Top 5

It's finally time for my top 5 songs of Eurovision 2012. These are my absolute favorites of the year and I hope they do well. Tomorrow I'll give my predictions for the first semifinal.

5. Denmark  
Soluna Samay - “Should have known better" 

Reaction: This is guitar pop reminiscent of early Nelly Furtado. In Eurovision, it’s closer to Sweden 2010, but better, and it’s also better than the other recent Danish entries. It’s sweet and emotional, with not too cliché lyrics.  
Best Part: Bridge and last chorus  
Rating: 5/5

4. FYR Macedonia  
Kaliopi - “Crno I Belo”  
Reaction: A great rock ballad. It starts off soft and then becomes an energetic rock song, and finishes off softer. It has a very catchy chorus. It has some of the same energy as Turkey’s 2010 runner-up, but I like this one a lot better.  
Best Part: Shrieking high note before last chorus  
Rating: 5/5

3. Norway  
Tooji - “Stay”  
Reaction: This is a hands-in-the-air fun dance pop song. Nice ethnic string touches, plus very heavy synth. It has a very strong chorus. I love the “you better work!” in the bridge.  
Best Part: Last chorus  
Rating: 5/5

2. Slovenia  
Eva Boto - “Verjamem”  
Reaction: This is Molitva 2! It’s not as good as Molitva, but it’s 2nd only by a fraction. The ah-ah-ah parts are different but interesting. As with Molitva, the verses aren’t the important part, just that powerful spine-tingling chorus.  
Best Part: 2nd chorus  
Rating: 5/5

1. Sweden
Loreen - “Euphoria" 

Reaction: This is the best song this year, and a lot of people seem to agree. I can’t stop listening to it. The early part sounds like Ray of Light era Madonna (maybe “Nothing Really Matters”), but better. It’s a beautiful, catchy, and dynamic dance song.  
Best Part: First verse and chorus  
Rating: 5/5