APRIL 2014
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2014 COPENHAGENVARIOUS ARTISTS
The annual CD compilation souvenirs that year's entries from all of the competing countries. This year's contains all 37 contenders and a bonus track (from last year's winning act). The semi finals begin May 6 with the Grand Final to be held May 10.
This review judges the songs purely on the merits of the music as they are on the double album. The presentations on the Danish stage will play a part in the appeal and worthiness of the various numbers next month.
This year, the songs are, overall, a strong mix. Here is a review of each one in ascending order (in terms of quality):
37- Attention (Lithuania)
Boring and far below the standard of this year's crop. Unlikely to go beyond the Semi-Final.
36- Round and Round (Slovenia)
Inoffensive, but unremarkable song.
35-Tick Tock (Ukraine)
Dated sound from a country that has produced better music. Will be interesting to see if the
political climate there will affect its result.
34- Hunter of Stars (Switzerland)
Its catchy whistled intro isn't enough to make this song stand out.
33- Children of the Universe (United Kingdom)
The UK has provided the ESC with some classics, but sadly, this is not one of them;
although it is an improvement. This country's Eurovision woes are destined to continue.
32- My Slowianie (Poland)
Musically a stand out but weakened by a messy delivery which may objectify women.
31- To the Sky (F.Y.R. Macedonia)
In part catchy, but inconsistent.
30- One Night's Anger (Albania)
A better entry from Albania, with a good vocal from the female singer (Hersi).
29- Cake to Bake (Latvia)
Simple and ridiculous, but might work its way into our memories. You have been warned!
28- Wild Soul (Moldova)
This entry is satisfactory, but it will have a hard time qualifying at the Semi -Final.
27- Calm After the Storm (Netherlands)
Part Fleetwood Mac mixed with Lady Antebellum: it's not great, but it works.
26- Is it Right (Germany)
Modern with a throwback to past ESC entries such as "The Party's Over". It's alright.
25- Same Heart (Israel)
Beyonce-wannabe with a positive message dealing with unity. Should do well.
24- Miracle (Romania)
Paula Selling & Ovi return to Eurovision with a formulaic entry: it's catchy but nothing new.
23- Cheesecake (Belarus)
1 of 2 cake songs this year!? Might work, but it will divide many voters. No chance to win.
22- Moustache (France)
Like the Belarussian entry, will either be welcomed as different and fun, or laughed out of
the competition. France keeps it interesting every year. Already in Grand Final, but will
not win.
21- Coming Home (Malta)
Easy on the ears, this is okay, but unlikely to attract much attention.
20- Quero Ser Tua (Portugal)
The most unsuccessful country of the ESC returns with a better entry and a pleasing beat.
19- Mother (Belgium)
This could do well, with its sad lyrics and powerful delivery from Axel Hirsoux. Might be
considered too Paul Potts, though.
18- La Mia Citta` (Italy)
Cool contemporary song rocks out. Already in Grand Final, could do well.
17- Something Better (Finland)
Different for Finland. Radio-friendly pop/rock that could attract votes.
16- Dancing in the Rain (Spain)
Less than extraordinary, but it has a hook that permeates your brain.
15- Three Minutes to Earth (Georgia)
Musically intriguing and delightful, but will have a fight to qualify in Semi-Final 2.
14- Shine (Russia)
Modern appealing song with sweet lyrics that may qualify, but is unlikely to win at the Final.
13- Heartbeat (Ireland)
Memorable song that, if performed well, could finish strong. Might be too similar to last year's
winner "Only Teardrops".
12- Not Alone (Armenia)
Gorgeous piano, powerful lyrics and a competent vocal. Should easily make the Grand Final.
11- Amazing (Estonia)
Upbeat, but there is a song that sounds like this every year at Eurovision, which could work
against it.
10- No Prejudice (Iceland)
Another catchy song but may be too reminiscent of "Centrefold" by J. Geils Band in the
1980s. Good positive message in its lyrics dealing with equality.
09- Running (Hungary)
The chorus gives Hungary its best chance for a Eurovision victory. Sounds like a radio hit.
08- Cliche` Love Song (Denmark)
The home team with the year's most unashamed pop song. You will be tapping along, if not
singing, within seconds! Unlikely to gain the Danes a 2nd consecutive win, but will finish well.
07- Silent Storm (Norway)
Moody song that could prove to be a showstopper. Carl Espen's delivery impresses.
06- Start a Fire (Azerbaijan)
A strong entry; Top 40 worthy, well structured and impressively sung. Deserves to end high.
05- Rise Like a Phoenix (Austria)
Bravest entry of the year. Conchita Wurst will definitely be one of the most talked about
entries this year, performing as a bearded lady. Hopefully that will not detract from the might
of the vocal and the song's quality.
04- Rise Up (Greece)
Another entry worth watching: will it attract votes or be dismissed for its hardcore dance/ rap
sound? The Greek boys look good and the song stands out, whichever way you look at it.
03- Moj Svijet (Montenegro)
Hopefully, the unassuming beauty of this song will be appreciated. Musically and vocally, this
is one is majestic. Would be great to see this one win.
02- Maybe {Forse} (San Marino)
Valentina Monetta's 3rd consecutive entry for San Marino showcases her vocal skill and is a
sweeping and lovely ballad.
01- Undo (Sweden)
Sanna Nielsen shows her vocal range and ability with this unforgettable ballad. Its mighty
climactic chorus and relatable lyrics will make this entry a strong favourite.
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