Eurovision
Legacy Name: Storm Estat

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• Name: Eurovision Song Contest
• Started: 1956
• 

I’ve probably been hearing songs that competed in the Eurovision Song Contest all my life, since they generally get played a lot on the radio here in Sweden every year. Mostly they get played the same year that they compete. The only exceptions are generally the winners and any song that just becomes very popular after the competition. And I’m talking about all of the songs that aren’t from Sweden here. Starting in 2002 we’ve had a lot more songs competing to become the one that represents Sweden in the main competition each year. We went from having about 10 songs each year, to having, at one point, as many as 32. Since 2015 it’s down to 28 songs each year though. Anyway, the point I was getting at, initially, with this is that pretty much all of the songs that compete in the Swedish Melodifestivalen gets played years after they competed, but the songs from other countries usually don’t get played here beyond the scope of the year that they competed in ESC. There are some exceptions, of course. There always is. And I’m always happy to hear them. Well, most of the time. Not when it’s a song that I don’t like. But that goes for the Swedish songs as well ;)


Now, I didn’t start watching and following Eurovision until 2001. This was around the time when I was really into watching any show or gala type thing on TV that had live music performances on them. And ever since that first time of watching Melodifestivalen and then Eurovision Song Contest that year I’ve been hooked. I’ve never missed a single show since then.


Now, the competition has been running since 1956 but since I’ve only been interested in it since 2001 that is where I’m going to start my top 10 lists from. Not only does this feel more fair to me (since I’ve actually seen the songs performed at the time of the competition), but it also means a lot less work for me here ;)
I honestly tried my hardest to pick 10 songs from each year, but for some of them I just couldn’t justify picking that many. After all, I didn’t want to list songs that I really don’t like at all.


I think what I love about the Eurovision Song Contest is that you get such a big variety every year. You’ve got the fun, party songs. You’ve got the heart wrenching ballads. And you’ve got the silly joke songs. And to my endless joy in recent years we’ve been getting more rock and metal.
As time has gone on I’ve sort of learned what to expect from certain countries. Like, I usually assume that I’m going to like entries from Denmark because they have a good track record with me. The same goes for countries like Portugal and Lithuania, only in their cases it is the opposite. I rarely like their entries. For Portugal it’s usually because to me their entries always feel so disconnected from all the other countries. There was a saying once that Finland and Portugal were both stuck in the past when it came to their ESC entries. Thankfully Finland has managed to move on and are now really good. And for Lithuania? Well, their entries have often been…weird to me. But they have definitely had more good songs lately than Portugal according to me.


Before I start listing all of the lists for the years that I’ve been watching the ESC I wanted to have a list of my all time favorite top ten songs (of the same time period as the other lists).

2001

1. Malta - Fabrizio Faniello - Another Summer Night

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved the sound of Latin music, and I think that that’s what originally drew me to this song. But it’s also so happy and fun. And Faniello has a great voice.

2. Iceland - Two Tricky - Angel

I love the pure pop sound of this one. Very typical for the time, and I love it for that. And I just love the lyrics because of how sweet they are.

3. Poland - Piasek - 2 Long

Another nice pop song, but this one is just pure fun to me. I don’t care that the English isn’t perfect, or that it doesn’t always make sense. That just comes with the territory when you’re dealing with countries that are so different from each other. I mean, how can anyone sit still when listening to this? I sure can’t ;)

4. Spain - David Civera - Dile Que la Quiero

As I mentioned with the Maltese song, I love Latin music. And here we have one from the mother country when it comes to Latin music. It’s just so good.

5. Germany - Michelle - Wer Liebe Lebt

As you’re going to notice on my lists ballads aren’t the most common on them. But this one is one of the exceptions. It’s in both German and English and it’s just as good in either language, honestly.

6. Denmark - Rollo & King - Never Ever Let You Go

First of many Danish songs that are going to grace these lists. And this one is just so happy and fun to listen to. And for someone that hears Danish on the radio a fair bit (as I’m from the south of Sweden, which is pretty close to Denmark) I’m always smiling when I hear that distinct English accent that Danish people often have.

7. Sweden - Friends - Listen to Your Heartbeat

You might think that it’d be obvious that I’d include the Swedish entry on my lists, but I only do that if I actually like the song we sent that year. And there has definitely been years when I wasn’t a fan of what we sent. This one I really like though. It’s very typical for the early Swedish entries of the 00s. A very ABBA-esque sound, if you will. And I like that.

8. Estonia - Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL - Everybody

This was the winner of ESC 2001, and I’m glad that it won because not only is it a great party song, but it was also the first win for Estonia in the history of ESC.

