Until yesterday, I did not have a YT account but I decided to create one for one reason only. I wanted to post the following: Thank you, Rachel, for your fantastic channel. I immensely enjoy your content, which is quite singular in the universe of ESC YTers ... You are always polite and respectful towards all artists and songs, and you actually know what you are talking about with regards to music. Thank you and keep up the excellent work.
Couldn’t agree more! You give your honest opinion on all the countries songs as a fan of the ESC and yet simultaneously give your musical insight and knowledge! For that I thank you!! Also Loved what you said about the monetisation of your videos and mentioning the issue of songwriters being underpaid! Thanks for reiterating that!! ❤
Wow! This was so interesting to listen to since you really find such unique details in each of the songs. It is actually because of your analysis on Cha cha cha, that I noticed the powerful electric guitars in the melody and fell in love with the song even more. Also we share 6 songs in our top 10, Finland (my own country), Serbia, Slovenia, Latvia, Austria & Czechia. 💕 Thank you so much for supporting Käärijä. You summed it up perfectly; his song is just full of life and happiness. And he as a person is such a sunshine as well. Can't wait for Liverpool 💕🥰
Got here because your channel got mentioned in a comment of a recent esc video. XD Shoutout to that guy. And I gotta say, really love the insight you give plus even if I ranked some of the songs higher or lower I still enjoyed listening to your opinion and understand why you placed them like this Glad I found your channel ❤
wooo loving the latvia appreciation ??? it started off in my top 15 and now its firmly sitting at 4th place just like you !! such a beautiful song . amazing commentary and analysis from you as always, thank you sm for this !!!
our top 3 are exactly the same! i agree so completely with what you said about each one too. it's the most bizarre thing but the number one song is so healing for my mental wellness and I'm so glad that so many people feel the same.
If Blanca and Vesna make you cry, yours’ and so many others’ appreciation towards Käärijä makes us Finns cry of joy. Thank you so much! Speaking about mental health. Käärijä himself has had his share of that as well. He had first severe health issues and then the covid outbreak almost crushed him mentally. He’s been talking about this openly in Finnish interviews. When he got back to his feet, he wrote this song with his producers with idea to write something crazy and party, as he puts it himself. It helped him and I’m sure he is so happy if he’s managed to bring joy to life of someone who’s been struggling. 💚 So happy for him and again for you Rachel that you have managed to climb out from deepest hole. Wish you well! ❤
@@ThePeaceAround He had the stoma when he was 19 years old, almost 10 years ago. He had his colon removed because of colitis ulcerosa and he literally escaped death. In the beginning of pandemic he lost all his gigs and his relationship ended too, he said that he hit the rock bottom then and was mentally in the dark. But lucky for us he has come back from the darkness. And he deserves all the good things happening to him. ❤
Here are my top 5 from Spain. 1- Spain ( It's the first time I really love an entry from my own country, and I also love flamenco). 2- Australia ( I just love it, and I think it's very underrated) 3- Austria (very cool song, original, excelent live performance) 4- Serbia (Not usually my type of music, but I can admire its quality and originality. 5- France (very french and stylish )
Wished there were more voters like you because in the final result this whole top 5 ended in teh second half I think? As every year I'm disappointed in the results ...
@@ThaGamingMisfit Yes. All of them except Australia actually. I would not change this in any way after the show. I think this is a corrupt contest, and I will never watch it again.
Thank you! So stunned you appreciate our adorable Green Boi 💚🇫🇮💘! Someone described Cha Cha Cha as a post-pandemic song. 2. Latvia 🇱🇻 Aijã is a gem. 3. Austria 🇦🇹 Who the hell is Edgar is brilliant. 4. Spain 🇪🇸EAEA - Pure art. 5. France 🇨🇵 Evidemment - Classy. So French. The order of the other songs changing every day. 😁🎶
I really hope that the juries understand the musical aspects of Cha Cha Cha, because it has some interesting musical ideas in there. One of the best compositions of the year - sometimes it's all about likability, meaning and charm, and less about vocal prowess. I hope juries take that into account
Brilliant video, as ever! SO happy Latvia is up there in your estimation. They are so talented and modest - but have performed it flawlessly at all the pre parties, which hopefully means they'll make the final :) And Finland, yeah.. wild and joyous. If it doesn't win I'll be a m a z e d .... :)
Honestly the best critic I’ve seen about ESC. Not that I agree with every single position, but the way you explain, with music theory and reasoning everything, it is just so good. Thank you!
Our top 5 is exactly the same but in different order 🥰 it specially made me so happy to see Australia there (such an underrated song) and also my country Spain in second position, thank you so so much! 🥲❤️
Rachel idk what it is but when you talk about music I can listen forever, I would never be able to watch a 45 minute ranking the songs from anyone else. I would definitely be interested in you talking about other songs and albums you like, after Eurovision is done of course!
You videos are really good, it's a pleasure to listen to your voice. And you explain well. Thanks! By top 5 is Finland, Austria, Armenia, UK and France. But to be honest Käärijä is quite ahead of the others. He is such an adorable person.
I am only at Blanka Solo but had to pause this video to write a comment with praise how good quality this analysis is. Wonderful job Rachel! Love from Serbia
We have the same winner🥳 Netherlands and Austria are my 2nd and 3rd. I've been following all your reaction videos this season and you're doing a great job Rachel! I really enjoy listening to your comments as a musician. I don't know if you've followed the Estonian national selection, Eesti Laul, but I think you'd enjoy it, it's often filled with great alternative pop. Just an idea for next season😀
Excellent video! It was very well thought out, and your explanations for each songs were clear and respectful. I also very much you appreciated the 5/4 / 6/4 time of Latvia. That song is simply stunning to me and it alternates between #1 and #2. I share 6 songs with you in my Top 10! It would have been 7, but I just moved Australia to number 11 this week from #10. Thank you for making this video!
Thank you Rachel for this incredibly detailed, professional, honest analysis and so interesting to hear you explain all the different layers in a song. You are great! I understand what you mean about the joy factor. I love Blanca Paloma song but I am with you..we want some joy in our life, some cha cha cha 😀💃🏻❤
Lovely to watch your video and ear all your thoughts, they are all very well based and professionally founded... I agree with it all... and yet, it comes down to personal tastes.. ☺ We're surely not so far..😉 In no exact order, I would have Finland, Spain, France, Armenia, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia and Serbia (on top 10 for sure) and well.. after that I'd have Latvia, Germany, Italy, Moldova and Czechia as next front runners.. but I must see them in Liverpool first to decide 😅 🤩👍 Thanks for the very careful work and dedication, as well as your sobriety, respect and friendliness towards the artists as well as the people of the countries participating!😉
I like your ranking a lot and really appreciate your insightful analysis (as always) 😊 Even though I don't necessarily agree with everything, e. g. Let 3 are way higher up in my ranking (I actually love listening to it 😁) and Piqued Jacks are at the very bottom, we basically have the same songs in our top 10 (except for 1), just in a slightly different order. That being said: "This is the order I've got today" (around 41:13) - I can relate to this so much because for me it constantly changes, too (there're some really good songs this year) lol So TODAY I just go with yours, but small changes; my top 15 (this got longer than I intended, oops 🙈😃): 15. GEO - Iru (Would be higher in my ranking if it was less repetitive and if the lyrics made more sense; love it instrumentally) 14. CRO - Let 3 (It's hard for me to rank this, but - as mentioned - I actually listen to it a lot and I love the chaos of it 😵💫😃) 13. FRA - La Zarra (I listened to the acoustic version yesterday and liked it way more) 12. ARM - Brunette (Everytime I listen to this I'm waiting for the rap part - and it's always taking a bit too long; I don't quite understand the hype about it, tbh; might like it more if she sang more in Armenian) 11. NOR - Alessandra (This used to be in my top 5, but I think I've listened to it too much or Idk; I feel like she gets tired really fast during a performance and that high note is very dangerous 😅) 10. CZE - Vesna (It used to be in my top 5, but it's not quite anymore, mostly because their live perfomances - so far - have been a bit of a let down for me; if they can improve that, it could have a really good outcome) 9. SWE - Loreen (I totally agree with what you said about this in your reaction video; it's really good, but just not quite doing it for me to be a winner, mostly bc. of the chorus) 8. AUT - Teya & Salena (I like everything about this, slightly bordering on too repetitive, but at least those lyrics make sense - which is no guarantee 🤭😉Hopefully, they do something about the 'oh mio padre' part in their live performance, maybe some supportive back vocals, because that doesn't work too well, imo) 7. SLO - Joker Out (Good vibes, good vocals; love me some Indie Pop/Rock) 6. SER - Luke Black (On some days this is a winner for me; I just love the dark synth and bass, and his vocals work really well with it, imo) 5. AUS - Voyager (Again, totally agree with what you said abou this; LOVE this instrumentally; the lyrics could be better, but I can close an eye and a half 😉😁😊 they will ROCK that stage 🤘) 4. LAT - Sudden Lights (I LOVE that you seem to love them as much as I do, or at least this song of them 😊slightly worried this won't qualify, which would be a bummer, but hey, they will be there after the ESC 😊) 3. POR - Mimicat (I enjoy this so much! And she can sing!) 2. ESP - Blanca Paloma (I don't actually listen to the audio version a lot, but her voice and her performance - it's just stunning) 1. FIN - Käärijä (Not always my winner, but today it is 😊sometimes it takes too long for me until the last part of 'cha cha cha' comes on, when he sings - and that's not always his strongest part, imo - BUT: I can always dance to this! 💃)
I Love your top five! mine: 5. Joker out, 4: vesna, 3: voyager 2: sudden lights. 1: Finland! Oh Rachel I am also in the mood for happiness and dance, I broke my ankle in top of other things, second intervention next week, after that rehabilitation and hopefully I will be able to dance like crazy in the final with cha cha cha !!! Love your reviews . Thanks again!!!❤
heyy loved to hear your thougths, i think you said something really important in your top3, at the end music is about emotions and can be constatnly changing the feeling you have depends on our context our mod and if you feel more deeply right now the energy and good vibes of the cha cha cha thats perfect :D also you looked beautiful, bb take care lets enjoy eurovision this year im loving it good quality songs this year
Everything you said made so much sense and I absolutely love your top. I don't make tops for myself but my favourites this year are Finland, Latvia and France. I also love Slovenia very much and besides that, my honourable mention will go to Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland and Azerbaijan. If I had a top, it would surely be a quite messy one 😂.
