The “urban” (i.e. has a rap bit in it)

Ok so next up are the entries that are, or at least try be at the 'cooler' end of the Eurovision spectrum. Only some succeed, and thankfully, and perhaps unbelievably, the UK entry seems to be one of them!

United Kingdom – "I Can" – Blue

So this year, the BBC have taken the brave decision to send Blue to Europe. You know, like a “real” band. One of my ongoing gripes with those that diss the UK not winning Eurovision is that they don’t realise how other countries genuinely try and send their best where as we dredge up old X-factor losers. So in a sense, I’m pleased, though the trouble with Blue is that they were popular in the late 90s and I’m not certain we’re ready for a revival. The song is damn catchy though, and we know they can sing quite well, so a low score would begrudgingly convince me the voting really is ALL political.

Having seen the lads do a few live performances now, they seem slick and at ease, so we really do have a hope at winning this year. Come on, all together, #“I can, I will...”#

Latvia/Latvija – "Angel in disguise" – Musiqq

[from http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/year/participant-profile/?song=26113]

Quite a good sounding guitar “buddy-ballad” until you pay attention to the lyrics – “love me with luscious thighs”, which make this a bit less innocent and earnest than I imagine it was planned to be. It’s catchy though and very listenable, though the rap in the middle is just naff.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/songs/2011/latvia.shtml

Georgia/საქართველო – "One More Day" - Eldrine

This starts off with some electronica, has a rocky chorus, throws in a rap and a weird video that’s like a behind-the-scene mixed in with the actual filming. Like it though, and hope the megaphones make it to the stage.

Greece/Ελλάδα – "Watch My Dance" – Loucas Yiorkas feat. Stereo Mike

This rap heavy song is pretty brave given that few across Europe will understand the lyrics. The singing bits are okay, and the laika music that is mandatory for all Greek/Cypriot entries twiddles on in the background, but this song never feels like it gets going.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/songs/2011/greece.shtml