EUROVISION'S 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update: #15-11. 
The remaining Top 10 songs will be featured here daily, beginning tomorrow.

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.

#15

 

I WANNA

MARIE N

Latvia -2002

Eastern Europe seemed to be dominating Eurovision when Latvia followed Estonia to victory in 2002. It continued with Turkey the following year and then Ukraine in 2004. Western European nations were starting to feel shut out at the ESC. Some were questioning the point of participating. On the other hand, Eurovision was making its way to new locations all over the continent.

#14

 

BITAKAT HOB

SAMIRA BENSAID

Morocco -1980

Eurovision welcomed its 1^st African nation to the family in 1980 when Morocco made its debut. The song had a distinctly Arabic flavour, adding to the musical diversity of the ESC. Sadly, the song “Bitakat Hob” finished 2^nd last and Morocco ha yet to return to the competition.  

#13

THE VOICE

EIMEAR QUINN

Ireland -1996

When Ireland won again in 1994, it became the 1^st country to achieve a 6^th win. It was the country’s 3^rd consecutive victory. Norway won in 1995, albeit with a song sung by an Irish vocalist. Oslo played host city for the ESC in 1996 where Ireland extended its lead for most wins. Its 7^th victory (and 4^th in 5 years) remains the record, although Sweden is edging closer with a 6^th triumph in 2015.

#12

 

A-BA-NI-BI

IZHAR COHEN & ALPHA BETA

Israel -1978

When “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” was performed during the night in 1978, many Arab broadcasters threw to a commercial break! As Israel’s win grew more likely, some TV channels stopped the broadcast altogether. In Jordan, viewers were greeted with daffodils on their TV screens in place of seeing an Israeli victory. For years, some ESC fans were of the opinion that Israel ought not participate as it was not in Europe. Israel’s 1^st win brought Eurovision to Jerusalem in 1979. This was to be the 1^st ESC staged outside of Europe. Eurovision was travelling beyond the borders of Europe.

#11

 

MAKING YOUR MIND UP

BUCKS FIZZ

United Kingdom -1981

The UK was represented in 1981 by 4 blondes with a catchy song entitled “Making Your Mind Up” that benefitted from the choreography. Bucks Fizz brought the UK its 4^th win. The group made the most of its victory at Eurovision. Its winning entry reached #1 in the UK. That hit single was followed by 2 other #1 songs there.

200 BEST ALBUMS. Update:  #185. This countdown continues next week. 

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included.

#185
 

FUNKY DIVAS : EN VOGUE
 [1992] 

Before Destiny's Child and TLC, there was En Vogue. 'Funky Divas' saw the girl group evolve from its preceding album 'Born To Sing'. As hip-hop further entrenched itself as a dominant sound in R&B and then pop music, En Vogue offered this new collection of styles. There are traces of rock, jazz, soul and great female harmonies. Highlight tracks: Free Your Mind; My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It; What Is Love.

Another album featured tomorrow.

EUROVISION'S 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update" #20-16. More songs added tomorrow.

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.

#20

RISE LIKE A PHOENIX

CONCHITA WURST

Austria -2014

 

The striking image of Conchita Wurst left an indelible impression that extended beyond just the Eurovision audience. The win for this Austrian performer made headlines all over the world and even attracted discriminatory comments from some countries. Prior to the ESC, Wurst’s profile began building. To some, she was a drag queen with a beard; but for many more, Wurst became a symbol of tolerance and acceptance. Furthermore, the song was powerful. Its lyrics told her story. “Rise Like A Phoenix” lived up to its title, earning 290 points. The Dutch entry finished in 2^nd place with a score of 238. Wurst gave Austria its 2^nd win. It had previously won back in 1966.

#19

A FORCE DE PRIER

NANA MOUSKOURI

Luxembourg -1963

 

Nana Mouskouri was little known outside of Greece but was introduced to the Eurovision audience in 1963. The Greek singer represented Luxembourg with a stirring song sung in French. It’s shocking that the song only finished in 8^th position among a weak field of 16 countries. Fortunately, Mouskouri benefitted from the exposure and became 1 of the best selling European recording acts of all time. 

