EUROVISION'S 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update: #40-36.

EUROVISION’S

100

MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

(1956-2015)

Now that the dust has settled on another fabulous Eurovision Song Contest, it’s time to look back on the most important and influential songs that have competed over the last 60 years. All of the winning songs are included, as well as other noteworthy entries from the most watched music contest in the world.

#40

BOOM BANG -A- BANG

LULU

United Kingdom -1969

The UK’s 1^st Eurovision victory took place in 1967. The following year, the nation lost by only 1 point to Spain. In 1969, the UK went home with the 1^st prize; sharing it in a 4-way tie with Spain, France and the Netherlands. Lulu was not a big fan of her song “Boom Bang-A-Bang”, preferring instead a song that had been written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. At the time, the 2 songwriters were unknowns. Lulu arrived in Madrid as the favourite. Hers was certainly the catchiest of the year’s songs.

#39

HALLELUJAH

MILK AND HONEY WITH GALI ATARI

Israel -1979

Israel became the 3^rd country to win successive contests when “Hallelujah” decisively claimed the grand prix on home soil. Jerusalem was the host city following the 1^st Israeli triumph in the previous year. This was the 1^st ESC held outside of Europe. “Hallelujah” was a strong contender and Its performance on the night was well executed. The song charted well in Europe. Later, Israel declined to host Eurovision in 1980. The Hague would host the next ESC. When April 19 was locked in, Israel had to opt out of the 1980 contest because the date was a national holy day for Israelis. Thus, Israel became the 1^st -and so far only- nation not to compete the year after a victory.  

#38

HEROES

MANS ZELMERLOW

Sweden -2015

Sweden became only the 2^nd country to win a 6^th Eurovision in 2015 when the uplifting anthem “Heroes” stormed to the top of the leaderboard. Semi Final 2 saw it earning 12 points from 14 of the 21 voting countries. At the Grand Final, it was showered with the top score by 12 countries. This earned the song 1 of the highest scores ever. A record-breaking worldwide TV audience watched the novel use of animation in Mans Zelmerlöw’s performance on the night. This is Sweden’s 2^nd win at Eurovision in the last 3 years, making it the 1^st nation to secure a 2^nd win this century. Sweden is eying a 7^th victory in 2016, in the hope of equaling the record.

 

#37

WHY ME?

LINDA MARTIN

Ireland -1992

The 4^th Irish Eurovision win was achieved by Linda Martin, who returned for her second shot at the top prize. She had previously finished in the runner-up position, singing a song penned by Johnny Logan. When “Why Me?” (also written by Logan) finished in 1^st place, it created history. He became the 1^st (and so far only) ESC victor to compose a winning song for himself and then a 2^nd for another performer.

#36

ROCK ME

RIVA

Yugoslavia -1989

Across Eurovision’s 6 decades, the continent of Europe has seen considerable changes. The former Soviet Union was broken up into new nations, Germany has been unified and Yugoslavia no longer exists. The latter scored its 1^st and only victory at Eurovision when its entry – sung in Croatian- charged ahead of the pack. Despite a 7-point lead, its victory drew criticism. Many thought the song unworthy of the win and it threatened the future of the ESC.  

Another 5 songs examined tomorrow.