| Eurovision Song Contest News - 2008 Belgrade, Serbia 

Keith Timmons

My thoughts on this year's songs so far:

1. SAN MARINO:
This reminds me of my summers in Italy. Such good memories. And when a song can produce feelings of joy and happiness, I like it! Its haunting melody and youthful expression fit together nicely. And I like the way they’ve shot the video clip atop the Monte Titano (its three towers being the only famous attractions in San Marino), as if to emphasise that this song is San Marinese, not Italian. I doubt they will advance to the final, but since they’re in my semi this year I shall vote for them.

2. PORTUGAL:
This song captured me from second one. This large, awkwardly looking Moyet demands attention as her song slowly builds up to a massive anthem of longing and passion. Straight into my heart. If there’s any mercy in this world, Portugal should claim their first victory this year. But knowing Europe, it probably won’t even make it to the final.

3. SERBIA:
Serbia is a country which is getting too much of a free ride in Eurovision for me to support their entries wholeheartedly. So although I quite like this song, I don’t think it will get my vote, seeing as its myriad little neighbours are sure to vote like mad for it. This has everything the Portuguese song has, except the magic. But it’s certainly growing on me, and when Europe realises that the host is the composer of this song, I predict Serbia will get more than its fair share of neighbour votes this year.

4. ALBANIA:
A beautiful Balkan ballad. This young girl represents something very sincere and heartfelt. The melody is beautiful and passionate and I reckon this is Albania’s best song for years, possibly ever. With the new version the song is even more appealing.

5. SWEDEN:
This is exactly what a eurosong should be like. A catchy chorus, a blonde Swedish singer who looks fit to have a career in the porn industry, and a dance routine inspired by countless Israeli entries from the 1980s. I like a lot of Frederik Kempe’s work and teamed up with the fantastic Queen B of Swedish Eurovision, you simply cannot go wrong. I loved it the first time I heard it and I still do.

6. BELARUS:
I usually like the Belarusian entries, and this is no exception. I like the groove, the melody, and the singer. It is a traditional Eurovision song, and although I don’t expect it to do well, I will certainly listen to it a lot. I liked the original version better than the remix, but it's still a good song, and Ruslan has admittedly got better looking.

7. RUSSIA:
This is a very strong entry. I didn’t like it at first (which may be a bad sign), but after seeing Dima’s stunning performance I was in awe. It’s a difficult song to sing, and although Dima doesn’t have the best voice in the world, he does pull it off impressively. This will be one of the songs that I’m voting for this year, and because it represents one of the few countries that actually have a chance of winning this contest, I think it may go all the way to the top.

8. FRANCE:
A simple pop tune from an eccentric bushman. I appreciate France’s efforts to send something chic and trendy, but I’m afraid this will come across as a bit too nerdy for most people. The man desperately needs a shave, and I’m not sure a song with a 40 second intro and a lengthy ballad section in the middle can excite people. But it excites me.

9. CZECH REP:
I totally love this song. Right up my alley. The tune is great; the singer is lovely; and the production is really cool. A great choice for the Czech Republic, and I really hope they do well this year.

10. UKRAINE:
Another professional entry from Ukraine, but this song really suffers from being wing-clipped by the 3 minute rule. It sounds like they’ve edited out substantial parts of the song to make it fit inside the Eurovision tin can, and in this particular case it’s actually quite annoying. I’m sure I’ll learn to love this song when the radio version comes, but as it is now it just pisses me off.

11. TURKEY:
I’m normally not keen on rock songs, but this song has really got to me. I love the melody, and as always I love the Turkish language. The band come off as very professional, and all in all I'd say this is an excellent choice for Turkey.

12. BULGARIA:
It's a good dance track, no doubt about it. But is it suitable for Eurovision? I don't see the masses voting for this one. But then again, I didn’t have much faith in the Bulgarian song last year either, and it made it to the Top 10 so you just never know.

