Rise Up To The Sky

It's finally May and by this time next week the internet will be complaining over another year's Eurovision result. Here are my top five songs from this year.

5. Israel
Mei Finegold - "Same Heart"
Reaction: This song has a unique coldness and aggression. For a title like "Same Heart" you don't expect a breakup song. It has such raw, powerful emotion, yet is also smoothly polished. The dance break after the first chorus is amazing. The dual language often doesn't work in songs, but it really works here.
Best Part: Key change
Rating: 5/5

4. Norway
Carl Espen - "Silent Storm"
Reaction: This sounds the most like a winner to me. It has a similar structure and underdog quality to "Molitva" and we know how that ended. This song has a strong yet simple melody, with a stripped down emotional presentation that's sometimes missing in this venue but can really connect with an audience.
Best Part: Beginning of final chorus
Rating: 5/5

3. Sweden
Sanna Nielsen - "Undo"
Reaction: A fantastic contemporary power ballad, it has all the touches that the Melodifestivalen fan could hope for. The awkward computer-command title holds some of the appeal. It has a touch of Celine to it, which is always good to aim for in this contest.
Best Part: That key change
Rating: 5/5

2. Austria
Conchita Wurst - "Rise Like a Phoenix"
Reaction: Talk about exceeding expectations! I didn't like "That's What I Am" and since the singer selection had a high potential to lead to a novelty type song, this is much better than anyone could have hoped for. Not only is it one of the best songs this year, it's one of the best imitation Bond themes I've ever heard. It has all the intrigue and passion of "Skyfall." It's seriously, beautifully sung. Toss in a little gender subversion and you have one unforgettable song.
Best Part: "You were warned/once I'm transformed/once I'm reborn" and especially how each time this line is sung, it's performed differently
Rating: 5/5

1. Italy
Emma - "La mia città"Reaction: This is the coolest, catchiest rock song in the contest with the coolest, catchiest chorus. Despite the bittersweet lyrics, its also the most fun. Emma's Pink-like voice makes you want to go to Rome.
Best Part: "Voglio tutto/Voglio te…voglio te, voglio te"
Rating: 5/5