9. Portugal - MTM - Só Sei Ser Feliz Assim

Pretty sure that this is the only song from Portugal that I have on any of my lists. It has a bit of a Peter Andre sound to it which I’m a huge fan of as I was a fan of his during this time.

10. Slovenia - Nuša Derenda - Energy

I, honestly, just love the techno/dance sound of this song. It makes it a great party song.

2002

1. Malta - Ira Losco - 7th Wonder

This song has such a cute and innocent sound to it, and I live for it!

2. Sweden - Afro-dite - Never Let It Go

Now this! This is just a pure disco party. It’s just meant to get everyone dancing. Nothing more profound than that.

3. Estonia - Sahlene - Runaway

This one is just a pure pop song. Something that you would hear on the radio. And it makes me happy to listen to.

4. Austria - Manuel Ortega - Say a Word

Another happy and fun song. Honestly, this is the kind of song that I usually gravitate towards in the ESC so I, personally, am not surprised that I liked this one so much.

2003

1. Slovenia - Karmen - Nanana

Another great party song from Slovenia. This one with more of a pop sound than the one from 2001. But still great, especially since this one has a little bit of a rock n’ roll sound to it in the chorus.

2. Sweden - Fame - Give Me Your Love

I am a big fan of this duo. Especially of the guy, as I find his voice absolutely wonderful. And the song is great too. We’re back to the ABBA-esque sound again from Sweden, but like I said before, I love that.

3. Turkey - Sertab Erenar - Every Way That I Can

This year’s winner. I love the sound of this song. Turkey had a tendency to have pretty traditional sounding songs, and this time it worked. They deserved this win, for sure!

4. Poland - Ich Troje - Keine Grenzen

I know that many have an issue with his voice, but I like it. And I like the lyrics, as I’ve always been a fan of peace songs.

5. Germany - Lou - Let’s Get Happy

This one is just a happy party song, and I’m here for it!

6. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Mija Martina - Ne Brini

I like how it starts off slow and then becomes a funky party song. I may not understand a single word of what she’s singing, but I honestly don’t care XD

2004

1. France - Jonatan Cerrada - A Chaque Pas

I just love this song. It’s such a beautiful ballad. And something that one of the Swedish commentator’s said at the time has stuck with me all these years. He said that Jonatan had been called the Little Prince (in reference to the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). I love that book and that comment just made me love this song even more.

2. Serbia & Montenegro - Željko Joksimoviĉ & Ad Hoc Orchestra - Lane Moje

Once again I don’t really understand a single word sung, but I still absolutely love this song. The flute is just spellbinding and Željko’s voice is so good. It really is one of my favorite ballads to ever compete in the ESC. Every time I listen to it I just end up swaying along to it.

3. Ukraine - Ruslana - Wild Dances

This year’s winning song. And it is a good song. It’s got a good beat and is just one of those songs that I can’t keep still to when I hear it.

4. Greece - Sakis Rouvas - Shake It

If I can’t keep still to the previous song, that is definitely also true for this one. And I love the traditional Greek tunes in it as well.

5. Spain - Ramôn - Para Llenarme De Ti

And here we go with the Latin songs again! I’m loving it, and it earns Spain another place on my lists.

6. Ireland - Chris Doran - If My World Stopped Turning

Like France, Ireland loves to send ballads and most of the time I don’t fancy them a lot. But this one is a very sweet and beautiful ballad.

7. Netherlands - Re-Union - Without You

This one has a bit of a boyband sound to it, and as someone that was a big fan of boybands for a long time (BSB :heart: ) I love this so much.

8. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Deen - In the Disco

Now this song is just a fun party song. It’s not really “good” by any stretch of the imagination otherwise. But that doesn’t really matter to me. There’s just something that I really like about it. And let’s face it. Sometimes you just need to have a good time. And that’s what this song is to me.

2005

1. Denmark - Jakob Sveistrup - Talking to You

This is probably one of my top 5 favorite songs from Denmark in the ESC. I just…love everything about it!

2. Norway - Wig Wam - In My Dreams

Norwegian glam rock! And the first bit of metal on these lists! And I live for it! I always thirst for metal songs in ESC each year. It’s not always that they deliver songs that I love though, but this one? Oh, I love it so much. Especially since it’s my favorite kind of metal. What we in Sweden call Poodle rock! Get it? Because of the 80s hair XD

3. Sweden - Martin Stenmarck - Las Vegas

I know that this one was controversial in Sweden because it only won because our Swedish jury groups voted for it a lot, while the people’s vote mostly went to a different song. But I love this song! And Martin has a great voice!

4. Greece - Helena Paparizou - My Number One

The winner of the ESC 2005. Again, I love the traditional Greek instruments used in it. And the song as a whole is fun.

5. Turkey - Gülseren - Rimi Rimi Ley

Another song with traditional tunes in it, and I, once again, live for it! And it’s a happy song that just makes me smile when I hear it.

