Eurovision 2018 Song Ranking Part 5

20. Poland
Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer- “Light Me Up”
This sounds like the kind of poppy EDM that would have been huge a few years ago, and is already feeling a little dated in the real world but is still feeling fresh in Eurovision land. The simple melody is the background to the chillest summer party, maybe a barbecue or beach, a mental escape from the cares of the rest of the year.

19. Czech Republic
Mikolas Josef - “Lie To Me”
When thinking of the Czech Republic’s potential in Eurovision before this year, nobody could have thought they would produce and send something like this. “Lie to Me” is easily their best entry ever, a complete polished package. The trumpet riff calls to mind “Talk Dirty To Me,” and boy does he. Even in the revised version this song is filthy, but in a humorous, charismatic, and creative way. The “Tutti Frutti” reference seems appropriate to the and the “Lose Yourself” reference (who else rhymes heavy, already, and spaghetti in sequence?) is quickly becoming memetic.

18. Portugal
Claudia Pascoal - “O Jardim”
This song just sneaks up on you to take yo to another place. It’s about loss but has a very subdued, almost calming feel, especially with the beat in the chorus. During the second chorus, the songwriter Isaura joins in to do backing vocals, creating a sublime harmony.

17.Netherlands
Waylon - “Outlaw in ‘Em”
What kind of outlaw is Waylon, he’s Dutch! The Netherlands don’t have diamondbacks and is typically thought of in the US as liberal and full of legal vices, so where is the room to be an outlaw? No matter its actual authenticity, the singer believes in it. The lyrics are full of country cliché imagery with an unusual message for a song in this contest. Everyone’s a star, everyone’s a hero….no, today for once, everyone’s a rebel, which is not a bad sentiment if you need a different kick in the pants. A song to have a beer to.

16. Australia
Jessica Mauboy - “We Got Love”
The tipster who said this song was a banger was sorely mistaken on the definition of the word, but this song is still anthemic and uplifting. It really wants to be an anthem, dearly departed hashtag and all, and it could very well have life after the contest with that. This is how you do slick, catchy pop, and Australia hasn't had a miss yet.