We Are All Made of Stars

It's finally April, so there's only 5 more weeks until Eurovision. It's time for preview parties, fan videos, and of course more overanalysis like the below.

30. Switzerland

Rykka - “The Last of Our Kind”

Reaction: This actually has a really catchy melody, and would be much higher with more polish. However, as it is it's not polished and pretty weak.

Best Part: “Not afraid of our own ghosts”

Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNR6lrRyFD0

Rating: 3/5

29. Israel

Hovi Star - “Made of Stars”

Reaction: The original version of this song wasn't bad, although charmingly underproduced. It's jarring to hear the same words but an entirely different melody. Despite that, it's a lovely orchestral ballad.

Best Part: “You ride a black horse in the rain” 

Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caNe3flrZ8c

Rating: 3/5

28. Czech Republic

Gabriela Gunčíková - “I Stand”

Reaction: This is such a non-song, but it's fantastically performed and produced. The chorus is an incomplete statement, but who cares when it's a compelling power ballad. The video is definitely part of the hype (ironically, Gabriela is lying down for most of the video).

Best Part: Bridge

Related Video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L2imZRo6NY it's the official music video, but look at the visuals! Projections!

Rating: 3/5

27. Cyprus

Minus One - “Alter Ego”

Reaction: This is a Thomas G:Son song and it sounds like it. It has that combination of hard rock and big pop/schlager choruses that is always appreciated in Nordic preselections, but now from Cyprus.

Best Part: “Howling for you-ou-ou-ou-ou”

Related Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S0RPhuFSo0 first proper AMV found of the season, woohoo!

Rating: 3/5

26. Italy

Francesca Michelin - “No Degree of Separation”

Reaction: Very Italian, but not as accessible as last year's super-Italian song. It has a sleepiness that you can only get away with if you understand the lyrics, and the English part is a little awkward.

Best Part: “Siamo una sola direzione in questo universo che si muove”

Related Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cp_Ax1Dqlg

Rating: 3/5