6. Moldova - Zdob și Zdub - Boonika Bate Doba

This was Moldova’s first year competing in ESC and they did very well. This is a fun song, for sure.

7. Serbia & Montenegro - No Name - Zauvijek Moja

I think you know by now that I’m gonna comment on the traditional tunes heard in this one, and you are right. That is one of the biggest reasons that I like this one.

2006

1. Finland - Lordi - Hard Rock Hallelujah

The winner of ESC 2006 was this amazing metal song! I love the song, the sound and their costumes! And it was Finland’s first ever win :heart:

2. Romania - Mihai Traistariu - Tornero

This is such a good dance song, according to me. And his voice is great!

3. Denmark - Sidsel Ben Semmane - Twist of Love

I absolutely love that Denmark went for an old rock n’ roll sound for their entry. And it is just such a fun song!

4. Russia - Dima Bilan - Never Let You Go

Nowadays I often tend to judge Russia’s entries very harshly (although, according to me they haven’t really had any good songs the last 10+ years anyway) because of well…their politics and treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community. And Dima Bilan might be one of the biggest divas ever according to some people. But this song? I really like it. The same goes for the other song he competed with 2 years later.

5. Monaco - Séverine Ferrer - La Coco-dance

Omg this song! It just gives me such a big smile every time that I listen to it. It’s so happy and fun, and just a complete joy.

6. Ireland - Brian Kennedy - Every Song Is a Cry For Love

This is such a beautiful ballad. And I just love that at certain parts of the song you really hear that he is Irish in the way he pronounces some of the words. Like tough and rough.

7. Switzerland - Six4One - If We All Give a Little

I know that this one got some backlash during the competition because people felt that it felt very disingenuous because it was sung by people from rich countries that sing about “giving a little”. But, like I mentioned once before, I love peace songs. And I count this as one of those. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I really love the Swedish guy (Andreas Lundstedt) that was in this group of singers ;)

8. Malta - Fabrizio Faniello - I Do

Faniello competed again! I’ve already stated that I really like Faniello’s voice. And that still holds true. A little sad that this one was more pop and less Latin than his first song in ESC, but it’s still good enough to be included here.

9. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Hari Mata Hari - Lejla

The violin at the beginning, followed by the traditional sounding music…So beautiful :heart:

10. Norway - Christine Guldbrandsen - Alvedansen

Spellbinding. That’s the best way for me to describe this one. As a Swedish person this just resonates with me because it’s so reminiscent of our own folk music.

2007

1. Sweden - The Ark - The Worrying Kind

I’m a big fan of this band. And I was a fan way before they competed in ESC. Their sound is so perfectly delightful!

2. Switzerland - DJ Bobo - Vampires Are Alive

Many didn’t like this one because they considered it a joke entry. But I’m a big fan of DJ Bobo, and have been for a long time. I love this song! And I love vampires so that is just an added bonus for me ;)

3. Denmark - DQ - Drama Queen

Such a fun party song. And drag queen representation! Way to go, Denmark!

4. Ukraine - Verka Serduchka - Dancing Lasha Tumbai

Omg this song. It has pretty much become an ESC anthem! It’s crazy and just bonkers. But it grows on you XD
And it was another drag queen!

5. Austria - Eric Papilaya - Get a Life - Get Alive

Not quite as good in the rock department as The Ark, but still. It’s good enough to reach my top 10 for the year. Out of 40+ songs.

6. UK - Scooch - Flying the Flag

I like this one because it’s got a great beat and it reminds me of just fun pop music like the kind made by Vengaboys and the like.

2008

1. Norway - Maria Haukass Storeng - Hold On Be Strong

I just really like the lyrics to this one. And she’s got a great voice as well.

2. Switzerland - Paolo Meneguzzi - Era Stupendo

I love that it’s sung in Italian. It is probably one of the most beautiful languages to sing in, according to me. And it’s also just a great song.

3. Sweden - Charlotte Perelli - Hero

Great lyrics. And a great sound. Also, Charlotte Perelli’s got some impressive pipes on her. My favorite bit of the lyrics is definitely “taking the fight is the life of a hero”.

4. Belgium - Ishtar - O Julissi

This is a fun song in a made up language. And honestly, the biggest reason that I love this song is because of what I associate it with. My sister and I discovered that it fits perfectly for our favorite race in World of Warcraft (the Draenei) to dance to XD

5. Finland - Teräsbetoni - Missä Miehet Ratsastaa

More Finnish metal! And this time sung in Finnish as well. And, in case you’re wondering, the title basically means “Where the men ride”.