#18

RUNNING SCARED

ELL & NIKKI

Azerbaijan -2011

Azerbaijan stormed to victory in 2011 with “Running Scared”. It collected 221 points. Its nearest rival was the Italian entry, with a score of 189. Eurovision continued expanding its horizons, moving to a transcontinental country. Baku was selected to play host city to the contest in 2012. This was to be another politically challenging location, with an appalling human rights record, but the country spent a fortune and staged an entertaining show.

#17

DIVA

DANA INTERNATIONAL

Israel -1998

Dana International’s participation at Eurovision attracted criticism and controversy long before the show began in Birmingham. The transsexual performer had to contend with death threats. Her hotel room had bulletproof windows and she was accompanied by armed security. Despite a weak vocal performance, “Diva” was popular enough to give Israel its 3^rd win. No doubt, Dana International paved the way for other artists that followed including Verka Serduchka, DQ and Conchita Wurst.  

 

#16

L’ AMOUR EST BLEU

VICKY LEANDROS

Luxembourg -1967

The early years of Eurovision were dominated by ballads, many of them drab and forgettable. On the other hand, a few songs proved Eurovision could spawn international hits, even if they failed to claim 1^st prize in the competition. Greek vocalist Vicky Leandros represented Luxembourg with a song that, when translated into English, became well known as “Love Is Blue”. Her recordings – in French, English, Italian, Dutch and German- charted in Europe, Japan and Canada. In early 1968, Paul Mauriat’s instrumental version enjoyed 5 weeks atop the US chart. Sadly, this smash hit only finished in 4^th position at Eurovision; but Leandros returned in 1972, again singing for Luxembourg. This time, she   won.

 

Now into the Top 20 positions among the 100...this countdown continues all this week.

After 60 years, it’s time to settle the big question…

What’s the all-time most important Eurovision song?

Caffe` Latte` is counting down the 100 most important songs from Europe’s best annual event: the Eurovision Song Contest!

The new countdown continues in a few hours – right here!

 

THE HEROES OF THE TOP 20 WILL BE LISTED HERE FROM TODAY! 

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1947 THE EVE OF WAR Jeff Wayne featuring Richard Burton & Justin Hayward
The 1978 musical adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic "The War of the Worlds" by Jeff Wayne kicked off with the 9-minute track "The Eve Of War". Actor Richard Burton (as narrator) delivers a chilling intro. Justin Hayward sings the chorus as the Martians continue invading Earth.

#1948 HOW COULD AN ANGEL BREAK MY HEART Toni Braxton
"How Could An Angel Break My Heart" was 1 of the highlight tracks on Tonu Braxton's 1996 'Secrets' album. She co-wrote the ballad with its producer, Babyface. In the following year, it was lifted as the 4th single from that album.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each other weekday.

THIS CENTURY'S MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS This countdown concludes here today..

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

FROM THE FIRST 15 YEARS

OF THIS CENTURY

Now that we are 15 years into the 21^st Century, it’s apropos to look back over the 200 songs since 2000 that have made the greatest impact on the sound of music as it stands in 2015.

To be eligible for the Top 200, a song must have officially appeared on an album, CD single  or as a download between Jan. 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014.

10 LOSE YOURSELF

EMINEM [2002]

 

The fact that a rap song by controversial artist Eminem collected a Academy Award was a turning point. Mainstream America finally recognized his talent. The lyrics here reveal a maturity that enhanced the raw approach. "Lose Yourself" was from the film '8 Mile' which saw Eminem portray the pivotal character.

9 TRY AGAIN

AALIYAH [2000]

 

Aaliyah's tragic death denied the music world an original artist who had only started revealing a hint of her potential. "Try Again" had a fresh production technique that proved influential in the early century's R&B / hip-hop. The song was used in the film 'Romeo Must Die'. Timbaland applies his production skills in making the song stand out from the rest. 

8 B.O.B. (BOMBS OVER BAGHDAD)

OUTKAST [2000]

Drum'n'bass is the order of the day on this influential track from Outkast. The duo would shake up hip-hop in the new millennium.

7 THE SCIENTIST

COLDPLAY [2002]

 

Coldplay continue crafting beautiful pop songs that few could match in quality and consistency. With each new track, the group further established itself as 1 of the leading acts in contemporary music.

