The Eurovision Song Contest is a cultural extravaganza, designed to attract the folks of Europe collectively by means of light entertainment and healthy competition. However in the end, it’s all in regards to the songs.
For the reason that first competitors in 1956 there have been 71 winners (on account of an notorious four-way tie in 1969). These contestants have ranged from the nice (Conchita) to the dangerous (many of the early 2000s), nevertheless it’s value exploring the record for a few of the gems hidden among the many many years.
Eurovision can be seen as a type of cultural historical past of our evolving – and typically doubtful – musical tastes. In the event you thought Brexit was a catastrophe, let this be your reminder that European votes have been throwing up some very questionable outcomes for greater than half a century. Allow us to start…
71. “Satellite tv for pc” – Lena (Germany, 2010)
Like ripping off a band assist, we should start with the actually cringeworthy. Lena appeared like a tuneless heiress whose dad has paid for her to file a canopy of an Olly Murs observe for her sixteenth birthday.
70. “Un premier amour” – Isabelle Aubret (France, 1962)
A very forgettable track that even Aubret’s sultry French purring can’t save.
69. “Everyone” – Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL (Estonia, 2001)
Why did it take three people to carry out this? Why are all of them carrying shirts clearly discovered on the ground of a TK Maxx? Why on Earth did folks vote for this? Why?
68. “Poupée de cire, poupée de son” – France Gall (Luxembourg, 1965)
Serge Gainsbourg wrote this dreary track a few rag doll, carried out at Eurovision in 1965 by Gall, a a lot beloved Sienna Miller lookalike.
67. “I Wanna” – Marie N (Latvia, 2002)
The track itself is dreadful, like a tango quantity from regional panto, however the white fits and fedoras confuse issues much more. Whoever dreamt up this spectacle, please, I simply need to speak.
66. “Internet als toen” – Corry Brokken (Netherlands, 1957)
Given this track drags on for an eye-watering 5 minutes, you’ll be able to see why the competitors launched a 3 minute time restrict.
65. “Nocturne” – Secret Backyard (Norway, 1995)
Norway had been attempting to do one thing completely different right here, however with hindsight this largely instrumental piece is simply uninteresting.
64. “Nous les amoureux” – Jean-Claude Pascal (Luxembourg, 1961)
In the event you like tall, darkish and good-looking French males crooning softly down the digicam lens at you, then 1961 was a great yr. For the music followers amongst us… not a lot.
63. “De troubadour” – Lenny Kuhr (Netherlands, 1969)
This 1969 entry from the Netherlands sounds just like the sixteenth century entry from Ye Olde Englande.
62. “Een Beetje” – Teddy Scholten (Netherlands, 1959)
“Een beetje” means “somewhat”, which is how trustworthy Scholten says she is to her boyfriend – all fairly scandalous stuff for 1959, however the track itself appears like a nursery rhyme so we’re good.
61. “Merci, Chérie” – Udo Jürgens (Luxembourg, 1966)
In the event you like tall, darkish and good-looking Austrian males crooning softly…nicely, you get the thought.
60. “Dansevise” – Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann (Denmark, 1963)
Fairly a nice guitar-led ballad from this husband and spouse duo who seem like they’ve simply stepped out of Mad Males.
59. “Dors, mon amour” – André Claveau (France, 1958)
Like a French model of “Past the Sea”, one other outdated crooner quantity you’ll shortly overlook.
58. “Wild Dances” – Ruslana (Ukraine, 2004)
In the event you’ve ever questioned what it appears to be like like when Xena Warrior Princess lets her hair down on an evening out, marvel no extra.
57. “L’oiseau et l’enfant” – Marie Myriam (France, 1977)
This was the final time France gained, however they made essentially the most of it – this track builds as much as a robust end.
56. “Non ho l’età” – Gigliola Cinquetti (Italy, 1964)
No video recording of the 1964 present exists, so that you’ll must make do with listening to this one blind – a bit like being on The Voice. You most likely wouldn’t flip your chair round, and also you undoubtedly wouldn’t press the golden buzzer.
55. “Tom Pillibi” – Jacqueline Boyer (France, 1960)
This track is a few man who claims to have castles, ships, and plenty of, many ladies – however Jacqueline claims he’s a whole liar. Mr Pillibi couldn’t be reached for remark.