6. Russia - Dima Bilan - I Believe

The winner of the 2008 ESC. And my favorite of Bilan’s two entries as well. Beautiful violin in the background, and it has uplifting lyrics.

7. Latvia - Pirates of the Sea - Wolves of the Sea

I love pirates! And I really don’t care that people consider it to be a joke entry. I love it!

8. Iceland - Euroband - This Is My Life

I absolutely love that this one has such a eurodisco sound to it. So nostalgic for me because I grew up listening to music like that.

9. Armenia - Sirusho - Qele Qele

This song has a nice traditional start to it and then shifts into a fun party song.

10. Denmark - Simon Matthew - All Night Long

To me this is a song with a very Danish sound to it, which is what I love about it.

2009

1. Norway - Alexander Rybak - Fairytale

One of my absolute favorite ESC songs ever! I love Rybak, his voice and him playing the violin. And the song is just so good! And it gets me going whenever I hear it :heart:

2. Denmark - Brinck - Believe Again

I love this. What’s funny though is that the song was written by Ronan Keating and Brinck sounds so much like Keating in the verses. Especially in the first verse. Which is fine by me because I really like Ronan Keating (both in and out of Boyzone).

3. Israel - Noa & Mira Awad - There Must Be Another Way

Not only is this a beautiful song all on it’s own, but it’s also about how there must be another way to go about the issues in Israel. And it needs to be pointed out that the ones singing are one Palestinian and one Israeli, and it’s sung in English, Arabic and Hebrew.

4. Netherlands - The Toppers - Shine

I’ve mentioned before that I love peace songs, and this is one of those. I love the lyrics, and the song just makes me so happy to listen to.

5. Estonia - Urban Symphony - Rändajad

Now this song is just hauntingly beautiful. Pure and simple.

6. Germany - Alex Swings Oscar Sings! - Miss Kiss Kiss Bang

I love swing, and it was so nice to hear some swing in ESC. And I just find it so fun to listen to.

7. Lithuania - Sasha Son - Love

This is such a beautiful and melodious song. Very good.

8. Finland - Waldo’s People - Lose Control

I love this so much because it’s again a song that just reminds me of the music that I listened to a lot growing up. It’s giving me so much E-Type vibes and I’m here for it!

9. Montenegro - Andrea Demirovic - Just Get Out of My Life

This one is just fun to listen to for me. The lyrics don’t always make sense because of broken English, but I really don’t care. The music is great XD

10. Belgium - Copycat - Copycat

The biggest reason that I like this song (other than it being a fun song) is that it’s rockabilly. I grew up with parents that played a lot of Elvis Presley and other rockabilly music so this genre has a special place in my heart.

2010

1. Netherlands - Sieneke - Ik Ben Verliefd (Sha-la-lie)

This song is so incredibly happy and fun that I just can’t help but love it! And it has a bit of a rock n’ roll vibe to it too.

2. Spain - Daniel Diges - Algo Pequeñito

I just love the circus feel to this one. And I find the melody spellbinding. Also, finally another good song from Spain!

3. Slovakia - Kristina Pelakova - Horehronie

This song is just so beautiful. I especially love the flute bits in it. And her voice is gorgeous.

4. Switzerland - Michael von der Heide - Il Pleut de L’Or

I really love this song. I especially love the chorus!

5. Germany - Lena - Satellite

The winner of the 2010 ESC. And definitely a great song. Very happy and fun.

6. Armenia - Eva Rivas - Apricot Stone

A beautiful song with wonderful traditional tones to it. That flute bit at the start is so great.

7. Turkey - maNga - We Could Be the Same

Now this is a great rock song and one of Turkey’s best entries for a while.

8. UK - Josh Dubovie - That Sounds Good to Me

This song just makes me smile and feel happy. It’s as easy as that.

9. Iceland - Hera Björk - Je Ne Sais Quoi

This one is basically the same as with the previous one. I just feel happy when I listen to it.

10. France - Jessy Matador - Allez Ola Olé

Three in a row that make me happy when I listen to them. Although this one also makes me feel a little pumped up since it has a sports anthem feel to it.

2011

1. Sweden - Eric Saade - Popular

I, honestly, love this song. Has nothing to do with it being the Swedish entry. It’s explosive when the chorus starts and is just such a great party song. And Eric has a great voice to boot.

2. Finland - Paradise Oskar - Da Da Dam

For this one the lyrics are everything. And it’s paired so perfectly with just a guitar and a piano.

3. Norway - Stella Mwangi - Haba Haba

This song is pure happiness and really fun. And definitely not expected from Norway. But I absolutely love it, and it makes me smile.

4. Ireland - Jedward - Lipstick

I’m aware that Jedward are definitely a divisive pair. Many can’t stand them, but I like the two songs they competed with. This one is my least favorite of the two but it’s still a great party song.

