A Silent Exit

This week's post is late because of other commitments, but what a week it was! For the first time in ages, a song got disqualified this close to the actual show. Coincidentally, it's in this week's segment of the rankings.

15. Sweden
Frans - "If I Were Sorry"

Reaction: This is one the most interesting songs this year lyrically. The music is understated and almost minimal, but the lyrics paint an evocative image. It wasn't close to my favorite song in Melodifestivalen, but it's still stronger than most songs this year.

Best Part: "I’d hold my breath until my face turned blue/I’d rob a bank and the post office too"
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5aBpV3v9Ao
Rating: 4/5

14. Norway
Agnete - "Icebreaker"
Reaction: The verses are appropriately cool like ice, and the tempo change in the chorus hits hard like the titular icebreaker.  
Best Part: "Every single promise that you ever made/Spinning in my mind like a hurricane/Baby yes I hear your mayday"
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1tVJBFo9m4
Rating: 4/5

13. Australia
Dami Im - "Sound of Silence"
Reaction: Two years in, Australia's efforts keep putting their Commonwealth parent to shame. This is a real, polished song with a big chorus and a passionate delivery. The only downside is the title is taken from an iconic song/
Best Part: Getting away with mentioning FaceTime in the lyrics.   
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0irYEKTnP7g
Rating: 4/5

12. Hungary
Freddie - "Pioneer"
Reaction: Someone online described this as a musical self help book, and that's a not inaccurate description. This song has a unique way of giving a "be yourself/believe in yourself" message and has a really catchy chorus.
Best Part: The "oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh" in the chorus 
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOOgwkx8M_U finally a real one!
Rating: 4/5

11. Romania
Ovidiu Anton - "Moment of Silence"
Reaction: I really love this song, so I was heartbroken to see it get disqualified. This is a wonderfully theatrical rock song that is harder than the typical Eurovision fare, refreshing though it's not exactly "current."
Best Part: Bridge
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSctyyx4EsQ
Rating: 4/5