Eurovision 2019 Song Ranking Part 6

15. Switzerland

Luca Hänni - “She Got Me”

This song wants to be Despacito 2 but is actually Despacito Junior. The Latin American influence is hard to take seriously. For a song allegedy about “dirty dancing” the lyrics are remarkably tame, and few for that matter. There’s nothing sexy about “when she go low/she go so low” and “getting rowdy rowdy.” As with those examples, there is too much repetition in the lyrics, and for that number of syllables the writers missed the opportunity for some more vibrant imagery, showing not telling said dirty dancing. The melody is super catchy and it’s well produced, which is why it’s this high, but every time I listen to this song I wish I was listening to Despacito. This song has no mature eros and just makes me feel old.

14. Poland

Tulia - “Fire of Love (Pali sie)”

Their vocal style may be an aquired taste, but I think their dark intensity loops back around to being charming. This is the closest thing we have to a rock song this year and I love that it’s by female vocalists in such an unusual style. The combination of traditional folk vocals with alternative rock is genius. Side note, their cover of Enjoy the Silence is amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PqleeOdXGo.

13. Sweden

John Lundvik - “Too Late for Love”

The rare Swedish entry that is better live than recorded, the live version has a magical warmth that the overproduced and autotuned ecorded version lacks. This is yet another easy walk into the top 5 for Sweden, but instead of neo-schlager or generic Spotify, it’s a gospel-tinged love song. And that ending! The buildup and charisma leaves you answering, “no it’s not.”

12. Croatia

Roko - “The Dream”

Maybe it’s country bias or bad taste but I love this song. I loved “My Friend” and while this doesn’t hit those ridiculous heights it’s a dramatic balkan ballad with an angelic voice. Even the cheesy lyrics (“I have a dream/A dream as beautiful as it is extreme”) are amusing, although the Croatian part is better.

11. Malta

Michela - “Chameleon”

Fresh, youthful radio pop from a country who doesn’t usually bring it. This tropical pop song is the best Maltese song in a really long time. It’s surprising what they can do when they go internal for song quality. The only downside is the drop after the chorus and in the bridge loses just a little too much steam, but it makes up for it by the last chorus.