54. “The Voice” – Eimear Quinn (Eire, 1996)
After the world fell in love with Riverdance, Eire served up this ethereal homage to Irish conventional music that secured a file seventh win… nevertheless it pales compared to its predecessors.
53. “Un jour, un enfant” – Frida Boccara (France, 1969)
A rousing refrain options in an in any other case uninteresting affair – Boccara’s voice is one of the best factor right here.
52. “Ein bißchen Frieden” – Nicole (Germany, 1982)
17-year-old Nicole accompanies herself on guitar for this spherical -the-campfire jaunt about peace and pleasure on earth. It’s simply “alright”.
51. “Ding-a-dong” – Educate-In (Netherlands, 1975)
An honest melody, however the singer doesn’t seem absolutely assured with the foolish chorus. In all probability a few of the worst costumes of the Seventies on present right here, too.
50. “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” – Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta (Israel, 1978)
A greater stab on the identical groovy type, Israel’s first ever win virtually goes full-on disco, with its white fits and synchronised dancing.
49. “Un banc, un arbre, une rue” – Séverine (Monaco, 1971)
The one win for Monaco in Eurovision historical past is a basic French chanson with a powerful, driving refrain. Even whether it is a few bench, a tree and a avenue.
48. “La, la, la” – Massiel (Spain, 1968)
Cliff Richard’s “Congratulations” was crushed by this track, which threatens to stay in your head for days.
47. “Rock Me” – Riva (Yugoslavia, 1989)
Talking of repetitive tunes that you could’t get out of your head, good luck with this slice of electropop cheese.
46. “Vivo cantando” – Salomé (Spain, 1969)
Let’s talk about Salomé, who broke the no-dancing rule along with her sassy shrugs and arm flicks whereas sporting a blue feathered jumpsuit, a pearl necklace and smoky eyeshadow. Did I point out she’s known as Salomé? We have now determined to stan.
45. “Insieme: 1992” – Toto Cutugno (Italy, 1990)
A touching rock energy ballad in regards to the want for Europe to unite as one. Anybody for an encore?
44. “Hallelujah” – Gali Atari and Milk and Honey (Israel 1979)
So. Many. Key. Adjustments. This actually is the “Love On Prime” of Eurovision songs. It’s most likely gone up one other few octaves when you had been studying this text.
43. “La det swinge” – Bobbysocks! (Norway, 1985)
One among many songs that straddles the road between wonderful and terrible, a bit like two of your aunts doing ABBA at karaoke. We’re cheering them on all the identical.
42. “Toy” – Netta (Israel, 2018)
A very wacky track and efficiency, “Toy” has a catchy refrain surrounded by questionable gibberish, hen noises, and certainly the competitors’s solely Pikachu reference.
41. “Chorus” – Lys Assia (Switzerland, 1956)
The primary ever Eurovision winner is a basic, romantic affair, with playful orchestration and swooning backing singers. Among the finest of the early years.
40. “Consider” – Dima Bilan (Russia, 2008)
A mid-tempo boyband-style track, Russia’s large win was an paradoxically homoerotic affair, with the good-looking Bilan exposing his chest whereas a male ice dancer touched himself close by.
39. “Heroes” – Måns Zelmerlöw (Sweden, 2015)
One other from the good-looking chap class, “Heroes” was like a David Guetta manufacturing with barely underwhelming country-style verses. Further factors for the high-tech staging, although.
38. “Fairytale” – Alexander Rybak (Norway, 2009)
Rybak’s spectacular fiddling and people dancing made this a memorable Eurovision second.
37. “Working Scared” – Ell & Nikki (Azerbaijan, 2011)
That is good and all, nevertheless it’s a bit like a mid-Noughties band releasing their fourth single from the album, with none funds for the spectacular visuals supplied by fellow Eurovision champions.
36. “The Code” – Nemo (Switzerland, 2024)
In a contest the place Israel’s participation amid its struggle on Gaza threatened to overshadow the entire thing, the candy and extremely gifted Nemo, who goes by they/them pronouns, charmed each the jury and public voters with their opera-techno mash-up “The Code”. Demonstrating their extraordinary voice, Nemo’s efficiency additionally featured some glorious staging and riffed cleverly on the Habanera aria from Georges Bizet’s 1985 opera Carmen.