6 BOOM BOOM POW

BLACK EYED PEAS [2009]

 

The Black Eyed Peas dropped an electro-hop anthem that took music down a new direction. Not all were on board, but the group persevered. This track featured raps amidst electronic sound effects in a futuristic context. It was a brave move.

5 99 PROBLEMS

JAY-Z [2003]

 

With stinging lyrics, Jay-Z tells about police racism in America and other issues facing an African- American in today's society. Rick Rubin's production incorporates samples in an astute way that never distracts from the message.

4 MS JACKSON

OUTKAST [2000]

 

Another example of the innovation in Outkast's music. They changed the trajectory of hip hop for numerous followers.

3 MUSIC

MADONNA [2000]

 

Madonna ushered in the new century with the electropop delights of "Music". Here was a woman who had been shaping dance music since the 1980s proving she was still leading the genre down new musical directions. With Mirwais as co-producer and co-writer, Madonna proved musc had an assured future.

2 I GOTTA FEELING

BLACK EYED PEAS [2009]

 

Hip hop married house music on this collaboration which teamed David Guetta with The Black Eyed Peas.

1 STAN

EMINEM featuring DIDO [2000]

 

The horror of the song's subject matter turned many away, but they missed the clever songcraft that makes "Stan" just as brutally stark today as it was 15 years ago. It also made a star of Dido, whose vocals were sampled from her own "Thank You" and adds a much needed tenderness to the reality here.  "Stan" raised the bar for rap/ hip-hop in a way that progressed the genre like no other recording.

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Come To Me ACE OF BASE   1wk                                                                      4 2

2 Tom's Diner GIORGIO MORODER ftg. BRITNEY SPEARS                                             5 2

3 Shut Up And Dance WALK THE MOON                                                                    6 2

4 I Don't Like It, I Love It FLO RIDA ftg. ROBIN THICKE & VERDINE WHITE           8 2

5 Diamonds GIORGIO MORODER ftg. CHARLI XCX                                                    9 2

6 Heroes THERESE                                                                    3 3

7 Lovebird LEONA LEWIS                                                                                    1 4

8 This Could Be Paradise OLA                                                                            NEW

9 Deja Vu GIORGIO MORODER ftg. SIA                                                                               NEW

10 Marvin Gaye CHARLIE PUTH ftg. MEGHAN TRAINOR                                                10 11

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

TOP 10 ALBUMS – JUNE 2015

1 DÉJÀ VU Giorgio Moroder       NEW

 

2 NO PLACE IN HEAVEN Mika         NEW

3 HIDDEN GEMS Ace of Base RE-ENTRY           - 2

4 THE SONGWRITER Sam Cooke            NEW

5 85% PROOF [Deluxe Edition] WILL YOUNG               9 2

6 THE ORIGINAL HIGH [Deluxe Edition] Adam Lambert                      NEW

7 EUROVISION 2015 Various Artists 1 3

8 X Ed Sheeran             7 5

9 THE COMPLETE GREATEST HITS The Eagles                 4 5

10 IN THE LONELY HOUR Sam Smith                 10 5

EUROVISION SONGS THAT MATTER MOST Update: #25-21. More songs next week.
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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.

#25

FAIRYTALE

ALEXANDER RYBAK

Norway -2009

Moscow was the host city in 2009. Russia spent a record-breaking 40 million Euros on the event. A 100-metre wall made up of countless LED screens was the backdrop. The voting system was re-tweaked and this may have helped Western European countries fare better. Then again, there was an improvement in entries from countries such as France, the UK and Iceland. After 8 years of 1^st-time winning nations, Eurovision victory returned to Norway. This was its 3^rd win. Alexander Rybak’s entry was a self-penned catchy song entitled “Fairytale”. The violin strutting performer was born in Belarus. This helped attract 12 points from 16 countries in the Grand Final; mostly from the ex-Soviet nations as well as almost all of his Scandinavian neighbours. He secured 387 points, the highest total ever. Iceland finished in 2^nd place with a score of 218.   

