EUROVISION'S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS. This post: 1983-85. More: tomorrow.

EUROVISION

1956-2022

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS

(in chronological order)

 

This year’s Contest will see the 70^th song declared a winner. Caffè Lattè lists all of the past winning entries and other songs that have had a lasting impact on the Eurovision Song Contest.

1983

After Germany’s first Eurovision win, the Contest was held in host city Munich. The number of competing nations increased to twenty again, with the return of France, Italy and Greece. Ireland withdrew citing financial issues in staging a national selection. Frankfurt had played host city back in 1957, but this was the first time Eurovision had been held in Germany after a victory.

 

SI LA VIE EST CADEAU

Corrine Hermés

Luxembourg

 

Corrine Hermés’ triumph gave Luxembourg its fifth Eurovision win. This placed the Grand Duchy in the lead with France for the most wins. It is worth noting that France shared its win in 1969 with 3 other countries, so Luxembourg became the first to accomplish 5 wins in its own right. “Si La Vie Est Cadeau” means “If Life Is A Gift” in French. Unfortunately, this remains the final Eurovision winning entry for Luxembourg.

1984

The Eurovision Song Contest returned to Luxembourg for the first time since 1973. As the date clashed with Remembrance Day in Israel, that country declined to compete. Greece also withdrew again. Ireland returned and finished second with “Terminal Three”, performed by future winner Linda Martin and written by former ESC winner Johnny Logan.

 

DIGGI-LOO DIGGI-LEY

Herrey’s

Sweden

 

Of the 19 entries in 1984, arguably the one with the silliest title was Sweden’s. Performed in Swedish, the song “Diggi-Loo, Diggi-Ley” proved very popular. The three brothers helped entrench the schlager ‘formula’ adopted for many years by the country. The winning entry proved that ABBA’s win was no fluke. Although the song has attracted much derision since, it collected 145 points and brought Sweden its second win.

 

1985

Although the 1985 Contest featured the same number of participants, the same 19 countries were not present. Israel and Greece returned, but The Netherlands and Yugoslavia withdrew, because the show was held on the same day as a national holiday in the 2 countries. Gothenburg hosted Eurovision. This remains one of the standout presentations of the Contest.

 

LA DET SWINGE

Bobbysocks

Norway

 

Norway had endured dismal success year after year at Eurovision, but finally secured its first victory with a catchy upbeat song with a title that means “Let It Swing” in Norwegian. The duo consisted of two former ESC participants: Hanne Krogh had represented Norway in 1971 and finished 17^th; Elisabeth Andreasson had performed the 1982 Swedish entry “Dag Efter Dag” as a member of Chips and landed in eighth position. “La Det Swinge” boasted a retro sound reminiscent of ABBA and scooped up 123 points, leaving the favourite- Germany’s Wind- as runner-up with a score of 105 for “Fur Alle”.