35. “Après toi” – Vicky Leandros (Luxembourg, 1972)
A robust ballad from a well-liked Eurovision singer, who appeared to have by accident turned up dressed for a funeral.
34. “All Sorts of The whole lot” – Dana (Eire, 1970)
Eire’s first win is a completely healthful piece from an unique Derry woman. Superbly composed, it’s virtually like one thing from a Disney movie.
33. “Tu te reconnaîtras” – Anne-Marie David (Luxembourg, 1973)
One other ballad with sturdy orchestration and the most effective choruses from the Seventies.
32. “Arcade” – Duncan Laurence (The Netherlands, 2019)
This was one of some current winners that defied kind. Catchy dance hits misplaced out to Laurence who seduced the viewers along with his atmospheric piano ballad, whereas wanting like that cute man out of your college lectures.
31. “My Quantity One” – Helena Paparizou (Greece, 2005)
As was the vogue throughout the early Noughties, this lifts closely from the house nation’s conventional musical parts then provides a contemporary spin. Like a Greek J Lo, Paparizou by no means misses a beat, regardless of the demanding dance routine.
30. “Fly on the Wings of Love” – Olsen Brothers (Denmark, 2000)
It is a very well-written pop track, and really memorable, however these lads are an odd alternative as those to sing it. It’s all a bit old style and folksy. In all probability higher identified from the DJ Sammy model.
29. “Take Me to Your Heaven” – Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden, 1999)
On the floor this seems fairly tacky, however the extra you stick with it, the more durable it’s to search out fault. Nilsson is a superb singer, and the track runs by means of frequent, spectacular key modifications. The saxophones and piano chords hark instantly again to ABBA’s “Waterloo”.
28. “J’aime la Vie” – Sandra Kim (Belgium, 1986)
This track is so Eighties, it simply threatened me with nuclear struggle at a Rubik’s Dice conference. Simply the last decade’s most synth-y, techno-pop tour. Don’t be fooled by Sandra’s suburban mum costume both, she was solely 13 right here, making her the youngest winner ever.
27. “Diggi-Bathroom Diggi-Ley” – Herreys (Sweden, 1984)
Sure the title is nonsense, and sure it’s tacky, however actually the track is simply inescapably catchy. Plus, this trio of blonde Scandi brothers, with their white trousers and block colored shirts, is a complete look.
26. “Save Your Kisses for Me” – Brotherhood of Man (United Kingdom, 1976)
A bit dated, however “Save Your Kisses for Me” can’t be denied as a Eurovision basic. The melody of the refrain is at all times a deal with.
25) “Tattoo” – Loreen, 2023
One among Eurovision’s extra controversial wins concerned Swedish delegate Loreen beating Finnish favorite Karaaji and his track “Cha Cha Cha”.
Many followers had been outraged, however others identified that it was exhausting to say that Loreen hadn’t impressed along with her enormous vocal efficiency on “Tattoo”, a hovering ballad loaded with pumping dance beats and an exciting climax.
24. “Why Me?” – Linda Martin (Eire, 1992)
A soft-rock energy ballad written by two-time winner Johnny Logan is carried out by Eurovision veteran Linda Martin. If anybody doubts her dedication to this competitors, watch the blazing row she began throughout Eire’s entry course of on The Late Late Present in 2014. Douze factors.
23. “Si la vie est cadeau” – Corinne Hermès (Luxembourg, 1983)
Why are all these French language ballads so rattling good? That is one other nice one, and an enormous shout out to Hermès’ Dynasty-style hair and shoulder pads.
22. “What’s One other 12 months” – Johnny Logan (Eire, 1980)
The primary win for the King of Eurovision, who appeared like one among The Osmonds as he stole hearts with this lament of heartbreak.
21. “Everyway That I Can” – Sertab Erener (Turkey, 2003)
Right here’s some extra of these jap musical parts being included into an absolute dance banger. Stomach dancing and a few sudden rapping are thrown in for good measure.
