I'll use the same review system, to share with you my thoughts on this second crop of hopefuls. It's my favourite of the two Semi-Finals, so I'll find this harder, but don't worry ballad-lovers, this one is rammed with them too.
If you want even more, or to watch the promo videos, head over to the official Eurovision site.
Lithuania
Oh now this is a lovely start. This is a really great song from Lithuania who has never managed to do that well, despite her Baltic neighbours both hosting the contest. They have a delightfully tortuous televised selection process, dragging the whole affair out over weeks. Monika & Vaidas make you smile and want to dance. One twitter account is trying to encourage the whole audience to simultaneously re-enact this song's key cute moment, and whether or not it happens, it will be a lovely moment.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? It's an earworm alright
Better than last year's entry? Attention was bonkers and this is much more mainstream.
Best lyric: "I know there’s a reason for this; One kiss, and you will see what you've missed"
Current reviews: "This Time is an inoffensive guitar-led bop that will surely get the crowds clapping along if not anything else." (Digital Spy)
Qualifier?: Hope so, it kicks off the show well!
Will I be listening to this in a year? This is a grow-er and a show-er.
Anyone fanciable? Is there? I hadn't noticed...
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 10
Ireland
Young singer-songwriter Molly sings this melancholic ballad that builds throughout. It's a far cry from the joke or Celt-heavy songs Ireland has sent in the past few years, and is perfectly nice, although it generally plods along to the point where it feels 3 minutes is a bit long. I think this is one that will be better live, as Molly's voice should carry more emotion when sung live.Genre of music: Ballad
How much of this can I remember? I can hum it but the lyrics escape me
Better than last year's entry? I had to check what last year's entry was, so yes.
Best lyric: "I was playing with numbers and I didn't know what it meant"
Current reviews: "Playing With Numbers...won’t inspire a sudden burst of foot-tapping or wake elderly relatives from their slumber. However, it will ensure Ireland is looked upon in a more favourable light by the juries." (ESCtips.com)
Qualifier? Possibly, though not sure its memorable enough at the moment
Will I be listening to this in a year? Unlikely.
Anyone fanciable? She's 16.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 5
San Marino
They've decided to give Valentina Monetta a year off. Europe's smallest participating nation, San Marino doesn't have a large pool from which to draw it's talent, and this year they pick former Junior Eurovision entrants to sing a duet. It all feels like a album track from a nineties on-hit wonder band you seem to really like but can't actually remember. The likeable factor comes from the engaging performers - shame they couldn't be given a more contemporary song.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? It does actually stick in your head but it's really irritating.
Better than last year's entry? No. San Marino found its stride with Queen Valentina.
Best lyric: "One’s a lonely number – but together we can make a million candles" Current reviews: "While Anita and Michele are fresh-faced and up for the challenge, 'Chain of Lights' is a disjointed mess of violin strikes and dated beats with a melody that doesn't feel like it belongs to the song." (DigitalSpy)
Qualifier? Unlikely unless sympathy kicks in
Will I be listening to this in a year? Not even listening now.
Anyone fanciable? They are not without potential when they become adults.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 2
Montenegro
I'm a sucker for a Balkan ballad and this doesn't disappoint, with ethnic instruments from the outset and a lovely wailing lead singer. The English lyrics translation has some unsettling suggestions that this is a serial killer who is trying to dispose of the corpse, so just listen to them in Serbian and imagine something less disturbing.Genre of music: Balkan
How much of this can I remember? You'll think you've heard it before if you've watched Eurovision more than once
Better than last year's entry? No. Sergej and his roller-skating ballerina were superior.
Best lyric: "I still don’t give you to the depths of the water. And you ask me to let you go, forever, to sink you into oblivion and say goodbye."
Current reviews: "It is the ultimate Balkan ballad and serves as a reference point for the waily, earnest yawnathons that Željko Joksimović churns out every other year. " (Schlagerblog)
Qualifier? Perhaps, but the Balkans aren't great at tactical voting.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Maybe, it's hard to tell some of this ones apart.
Anyone fanciable? Think your creepy uncle.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 8
Malta
The second Warrior woman this year (Georgia also sends a song with this title). This is a more dramatic affair, and I can already smell the dry ice and imagine the camera close ups. It's bass builds, but although I like it, Amber doesn't really come across as a Warrior (although her profile tells me she's a Judo champion). It feels like when you opt for a berry muffin rather than the double chocolate you wanted - it's fine but by the time it's over you wished you could choose again.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? Bits of the chorus
Better than last year's entry? I preferred last year's feel-good anthem.