My current top 3: 3. Portugal. I just love her energy. 2. Spain. The only entry that gives me goosebumps. 1. Austria. I’m obsessed with it from the very first time I listened to it. I really hope the staging matches the quality of the song.
I agree with the top 2 for sure. Spain is the best technically and Finland the most catchy and fun. Plus kaarija is hysterical. I follow him and his dodgy English and comedy are Keith lemon and pure. You look happier at the moment and as fresh as a clearasil advert. Lots of love and fantastic reactions as usual. I love you and Tom as reactors and you’ll always be the best every year. Hug
we have the same top 2 but i cannot decide between Blanca Paloma and Käärijä. either one can win and i would NOT mind. 😊 thank you for sharing this list.
I just discovered you :) Thank you for making this video and explaining every song so well. And thank you for putting Slovenia so high. I love Czechia and Finland...but I agree...I want a happy song to win.
I'm currently in the process of updating my top 37 of the year. We don't seem to have too many differences of opinion; Denmark is perhaps the most notable but I do agree with pretty much everything you said anyway. What a smashing top two, and we have the same winner.
I haven't ranked them all, but here's my Top 5: 1. Czechia - if you haven't listened to any of Vesna's other music, I encourage you to do so 2. Spain - a great fusion of flamenco and more modern sounds 3. Italy - there are a million Italian ballads that sound exactly like this; I love them all 4. Armenia - gave it a re-listen at some point and it got stuck in my head 5. France - like Spain's entry, a great fusion of the traditional and the modern I also like the Netherlands (although I agree there's a mismatch in vocal ability) and Latvia (although the video made more of an impression on me than the live version)
Thanks for your deep analyse of every single song this year. Love the feelings you spread. Im probably not being objective because Im spanish, but if Blanca is not winning, Finland is my winner too. Hugs!
First of all: thank you for your videos! It’s really nice to have explained to me as a non-music person, why certain pieces of music work and how. Of course, I only understand half of what you’re saying, but still: I love it. And I’m so happy, that you are in a good place at the moment with your mental health. Coming to my top 37 list, I have to say that this year seems to be very strong and there are very few songs I don’t like and none that I hate (like the U.K.’s entry last year). But Romania and Poland are, together with Armenia, at the bottom of my list, somebody has to be. Czechia has gone down for me because I don’t have seen any evidence that it works live. The video seems to be such a big part of its impact and their vocals live don’t to live up to what they show in the video - so they are struggling to even make my top 10. Finland is also my number one, which is odd, because I hated it at the first listening. Now I can’t get enough of it. And, even though all the songs are calculated, it doesn’t feel as calculated as Sweden for example which seems more like an exercise in or trying to be a masterclass in how to win Eurovision. Which really puts me off. Closely behind Finland on my list you would find Austria, Spain, France and Portugal. Austria and Portugal are really fun, Spain is such a wonderful piece of art and France just oozes class and sophistication and has a really good beat. Well. Really looking forward to Eurovision and to more of your content! Thank you.
Amazing reviews, I really enjoyed your detailed comments :) Also love that you have my top 3 in your top 5 (Latvia, Australia and Spain), these 3 are 10/10 songs for me this year and thanks so much for giving them a deserving high placement ❤️
Incredible analysis. My favs are Spain, Slovenia, Slovenia, Italy, Finland and Czechia. I've heard each one so many times. I don't know which one I would like to be the winner.
As others have said, I think you should monetise your videos. Otherwise RUclips itself just takes the ad revenue of your videos. Unlike some other Eurovision RUclipsrs who contribute nothing constructive, your videos are very interesting. 😃You can explain musical terms so that us non-musicians can understand them. You make us discover things in the music that we would miss otherwise. Several other Eurovision RUclipsrs just sit and mug for the camera and fake their uninformative reactions. Your videos actually bring lots of useful information to the Eurovision community. 🙂 You have every right to monetise your content. 😊
(Rachel,- Did you see the amazing "A little bit more" ESC acoustic concert? Serbia is insane with violin and interesting notes! Link down below) My list has changed as I take the pre parties into consideration quite a lot (Czechia fell from number one down to ten, UK and Netherlands fell a lot bc of vocals etc). My tied number 1: Flawless, haunting, experimental Armenia & Spain, 3: Latvia 4: Sweden 5: Finland 6: Serbia 7: France 8: Slovenia 9: Australia 10: Czechia 11: Switzerland 12: Austria 13: Malta 14: Estonia 15: UK/Italy/Moldova (Can't decide). I want Czechia up in my top 3 but VESNA presents on stage like a "rockin' girl group" which kills the mysterious vibe from the music video. My own country, Norway, I don't like at all and she's not doing very well in pre parties. /"A little bit more" - Luke Black starts at 13:30. I would say, to me, almost all the acts sound better than the originals: ruclips.net/video/lClGlKXoGaI/видео.html
My current top 37 with my scoring (i focus more on studio version than live performance) 1. Spain (10/10) - This song is more than song, this is something special for me 2. Czechia (9.5/10) - I love studio version but I'm little bit worried about live performance 3. Slovenia (9.5/10) - I’m soo hapy that this song is in native language 4. Latvia (9.5/10) - I love this song,I hope they will qualify from Semi-Final 5. Serbia (9.5/10) - This song is captivating, addictive, original I love this song 6. Finland (9/10) - „He's an icon, he's a legend, and he is the moment” 7. United Kingdom (8.5/10) - It's good pop song and I prefer this year entry than last year 8. Albania (8.5/10) - I will always apreciate songs in native language and with ethnic sound 9. Moldova (8.5/10) - I just love ethnic vibes in this song 10. Austria (8.5/10) - The lyrics are smart and funny and Teya and Salena have really good voices 11. Portugal (8/10) - I love that Portugal sends songs in their native language 12. Australia (8/10) - I love this kind of heavier sounds 13. Malta (7.5/10) - I don't understand why fandom didn't like this song 14. Armenia (7.5/10) - At first listening i didn't understand hype over this song but now after few listenings i like it a lot especially the part in armenian 15. Croatia (7.5/10) - This song gets to me as a Pole, for me this song more representing my country than Blanka 16. Sweden (7.5/10) - When i heard how everybody say Loreen will win eurovision this year i really expected something as good as Euphoria or Statements but sadly Tattoo isn't good as her previous songs. It's still good song and staging is really something but this song is soo overrated 17. Norway (7.5/10) - I love this song, but I've listened to it so many times that I'm starting to get a little bored with this song 18. Israel (7.5/10) - In this song there are parts which i love and parts which i don't like 19. Netherlands - (7/10) - Good song 20. Georgia (7/10) - Great voice and this song seems little bit different and i like this 21. Italy (7/10) - Typical Italy 23. Ukraine (7/10) - I appreciate that Ukraine always send something different. Slava Ukraini 24. France (6.5/10) - It's a good song that everyone loves but I can't. I don't know why, but I feel like this song shows how the world sees France, not how it really is. No real emotions in this song, for me is product 24. Denmark (6.5/10) - I don’t know why fandom hate this 25. Belgium (6.5/10) - It's okay 26. Iceland (6.5/10) - I love her voice and I like verses but the chorus hasn't much power 27. Estonia (6/10) - This song is good, but it lacks emotion 28. Azerbaijan (6/10) - This song has something appealing to me 29. Lithuania (6/10) - Monika got beautiful voice 30. Cyprus (5/10) - This song is a little bit repetitive for me 31. Romania (4/10) - The big plus about this song is that it's in Romanian and he got good vocal 32. Greece (4/10) - He has a nice voice 33. San Marino (4/10) - "I can smell you like an animal" What? This lyrics are not good 34. Germany (3/10) - Usually i like heavier sounds but this song isn't for me 35. Switzerland - (2/10) - Again Switzerland send sad song sung by male vocal 36. Ireland (2/10) - I agree with everything you said about this song 37. Poland (0/10) - I'm from Poland and this song don't represent my country. Blanka is representing TVP
Your comments are 💯 based, detailed and very competent. Really put yr heart into it, respect Also, your eyes look so nice I actually thought "oh it must be a filter" 🙈😂 Instagram damaged us all I guess
Käärijä said that he would like to do a duet with Austria, when he was asked about it on Wiwiblogg's interview live stream yesterday. I wonder what that collaboration would look like. 😄
So happy that Germany sends these guys and happy to have modestly contributed to it. Hope they get a decent possition and force the ADF to broad the national selection.