5. Denmark - A Friend In London - New Tomorrow

This one kind of ends up in the same group of songs for me as the peace songs. It’s a feel-good song that I just want to sway along to.

6. Italy - Raphael Gualazzi - Madness of Love

Like I pointed out before, I love Italian being sung, so that almost immediately makes this one good to me. But I also like the jazzy sound it has.

2012

1. Sweden - Loreen - Euphoria

The winning song of ESC 2012! And it is a really great song. And Loreen has a beautiful voice.

2. Norway - Tooji - Stay

This one is just a great party song that makes me happy and makes it hard for me to be still.

3. Serbia - Željko Joksimoviĉ - Nije Ljubav Stvar

Željko is finally back with another gorgeous ballad. It’s almost on par with Lane Moje for me, but that previous song of his is just slightly better to me. But this one is also very good.

4. Ireland - Jedward - Waterline

This one isn’t quite as energetic as Lipstick which is probably why I like it a bit more. Better lyrics in this one as well.

5. Italy - Nina Zilli - L’Amore È Femmina

I love the classic sound of this one. Makes it really cool to me. And, of course, I’m loving the Italian bits.

6. France - Anggun - Echo (You And I)

I love the whistling at the start, partially because it reminds me of the X-files theme. But other than that it’s also a very catchy song.

7. Cyprus - Ivi Adamou - La La Love

This song was played so much the rest of 2012 that you’d think I’d be tired of it, but that’s not the case at all. I still like it a lot. Just as much as I did when I heard it for the first time.

8. Romania - Mandinga - Zaleilah

Another one that is just pure joy for me to listen to because it’s just so happy and fun.

9. Lithuania - Donny Montell - Love Is Blind

This one starts out as a ballad but don’t be fooled. It’ll pick up the pace soon enough. It’s a great song and Donny’s voice is wonderful.

10. UK - Engelbert Humperdinck - Love Will Set You Free

Unlike the previous song this one really is a ballad. And a very beautiful one at that. And sung by a legend.

2013

1. Denmark - Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops

The winning song of ESC 2013! This song is wonderful. It’s got great lyrics and a great beat and sound.

2. Sweden - Robin Stjernberg - You

Robin sings this song so beautifully. And I just really like this ong and it was my favorite to win the Swedish outtakes this year.

3. Finland - Krista Siegfrids - Marry Me

Now this is just a great song that is fun and poppy. So much happiness!

4. Azerbaijan - Farid Mammadov - Hold Me

I love how big it gets when the chorus gets going. And it’s an overall good song, in my opinion.

5. Ireland - Ryan Dolan - Only Love Survives

It’s a great dance song, and Ryan has a great voice. And I love the drums in the verses!

6. Malta - Gianluca - Tomorrow

This song just makes me feel good listening to it. A lot of that most likely comes from the happy music and because the singer sounds so happy singing it.

7. Germany - Cascada - Glorious

Honestly just a great party song. And what else would you expect from someone like Cascada?

8. Romania - Cezar - It’s My Life

This one is a weird one. And I think that’s why I like it. This guy’s voice in parts of this song is just unexpected, but amazing XD
And I appreciate the dubstep in it as well.

2014

1. Austria - Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix

The winning song of ESC 2014! And my absolute favorite Eurovision song ever! I just love everything about this song. I love that it sounds like a Bond theme song. It is dramatic and amazing. And Conchita Wurst? Oh my God, she has such a gorgeous voice and is a phenomenal artist in every way. I bow down, my queen :heart:

2. Denmark - Basim - Cliché Love Song

This one is such a fun and happy song. And I have to say that I prefer the version he did in the ESC compared to the original version he did in the Danish competition. But that could also be because I heard the tamer version they used in ESC first and that’s why I prefer it. Either way it’s a great song that it’s hard to sit still to.

3. Iceland - Pollapönk - No Prejudice

This song is definitely all about the lyrics for me. I’m not saying that I don’t like the punk-y sound of the music, but the lyrics are what's most important to me for this one. Definitely a song that many more people need to listen to and take the message to heart.

4. Latvia - Aarzemnieki - Cake to Bake

I, personally, just think of this song as innocent fun. It’s got fun and interesting lyrics, and I wouldn’t have thought more of it than that. But my sister told me once that it was supposed to be about peace? I’m not really sure why she thinks that, but I’m sure that there could be a deeper meaning to it. Or it really is just a song about not knowing how to bake a cake XD

5. Switzerland - Sebalter - Hunter of Stars

I love the sound of this one, the whistling and it’s just an overall fun song.

6. Hungary - András Kállay-Saunders - Running

The lyrics are so good here. It’s a tragic song about domestic abuse and trying to get away from it. But still so beautiful and good.

