Don't Deny

The bottom half of my top 10 Eurovision songs this year. Rehearsals start tomorrow, and it's always interesting to see when underestimated songs rise (like a phoenix) to the top and overhyped songs fall flat.

10. Armenia

Geneology - “Face the Shadow”
Reaction: Yes, it's very theatrical, and the for-the-contest group don't all blend together well, especially when comparing solos. By the second chorus when the group is singing together, it's a powerful show of emotion. The subtext is barely hidden, and the lyrical content is nothing short of gutsy, which reached a perfect height with the song's previous title, “Don't Deny.” Also, they get bonus points for including among the six members a J-pop performer who did a Gundam theme.

Best Part: Last chorus

Rating: 4/5

9. Georgia

Nina Sublatti - “Warrior”

Reaction: This song has the most colorful use of SAT words in the contest, though the grammar wouldn't earn a passing grade. The melody is simple, but the driving beat and full production make this cool. So cool that the chorus has an air of “Frozen” about it (now that we have to clarify, Madonna not Disney).

Best Part: “Fighter/oximated”

Rating: 4/5

8. Ireland

Molly Sterling - “Playing With Numbers”

Reaction: This is high-level teenage poetry, with complex imagery and all the overanalysis of doubt. This piano ballad is deeper and more sincere than many of Ireland's recent entries.

Best Part: “I made the mess in your vision/and I see debt to be paid”

Rating: 4/5

7. Latvia

Aminata - “Love Injected”

Reaction: This slow jam is fairly avant-garde for Eurovision, but despite that it's pretty catchy. Even if this somehow doesn't come across well on the Eurovision stage, it would be great as the background at your favorite hip clothing store/restaurant/bar/party.

Best Part: Chorus

Rating: 4/5

6. Italy

Il Volo - “Grande Amore”

Reaction: This is popera at its most polished and calculated. Il Volo looks and sounds like a trio of Italian boys who are going to love you then break your heart. Where some others have failed (Latvia 2007 and France 2011), this succeeds. The delivery is believable, and the composition is crafted to play with your emotions.

Best Part: Ending

Rating: 4/5