                                 

#24

EUPHORIA

LOREEN

Sweden -2012

Eurovision ventured to Baku in 2012. Sweden scored its 5^th win, placing it in 2^nd place for most wins with France, UK and Luxembourg. Loreen’s song was very contemporary, a far cry from the ESC entries during its 1^st decade. “Euphoria” is an electronic dance song that earned the 2^nd highest score to date at Eurovision. Its triumph proved a modern EDM song could win and marked a radical shift in style from a majority of past ESC champions. It was co-written by Thomas G:Son, who has written many ESC songs for various countries, including Georgia and Spain in 2015.

 

#23

BELIEVE

DIMA BILAN

Russia -2008

Eastern Europe continued its dominance at Eurovision. By the end of the night, Norway was the sole Western European country to finish among the Top 10 positions. Pressure to change the voting system mounted and reforms were implemented for 2009. Dima Bilan was the runner-up in 2006. Returning 2 years later, he went 1 better, giving Russia its 1^st win. Inevitably, politics and controversy would play a part, but Vladimir Putin would ensure Moscow’s staging of Eurovision would be spectacular.

 

#22

UN JOUR, UN ENFANT

FRIDA BOCCARA

France -1969

The early years of Eurovision were dominated by ballads sung mostly in French. In 1969, one of the classiest such songs was performed by Frida Boccara. Unfortunately, its victory was shared with 3 other entries. Under the present rules in the case of a tie, France would have been declared the overall winner. In any case, at the time, this made France the 1^st country to win a 4^th Eurovision. 

 

#21

SATELLITE

LENA

Germany -2010

When Munich hosted the 1983 ESC, the country was referred to as West Germany. Decades later, the nation was unified and Dusseldorf was the host city following Lena’s popular win with “Satellite”. Her song evoked comparisons to British singer Lily Allen. Nevertheless, there is no denying that her success with a modern song reflected a shift in music among voters. No doubt, Lena’s entry attracted younger voters. This was the 1^st win for any of the countries that pre-qualify for the Grand Final since the establishment of the so-called “Big Four” (now 5).

 

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#5 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

ABBA

(1980)

Writers: Bjorn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson
 

ABBA entered the 1980s with a new album entitled 'Super Trouper'. Its 1st single was the touching ballad "The Winner Takes It All". The group's biggest hits had mostly been upbeat and light Europop such as "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia", "Waterloo" and "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)". When "The Winner..." was dropped, it attracted compliments even from the band's detractors. Not only had Bjorn Ulvaues encapsulated the pain and readjustment that was the inevitable outcome of a break-up in his lyrics, but Benny Andersson composed a mighty arrangement to enhance the mood. 
The choice of Agnetha Faltskog for the lead on this powerful track proved ABBA's most astute decision. No other vocalist possessed the ability to bring to life Ulvaeus' raw lyrics. Faltskog not only had been a part of his ABBA experience; she had been married to him. No-one understood what he was conveying in his composition as well as his ex-wife. More so than on any other ABBA recording, Faltskog applied her own intuitive skills and interpretation in the execution. This was to be her most significant contribution to the impressive ABBA canon. It is no wonder then that "The Winner..." is often cited as ABBA's best song and it tops polls listing the greatest break-up songs.
It's hard to fathom now, but Ulvaeus had initially considered singing the lead vocal on "The Winner...". The song would have lacked its impact in the hands of anyone other than Faltskog. Her delivery gave it an autobiographical dimension that has been retained over subsequent decades. 
The single was issued mid-1980. It topped the charts in Britain, parts of Europe, South Africa and Ireland. In the USA, the disc made #1 on the AC chart and peaked at #8 Pop. "The Winner" also reached the Top 10 in Australia, Canada and Zimbabwe.  
Faltskog's precision as lead vocalist makes remaking this ABBA classic a daunting task. Of the worthy covers 2 stand out. Mirelle Mathieu recorded a French version entitled "Bravo, Tu As Gagné". This late 1980 remake features the original ABBA backing track and background vocals by Andersson, Ulvaeus and Frida Lyngstad. Meryl Streep's rendition in the 2008 movie version of the musical "Mamma Mia!" is dramatic and heartrending.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 1 new song from the remaining Top 10 will be added, while another 2 are also included from #1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.