🇵🇱 my 🇵🇱 current TOP 37 but this of course may change till semis and final, we still have a month :') #1 Armenia Brunette - Future Lover 9,5/10 #2 Latvia Sudden Lights - Aijā 9/10 #3 Australia Voyager - Promise 8,5/10 #4 Switzerland Remo Forrer - Watergun 8,5/10 #5 Italy Marco Mengoni - Due Vite 8,5/10 #6 Estonia Alika - Bridges 8,5/10 #7 Spain Blanca Paloma - Eaea 8,5/10 #8 France La Zarra - Évidemment 8,5/10 #9 Lithuania Monika Linkytė - Stay 8/10 #10 Czechia Vesna - My Sister's Crown 8/10 #11 Netherlands Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper - Burning Daylight 8/10 #12 Sweden Loreen - Tattoo 8/10 #13 Norway Alessandra - Queen Of Kings 7,5/10 #14 Israel Noa Kirel - Unicorn 7,5/10 #15 Germany Lord Of The Lost - Blood & Glitter 7,5/10 #16 United Kingdom Mae Muller - I Wrote A Song 7,5/10 #17 Georgia Iru - Echo 7/10 #18 Ukraine TVORCHI - Heart Of Steel 7/10 #19 Serbia Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava 7/10 #20 Moldova Pasha Parfeny - Soarele și Luna 7/10 #21 Iceland Diljá - Power 7/10 #22 Cyprus Andrew Lambrou - Break A Broken Heart 6,5/10 #23 Finland Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha 6,5/10 #24 Portugal Mimicat - Ai Coração 6,5/10 #25 Malta The Busker - Dance (Our Own Party) 6,5/10 #26 Ireland Wild Youth - We Are One 6,5/10 #27 Austria Teya & Salena - Who The Hell Is Edgar? 6,5/10 #28 Albania Albina & Familja Kelmendi - Duje 6,5/10 #29 Slovenia Joker Out - Carpe Diem 6/10 #30 Poland Blanka - Solo 6/10 #31 Romania Theodor Andrei - D.G.T. (Off And On) 6/10 #32 Greece Victor Vernicos - What They Say 6/10 #33 Belgium Gustaph - Because Of You 5,5/10 #34 Azerbaijan TuralTuranX - Tell Me More 5,5/10 #35 San Marino Piqued Jacks - Like An Animal 5,5/10 #36 Denmark Reiley - Breaking My Heart 5,5/10 #37 Croatia Let 3 - Mama ŠČ! 3/10
Great top! I was very excited to see that Austria grew on you after your reaction, I was hoping it would. I won't share my entire top 37 (that's on my own channel hehe) but my favourites this year are Spain, Austria, Norway, Latvia, Moldova, Finland, Serbia, Australia, France and Czechia.
Thanks for sharing your top 37 with us Rachel. I’m not sure whether Theodor Andrei revamp is a true revamp because sometimes on RUclips it’s hard to be sure who has posted what. But I hope it isn’t the revamp because I prefer the original one. It’s a shame more people don’t like Ireland. It’s a catchy song even though I realise that it may seem a bit cheesy for a 2023 audience. I even have it as my number 8 but think I may have to put it down a bit because I might have been a bit too generous toward it. On May 9th I’ll be there waving my Irish flag and wearing my glitter mask😂
Thanks for your list and analysis. It's been interesting to follow your journey through these songs and see how you score them. There's a lot here I agree with and something I disagree with, just like it should be I guess. I've made own top 37 list as well. So here it is: 1.Norway - It's made for the big league. Strong, powerful and vibrant. 2.Czechia - I liked it a lot since hearing it for the first. I agree that the chorus is the strong part of the song. I hope they nail it in Liverpool. 3.UK - Very hard to dislike this song. Very catchy and memorable. Just slightly worried about her live vocals. 4.Georgia - Such an interesting and modern approach to a song that actually has a lot of folk'y elements to it. It's got the atmosphere of an entire planet. 5.Spain - A very striking and emotional song that never lets you off the hook. 6.Finland - What is not so much talked about this song is that's kind of split in two as well. The hardcore Cha Cha part and the jolly dancing part. Such a weird, but fun song. Totally Koskenkorva meets Chardonnay. 7.France - It's so french and solid, and impossible to dislike. Her voice is among the strongest this year. 8.Australia - I hate the style in this one, but the actual song is too good to pass up, so it ends up this high. Very strong composition 9.Latvia - Fantastic melody and overall feel. Not sure I understand the drum machine intro though. 10.Sweden - It's super professional and everything you can expect from Sweden. The synth lines in the pre chorus is my favourite part of this song. It might be a bit overrated though. 11.Israel - You nailed it when you said she holds the song together. It's so fragmented and weird, but the ending is what keeps me entertained every time I listen to it, plus the hebrew parts. 12.Austria - I'm still a little bit on the fence about this one. I like it and I think it will do well, but I don't I've totally bought into it yet. But it's a fun and infectious listen. 13.Switzerland - This one's grown on me big time. I first thought it was dull and contrite, then I noticed his voice and melody of the song and realised they're both quite strong. 14. Poland - Yeah I know, everyone hates it, but I can't. It's a nice melody and chord structure and I find it quite enjoyable. 15.Serbia - I liked this better right away then I do now. I'm starting to find it a little static and monotonous. I think I got a little carried by the goth synths at first. Still quite decent. 16.Cyprus - The chorus is where this is at for me. Strong voice and quite enjoyable melody. 17.Estonia - This has grown on me. At first I felt like being at the exam of a music academy, but the parts are starting to come together a little bit. 18.Croatia - The second part of this song is what puts it up this high for me. The dynamics between the absolutely stale and nonsensical first part and the somewhat catchy second part gives me a little bit of a boost every time I listen to it. 19.Ukraine - I actually saw this performed live in february. It's kind of flat, but the progressions and gothic synths makes it interesting enough. It's kind of moody. 20.Portugal - I like it better now than I did right away, but the cabaret element is a little disturbing for me. Yet there's some Andalucian progressions and it has a very southern feel which is cool in its own right. 21.Germany - I can't make up my mind on this one. Is it a boomer metal song or a catchy bopper with chains and blood. I think it's decent but not a winner. 22.Azerbaijan - I think I've heard this song in different versions each decade since the sixties. It's not very challenging and it lack identity but its hard to hate also. 23.Armenia - It's got some nice elements here and there, and the main melody in the verse is pretty, but this lacks coherence and is too all over the place for me. Feels like a song made by committee. 24.Albania - Ultra conservative balkan folk song that doesn't challenge me in any way. I've heard the lyrics have a deeper meaning but this is just another folk number for me. Nice enough though. 25.Malta - The funky sax song has never been my cup of tea even though a lot of eurovision fans has a thing for this type of numbers. It's ok but nothing more. 26.Iceland - Yeah her voice is good and the verse is decent, but the chorus is more annoying than pleasant to listen to. 27.Moldova - First time I heard it I thought I would like it eventually. I'm still here. It's just too monotonous for me. Like a house beat with antlers and chanting that goes over and over and over. Meh. 28.Italy - Italy isn't as hyped up as it normally is, but the power of San Remo still looms large with this one. I don't understand it. I can hear his voice is great but that's it. 29.Lithuania - See Iceland. The verse is not as good though. 30.Greece - So forgettable 31.Slovenia - I think I'm the only one in the world who doesn't like this song. Disco rock isn't my cup of tea. The chorus is super annoying, the verse is ok. 32.San Marino - It's kind of cute actually. Sounds like a bunch of kids just started a band and came up with a song whose criteria was first and foremost to be a ...song. I don't hate it and I like it better now than I did at first, but it's still lacking in most departments. 33.The Netherlands - See Greece. Just even more forgettable. 34.Belgium - Duh. Gustaph has a nice energy on stage and a decent voice, but this is so not my cup of tea. 35.Ireland - We've reached the "background music when entering a bar at 5PM" stage. 36.Romania We've reached the "background music when entering a strip club at 5AM" staqe. 37.Denmark - Do I have to comment on this? I just don't like it.
The moment I saw your 3rd place I know what was going to the 1st. I'm so in love with all three but I'd probably rank them the same order you did. Käärijä is just such a ball of joy and give so much of his quirky personality through this well-crafted song that I just came alive and I can't help it - but I do need it. I do understand why some people don't like it, but it's so special and I love this unique style. I'm such a junky for it but I'll own that any day. There are some great songs, emotional ones but this is the one that's the kind that if I put it on at any time, will just make me happy and pick me up if I'm feeling down and deflated. It's just fun!