Best lyric: "Wouldn't accept defeat, when by losing we were winning"
Current reviews: "I hear her singing about how fierce she is, but I expect some butterflies to appear and start fluttering around her sword." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier? Not sure it makes the impact it should.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Nope.
Anyone fanciable? Hmmm, she's like Elena Paparizou's overshadowed sister.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 7
Norway
Now this is special! A delightfully dark ballad from yet another duo, but it stands out for all the right reasons. Mørland and Debrah are electric and this tense ballad stands out from the others with its class.Genre of music: Ballad
How much of this can I remember? This is one of my most played 2015 songs
Better than last year's entry? Last year's was lovely, but this takes it even further. I wouldn't be opposed to Oslo 2016.
Best lyric: "I better let you go...To find the prince you thought you found in me"
Current reviews: "Out of all of this year’s duets, Norway’s appears the strongest and most polished package and could deliver a third consecutive top-10. The biggest bugbear [is] Debrah’s hair and net-curtain dress, which made her appear too austere and didn’t give her the likability factor. I think the old-fashioned wedding dress is the right choice, but they need to work on the hair." (ESCtips)
Qualifier? Yes, certainly.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes, I'm already looking up Absent Elk (Mørland's old band)
Anyone fanciable? Mørland is just grr and Debrah has that pale thing going on...
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 10
Portugal
Ok. We need to talk Portugal. You have to admire them. Year after year they send some variant of the same package, which rarely qualifies or even registers on anyone's radar. Whilst other countries have hissy fits and leave (Turkey), or are too poor (Bosnia-Hercegovina) to enter, cash-strapped Portugal keeps going. They haven't broken the mould for 2015, and so whilst Leonor is a strong performer, I can't see this making anyone's Top 10.Genre of music: Portugese Eurovision #1
How much of this can I remember? As always, I like the "sh" and "zh" sounds throughout.
Better than last year's entry? Suzy did actually manage to stay in some people's memory last year, so poor Leonor doesn't win here.
Best lyric: "Nas ruas da cidade, Bate uma saudade no meu peito"/"On the city streets, Something’s missing deep inside of me"
Current reviews: "Leonor Andrade will inject a little pace into the second semi-final, though this is far from winning material , centering around a rather lame guitar line that never really gets going and a key change at the very limit of her vocal range." (Digital Spy)
Qualifier? No. Unless a lot of viewers misdial
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes, because these Portugese ones all stay with me, like orphaned children in need of a parent.
Anyone fanciable? Good fringe
Czech Republic
Must admit, I thought this was a gonner when I first heard it, but its really grown on me, and the singers (yes, it's a another power-ballad duet) are charming in every interview I've seen. The lyrics are no fairground, it's another doomed love story, but they pull you through it. It's a good return to the contest for the Czech Republic, but enough to see them to their first final? We shall see.Genre of music: Power-ballad
How much of this can I remember? Lyrics wise, not so much, but I fully appreciate the gravel voiced Václav.
Better than last year's entry? The Czechs make a welcome return after the whole embarrassing Gipsy.cz affair.
Best lyric: "Ravens calling my name, their wings so dark. Soon they’ll take me away, I have their mark. They never miss their prey" Slit-wrist-tastic huh?!
Current reviews: "Their voices perfectly complement each other, and bring a rock rawness to the competition that stands out amongst all the diva ballads and bright pop." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier? Perhaps their first?
Will I be listening to this in a year? I think I will, despite all expectation.
Anyone fanciable? For those inclined to a bear, Václav is easy on the eye
Israel
This is weird but good. It has some Eastern beats with some some odd lyrics and a cheeky singer but it somehow works. Nadav Guedj won series two of Israeli interactive reality singing competition HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star) and is an Instagram afficionado. The song starts and you groan, thinking it's another ballad, but it transforms into something a little funkier.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? I think I've inadvertantly created my own choreography for it.
Better than last year's entry? Better than cruelly denied Mei's Same Heart. Never. Doesn't stop it being good though.
Best lyric: "And before I leave, Let me show you Tel Aviv"
Current reviews: “Fun, energetic and clever, it injects some much needed life into this year’s contest” (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier? It's fun and that alone deserves it of a second showing.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yep!
Anyone fanciable? Hard to tell, some photos don't flatter, others are great.
