Eurovision 2017 Song Ranking Part 2: What Timing

This week has probably been the most dramatic weeks in Eurovision in a long time, if not of all time. I don't need to say what it is, it's actual international news and will be in the history books. The resolution might not even come next week, but no matter the result my ranking still stands.

35. Malta 
Claudia Faniello – “Breathlessly” 
Reaction: This ballad sounds lovely in a saccharine way, but this year is thick with ballads and it doesn’t quite stand out as much as the others. I am so happy to Claudia make it to Eurovision but I wish it was one of her others – remember Caravaggio?
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2AawKNyxvc 
Rating: 2/5

34. Austria 
Nathan Trent – “Running On Air” 
Reaction: This isn’t really my thing, but you have to have one of these in the contest, this chillout Jason Mraz-type of song. This could be this year’s equivalent to Douwe Bob, that his song last year was much better. It’s chill but close to bland.
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtWbVn5mPVI 
Rating: 2/5

33. Romania 
Ilinca ft. Alex Florea – “Yodel It!” 
Reaction: I’m sorry – I can’t deal with the yodeling and I am no fun. In this year, it’s the closest thing to a novelty song, despite being by a serious yodeler. This song runs all over the place and is messy in the bridge. At least the yodeling is unique and a bit daring, and it will at least be memorable on stage in May.
Related Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgm5dBhTzS8
Rating: 3/5

32. Czech Republic 
Martina Bárta – “My Turn” 
Reaction: This jazzy chilled-out song is sweet and romantic. Martina’s unique voice adds a different dimension to this song. It doesn’t stand out very much, and seems destined to stay in the semifinals, but it’s nice while it lasts.
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmcZuK4mK4
Rating: 3/5

31. Russia 
Julia Samoylova – “Flame Is Burning” 
Reaction: Russia sure isn’t going to win any good sportsmanship awards this year. After this week, who knows if this song and this singer and this broadcaster will be participating in May. This song is simple but very recognizably Russian. It has an intensely catchy chorus and a nice use of acoustic instruments. The verses are a little less memorable, the is awkward and misses its potential, and the vocals seem muddled. It’s similar to “What If” and “Shine”, less saccharine but both but also less polished and ultimately less good.
Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-02YmqvoKk
Rating: 3/5