Love love love your comments!! A great discovery for a common person as me: put more solid arguments to "I like or I don´t like it". And a question for you Rachel. In Albania's comments, you referred to the flaws of this song specifically to the backing vocals. If they manage this, would the rating of this song change? How much do you think it would improve? Aww love this song but this is not for everyone. Again, great video! :D
Great video Rachel! Here’s my opinion (not ordered): Favourites 1. Czechia - the live performances worry me which may cause this to slip but judging from the music video this is my favourite entry this year. The message, the beat, the languages - perfect for Eurovision. The rap is so good too, the layout of the music video I love which gives it staging potential. 2. Spain - voice of the year! This represents Spain so well and is absolutely stunning, flawless live too 3. Finland - yes! Very positive and bop of the year, I absolutely love the transition half way through 4. Georgia - I know the lyrics are confusing but wow is this a masterpiece, traditional, modern etc and what a voice 5. Austria - such a fun bop with a message, genius! 6. Armenia - so unique, the chorus is a little underwhelming but the beginning, rap and Armenia section give me goosebumps 7. France - so French, I love it! I worry about it live a little but it’s a great bop Good Sweden - love Loreen but it’s a little overrated (sorry), I like the vibe of this song just feels a little overshadowed by the greater Euphoria and does lack a little uniqueness due to that Australia - Nice rock entry, not what I expected from Australia! Israel - a bit messy but a definite bop which should come alive on stage with the dance break Moldova - the traditional elements are amazing just a little repetitive Portugal - like this one, appreciate the Portuguese Albania - underrated entry of the year, in Albanian! Although I like the idea of her family it is a bit awkward Slovenia - really like this and the band but I’m worried it won’t fully stand out UK - not as good as last year and a little generic but a nice, exciting bop from us Serbia - like it’s uniqueness, not my usual cup of tea but appreciate it Ok Cyprus - ok entry, really all I feel about this, nice voice Ukraine - want to like this as the verses are cool, chorus is so dry though. Wish it was in Ukrainian with the flute Norway - feels forced to me too, been seen before, decent bop though Estonia - nice voice but just a little emotionless and dull Lithuania - it’s decent, nice voice just a little repetitive Italy - like this but it doesn’t feel too original considering it’s a typical Italian entry Netherlands - I like the last 30 seconds, but it is a little dull and depressing, but it is quite a nice listen at times Germany - like this but I wish it was less soft and the lyrics were tweaked Croatia - musically maybe not the best but entertaining and inventive Iceland - love her but wish there was so Icelandic in this, it feels repetitive to me Don’t Like Belgium - there are some decent parts to this entry but it just feels dated Switzerland - to me this feels forced and I’m disappointed Switzerland continue to go for similar entries Malta - I just can’t get on with the vibe of this one, it cringes me a little although the saxophone is a nice add to it Greece - he’s clearly talented but the song is so bland Azerbaijan - generic also, kinda pleasant in parts (although don’t like rap) but doesn’t do anything for me Poland - generic and her vocals aren’t great Latvia - unpopular opinion but I find this very dull Ireland - soooooo generic, disappointed with Ireland Romania - staging was terrible so hopefully will be fixed, just don’t listen to this and have no desire to Denmark - really don’t like the effects on his voice, and doesn’t sound good live San Marino - really not a fan of the lyrics and singers voice, find it very uninspiring
We don't have exactly the same taste, but I looooove listening to you. I am soooo happy you see the beauty in Latvia! I love this song too. I hope so much they will go through! Finland is also on my first place and I am sooo happy people on the Internet also appreciate this song over Sweden :D I like Swedish song but I have exactly the same thoughts as you do. I have Moldova in my top 4, but I have to admit - it grew on me when I saw Pasha live on Warsaw pre-party. I also had a pleasure to meet Girls form Czechia - they were all super nice 💜 Anyways - this year is very exciting to me. I have soooo many songs that I like and listen to everyday! 💜
Until yesterday, I did not have a YT account but I decided to create one for one reason only. I wanted to post the following: Thank you, Rachel, for your fantastic channel. I immensely enjoy your content, which is quite singular in the universe of ESC YTers ... You are always polite and respectful towards all artists and songs, and you actually know what you are talking about with regards to music. Thank you and keep up the excellent work.
fully agree!
Couldn’t agree more! You give your honest opinion on all the countries songs as a fan of the ESC and yet simultaneously give your musical insight and knowledge! For that I thank you!! Also Loved what you said about the monetisation of your videos and mentioning the issue of songwriters being underpaid! Thanks for reiterating that!! ❤
True 👌
WOWWW! What an amazing comment - Thank *you* as well, it really means a lot to me seeing comments like this !
Wow! This was so interesting to listen to since you really find such unique details in each of the songs. It is actually because of your analysis on Cha cha cha, that I noticed the powerful electric guitars in the melody and fell in love with the song even more. Also we share 6 songs in our top 10, Finland (my own country), Serbia, Slovenia, Latvia, Austria & Czechia. 💕 Thank you so much for supporting Käärijä. You summed it up perfectly; his song is just full of life and happiness. And he as a person is such a sunshine as well. Can't wait for Liverpool 💕🥰
Aw! Glad to hear it - those electric guitars are so epic!😊
Got here because your channel got mentioned in a comment of a recent esc video. XD Shoutout to that guy.
And I gotta say, really love the insight you give plus even if I ranked some of the songs higher or lower I still enjoyed listening to your opinion and understand why you placed them like this
Glad I found your channel ❤
wooo loving the latvia appreciation ??? it started off in my top 15 and now its firmly sitting at 4th place just like you !! such a beautiful song . amazing commentary and analysis from you as always, thank you sm for this !!!
our top 3 are exactly the same! i agree so completely with what you said about each one too. it's the most bizarre thing but the number one song is so healing for my mental wellness and I'm so glad that so many people feel the same.
If Blanca and Vesna make you cry, yours’ and so many others’ appreciation towards Käärijä makes us Finns cry of joy. Thank you so much!
Speaking about mental health. Käärijä himself has had his share of that as well. He had first severe health issues and then the covid outbreak almost crushed him mentally. He’s been talking about this openly in Finnish interviews. When he got back to his feet, he wrote this song with his producers with idea to write something crazy and party, as he puts it himself. It helped him and I’m sure he is so happy if he’s managed to bring joy to life of someone who’s been struggling. 💚
So happy for him and again for you Rachel that you have managed to climb out from deepest hole. Wish you well! ❤
Yeah I was reading about how Käärijä had a temporary Stoma at one point during the pandemic. He's really overcome a lot and is such an inspiration
@@ThePeaceAround He had the stoma when he was 19 years old, almost 10 years ago. He had his colon removed because of colitis ulcerosa and he literally escaped death. In the beginning of pandemic he lost all his gigs and his relationship ended too, he said that he hit the rock bottom then and was mentally in the dark. But lucky for us he has come back from the darkness. And he deserves all the good things happening to him. ❤
Finland is the only song that I fully enjoy both in the studio version and in the live performance.
Both are incredibly iconic!
And the reggae version he did 😂 I saw it this morning it’s so funny
💚💃🏽thank you so much from 🇫🇮!
Here are my top 5 from Spain.
1- Spain ( It's the first time I really love an entry from my own country, and I also love flamenco).
2- Australia ( I just love it, and I think it's very underrated)
3- Austria (very cool song, original, excelent live performance)
4- Serbia (Not usually my type of music, but I can admire its quality and originality.
5- France (very french and stylish )
Absolutely love your top 5!
Armenia 🇦🇲 is win, Brunette,s song is masterpiece.
Wished there were more voters like you because in the final result this whole top 5 ended in teh second half I think? As every year I'm disappointed in the results ...
@@ThaGamingMisfit Yes. All of them except Australia actually. I would not change this in any way after the show. I think this is a corrupt contest, and I will never watch it again.
Thank you! So stunned you appreciate our adorable Green Boi 💚🇫🇮💘! Someone described Cha Cha Cha as a post-pandemic song.
2. Latvia 🇱🇻 Aijã is a gem.
3. Austria 🇦🇹 Who the hell is Edgar is brilliant.
4. Spain 🇪🇸EAEA - Pure art.
5. France 🇨🇵 Evidemment - Classy. So French.
The order of the other songs changing every day. 😁🎶
Si pudiera dar dos veces un like sin duda lo haría, la manera de comunicar y expresar tus pensamientos hacen disfrutar el contenido mucho más!
¡Muchas gracias!
We have the same top 2! And I’m so glad someone else enjoys Ukraine, they’re so underrated imo
I love how Ukraine has brought something so different to the table this year! It's growing on me every time I listen to it.
I love your analysis and it gives me hope the jury also will understand the magic of Cha Cha Cha 🤩💃💚
I really hope that the juries understand the musical aspects of Cha Cha Cha, because it has some interesting musical ideas in there.
One of the best compositions of the year - sometimes it's all about likability, meaning and charm, and less about vocal prowess. I hope juries take that into account
I'm very hyped for this! I didn't expect this video to come out so early 🤩
Brilliant video, as ever! SO happy Latvia is up there in your estimation. They are so talented and modest - but have performed it flawlessly at all the pre parties, which hopefully means they'll make the final :) And Finland, yeah.. wild and joyous. If it doesn't win I'll be a m a z e d .... :)
I'm praying that they make it to the final as well - reckon The Netherlands is an NQ now - someone has to replace...
Thanks from Spain!! 🇪🇸🫶
What a fantastic video, it was a pleasure to spend these 47 minutes in your company :) Thank you x
Good Energy and Joy. We are kindred spirits this year.
My top 6.