20. “1944” – Jamala (Ukraine, 2016)
Arguably essentially the most political of the profitable songs, “1944” offers with Soviet deportation of Crimean Tatars in opposition to the backdrop of renewed repression. Heavy stuff, however as Jamala’s vocals cry out over a robust fusion of trip-hop and conventional people instrumentation, it really works completely.
19. “Diva” – Dana Worldwide (Israel, 1998)
As the primary transgender lady to compete within the contest, Dana precipitated a little bit of a stir amongst Israeli conservatives however was roundly embraced by Eurovision audiences. The track itself sounds prefer it was made for homosexual clubbing with its cries of adoration for iconic girls like Cleopatra, Aphrodite, and Victoria (you must assume she means Posh Spice).
18. “Puppet on a String” – Sandie Shaw (United Kingdom, 1967)
The primary win for the UK was one of many largest margins in Eurovision historical past, although Shaw herself known as the ditty “sexist drivel”, and hated it “from the very first oompah to the ultimate bang”. It’s tacky however undeniably catchy, and within the chronological order of winners, it jumps out because the second the competitors ditched simple listening for modern pop.
17. “Amar pelos dois” – Salvador Sobral (Portugal, 2017)
As soon as a decade or so, we see the shock triumph of a mild, timeless ballad, and this was the newest instance. Stripped-back, modest and superbly melodic, “Amar pelos dois” swept into the competitors like a breath of recent air.
16. “In Your Eyes” – Niamh Kavanagh (Eire, 1993)
Considered the most effective singers to grace the competitors, Kavanagh soars by means of this difficult energy ballad. It’s a type of “of the second” songs that might simply have been a success for Whitney or Mariah throughout this era. Trivia followers may wish to know that the demo was recorded by a younger, then-unknown Idina Menzel.
15. “Stefania” – Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine, 2022)
This observe was particular for a number of causes. Not solely was it a tribute to frontman Oleh Psiuk’s mom, nevertheless it was additionally carried out in an especially fraught time for Ukraine, simply three months after Putin’s invasion. Many tried to politicise their win, however the track, a mix of hip hop and conventional Ukrainian people music, greater than stood up by itself.
14. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Children” – Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (Eire, 1994)
Two middle-aged guys on piano and guitar singing a wistful ballad about their misplaced youth isn’t your typical Eurovision hit. Certainly, there’s a long-held perception that Eire selected this entry to make sure they wouldn’t win – in order to keep away from the price of internet hosting for a 3rd yr working. It didn’t work.
13. “Solely Teardrops” – Emmelie de Forest (Denmark, 2013)
A fantastic pop track with persistently sturdy melodies all through. The flute motif might be one of the best use of conventional people parts now closely employed by many international locations. So what if it’s a bit Ellie Goulding?
12. “Zitti e Buoni” – Maneskin (Italy, 2021)
Italy’s triumph at Eurovision was all due to the full-throttle rock’n’roll of Maneskin, a flamboyant band who wowed Eurovision voters with their Italian-language track “Zitti e Buoni”. They had been the primary Italian entry to win the competition in 31 years.
11. “Growth Bang-a-Bang” – Lulu (United Kingdom, 1969)
Simply one of the best of the 1969 quartet of winners, Lulu provides this tongue-in-cheek quantity the playful efficiency which the music and lyrics deserve, wanting each inch the Swinging London woman. The “increase bang-a-bang” chorus is pleasing sufficient, however the swooping line “It’s such a stunning feeling” could have you swaying alongside blissfully.
10. “Molitva” – Marija Šerifović (Serbia, 2007)
Let’s get all the way down to enterprise. Making their debut at Eurovision, Serbia later romped dwelling as champions with this high-drama ballad. In an period when extravagance had nicely and actually taken maintain, the staging was notably naked. The orchestra, the belting, the important thing modifications, and the 5 backing singers dressed as a cross between magnificence queens and safety guards all make this really feel just like the climax of a contemporary opera.
9. “Arduous Rock Hallelujah” – Lordi (Finland, 2006)
Has Eurovision ever seen something prefer it, earlier than or since? Finland’s first win after 45 years of collaborating got here by the hands of a heavy metallic band wearing monster costumes – however this rating is just not primarily based on novelty alone. Behind the growled vocals and pyrotechnics, “Arduous Rock Hallelujah” is a fairly nice track – even for many who ordinarily can’t stand this sort of factor. The backing vocals on the refrain are a selected excessive. It additionally offered a welcome departure from the high-octane pop-fest that many imagine Eurovision to be.
