45/50

Sergey attempted to represent Russia in 2008

SAN MARINO - SERHAT "I DIDN'T KNOW"

Emily - The joke entry of the year, yet somehow I really enjoy this, especially as they transformed it from the ballad to the disco version. It’s strange but I like it. 7/10

Elliot - Well...the disco makes it less dated, but its always a worry when your backing vocalists have more life and outshine you. 2/10

Noa - Well at least the changed it to the disco version and I found it very entertaining but a huge no . 3\10

Emily - Just very strange! But I have to say, the disco version does make it much more bearable. Still terrible nonetheless. 3/10

Rob - Well there isn't much to say about this is there? 2/10

TOTAL SCORE: 17/50

Our current top 3...
1) France - Amir "J'ai Cherche"

2) Russia - Sergey Lazarev "You're The Only One"

3) Iceland - Greta Salome "Hear Them Calling"


Keep a look out for the final part of our Eurovision Pocket Size Previews on the way soon, and don't forget you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too.