ESC 2016- #11> 30. Another song added daily. The higher the rank, the better the song. Scroll down for today's addition. Songs 31-43 are in an earlier post below.

EUROVISION 2016

A RANKING OF THIS YEAR’S 43 SONGS

Each day, a song will be previewed here from the 43 entries locked in for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.  The songs will be added in order of preference, from the least promising climbing upwards to the pick of the bunch.

NOTE: Songs have been ranked in terms of audio track. Choreography and overall presentation during the Semi- Finals may influence a different perspective once the ESC begins in May.

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11 AUSTRALIA

SOUND OF SILENCE Dami Im

After being invited last year, Australia has been permitted to return but is required to qualify. This entry will battle it out in Semi Final 2. While the song is typical Eurovision fare, it is far from spectacular. If Dami Im can give a powerful vocal on the Eurovision stage, she will easily go through to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016australia

12 SWEDEN

IF  I WERE SORRY Frans

Having won last year, Sweden is the host country for Eurovision in 2016 and has therefore already been allocated a place in the Grand Final. The country is only 1 victory away from equalling Ireland's record 7 wins. Young performer Frans will represent his nation with a song that is different from the usual style of song Sweden traditionally selects. Whether this works in its favour remains to be seen. It should finish strong. As far as this blogger is concerned, the song is weak but should find favour with younger voters. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016sweden

13 DENMARK

SOLDIERS OF LOVE Lighthouse X

This year's Danish entry has a positive message built around a contemporary pop structure. It will compete in Semi Final 2. It may struggle to qualify but the song's catchy and upbeat style may help it stand out.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016denmark

14 GERMANY

GHOST Jamie-Lee Kriewitz

Germany's recent entries have been consistent and interesting. "Ghost" is one of the superior songs and is already pre-qualified for the Grand Final. Jamie-Lee's attitude will remind many of 2011 champion Lena. The former is a fresh and individual artist. Her song deserves to do well.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016germany 

15 LITHUANIA

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS NIGHT Donny Montell

Back to represent Lithuania after his first attempt in 2012, Donny Montell will be performing a stronger song during Semi Final 2 this year. It is one of the most upbeat songs in the current crop and this may give him an advantage. Delivering the energetic entry live won't be easy but his experience should help him. It should qualify.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016lithuania 

16 SERBIA


GOODBYE (SHELTER) Sanja Vucic ZAA
 
With a strong powerful track, Serbia should easily qualify during the 2nd Semi. Given the singer's vocal strength, the mighty song should finish within the Top 10 in the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016serbia

17 CZECH REPUBLIC

I STAND Gabriela Guncikova

This entry is the type of song that, if performed well in a live setting, can attract votes. It's a mighty production number written by an international team. Singer Gabriela Guncikova is launching her solo career with this event.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016czech_republic

18 FINLAND

SING IT AWAY Sandhja

The positive song "Sing It Away" will be the first entry performed this year, kicking off Semi Final 1. Expect to see many Scandinavian countries competing in the Grand Final. Sandhja co-wrote the upbeat song. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016finland

19 NORWAY

ICEBREAKER Agnete

Norway may just snatch victory this year, given its close alliance with host nation Sweden. Female singer Agnete co-wrote the song and it should easily qualify in Semi Final 2 for the Grand Final. It's not remarkable enough to deserve a win, but it is one of the entries to watch this year.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016norway 

20 ISRAEL

MADE OF STARS Hova Star
 
The Isreali entry is a majestic ballad performed by one of the country's biggest stars. He is fulfilling a childhood aspiration representing his nation at Eurovision. The song is worthy of proceeding from Semi Final 2 to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016israel 

21 SLOVENIA

BLUE AND RED ManuElla

This song was given a revamp last week, injecting it with more urgency. It's a worthy entry and may attract votes in Semi Final 2. It is a very infectious song that will hopefully progress to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016slovenia  (old version with video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmG7Xgeb0o (audio of new version)

22 BELGIUM

WHAT'S THE PRESSURE 

Belgium will be performing last in the 2nd Semi Final. It will be represented by a Bruno Mars / funky song that should help it attract votes. It is one of the few upbeat songs this year which will work in its favour. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016belgium

23 MALTA

WALK ON WATER Ira Losco

At the national finals, the Maltese audience voted for a different song. For some reason, it was switched and now Malta will be represented by "Walk On Water". Both songs would have worked. The new entry s strong, but is unlikely to bring Malta its first ever win. It will be performed last during Semi Final 1, which may give it some adavantage.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016malta

24 ALBANIA

FAIRYTALE Eneda Tarifa

This entry is a well crafted song with pop hooks aplenty. The chorus is strong and, if delivered well on stage, should qualify in Semi Final 2.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016albania

25 AZERBAIJAN

MIRACLE Samra

Azerbaijan has made a habit of selecting strong entries to Eurovision. In its short ESC history, the country has achieved a remarkable track record. "Miracle" maintains the consistency, but is not special enough to stand out among the other contenders. It should have a good chance of qualifying in Semi Final 1.  
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016azerbaijan

26 UKRAINE

1944 Jamala

This entry is the dark horse to watch among the year's crop of songs. It deals with the plight of the Crimean Tatars at the hands of Josef Stalin. It will be performed in English and (a Eurovision first:) Crimean - Tatar. The title "1944" refers to Jamala's relatives being deported by the Russian army. The song may be considered too serious for the ESC, but may prove to be politically charged and genuine enough to see it finish high. It should easily qualify in Semi Final 2 and progress to a strong finish in the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016ukraine

27 IRELAND 

SUNLIGHT Nicky Byrne

Ireland is the country with the most Eurovision victories and will this year try to widen its lead with "Sunlight". The pop song will be performed by former member of boy band Westlife Nicky Byrne. It will fight it out during Semi Final 2. Despite possessing pop hooks, it isn't special enough to secure Ireland an 8th triumph.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016ireland

28 SPAIN

SAY YAY! Barei

For the first time in Eurovision history, Spain is to be represented by a song performed in English. The upbeat entry is already in the Grand Final as Spain is 1 of "The Big 5" countries that do not need to qualify in a Semi Final.  

http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016spain

29 CYPRUS

ALTER EGO Minus One

This entry sounds like a contemporary radio hit. The downside is that it has no distinguishable features that help associate it with Cyprus. As long as Minus One can make it sound as good live as the studio version, it ought to qualify in Semi Final 1 for the big night.

.http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016cyprus

30 MOLDOVA

FALLING STARS Lidia Isac

The Top 30 consists of songs with a wider appeal and should attract votes during the 2 semi finals. Moldova's entry is modern and upbeat. It augers well for its chances in Semi Final 1.  The only concern is how well this song will go performed live.

 http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016moldova