Latvia
Wow. This is different. Ethnically Russian/Burkinabe Aminata contorts her way physically and vocally through this challenging song that leaves me hanging onto every note.Listening once is not enough. It's fantastic.
Genre of music: Electro
How much of this can I remember? Its not easy t sing along too, but my shower has heard me try a lot of late.
Better than last year's entry? I can Bake a Cake anytime, this makes me sit up and listen.
Best lyric: "You care, You animate, You guard me bare, Bring up the heart rate"
Current reviews: "Love Injected is an original package with an explosive chorus, and Aminata’s vocal is flawless throughout. Latvia is a big darkhorse going to Vienna." (ESCtips)
Qualifier? Surely this must, it's the most contemporary entry.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes!
Anyone fanciable? Maybe fanciable is the wrong word, but I'm utterly captivated by Ms Savadogo.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 12
Azerbaijan
Elnur was part of Azerbaijan's first entry (I even dressed up as him for a party)...
...but he has been invited back after his success on The Voice of Turkey. Melancholic ballad Hour of the Wolf shows off his falsetto tones and feels like a song that could be the soundtrack for many a heartbreak. Azerbaijan often gets accused of cheating by buying votes - with this, they needn't worry, they'll get enough genuine ones.
Genre of music: Ballad
How much of this can I remember? This takes pride of place in my commuting playlist
Better than last year's entry? Start a Fire was a snooze-fest despite great vocal - this will be a simpler staging and more effective for it.
Best lyric: "I once met peace, he said that he...Soon would have the answers to this hurt"
Current reviews: "A spirited ballad, its bursts of mellifluous choir sections will help add a bit of brooding atmosphere to the proceedings." (DigitalSpy)
Qualifier? Yes
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes
Anyone fanciable? If you like the Turkish look (and I do), then Elnur is for you.
Iceland
Aw. This is a really nice entry that starts softly with some lyrics that you feel you already know, and culminates in a sing-along chorus with lots of feel-good factor. Maria is just lovely, and this song quite positive, which is proving oddly unusual this year in the sea of miserable heartbreak songs. Iceland have no natural neighbours, yet often do well despite being only 300,000 Atlantic islanders, showing that the land of fire and ice definitely has something special.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? It's very catchy, and not at all irritating
Better than last year's entry? Different genre entirely, so on a par
Best lyric: "I pick up the pieces, try putting them back together, till I‘m unbroken."
Current reviews: "Unbroken is a flawless ballad, ably blending shimmering harps, hypnotising percussion and Maria’s stunning vocal into the strongest ballad of 2015." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier? Yes
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes, it's nice!
Anyone fanciable? She's more like your adorable little sister
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 7
Sweden
Well well, they do it again. Sweden have got the knack of this for sure. Is it their country-wide TV selection show? The songwriters? Who knows, but the songs Sweden send are invariably fantastic. They break the mould and seem ahead of the game... look at last years Sanna, singing a melancholic ballad (which about 75% of countries have adopted as their style this year). Beautiful Måns sings an uplifting pop anthem with country-style base notes, accompanied by a mesmerising live motion-capture stage show that just enhances its greatness. I don't really want to visit Scandinavia again for Eurovision, but the signs are all pointing to Stockholm 2016...
Genre of music: Pop-Country
How much of this can I remember? Word for word, including adlibs and choreography.
Better than last year's entry? I much prefer this, but Sanna did come third!
Best lyric: "Sing it like a hummingbird, the greatest anthem ever heard"
Current reviews: "Heroes is a stomping Avicii-lite uptempo song, with a skyrocketing chorus bombastic enough to take off the arena roof in Vienna. It's no surprise that this is the early odds-on favourite to win the whole shebang." (Digital Spy)
Qualifier? Without a shred of doubt
Will I be listening to this in a year? And more... it will join Eric Saade as an ongoing favourite.
Anyone fanciable. Oh Måns...
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 12, although I wish it were less predictable
Switzerland
In a weird twist of fate, whatever you think of this entry, remember that it robbed/saved us from Kitty Brucknall (Lady Gaga wannabe from X Factor) who entered as part of the Swiss selection. Mauritian Melanie shows off her voice in this angry message-laden ballad. Her positioning towards the end of the semi finals is fitting - she has to wait for a lot of other similar message songs to pass by before she can sing, but I'm unsure its likeable or enjoyable enough to capture anyone's imagination.Genre of music: Pop
How much of this can I remember? I can hum the chorus
Better than last year's entry? I had a thing for Sebalter, so it's a no from me.
