Eastern European Kinds of Funk

Time for songs 11 through 15! Now we're getting to some of my favorites. It's almost Eurovision time: next week rehearsals start and I'll have to rearrange my predictions and favorites based on live performances, but first my ranking of the recorded versions.

15. Albania
Juliana Pasha - “It's all about you”
Reaction: This is a pretty modern electro-pop influenced song, reminiscent of “Keeps Getting Better” by Christina Aguilera. It would be just “okay” were it just an ordinary radio single, but for Eurovision this year it’s pretty good. It’s improved a lot from its first version, with very catchy verses and chorus, and with decent English lyrics.
Best Part: Instrumental after first chorus
Rating: 3/5

14. Lithuania
InCulto - “Eastern European Funk”
Reaction: Some may call this a “novelty” entry because it has a sense of humor, but it’s also got some of the cleverest lyrics in this year’s contest, political yet still entertaining. The kazoos in the introduction and first verse are fun without being insulting. When the brass starts the song becomes a little ska, and when the synth starts at the end it becomes even more danceable. Definitely my favorite Lithuanian entry since I’ve been writing this blog, if not ever.
Best Part: Final chorus
Rating: 4/5

13. Finland
Kuunkuiskaajat - “Työlki ellää”
Reaction: This was one of my early favorites but slid down because of later revealed songs. I can see where this song doesn’t appeal to everyone, but I love it because it’s so cheerful. It’s sweet and folky with cute handclaps. It kind of sounds like it belongs in Tetris. Doesn’t its fast pace and repetition just make you think of falling blocks?
Best Part: Slowed down then sped up final choruses
Rating: 4/5

12. Croatia
Feminnem - “Lako je sve”
Reaction: Feminnem is back! This is a lot of people’s favorite ballad this year, and unfortunately it isn’t mine, but it’s up there. One could say it’s a little similar to “Believe” in production, which is a good sign for its chances. It starts off a bit slow, but its final minute is intense, with strong vocals and instruments, and a soft yet powerful ending.
Best Part: Instrumental, bridge, and final chorus
Rating 4/5

11. Slovakia
Kristina - “Horehronie”
Reaction: I love a good ethnic-influenced pop song, and this is one of the few this year and also one of the best. It has a lot of wonderful drumming and flutes that makes you want to dance in its magical world. I prefer the verses to the chorus, and the melody of “Keď sa slnko skloní na Horehroní” is beautiful.
Best Part: Instrumental intro and first verse
Rating: 4/5