Songs will be better in spring

Another week, another five songs. Luckily I got this in before midnight EST, so I wasn't sha-la-late! But enough with the bad pun, here's the ratings:

25. The Netherlands
Sieneke - “Ik ben verliefd (Sha-la-lie)”
Reaction: Like an insane jack-in-the-box, the power of sha-la-lie hits you in the face with its cheesiness. It’s hard to believe that this song was written in 2009, or that a song by a pretty teenage girl with no crazy costumes could be considered as a “novelty” song. The backlash to the song is especially productive; there are probably hundreds of covers out there (and some even commercially released) in the few short months since the first demo hit the internet to make one think, “if only.”
Best Part: Bridge
Rating: 3/5

24. Denmark
Chanee & N’Evergreen - “In a moment like this”
Reaction: This is very Danish without being as boring as the previous two years’ entries (although those did very well with everyone but me). Maybe it’s the G:Son writing credit that gives it a big of schlager. The female singer has an interesting and unique raspy sort of voice.
Best Part: Key Change
Rating: 3/5

23. Turkey
maNga - “We could be the same”
Reaction: This song is very clearly going top ten if its Youtube hits account for anything. Turkey’s second rock song in three years, it’s much fresher than “Deli”, with a fairly happy and upbeat chorus, and with greater appeal. Even though it’s in English it sounds very Turkish.
Best Part: Instrumental introduction
Rating: 3/5

22. Greece
Giorgos Alkaios & Friends - “Opa”
Reaction: There are a few fan favorites below this in my rankings (Spain, Denmark, Turkey) but the one I will probably have to defend myself most on should anyone actually read this. It’s a typical Greek entry, very catchy with an ethnic sound, perfect for lighting up the dance floor and the scoreboard. Unfortunately, it looks and sounds like it is sung by a very annoyed and bored man. The shouts of “hoo” and “hey” add another touch of masculinity.
Best Part: Shouty parts! Opa!
Rating: 3/5

21. Cyprus
Jon Lily green & the Islanders - “Life will be better in spring”
Reaction: This is a sweet and beautiful guitar ballad. It has probably one of the strongest choruses in this year’s group of songs. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s lacking something and kind of drags on by the end.
Best Part: First chorus
Rating: 3/5

Next week: songs 16 through 20! But before then: more shalalie!