7. Armenia - Aram MP3 - Not Alone

Just like the previous song this one is beautiful even though it’s sad and tragic.

8. Norway - Carl Espen - Silent Storm

To be perfectly honest with you with this one Carl Espen’s voice is what does it the most for me. If it wasn’t for his beautiful voice I think I might find this song a bit boring. But his song makes it almost hauntingly beautiful.

9. Israel - Mei Finegold - Same Heart

Mei has an amazing voice. And this song is very good.

10. Ukraine - Mariya Yaremchuck - Tick-Tock

A great party song that I just want to sway along to as I also sing along. Especially in the chorus.

2015

1. Sweden - Måns Zelmerlöw - Heroes

The winning song of ESC 2015! And it’s a great song about how parents (and other authoritative figures in kids lives) are the heroes of today.

2. Belgium - Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside

I just love how cool this song sounds. I can’t help but move to the finger snaps and drums of this song.

3. Israel - Nadav Guedj - Golden Boy

This is another fun and happy party song for me. And I love how happy he sounds singing it.

4. Cyprus - John Karayiamnis - One Thing I Should Have Done

I love his voice. And the song itself is very beautiful to me.

5. North Macedonia - Daniel Kajmakoski - Autumn Leaves

Like the previous song this one is also very beautiful to me. And the music fits so well with the title as well.

6. Italy - Il Volo - Grande Amore

As a big fan of Josh Groban I have a weakness for pop opera music so this one went directly into my heart when I first heard it. And it still has a place in there for me.

7. Norway - Mørland & Debrah Scarlett - A Monster Like Me

This one, to me, feels almost like a theater scene in a single song. It has very theatrical and storytelling lyrics.

8. Australia - Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again

This was Australia’s first time in the ESC, and what an entrance they had! This is a great pop song that is very catchy.

9. Estonia - Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday

I’m a big fan of the old school sound of this one. Very nice :)

10. Iceland - Maria Olafs - Unbroken

This one is just a nice pop song that makes me feel happy when I hear it.

2016

1. France - Amir - J’ai Cherché

Not only do I like saying the title of this song, but the song itself is just so dang catchy. I can’t get enough of listening to it.

2. Austria - ZOË - Loin d’Ici

Another very catchy song in French. And I love her voice, especially in the chorus.

3. Ireland - Nicky Byrne - Sunlight

I really love the lyrics of this one. And the fact that Ireland competed with this song in the year after same sex marriage became legally recognized in Ireland just makes it so much more meaningful to me.

4. Sweden - Frans - If I Were Sorry

When I first heard this song I, honestly, didn’t rate it very high at all. But then I heard it again and my mind changed completely about it. Most likely because that second time I heard Frans sing it live. Now I’m a big fan of it.

5. Belgium - Laura Tesoro - What’s the Pressure

Another catchy pop song that I can’t help but move to. I absolutely love how funky it sounds..

6. Cyprus - Minus One - Alter Ego

Finally a good rock song again! The chorus, especially, is very good.

7. Australia - Dami Im - Sound of Silence

And Australia does it again! They delivered yet another great song with this one.

8. Bulgaria - Poli Genova - If Love Was a Crime

I really like the chorus on this one. The verses are good too, but the chorus is what really does it for me here.

9. Lithuania - Donny Montell - I’ve Been Waiting for Tonight

Donny Montell is back! And he’s back with another great party song. Just like what he brought last time :)

10. Israel - Hovi - Made of Stars

This is just such a beautiful song. And he’s got a great voice.

2017

1. Italy - Francesco Gabbani - Occidentali’s Karma

The title translates to “Westener’s Karma” and it’s about how nowadays we’re only after easy answers and quick results. And that we’re making evolution stumble by how we strive for things that don’t matter in the end. It so perfectly encapsulates today’s world, and it does it in a song that is just fun to listen to. And that makes me smile and sing along (even though I don’t speak Italian) every time that I listen to it.

2. Sweden - Robin Bengtsson - I Can’t Go On

To me this song is just cool. From the song itself to the live performance. And Robin has a really great voice too.
Funny thing is that whenever I see the live performance I can’t help but look at the dancer with the long hair for the sole reason that he makes me think of elves. He just reminds me of the blood elves from Warcraft so much XD

3. Austria - Nathan Trent - Running On Air

This song just makes me feel good and happy when I listen to it. Which is also helped by his smooth voice.

4. Norway - JOWST - Grab the Moment

Norway was coming strong with a great dance song this year. And I live for it! Great lyrics too.

5. Belgium - Blanche - City Lights

She has such a nice deep voice that I love. And it’s a great song too to boot.

6. Moldova - Sunstroke Project - Hey Mamma

Omg this song! It just makes me so incredibly happy to listen to. I know that they are more known for the Epic Sax Guy meme but to me this song is so much better than the one that the meme was taken from.