8. “Maintain Me Now” – Johnny Logan (Eire, 1987)
The jewel within the crown of Eire’s seven wins is that this corker from Logan, who returned wanting each inch the matinee idol in his pristine white go well with. It’s the type of large energy ballad that fist-clenching was made for, and his large construct on “I’ll at all times love you” ought to win one other prize for essentially the most formidable key change.
7. “Fångad av en stormvind” – Carola (Sweden, 1991)
One among Sweden’s hottest entries, Carola is profitable from the second she bounds on stage and lets out that first “Woah-oh-oh!”. Her voice is flawless, the important thing modifications are nice, and who doesn’t admire a wind machine? One other slice of Scandi pop perfection.
6. “Making Your Thoughts Up” – Bucks Fizz (United Kingdom, 1981)
A excessive power pop track with vibrant younger performers and enjoyable choreography – “Making Your Thoughts Up” is the stuff that Eurovision is manufactured from. The well-known second when the boys ripped off the women’ skirts solely to disclose shorter skirts beneath them is likely one of the competitors’s most well-known moments. A primary hit file throughout Europe that yr, the track stays as infectious as we speak as ever.
5. “Ne partez pas sans moi” – Céline Dion (Switzerland, 1988)
Celine Dion was simply 20 years outdated when she got here to worldwide consideration with this efficiency. The track itself is superb – a French chanson worthy of Edith Piaf, with a barely twee drum machine stepping up the beat for a bop of a refrain. This all came about earlier than Celine was reworked into an ageless energy ballad queen (see the pageant-esque hair and outfit), nevertheless it’s thrilling to listen to how her vocals had been sheer perfection even then. Oh, and the arm choreography was nicely on its approach too.
4. “Love Shine a Gentle” – Katrina and the Waves (United Kingdom, 1997)
The gorgeous fusion of hammond organ, tambourines, hand clapping and the quasi-spiritual lyrics themselves make this really feel like a wonderful hymn – and Katrina actually takes it to church. One of many highest scorers in trendy instances, this was the final time the UK gained the competitors, and it got here the day after Labour’s landslide 1997 election victory. What a time to be alive.
3. “Rise Like a Phoenix” – Conchita Wurst (Austria, 2014)
Conchita’s efficiency had every thing you may need in a Eurovision efficiency. Elegant and fierce , “Rise Like a Phoenix” may match the best Bond theme, and is definitely one of the crucial timeless of all of the winners. The large band provides to the glamour of all of it, and brings the goosebumps on that dramatic orchestral rise in direction of the ultimate refrain. It was a robust second for LGBT+ visibility, too; the track’s theme of conquer adversity secured it as an anthem for all times’s survivors.
2. “Euphoria” – Loreen (Sweden, 2012)
It’s exhausting to choose another current winner that comes as near modern chart toppers as “Euphoria” – a dance hit that many modern pop stars would kill for. Written by Sweden’s Thomas G:son – who has produced greater than 90 songs for Eurovision rivals throughout a number of international locations – ”Euphoria” is constructed on intelligent pop formulation. The refrain itself is anthemic perfection, however when Loreen tacks on: “We’re going up, up, up…” it strikes gold. The Kate Bush-esque efficiency was an added bonus.
1. “Waterloo” – ABBA (Sweden, 1974)
ABBA burst onto the stage at the 1974 competition, kickstarting Sweden’s worldwide status as masters of pop. Early adopters of the type of kitsch which might come to typify the present, ABBA used their platform to supply a style of the cultural phenomenon they’d go on to change into. From the opening piano construct to the swap between a minor bridge and main refrain, to the catchy hooks littered all through, “Waterloo” is a masterclass in how you can write a success, and the track rightly went on to change into one of many best-selling singles of all time. ABBA proceed to affect Eurovision contestants to this present day, and whereas you could have one other favorite, ”Waterloo” is a track on which most individuals can agree is a stable gold basic. We promise to like you eternally extra.
This text was initially printed in 2019.
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