1. Spain
2. Latvia
3. Armenia
4. Finland
5. Austria
6. Australia
Thank you for appreciating the talent of our Blanca Paloma, kisses from Spain.
Honestly the best critic I’ve seen about ESC. Not that I agree with every single position, but the way you explain, with music theory and reasoning everything, it is just so good. Thank you!
Thank you so much Camila! :)
Thank you very much from Spain ❤
Thanks for the video. Very, very interesting. You and me have almost the same top 3 😊. Me:
1. Spain
2. Finland
3. Czech Republic
Thank you so much from Spain! 😊
Our top 5 is exactly the same but in different order 🥰 it specially made me so happy to see Australia there (such an underrated song) and also my country Spain in second position, thank you so so much! 🥲❤️
Rachel idk what it is but when you talk about music I can listen forever, I would never be able to watch a 45 minute ranking the songs from anyone else. I would definitely be interested in you talking about other songs and albums you like, after Eurovision is done of course!
Yeah, I was thinking just the same!
You guys are honestly so kind! I was worried it was too long, so this has set my mind at ease a bit :)
wow we have the same top 3! and you have 9/10 of my top 10 😄 feeling real validated now with my picks haha
You videos are really good, it's a pleasure to listen to your voice. And you explain well. Thanks! By top 5 is Finland, Austria, Armenia, UK and France. But to be honest Käärijä is quite ahead of the others. He is such an adorable person.
I am only at Blanka Solo but had to pause this video to write a comment with praise how good quality this analysis is. Wonderful job Rachel! Love from Serbia
Cheers!
We have the same #1! Love your commentary as ever.
Gracias from Spain 😢❤ We are so proud of her ❤
Latvia, you can be really proud of your entry; you showed both good taste and courage. applauding from italy
We have the same winner🥳 Netherlands and Austria are my 2nd and 3rd.
I've been following all your reaction videos this season and you're doing a great job Rachel! I really enjoy listening to your comments as a musician. I don't know if you've followed the Estonian national selection, Eesti Laul, but I think you'd enjoy it, it's often filled with great alternative pop. Just an idea for next season😀
Excellent video! It was very well thought out, and your explanations for each songs were clear and respectful. I also very much you appreciated the 5/4 / 6/4 time of Latvia. That song is simply stunning to me and it alternates between #1 and #2. I share 6 songs with you in my Top 10! It would have been 7, but I just moved Australia to number 11 this week from #10. Thank you for making this video!
Okay this is such a goooood ranking!!!! As always love to hear your thoughts ⭐️
Thank you!!
Thank you Rachel for this incredibly detailed, professional, honest analysis and so interesting to hear you explain all the different layers in a song. You are great! I understand what you mean about the joy factor. I love Blanca Paloma song but I am with you..we want some joy in our life, some cha cha cha 😀💃🏻❤
Loving all this eurovision content! Love from Australia!!!!!! You rock!
Lovely to watch your video and ear all your thoughts, they are all very well based and professionally founded...
I agree with it all... and yet, it comes down to personal tastes.. ☺
We're surely not so far..😉
In no exact order, I would have Finland, Spain, France, Armenia, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia and Serbia (on top 10 for sure) and well.. after that I'd have Latvia, Germany, Italy, Moldova and Czechia as next front runners..
but I must see them in Liverpool first to decide 😅
🤩👍
Thanks for the very careful work and dedication, as well as your sobriety, respect and friendliness towards the artists as well as the people of the countries participating!😉
I like your ranking a lot and really appreciate your insightful analysis (as always) 😊
Even though I don't necessarily agree with everything, e. g. Let 3 are way higher up in my ranking (I actually love listening to it 😁) and Piqued Jacks are at the very bottom, we basically have the same songs in our top 10 (except for 1), just in a slightly different order. That being said: "This is the order I've got today" (around 41:13) - I can relate to this so much because for me it constantly changes, too (there're some really good songs this year) lol
So TODAY I just go with yours, but small changes; my top 15 (this got longer than I intended, oops 🙈😃):
15. GEO - Iru (Would be higher in my ranking if it was less repetitive and if the lyrics made more sense; love it instrumentally)
14. CRO - Let 3 (It's hard for me to rank this, but - as mentioned - I actually listen to it a lot and I love the chaos of it 😵💫😃)
13. FRA - La Zarra (I listened to the acoustic version yesterday and liked it way more)
12. ARM - Brunette (Everytime I listen to this I'm waiting for the rap part - and it's always taking a bit too long; I don't quite understand the hype about it, tbh; might like it more if she sang more in Armenian)
11. NOR - Alessandra (This used to be in my top 5, but I think I've listened to it too much or Idk; I feel like she gets tired really fast during a performance and that high note is very dangerous 😅)
10. CZE - Vesna (It used to be in my top 5, but it's not quite anymore, mostly because their live perfomances - so far - have been a bit of a let down for me; if they can improve that, it could have a really good outcome)
9. SWE - Loreen (I totally agree with what you said about this in your reaction video; it's really good, but just not quite doing it for me to be a winner, mostly bc. of the chorus)
8. AUT - Teya & Salena (I like everything about this, slightly bordering on too repetitive, but at least those lyrics make sense - which is no guarantee 🤭😉Hopefully, they do something about the 'oh mio padre' part in their live performance, maybe some supportive back vocals, because that doesn't work too well, imo)
7. SLO - Joker Out (Good vibes, good vocals; love me some Indie Pop/Rock)
6. SER - Luke Black (On some days this is a winner for me; I just love the dark synth and bass, and his vocals work really well with it, imo)
5. AUS - Voyager (Again, totally agree with what you said abou this; LOVE this instrumentally; the lyrics could be better, but I can close an eye and a half 😉😁😊 they will ROCK that stage 🤘)
4. LAT - Sudden Lights (I LOVE that you seem to love them as much as I do, or at least this song of them 😊slightly worried this won't qualify, which would be a bummer, but hey, they will be there after the ESC 😊)
3. POR - Mimicat (I enjoy this so much! And she can sing!)
2. ESP - Blanca Paloma (I don't actually listen to the audio version a lot, but her voice and her performance - it's just stunning)
1. FIN - Käärijä (Not always my winner, but today it is 😊sometimes it takes too long for me until the last part of 'cha cha cha' comes on, when he sings - and that's not always his strongest part, imo - BUT: I can always dance to this! 💃)
Yes Finland!! 🎉🎉🎉 my fave from the get go - I think that is going to be wild on the night live!!
Rachel, you are such an amazing person no matter in what order you have the songs in
Thank you for being so respectful! This is what I like to see at Eurovision, no tribalism and hatred, but support :)
I Love your top five! mine: 5. Joker out, 4: vesna, 3: voyager 2: sudden lights. 1: Finland! Oh Rachel I am also in the mood for happiness and dance, I broke my ankle in top of other things, second intervention next week, after that rehabilitation and hopefully I will be able to dance like crazy in the final with cha cha cha !!! Love your reviews . Thanks again!!!❤
Oh No! Get well soon, hope your ankle isn't hurting too bad :(
@@ThePeaceAround thank you Rachel. I have no more pain, just getting better and better everyday
Ahhhh I always love your reviews
Love and appreciation from Spain. ✨⭐🌟
Hey Rachel, I love your top 10 list especially, we have very similar choices. Omg i can’t wait till may 9th😍
heyy loved to hear your thougths, i think you said something really important in your top3, at the end music is about emotions and can be constatnly changing the feeling you have depends on our context our mod and if you feel more deeply right now the energy and good vibes of the cha cha cha thats perfect :D also you looked beautiful, bb take care lets enjoy eurovision this year im loving it good quality songs this year
My top 5 ➡️
* Sweden
* Austria
* Portugal
* Slovenia
* Latvia
( Dark horse: Australia )
Thank you for your thorough and analytical approach.
Everything you said made so much sense and I absolutely love your top. I don't make tops for myself but my favourites this year are Finland, Latvia and France. I also love Slovenia very much and besides that, my honourable mention will go to Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland and Azerbaijan. If I had a top, it would surely be a quite messy one 😂.
My current top 3:
3. Portugal. I just love her energy.
2. Spain. The only entry that gives me goosebumps.
1. Austria. I’m obsessed with it from the very first time I listened to it. I really hope the staging matches the quality of the song.
Thank you! Good review of the songs! You nailed it!!!
I agree with the top 2 for sure. Spain is the best technically and Finland the most catchy and fun. Plus kaarija is hysterical. I follow him and his dodgy English and comedy are Keith lemon and pure.
You look happier at the moment and as fresh as a clearasil advert.
Lots of love and fantastic reactions as usual. I love you and Tom as reactors and you’ll always be the best every year.
Hug
Clearasil 🤣It's called CC cream - cheeky way of making your skin look better haha
@@ThePeaceAround you don’t need cute cream 😛
SLAY RACHEL! I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR REACTION TO THE RESULTS AT THE FINAL! Always gives us Eurofans joy 🎉 #itscrazyitsparty
Excellent work Rachel. Well justified, blunt but truthful.
I am so impressed by your thoughtful analysis, the details you pick up and your love for the music. Great work!
we have the same top 2 but i cannot decide between Blanca Paloma and Käärijä. either one can win and i would NOT mind. 😊 thank you for sharing this list.