7. Ireland - Brendan Murray - Dying to Try

A very nice ballad from Ireland. And his delicate voice sounds so sweet and innocent.

8. Spain - Manel Navarro - Do It for Your Lover

This one sounds like a perfect song to listen to on a sunny summer’s day. Just relaxing and having a nice time.

9. Poland - Kasia Moś - Flashlight

Another ballad, but this time a much more powerful one. I can’t help but think that someone like Céline Dion would do this one exceptionally well.

10. Montenegro - Slavko Kalezić - Space

This one, honestly, is so weird to me, but I love it XD

2018

1. Denmark - Rasmussen - Higher Ground

I absolutely love this song! I’ve mentioned before that I love pirates and vampires, but I love vikings even more than that. So this song got my love from the first time that I heard it. And I still love it just as much, if not more than I did then. It even inspired me to make a viking pet here on Subeta (Ulf) :)
I feel like this connects with me on a primal level because of me being from Sweden and the fact that we had vikings as well.

2. Ireland - Ryan O’Shaughnessy - Together

I think that this might be one of the most beautiful, and sad, one of all the ballads that I love from the ESC over the years. And Ryan’s falsetto voice is just gorgeous.

3. Czech Republic - Mikolas Josef - Lie to Me

This is one of those songs that I just can’t sit still to at all. I don’t even care what he sings about, I just love the music!

4. Norway - Alexander Rybak - That’s How You Write a Song

Rybak is back! This time he brought a song that’s more fun and playful than the wonderful Fairytale from 2009. I really like it though, just not as much as the one he won with earlier ;)

5. Cyprus - Eleni Foureira - Fuego

Now this is a great party song. Especially for the summer.

6. Israel - Netta - Toy

The winner of the ESC 2018! This is another one that is really weird, but so weird that I can’t help but love it. And it has a great message too, if you listen to the lyrics.

7. Austria - Cesár Sampson - Nobody But You

Most of all I love his voice. But the song itself is also a pretty good pop song.

2019

1. Sweden - John Lundvik - Too Late for Love

This is probably one of my favorite songs that we’ve sent to compete in the ESC for many years. Not only is it a great song that is very uplifting. But it also has John’s wonderful voice. And the addition of The Mamas as his backing vocals, adding that gospel sound to the song just makes me so happy!

2. Italy - Mahmood - Soldi

I can not get enough of this song! Not only is Mahmood cool as heck singing in the beautiful Italian language, but the music has a great beat to it. In case you’re wondering, it's basically about how everything can’t be bought with money.

3. Netherlands - Duncan Lawrence - Arcade

The winner of ESC 2019! A very beautiful, and sad, ballad that definitely deserved to win.

4. Switzerland - Luca Hänni - She Got Me

This one is a great party song that I can’t help but move along to. The chorus, especially, is awesome!

5. Czech Republic - Lake Malawi - Friend of a Friend

A great pop song that is very catchy!

6. Estonia - Victor Crone - Storm

Victor has a great voice, and he’s singing a song that just makes me happy to listen to. And I often sing along to it as well.

7. France - Bilal Hassani - Roi

The lyrics here are what made me love this song.

8. Lithuania - Jurij Veklenko - Run With the Lions

I just love his voice! And the song itself is really good too.

9. Cyprus - Tamta - Replay

A nice catchy party song. What else is there to say? Oh, maybe that it has a great beat in the chorus ;)

10. Azerbaijan - Chingiz - Truth

Great beat and just a very catchy song that’s great to dance to.

2020

1. Sweden - The Mamas - Move

Remember how I said that John Lundvik’s song from the previous year (2019) was probably one of my favorite songs that Sweden has competed with in the ESC for a while? And the group doing his backing vocals in that song? Well, here you have my number 1 song that we (Sweden) have sent lately. And it is being sung by none other than the ladies that sang behind John the previous year (minus one of them). Not only do I love the song because it’s uplifting and just beautiful, but their voices are just utterly amazing!

2. Israel - Eden Alene - Feker Libi

A great dance and party song with some nice traditional elements to it.

3. Iceland - Daði og Gagnamagnið - Think About Things

Technically there wasn’t a competition this year because of the pandemic, but since all the countries had already picked songs there was an unofficial vote to see which song was the most popular overall and this song won the popular vote.
And it’s a great pop song that I just can’t help but like.

4. Denmark - Ben & Tan - YES

I just really love this song. It has a bit of a First Aid Kit sound to it that I’m really into.

5. Ireland - Lesley Roy - Story of My Life

This is a great, and very catchy, pop song. And I’m here for it.