13. MONTENEGRO:
It’s not bad at all. I will enjoy watching this song on the night. The singer is quite charming and the tune is alright. It will be a nice opening act on the first night, but then everyone will forget about it. Every year there’s a song like this in Eurovision and it always fades into oblivion. Too bad for Montenegro, because this song deserves better.

14. SWITZERLAND:
A traditional Italian pop ballad which could have been a winner in the 90s. It reminds me of the good old days when Italy still graced us with their presence and the juries votes for this kind of song. I love Italy, so naturally I favour Era Stupendo, but sadly I think it will end up next to Montenegro in the rubbish bin.

15. MOLDOVA:
Well, no one can accuse Moldova of playing it safe in the Eurovision! This is another brave attempt from them, and I actually quite like it. It’s sophisticated and classy (or is it?), but probably too jazzy and geeky for the masses. I don’t see myself actually voting for this one, but I do like it and I often catch myself humming its tune.

16. ANDORRA:
Up-tempo, happy, energetic. The perfect Eurovision pop song. Which is probably why I felt like I’d heard it all before. The melodic structure is cleverly crafted, and her vocals are spot on. I really hope 2008 could be the year when Andorra finally breaks through to the final. I’m only sorry they had to resort to English in order to accomplish it.

17. GEORGIA:
I didn’t like it much when I first heard it, but now I find it’s growing on me. But that’s not necessarily a good thing in Eurovision. The song has a distinct Eastern Bloc flavour to it which I find quite appealing, and the melody is not bad, although not quite top shelf either.

18. SLOVENIA:
Like Belarus, this is another traditional eurosong and I often tend to like the Slovene entries. But the chorus here is a little too simple for my taste. A bit too ‘Hits for Kids’ if you know what I mean. I’m trying my best to like it, and I find it’s growing on me somewhat. I just pray I won’t get sick of it months before the contest.

19. GERMANY:
In a time when the media are overcrowded by pop idols, x-factorists, and TV pop stars, sending a girl band with singers who don’t flirt with the camera is a bad idea. Although I like the beat and the production of the track, there is nothing here to hold on to. The performance gets boring after 30 seconds. There are also too many strange intervals in the melody of the chorus which make it difficult for the girls to sing in tune, and so they end up sounding like high school kids on karaoke night.

20. ARMENIA:
This could have represented Turkey in 1987 and got 0 points. In 2008 it represents one of the great diaspora nations and is guaranteed a good result. But I don’t love it. I don’t know exactly what I’m expecting from Armenia. I haven’t liked any of their entries. I may actually have become biased towards the country because it keeps getting good scores with poor songs. This is their best song so far, and I’m sure it will be in the Top 5.

21. LITHUANIA:
This melody is far too complicated to succeed in this kind of contest. It has no immediate appeal, but it really does grow on me and may in retrospect quite possibly stand out as one of my favourites from 2008. If only Freddie Mercury were still alive; he would have done this song justice.

22. ROMANIA:
2008 was the year when everybody wanted to be Italy (except Italy). Every year there should be a grand duet, and this time it comes from Romania. Last time Romania sent a duet (in 2002), it was my favourite. The Italian language adds more passion, and the harmonies are cleverly constructed. The performance is a bit too operatic and over-the-top for my taste, but I’m sure this could be a strong contender for the win.

23. CROATIA:
The melody here is quite nice. And I also find the folk/busker style quite charming, and a tempo change at the end of the song is always a big hit. So the stage is set for magic to be made. But the ranting old man distorts the pretty picture. What is he on about? Why is he so angry? Is it supposed to be funny? I don’t get it.

24. ICELAND:
It reminds me of the 1990s or the early 2000s and I’m not sure if it’s quite up to date. Nevertheless, this is my style of music, and although I don’t think it’s a winner, I quite like it and I will be listening to it.

25. NETHERLANDS:
This song is a product of the current conception that Western music cannot do well in Eurovision anymore, and so this former favourite country of mine has decided to select a song which appeals to absolutely no one – but at least it has an ethnic flavour to it. I don’t buy it, and I’m certain we won’t see Hind in the final. Breaks my heart, because I really love the Netherlands.

