The 43 entries are just-about finalised, so I thought I would have a listen to all of them, and offer a quick appraisal of each. Here is the 1st part.....
Albania - Aurela Gace "Feel The Passion"
When I heard this in it's native tongue when it won the Albanian NF I wasn't over impressed. English improves it somewhat, however Aurela is still too shouty for me.
Qualify? Maybe
Armenia - Emmy "Boom Boom"
Don't know what I hate most about this, Emmys whining voice or the nonsense "Boom Boom Chakka Chakka" lyrics. Considering that "Apricot Stone" was sublime, I was expecting better.
Qualify? No chance.
Austria - Nadine Beiler "The Secret Is Love"
Much more like it, the song and Nadine are excellent, and was a clear winner for me in their highly entertaining NF. I'm delighted that Austria are back with this high quality effort. A certain qualifier, and a top 10 finish beckons.
Qualify? Easily.
Azerbaijan - Ell & Nikki "Running Scared"
This was the NF with the bored audience, the never ending rounds of singing and the contrived finish. No televoting, and a jury deciding that two of the participants would perform a duet instead of there being one winner. That said, the studio version of this entry has surprised me. If they can pull it off live then it is a certain qualifier (just added it to my IPod as well, a ringing endorsement of any EuroSong)!
Qualify? If it sounds as good live then surely.
Belarus - Anastasia Vinnikova "Born In Belorussia"
If the rumours are true then Anastasia wont even be on the plane to Düsseldorf as this moderate, but supposedly over-political effort is due to be disqualified. Might be for the best actually as the song is rubbish and would sink without trace in the semi final/
Qualify? You must be joking. No!
Belgium - Witloof Bay "With Love, Baby"
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with Belgium. After last years highly successful internal selection of both Tom Dice and his song I was expecting a lot better than this swing-effort. Not my sort of music at all, and I struggle to sit through the whole 3 minutes. Painful.
Qualify? Maybe, who knows. Not for me.
Bosnia & Herzogovina - Dino Merlin "Love in Rewind"
Another song that I find quite ordinary, even after a couple of listens. Cannot see this qualifying, not good.
Qualify? No.
Bulgaria - Poly Genova "Na Inat"
One of my more favourite entries is this one. Great singer, great song. Will need to be a little more tuneful at contest time perhaps, but I really like it. Hope she qualifies.
Qualify? I hope so.
Croatia - Daria Kinzer "Break A Leg"
I have heard a lot worse this year than this one, even if the title is a bit rubbish. Daria is an excellent singer, and she should qualify comfortably.
Qualify? Yes.
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