If either of them win, I will be so so happy :)
I just discovered you :) Thank you for making this video and explaining every song so well. And thank you for putting Slovenia so high.
I love Czechia and Finland...but I agree...I want a happy song to win.
I'm currently in the process of updating my top 37 of the year. We don't seem to have too many differences of opinion; Denmark is perhaps the most notable but I do agree with pretty much everything you said anyway. What a smashing top two, and we have the same winner.
Yes! We have the same winner again like 2021 - wonder if our winner's will win again too?? Fingers crossed.
eee i thought you have latvia at 28th, that's a notable difference.
I haven't ranked them all, but here's my Top 5:
1. Czechia - if you haven't listened to any of Vesna's other music, I encourage you to do so
2. Spain - a great fusion of flamenco and more modern sounds
3. Italy - there are a million Italian ballads that sound exactly like this; I love them all
4. Armenia - gave it a re-listen at some point and it got stuck in my head
5. France - like Spain's entry, a great fusion of the traditional and the modern
I also like the Netherlands (although I agree there's a mismatch in vocal ability) and Latvia (although the video made more of an impression on me than the live version)
Thanks for your deep analyse of every single song this year. Love the feelings you spread.
Im probably not being objective because Im spanish, but if Blanca is not winning, Finland is my winner too.
Hugs!
Thank you for ur in depth commentary 🤌🤌 always love ur videos
First of all: thank you for your videos! It’s really nice to have explained to me as a non-music person, why certain pieces of music work and how. Of course, I only understand half of what you’re saying, but still: I love it.
And I’m so happy, that you are in a good place at the moment with your mental health.
Coming to my top 37 list, I have to say that this year seems to be very strong and there are very few songs I don’t like and none that I hate (like the U.K.’s entry last year). But Romania and Poland are, together with Armenia, at the bottom of my list, somebody has to be.
Czechia has gone down for me because I don’t have seen any evidence that it works live. The video seems to be such a big part of its impact and their vocals live don’t to live up to what they show in the video - so they are struggling to even make my top 10. Finland is also my number one, which is odd, because I hated it at the first listening. Now I can’t get enough of it. And, even though all the songs are calculated, it doesn’t feel as calculated as Sweden for example which seems more like an exercise in or trying to be a masterclass in how to win Eurovision. Which really puts me off. Closely behind Finland on my list you would find Austria, Spain, France and Portugal. Austria and Portugal are really fun, Spain is such a wonderful piece of art and France just oozes class and sophistication and has a really good beat.
Well. Really looking forward to Eurovision and to more of your content! Thank you.
I'm so happy that finally someone appreciates Latvia in these reaction videos. It's my favorite entry this year. ♥︎
Amazing reviews, I really enjoyed your detailed comments :)
Also love that you have my top 3 in your top 5 (Latvia, Australia and Spain), these 3 are 10/10 songs for me this year and thanks so much for giving them a deserving high placement ❤️
KÄÄRIJÄ is amazing! Being a Finn it’s naturally my winner as well! 🇫🇮♥️
12p to Finland from Denmark!
Thank you very much from Spain!!! And I agree with you, I honestly believe Finland will win this year's eurovision
Ohhhh thank you so much from Spain 🇪🇸 Canary Islands 🇮🇨
Lots of love Xxx
I hope I can compose a good song and choose it at the Benidorm Fest😅
Pues a por ello! Mucha suerte y si quieres yo la canto o la bailo 😀
Loved this video. Loved the analysis and found myself appreciating some qualities in songs I didn't really pay much attention to!
Incredible analysis. My favs are Spain, Slovenia, Slovenia, Italy, Finland and Czechia. I've heard each one so many times. I don't know which one I would like to be the winner.
great work as always, valuable and insightful
Cheers :)
I am in love with Vesna. I have heard it a million times❤❤❤
As others have said, I think you should monetise your videos. Otherwise RUclips itself just takes the ad revenue of your videos. Unlike some other Eurovision RUclipsrs who contribute nothing constructive, your videos are very interesting. 😃You can explain musical terms so that us non-musicians can understand them. You make us discover things in the music that we would miss otherwise. Several other Eurovision RUclipsrs just sit and mug for the camera and fake their uninformative reactions. Your videos actually bring lots of useful information to the Eurovision community. 🙂 You have every right to monetise your content. 😊
really appreciate the in-depth analysis! great list
(Rachel,- Did you see the amazing "A little bit more" ESC acoustic concert? Serbia is insane with violin and interesting notes! Link down below) My list has changed as I take the pre parties into consideration quite a lot (Czechia fell from number one down to ten, UK and Netherlands fell a lot bc of vocals etc). My tied number 1: Flawless, haunting, experimental Armenia & Spain, 3: Latvia 4: Sweden 5: Finland 6: Serbia 7: France 8: Slovenia 9: Australia 10: Czechia 11: Switzerland 12: Austria 13: Malta 14: Estonia 15: UK/Italy/Moldova (Can't decide). I want Czechia up in my top 3 but VESNA presents on stage like a "rockin' girl group" which kills the mysterious vibe from the music video. My own country, Norway, I don't like at all and she's not doing very well in pre parties. /"A little bit more" - Luke Black starts at 13:30. I would say, to me, almost all the acts sound better than the originals: ruclips.net/video/lClGlKXoGaI/видео.html
I will watch! Sounds very interesting 😊
Gracias por esas palabras tan bonitas 😻 a Blanca Paloma 😍🕊️🕊️🕊️
I really enjoyed this video Rachel! My Top 10 are: Czechia, Serbia, Latvia, Finland, San Marino, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Ukraine, Austria, and France.
Very insightful commentary. I found myself agreeing with a lot of it.
My top 5 is
Spain
Czechia
Finland
France
Norway.
It swaps around a bit though.
My current top 37 with my scoring (i focus more on studio version than live performance)
1. Spain (10/10) - This song is more than song, this is something special for me
2. Czechia (9.5/10) - I love studio version but I'm little bit worried about live performance
3. Slovenia (9.5/10) - I’m soo hapy that this song is in native language
4. Latvia (9.5/10) - I love this song,I hope they will qualify from Semi-Final
5. Serbia (9.5/10) - This song is captivating, addictive, original I love this song
6. Finland (9/10) - „He's an icon, he's a legend, and he is the moment”
7. United Kingdom (8.5/10) - It's good pop song and I prefer this year entry than last year
8. Albania (8.5/10) - I will always apreciate songs in native language and with ethnic sound
9. Moldova (8.5/10) - I just love ethnic vibes in this song
10. Austria (8.5/10) - The lyrics are smart and funny and Teya and Salena have really good voices
11. Portugal (8/10) - I love that Portugal sends songs in their native language
12. Australia (8/10) - I love this kind of heavier sounds
13. Malta (7.5/10) - I don't understand why fandom didn't like this song
14. Armenia (7.5/10) - At first listening i didn't understand hype over this song but now after few listenings i like it a lot especially the part in armenian
15. Croatia (7.5/10) - This song gets to me as a Pole, for me this song more representing my country than Blanka
16. Sweden (7.5/10) - When i heard how everybody say Loreen will win eurovision this year i really expected something as good as Euphoria or Statements but sadly Tattoo isn't good as her previous songs. It's still good song and staging is really something but this song is soo overrated
17. Norway (7.5/10) - I love this song, but I've listened to it so many times that I'm starting to get a little bored with this song
18. Israel (7.5/10) - In this song there are parts which i love and parts which i don't like
19. Netherlands - (7/10) - Good song
20. Georgia (7/10) - Great voice and this song seems little bit different and i like this
21. Italy (7/10) - Typical Italy
23. Ukraine (7/10) - I appreciate that Ukraine always send something different. Slava Ukraini
24. France (6.5/10) - It's a good song that everyone loves but I can't. I don't know why, but I feel like this song shows how the world sees France, not how it really is. No real emotions in this song, for me is product
24. Denmark (6.5/10) - I don’t know why fandom hate this
25. Belgium (6.5/10) - It's okay
26. Iceland (6.5/10) - I love her voice and I like verses but the chorus hasn't much power
27. Estonia (6/10) - This song is good, but it lacks emotion
28. Azerbaijan (6/10) - This song has something appealing to me
29. Lithuania (6/10) - Monika got beautiful voice
30. Cyprus (5/10) - This song is a little bit repetitive for me
31. Romania (4/10) - The big plus about this song is that it's in Romanian and he got good vocal
32. Greece (4/10) - He has a nice voice
33. San Marino (4/10) - "I can smell you like an animal" What? This lyrics are not good
34. Germany (3/10) - Usually i like heavier sounds but this song isn't for me
35. Switzerland - (2/10) - Again Switzerland send sad song sung by male vocal
36. Ireland (2/10) - I agree with everything you said about this song
37. Poland (0/10) - I'm from Poland and this song don't represent my country. Blanka is representing TVP
Your comments are 💯 based, detailed and very competent. Really put yr heart into it, respect
Also, your eyes look so nice I actually thought "oh it must be a filter" 🙈😂 Instagram damaged us all I guess
Aww haha no filter, just dark green so sometimes they look brown
Käärijä said that he would like to do a duet with Austria, when he was asked about it on Wiwiblogg's interview live stream yesterday. I wonder what that collaboration would look like. 😄
That would be such an iconic duet!