26. UNITED KINGDOM:
A cross between Colonel Abrams and Sydney Youngblood might perhaps not sound too trendy in 2008, but the truth is that this is pretty groovy. I really like Andy’s voice, and although the melody is a bit dull, my general impression is that this is a dancey poppy soul number which, even if an unlikely contender for the victory, still makes me sing along. No bull this time; just a decent British song.

27. HUNGARY:
Hungary have come up with a lot of interesting songs, but this is not one of them. This ballad is too old-fashioned to impress me, and not even the Vasuti remix can lift it to the next level (i.e. the grand final). And after they change the lyrics to English, there will be nothing left of this song.

28. DENMARK:
The usual happy-go-lucky stuff from Denmark. It has a lot going for it: catchy beat, nice chorus, high spirits. But it lacks that certain je ne sais quoi.

29. MALTA:
Very energetic. Perhaps a little too energetic? I get exhausted just from listening to this. The melody lacks that undefined x-factor, and the singer has no charm. Sorry Malta, this doesn’t appeal to me. Better luck with the Russians. Na zdorovye!

30. CYPRUS:
A bold choice for Cyprus. This song is a bit too colourful for my taste. But I do applaud Cyprus for choosing a song in Greek and with some strong national influences.

31. MACEDONIA:
As usual, the Macedonian song has no particular appeal to me. I like the rhythm and I don’t mind the melody; it’s just nothing special. But I do believe that with a better performance and a more spectacular choreography, the impression could be quite different, and Macedonia would once again qualify for the final.

32. IRELAND:
Ireland is making a sacrifice this year. They give the inevitable Irish ballad a year off, and instead they send this blatant protest to everything the Eurovision has become. Lithuania, Finland, and Ukraine have done it before, but their entries were not as in your face as this. Not only is the singing puppet an obvious pisstake on Lordi, Verka Serduchka, and Carola, the lyrics are belching out explicit concerns about the state of the contest. This is Ireland saying: “We cannot take this contest seriously anymore!” It’s a serious plea from a very important Eurovision nation. I love the political statement and I also love the creative way of issuing it. But the song itself is not catchy enough for my taste. The turkey has a horrible singing voice. I know that’s the point, but still I will never put this song on while I’m doing my daily chores. Sorry, but that just won’t happen.

33. ISRAEL:
It’s basically a nice song, but this boy cannot sing it. He sounds like every note is bordering on the limits of his register, and that he’s really struggling to keep them all in tune and not start pitching. After 3 minutes of this, I’m so thankful it’s over. You’re a lovely lad, Boaz. But shut your mouth.

34. POLAND:
This is utterly awful. This song lacks everything. It doesn’t even have charm. Isis’ performance was not convincing, the song is pompous and extremely dated, and this All-American Girl Next Door image will certainly not appeal to vast parts of Europe. Dear oh dear, how horrible.

35. FINLAND:
Another piece of well crafted good old fashioned heavy metal from Finland. Certainly not bad, and I applaud Finland for once again sending a quality entry to Eurovision. The only problem is that this has virtually no appeal with the masses, and those who once liked this kind of music stopped listening to it in 1987.

36. LATVIA:
Put Aqua, Toy Box, and Captain Jack in the food processor together, give them a good blend, and then press play. The dodgy mush that comes out of your speakers then is this painfully awkward Latvian entry. If only they had the dignity to die with their boots on, but no, the Latvians are going back to their roots. Back to kindergarten, in fact. This is a children’s song, and it will only pose a threat to Dustin the Turkey.

37. ESTONIA:
This song breaks my heart. Estonia used to be such a proud Eurovision nation and now look what’s become of them. They have officially given up trying and this is Estonia giving us the big finger. Well, who can blame them.

