Just as a note, the last solo male ballad to win was Russia's Dima Bilan in 2008, with the lovely "Believe". You might also remember him as the slightly too-skinny one with a mullet that pulled a ballerina out of a piano, in 2006. Dima was Russia's biggest pop star, (and still is), so had that going for him vote wise. Will any of 2011's boy ballads match up to his standard...?
Denmark/Danmark – "A New Tomorrow" – A Friend in London
“Come on boys, come on girls” this choon begins, encouraging you to wave your hands in the air. The lyrics are pretty good and the guitars churn out a memorable rhythm in the background, which make this, all in all, a good entry that would make for a charming, end-of-the-night pub singalong.
Italy/Italia – "Madness of Love" – Raphael Gualazzi
This piano jazz mixes Italian and English, is charming and bit Michael Bublé (in a good way). “Someone hit me and I fell into your heart, my dear” is a lovely syrupy line in the middle, followed by a full on trumpet section. Not really one to sing a long too, but lovely for a summer drive.
Netherlands/Nederland – "Never Alone" - 3JS
What is it with Holland and manbands for Eurovision? This guitar ballad is a bit earnest and laden so heavy with clichés that it begins to drag at the 2 minute mark. The final line which comes straight from Amsterdam’s red light district, “at the sweet end of your trail”, is brilliant though.
France – "Sognu" – Amaury Vassili
France’s entry is the classy operatic-but-not-annoying-with-it “Sognu”. Who knows what it’s about but in the video he wanders about a lot carrying a handbag and does a lot of meaningful staring. It’s apparently the early bookie’s favourite to win. It's sung in Corsican. We’ll see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEb7hRo-Qyk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEb7hRo-Qyk
So 4 down, 39 to go. Bear with me, I promise it gets better.
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