@@ThePeaceAround Yes, I agree. 😃
Thanks for your profesionalism
My personal Top 36 (I didn't score my own country Germany because I don't want to be biased on this, I think it is definitely not a winning song but a big improvement for us):
1. Armenia, Brunette, „Future Lover“ - 10/10
2. Austria, Teya & Salena, „Who the hell is Edgar?“ - 10/10
3. Czechia, Vesna, „My Sister's Crown" - 9,5/10 ( but studio versio is a 10/10)
4. Spain, Blanca Paloma, „Eaea“ - 9,5/10
5. Serbia, Luke Black, "Samo mi se spava" - 9/10
6. Estonia, Alika, "Bridges" - 8,5/10
7. Ukraine, Tvorchi, „Heart of Steel“ - 8/10
8. Slowenia, Joker Out, "Carpe Diem" - 8/10
9. Latvia, Sudden Lights, "Aijā" - 8/10
10. Switzerland, Remo Forrer, "Watergun" - 8/10
11. Finnland, Käärijä, "Cha Cha Cha" - 7,5/10
12. Italy, Marco Mengoni, „Due Vite“ - 7,5/10
13. Molova, Pasha Parfeni, "Soarele și luna" - 7,5/10
14. Israel, Noa Kirel, "Unicorn" - 7,5/10
15. Australia, Voyager, "Promise" - 7/10
16. Portugal, Mimicat, "Ai coração" - 7/10
17. United Kingdom, Mae Muller, „I wrote a song“ - 7/10
18. France, La Zarra, „Evidemment“ - 7/10
19. Netherlands, Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper, "Burning Daylight" - 7/10
20. Iceland, Diljá, "Power" - 6,5/10
21. Belgium, Gustaph,"Because Of You" -6,5/10
22. Lithuania, Monika Linkytė, "Stay" - 6,5/10
23. Cyprus, Andrew Lambrou, "Break A Broken Heart" - 6/10
24. Malta, The Busker, "Dance (Our Own Party)"- 6/10
25. Norway, Alessandra, "Queen Of Kings" - 6/10
26. Sweden, Loreen,"Tattoo" - 6/10
27. Greece, Victor Vernicos, "What They Say" - 5,5/10
28. Georgia, Iru, "Echo" - 5/10
29. Denmark, Reiley, "Breaking My Heart" - 5/10
30. Azerbaijan, TuralTuranX, "Tell Me More" - 4,5/10
31. Albania, Albina & Familja Kelmendi, "Duje" - 4,5/10
32. Poland, Blanka, "Solo" - 4/10
33. Rumania, Theodor Andrei, "D.G.T. (Off And On)" - 3/10
34. Ireland, Wild Youth, "We Are One" - 2,5/10
35. San Marino, Piqued Jacks, "Like An Animal" - 2/10
36. Croatia, Let 3, "Mama ŠČ" - 1,5/10
So happy that Germany sends these guys and happy to have modestly contributed to it. Hope they get a decent possition and force the ADF to broad the national selection.
❤❤❤❤❤ Slovenia and Spain ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🇵🇱 my 🇵🇱 current TOP 37 but this of course may change till semis and final, we still have a month :')
#1 Armenia Brunette - Future Lover 9,5/10
#2 Latvia Sudden Lights - Aijā 9/10
#3 Australia Voyager - Promise 8,5/10
#4 Switzerland Remo Forrer - Watergun 8,5/10
#5 Italy Marco Mengoni - Due Vite 8,5/10
#6 Estonia Alika - Bridges 8,5/10
#7 Spain Blanca Paloma - Eaea 8,5/10
#8 France La Zarra - Évidemment 8,5/10
#9 Lithuania Monika Linkytė - Stay 8/10
#10 Czechia Vesna - My Sister's Crown 8/10
#11 Netherlands Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper - Burning Daylight 8/10
#12 Sweden Loreen - Tattoo 8/10
#13 Norway Alessandra - Queen Of Kings 7,5/10
#14 Israel Noa Kirel - Unicorn 7,5/10
#15 Germany Lord Of The Lost - Blood & Glitter 7,5/10
#16 United Kingdom Mae Muller - I Wrote A Song 7,5/10
#17 Georgia Iru - Echo 7/10
#18 Ukraine TVORCHI - Heart Of Steel 7/10
#19 Serbia Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava 7/10
#20 Moldova Pasha Parfeny - Soarele și Luna 7/10
#21 Iceland Diljá - Power 7/10
#22 Cyprus Andrew Lambrou - Break A Broken Heart 6,5/10
#23 Finland Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha 6,5/10
#24 Portugal Mimicat - Ai Coração 6,5/10
#25 Malta The Busker - Dance (Our Own Party) 6,5/10
#26 Ireland Wild Youth - We Are One 6,5/10
#27 Austria Teya & Salena - Who The Hell Is Edgar? 6,5/10
#28 Albania Albina & Familja Kelmendi - Duje 6,5/10
#29 Slovenia Joker Out - Carpe Diem 6/10
#30 Poland Blanka - Solo 6/10
#31 Romania Theodor Andrei - D.G.T. (Off And On) 6/10
#32 Greece Victor Vernicos - What They Say 6/10
#33 Belgium Gustaph - Because Of You 5,5/10
#34 Azerbaijan TuralTuranX - Tell Me More 5,5/10
#35 San Marino Piqued Jacks - Like An Animal 5,5/10
#36 Denmark Reiley - Breaking My Heart 5,5/10
#37 Croatia Let 3 - Mama ŠČ! 3/10
I love that you like Käärijä as much as I do. I would be so happy if he wins. He is such an amazing performer and such a sweet guy.
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2 🇨🇿
3 🇸🇮
4 🇫🇷
5 🇫🇮
6 🇦🇺
7 🇪🇪
8 🇷🇸
9 🇲🇩
10 🇵🇹
Thank you for having Blanca in your top 2! Greetings from Spain
your videos are just amazing. Kep it up
Brilliant video Rachel! 😁 Great to see mutual love for Latvia and Australia, but Armenia and Austria would be a little higher for me. ❤️
Great top! I was very excited to see that Austria grew on you after your reaction, I was hoping it would.
I won't share my entire top 37 (that's on my own channel hehe) but my favourites this year are Spain, Austria, Norway, Latvia, Moldova, Finland, Serbia, Australia, France and Czechia.
37. 1:30 - Romania 🇷🇴
36. 3:20 - Poland 🇵🇱
35. 4:25 - Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
34. 5:39 - Ireland 🇮🇪
33. 6:28 - Greece 🇬🇷
32. 7:41 - Denmark 🇩🇰
31. 9:25 - Croatia 🇭🇷
30. 10:14 - Lithuania 🇱🇹
29. 11:29 - Germany 🇩🇪
28. 12:28 - Moldova 🇲🇩
27. 13:37 - Albania 🇦🇱
26. 14:44 - Switzerland 🇨🇭
25. 15:45 - San Marino 🇸🇲
24. 16:46 - Cyprus 🇨🇾
23. 17:39 - Israel 🇮🇱
22. 19:58 - Iceland 🇮🇸
21. 21:00 - UK 🇬🇧
20. 22:02 - Malta 🇲🇹
19. 22:49 - Georgia 🇬🇪
18. 23:56 - Belgium 🇧🇪
17. 24:56 - The Netherlands 🇳🇱
16. 25:56 - Estonia 🇪🇪
15. 26:38 - Ukraine 🇺🇦
14. 27:56 - Norway 🇳🇴
13. 28:42 - Portugal 🇵🇹
12. 29:59 - Armenia 🇦🇲
11. 31:01 - Italy 🇮🇹
10. 32:04 - Serbia 🇷🇸
9. 33:24 - Sweden 🇸🇪
8. 34:32 - Austria 🇦🇹
7. 36:04 - Slovenia 🇸🇮
6. 37:06 - France 🇫🇷
5. 38:20 - Australia 🇦🇺
4. 39:33 - Latvia 🇱🇻
3. 41:15 - Czechia 🇨🇿
2. 42:57 - Spain 🇪🇸
1. 44:29 - Finland 🇫🇮
Thank you for timestamping !
@@ThePeaceAround love your videos
Thanks for sharing your top 37 with us Rachel.
I’m not sure whether Theodor Andrei revamp is a true revamp because sometimes on RUclips it’s hard to be sure who has posted what.
But I hope it isn’t the revamp because I prefer the original one.
It’s a shame more people don’t like Ireland. It’s a catchy song even though I realise that it may seem a bit cheesy for a 2023 audience. I even have it as my number 8 but think I may have to put it down a bit because I might have been a bit too generous toward it.
On May 9th I’ll be there waving my Irish flag and wearing my glitter mask😂
It sounded like a revamp instrumental wise - I guess we'll have to find out.
But that electric guitar was just so so loud haha.
Thanks for your list and analysis. It's been interesting to follow your journey through these songs and see how you score them. There's a lot here I agree with and something I disagree with, just like it should be I guess.
I've made own top 37 list as well. So here it is:
1.Norway - It's made for the big league. Strong, powerful and vibrant.
2.Czechia - I liked it a lot since hearing it for the first. I agree that the chorus is the strong part of the song. I hope they nail it in Liverpool.
3.UK - Very hard to dislike this song. Very catchy and memorable. Just slightly worried about her live vocals.