38. SPAIN:
Dear Lord. So Elvis does the moonwalk. Is it really funny? I have no idea. I don’t speak Spanish. It’s got all the elements of Dancing Lasha Tumbai, except Verka’s witty charm. I expect Spain to nosedive this year, and rightfully so. This piece of trash has no value whatsoever.

39. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA:
This song needs to undergo substantial changes if it’s gonna go anywhere. The song has some potential, but they would have benefited from replacing the singer (who looks seriously disturbed), as well as replacing everything that’s going on on stage. Chickens and puppets and pitchforks and things that go bump in the night. No thanks. Take this man back to the mental hospital.

40. GREECE:
This was cool a few years back, but now it’s getting old. Again it’s a cross between Britney and Helena with a sprinkle of traditional Greek influences. The production is predictable, and the melody itself is awfully repetitive and disposable, so by the end of the song you’re extremely fed up with it and you never want to hear it again.

41. BELGIUM:
Isn’t the whole fake language thing getting a bit old now? I understand the desperate urge to stand out from the others, but not at any cost! This is just silly. It’s not awful, but messy and silly. Maria Von Trapp meets Disney’s Mrs Potts. They used to make us listen to this kind of music in school, but I never learned to love it. I still don’t.

42. AZERBAIJAN:
I had high hopes for Azerbaijan, but this is probably the worst song yet. I totally hate everything here: the costumes, the screaming, the rock opera style, and the pompous extravagance. Baku 2009? Forget it!

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NORWAY:
Once again I have no idea what to expect from the Norwegian entry. I personally like it a lot and listen to it daily; the song is catchy, the vocals are spot on, and the melody is truly haunting. But the lyrics are painfully cheesy and I dread the resemblance to last year’s Edsilia Rombley. But perhaps the new jury system will see Norway through to the final?

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My all-time favourite Eurovision songs:

1. Luxembourg 1972: ”Après toi”
2. Luxembourg 1984: ”100\% amour”
3. Luxembourg 1981: ”C’est peut-etre pas l’Amerique”
4. Russia 1994: ”Vyechniy stranik”
5. Finland 1985: ”Eläköön elämä”
6. Luxembourg 1965: ”Poupée du cire, poupée du son”
7. Luxembourg 1986: ”L’amour de ma vie”
8. France 1977: ” L'oiseau et l’enfant”
9. Luxembourg 1967: ”L’amour est bleu”
10. Monaco 1971: ” Un banc, un arbre, une rue”
11. Finland 1983: ”Fantasiaa”
12. Germany 1984: ”Aufrecht geh’n”
13. Denmark 1989: ”Vi maler byen rød”
14. Luxembourg 1990: ”Quand je te rêve”
15. Netherlands 1983: ”Sing me a song”
16. Israel 1979: ”Hallelujah”
17. United Kingdom 1997: ”Love shine a light”
18. Belgium 1981: ”Samson”
19. Netherlands 1998: ”Hemel en aarde”
20. Luxembourg 1983: ”Si la vie est cadeaux”
21. France 1979: ”Je suis l’enfant-soleil”
22. Croatia 1998: ”Neka mi ne svane”
23. Slovenia 1999: ”For a thouasand years”
24. Serbia 2007: ”Molitva”
25. France 1962: ”Un premier amour”
26. Luxembourg 1961: ”Nous les amoureux”
27. Norway 2006: ”Alvedansen”
28. Netherlands 1987: ”Lost in galeforce 10”
29. Norway 2003: ”I’m not afraid to move on”
30. Romania 2002: ”Tell me why”
31. France 2001: ”Je n’ai que mon âme”
32. United Kingdom 1998: ”Where are you”
33. Spain 1990: ”Bandido”
34. Israel 1998: ”Diva”
35. France 1969: ”Un jour un enfant”
36. Russia 2001: ”Lady Alpine Blue”
37. Netherlands 1980: ”Amsterdam”
38. Slovenia 2005: ”Stop”
39. Luxembourg 1978: ”Parlez-vous français”
40. United Kingdom 1975: ”Let me be the one”