Best lyric: "No more pulling me down, no more mucking around"
Current reviews: "I like its understated, but distinctive form; the prominent back beat, stalking bass line and panpipe shrill make for an enticing and gripping introduction and verse section, whereas the chorus brightens the mood with the memorable and motivational Time to Shine message." (ESCtips)
Qualifier? It's possible, but viewers may be fatigued of female message-ballads by the time she comes out to play.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Doubtful
Anyone fanciable? She holds your attention even if the song doesn't
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 6
Cyprus
Now to Cyprus. This isn't as bad as I thought on relistening, but it's a bit dreary, and I suppose I feel Cyprus is better when it sends dancier, happier songs. It's not awful or annoying, and has some good lyrics, and John has a lovely tone of voice but a melancholic, wistful song is not what this contest needed more of.Genre of music: Guitar-ballad
How much of this can I remember? I can mumble some of it half-heartedly
Better than last year's entry? Cyprus return after a year out so it's a shame this isn't better
Best lyric: "The road that once was paved with gold, Has turned a rusty shade
Of all the saddest colours in the world"
Current reviews: "One Thing I Should Have Done is a rather tame guitar-led serenade that does little to stand out from the usually eclectic Eurovision line-up" (Digital Spy)
Qualifier? Nope. Please come back next year though!
Will I be listening to this in a year? Not even listening now.
Anyone fanciable? Hmm... sorry to kick you whilst you're down John...
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 3
Slovenia
Slovenia are on the up! Following poor Hannah's non-qualification in 2012, they've made a real effort to work on their entry and this shows. At one stage, this was favourite to win although it's odds have lengthened with time.This may be simply a reaction to the fact this has a tempo, and could arguably be danced along to without feeling the need to hold a lighter in the air, despite it following 2015's apparent melancholic lyric brief.
There's some great quirkiness, with headphone-wearing husband-wife duo Raay and Marjetka accompanied by an "air violin" player.
It's better than it sounds, and hopes are high for this entry, though there perhaps needs to be something extra for it to pip Sweden to the winner's spot. We hope they find it!
Genre of music: Pop-Dance
How much of this can I remember? All of it. For months now. "When you're down, down low..."
Better than last year's entry? The dirty flute professor Tinkara still is in my heart, but this is the next level.
Best lyric: "You heated up my heart when it was frozen"
Current reviews: "It’s a danger sometimes to be “cool” at Eurovision – but Maraaya are the coolest act around and they are all the better for it. I love everything about this entry. It’s fresh, modern, and has some completely bonkers staging with the air violinist. It’s hard to find fault." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier? Yes, only a disaster could prevent this
Will I be listening to this in a year? Yes, it's etched into my brain
Anyone fanciable? They're married, so this feels a bit awkward but they've definitely improved their style with age...
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 12 - lets make this Ljubljana 2016.
Poland
Here's another "message" people. It depends how they stage this, but the promo video makes it clear that they want you focus on Monika's story over the song as they pull the camera back to reveal her in her wheelchair.How much say she had in all this is unknown, but if you thought butter-churning housewives last year were indecent, you'll love Poland's about-turn to this wholesome alternative. Its inoffensive, but it doesn't exactly round the semi-finals off with a bang, and risks Monika's wheelchair looking like a cheap ploy for sympathy, when I imagine the talented singer would prefer you focus on her great vocals and meaningful lyrics.
Genre of music: Ballad
How much of this can I remember? The chorus lingers
Better than last year's entry? It's the polar opposite, it could not be more virtuous if it tried.
Best lyric: "Every time you struggle with the fear about tomorrow, Call the angels for their guidance". Nice tip.
Current reviews: "In The Name of Love is a much gentler and low key affair than last year’s Carry On smut. In this ballad-heavy semi-final, Poland have a lot of work to do to ensure they stand out." (ESCtips)
Qualifier? I can't say, it very much depends on much they try to guilt-trip the audience and how much that attempt backfires.
Will I be listening to this in a year? Probably not
Anyone fanciable? The promo pictures don't do her justice
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 5
So my preferred 10 qualifiers are:
- Azerbaijan
- Czech Republic
- Iceland
- Israel
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Sweden
Reviews
DigitalSpyWiwibloggs
ESCtips
Schlagerblog