4.Georgia - Such an interesting and modern approach to a song that actually has a lot of folk'y elements to it. It's got the atmosphere of an entire planet.
5.Spain - A very striking and emotional song that never lets you off the hook.
6.Finland - What is not so much talked about this song is that's kind of split in two as well. The hardcore Cha Cha part and the jolly dancing part. Such a weird, but fun song. Totally Koskenkorva meets Chardonnay.
7.France - It's so french and solid, and impossible to dislike. Her voice is among the strongest this year.
8.Australia - I hate the style in this one, but the actual song is too good to pass up, so it ends up this high. Very strong composition
9.Latvia - Fantastic melody and overall feel. Not sure I understand the drum machine intro though.
10.Sweden - It's super professional and everything you can expect from Sweden. The synth lines in the pre chorus is my favourite part of this song. It might be a bit overrated though.
11.Israel - You nailed it when you said she holds the song together. It's so fragmented and weird, but the ending is what keeps me entertained every time I listen to it, plus the hebrew parts.
12.Austria - I'm still a little bit on the fence about this one. I like it and I think it will do well, but I don't I've totally bought into it yet. But it's a fun and infectious listen.
13.Switzerland - This one's grown on me big time. I first thought it was dull and contrite, then I noticed his voice and melody of the song and realised they're both quite strong.
14. Poland - Yeah I know, everyone hates it, but I can't. It's a nice melody and chord structure and I find it quite enjoyable.
15.Serbia - I liked this better right away then I do now. I'm starting to find it a little static and monotonous. I think I got a little carried by the goth synths at first. Still quite decent.
16.Cyprus - The chorus is where this is at for me. Strong voice and quite enjoyable melody.
17.Estonia - This has grown on me. At first I felt like being at the exam of a music academy, but the parts are starting to come together a little bit.
18.Croatia - The second part of this song is what puts it up this high for me. The dynamics between the absolutely stale and nonsensical first part and the somewhat catchy second part gives me a little bit of a boost every time I listen to it.
19.Ukraine - I actually saw this performed live in february. It's kind of flat, but the progressions and gothic synths makes it interesting enough. It's kind of moody.
20.Portugal - I like it better now than I did right away, but the cabaret element is a little disturbing for me. Yet there's some Andalucian progressions and it has a very southern feel which is cool in its own right.
21.Germany - I can't make up my mind on this one. Is it a boomer metal song or a catchy bopper with chains and blood. I think it's decent but not a winner.
22.Azerbaijan - I think I've heard this song in different versions each decade since the sixties. It's not very challenging and it lack identity but its hard to hate also.
23.Armenia - It's got some nice elements here and there, and the main melody in the verse is pretty, but this lacks coherence and is too all over the place for me. Feels like a song made by committee.
24.Albania - Ultra conservative balkan folk song that doesn't challenge me in any way. I've heard the lyrics have a deeper meaning but this is just another folk number for me. Nice enough though.
25.Malta - The funky sax song has never been my cup of tea even though a lot of eurovision fans has a thing for this type of numbers. It's ok but nothing more.
26.Iceland - Yeah her voice is good and the verse is decent, but the chorus is more annoying than pleasant to listen to.
27.Moldova - First time I heard it I thought I would like it eventually. I'm still here. It's just too monotonous for me. Like a house beat with antlers and chanting that goes over and over and over. Meh.
28.Italy - Italy isn't as hyped up as it normally is, but the power of San Remo still looms large with this one. I don't understand it. I can hear his voice is great but that's it.
29.Lithuania - See Iceland. The verse is not as good though.
30.Greece - So forgettable
31.Slovenia - I think I'm the only one in the world who doesn't like this song. Disco rock isn't my cup of tea. The chorus is super annoying, the verse is ok.
32.San Marino - It's kind of cute actually. Sounds like a bunch of kids just started a band and came up with a song whose criteria was first and foremost to be a ...song. I don't hate it and I like it better now than I did at first, but it's still lacking in most departments.
33.The Netherlands - See Greece. Just even more forgettable.
34.Belgium - Duh. Gustaph has a nice energy on stage and a decent voice, but this is so not my cup of tea.
35.Ireland - We've reached the "background music when entering a bar at 5PM" stage.
36.Romania We've reached the "background music when entering a strip club at 5AM" staqe.
37.Denmark - Do I have to comment on this? I just don't like it.
35. and 36. lmaooooo
If I remember right, your highest score last year was around a 9.8. It’s great that you have three 10s this year!
Yes! Brividi was 9.8 for me, but live performance a little lower.
The moment I saw your 3rd place I know what was going to the 1st. I'm so in love with all three but I'd probably rank them the same order you did. Käärijä is just such a ball of joy and give so much of his quirky personality through this well-crafted song that I just came alive and I can't help it - but I do need it. I do understand why some people don't like it, but it's so special and I love this unique style. I'm such a junky for it but I'll own that any day. There are some great songs, emotional ones but this is the one that's the kind that if I put it on at any time, will just make me happy and pick me up if I'm feeling down and deflated. It's just fun!
Love love love your comments!! A great discovery for a common person as me: put more solid arguments to "I like or I don´t like it". And a question for you Rachel. In Albania's comments, you referred to the flaws of this song specifically to the backing vocals. If they manage this, would the rating of this song change? How much do you think it would improve? Aww love this song but this is not for everyone. Again, great video! :D
I would definitely score them higher if they got the backing vocals in check :)
Great video Rachel! Here’s my opinion (not ordered):
Favourites
1. Czechia - the live performances worry me which may cause this to slip but judging from the music video this is my favourite entry this year. The message, the beat, the languages - perfect for Eurovision. The rap is so good too, the layout of the music video I love which gives it staging potential.
2. Spain - voice of the year! This represents Spain so well and is absolutely stunning, flawless live too
3. Finland - yes! Very positive and bop of the year, I absolutely love the transition half way through
4. Georgia - I know the lyrics are confusing but wow is this a masterpiece, traditional, modern etc and what a voice
5. Austria - such a fun bop with a message, genius!
6. Armenia - so unique, the chorus is a little underwhelming but the beginning, rap and Armenia section give me goosebumps
7. France - so French, I love it! I worry about it live a little but it’s a great bop
Good
Sweden - love Loreen but it’s a little overrated (sorry), I like the vibe of this song just feels a little overshadowed by the greater Euphoria and does lack a little uniqueness due to that
Australia - Nice rock entry, not what I expected from Australia!
Israel - a bit messy but a definite bop which should come alive on stage with the dance break
Moldova - the traditional elements are amazing just a little repetitive
Portugal - like this one, appreciate the Portuguese
Albania - underrated entry of the year, in Albanian! Although I like the idea of her family it is a bit awkward
Slovenia - really like this and the band but I’m worried it won’t fully stand out
UK - not as good as last year and a little generic but a nice, exciting bop from us
Serbia - like it’s uniqueness, not my usual cup of tea but appreciate it
Ok
Cyprus - ok entry, really all I feel about this, nice voice
Ukraine - want to like this as the verses are cool, chorus is so dry though. Wish it was in Ukrainian with the flute
Norway - feels forced to me too, been seen before, decent bop though
Estonia - nice voice but just a little emotionless and dull
Lithuania - it’s decent, nice voice just a little repetitive
Italy - like this but it doesn’t feel too original considering it’s a typical Italian entry
Netherlands - I like the last 30 seconds, but it is a little dull and depressing, but it is quite a nice listen at times
Germany - like this but I wish it was less soft and the lyrics were tweaked
Croatia - musically maybe not the best but entertaining and inventive
Iceland - love her but wish there was so Icelandic in this, it feels repetitive to me
Don’t Like
Belgium - there are some decent parts to this entry but it just feels dated
Switzerland - to me this feels forced and I’m disappointed Switzerland continue to go for similar entries
Malta - I just can’t get on with the vibe of this one, it cringes me a little although the saxophone is a nice add to it
Greece - he’s clearly talented but the song is so bland
Azerbaijan - generic also, kinda pleasant in parts (although don’t like rap) but doesn’t do anything for me
Poland - generic and her vocals aren’t great
Latvia - unpopular opinion but I find this very dull
Ireland - soooooo generic, disappointed with Ireland
Romania - staging was terrible so hopefully will be fixed, just don’t listen to this and have no desire to
Denmark - really don’t like the effects on his voice, and doesn’t sound good live
San Marino - really not a fan of the lyrics and singers voice, find it very uninspiring
Another guess.
1.Spain
2.Finland
3.Czechia
4.Italy
5.Aus
People have so many tastes and different lists, but almost everyone has Finland on it's 1st or 2nd place! Such a good song and an amazing artist
We don't have exactly the same taste, but I looooove listening to you. I am soooo happy you see the beauty in Latvia! I love this song too. I hope so much they will go through! Finland is also on my first place and I am sooo happy people on the Internet also appreciate this song over Sweden :D I like Swedish song but I have exactly the same thoughts as you do.
I have Moldova in my top 4, but I have to admit - it grew on me when I saw Pasha live on Warsaw pre-party. I also had a pleasure to meet Girls form Czechia - they were all super nice 💜
Anyways - this year is very exciting to me. I have soooo many songs that I like and listen to everyday! 💜
My top 6
1)France
2)Spain
3)Sweden
4)Armenia
5)Georgia
6)Portugal