6. Azerbaijan - Efendi - Cleopatra

I love the traditional sound to it. And it’s also a great party song.

7. Serbia - Hurricane - Hasta La Vista

I don’t understand a single word that they are singing (apart from the title, basically) but there is just something captivating about this song for me.

8. UK - James Newman - My Last Breath

I like his voice and the overall sound of this song. It’s just a nice song to listen to.

2021

1. Italy - Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni

The winner of ESC 2021! And my favorite song this year, as well. It’s a great rock song with a great message about how they don’t just want to sit still and shut up. So, instead they are loud and proud!

2. Finland - Blind Channel - Dark Side

This one has a little bit of the same theme as the previous one in the sense that they don’t want to conform either. I just love it when Finland sends metal songs because they are usually great. And this one is no exception.

3. Malta - Destiny - Je Me Casse

Another great song that I love to sing along to. Also has a great message that no matter if a woman dresses a certain way, or decides to have drinks when she’s out, it does not mean that she will lower her standards when it comes to men. Or that her attitude towards you will change just because you buy her a drink.

4. Denmark - Fyr & Flamme - Øve Os På Hinanden

Ah, I am a huge fan of 80s music and this one just oozes that 80s sound to me. And it’s just such a fun and happy song. Oh, and the title translates to “Practice On Each Other”.

5. Moldova - Natalia Gordienko - SUGAR

This is a great party, and just an overall fun, song. I really like it and it makes me smile.

6. Israel - Eden Alene - Set Me Free

Eden is back with another great party song with some wonderful traditional elements in it that I love.

7. Cyprus - Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo

This is just a shameless party song, and I’m here for it all the way!

8. Azerbaijan - Efendi - Mata Hari

I, honestly, like this Efendi song much more than the Cleopatra one she did for the previous year. This one feels much tougher and in your face, and I love it. You go, girl!

9. Serbia - Hurricane - Loco Loco

The same thing is true for this song as was true for Eden’s and Efendi’s songs this year. That I find this one much better than the one they were gonna compete with the previous year. This is just a much catchier song to me. And I love watching the music video for it because there’s a gorgeous guy in it XD

10. Croatia - Albina - Tick-Tock

The chorus is just wonderful to me. Such a great beat which makes it a nice party song.

2022

1. Austria - LUM!X feat. Pia Maria - Halo

It took me less than 5 seconds to start loving this song the first time I heard it. It is such a freaking bop! I’ve listened to it on repeat many times already and we’re not even close to the actual contest yet. I predict this one to be played a lot on the radio this summer in Sweden ♥️

2. Malta - Emma Muscat - I Am What I Am

A powerful pop ballad with a strong and powerful message. I love it! And Emma’s voice is beautiful too.

3. Israel - Michael Ben David - I.M

Omg, this guy! I love him so much. He’s giving me sassy Tom Ellis vibes (think Lucifer). And the song is so fun, and I just can’t sit still when I hear it. The fact that there’s also a good story behind it only makes it that much better for me.

4. Italy - Mahmood & BLANCO - Brividi

Seeing that Mahmood would represent Italy again made me very happy. This song might not be as strong as Soldi was for me, but it’s still a beautiful song. And only made better by being sung in Italian ♥️

5. Australia - Sheldon Riley - Not the Same

I am so happy to see Sheldon represent Australia! I watched him go through the Australian iteration of The Voice. Twice! And I remember him saying that one of his dreams were to represent Australia in ESC one day. And now here he is. And showing off his amazing voice perfectly in a powerful, and touching, ballad.

6. France - Alvan & Ahez - Fulenn

This song surprised me so much when I first listened to it. It’s such a departure from what France usually sends, and I’m here for it. And I love that it’s sung in Breton, and not French.

7. Estonia - STEFAN - Hope

There’s something about his voice that just resonates with me. And it’s nice to have another nice country song in the ESC again.

8. Poland - Ochman - River

A really beautiful ballad. And he’s got an equally beautiful voice to boot. And it has some nice and surprising beats to it.

9. Czech Republic - We Are Domi - Lights Off

A great dance song with a definite EDM feel to it.

10. Spain - Chanel - SloMo

This is just a nice party song with a dirty beat in the chorus, and a nice latino sound.

2023

1. Italy - Marco Mengoni - Due Vite

From the moment I first heard this song I loved it. I’ve established it before that I find the Italian language to be absolutely beautiful, and Marco’s voice is so perfect to accompany said language. It’s a beautiful ballad that just speaks to me even though I don’t understand what he’s singing apart from a word here and there. But that’s the beauty of good music, isn’t it?

2. Finland - Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha

First time I listened to this song I literally went “What am I listening to?” but over the duration of the song I went from just thinking that it was weird to thinking that it was so weird that it was actually good. Now I love it ♥️

3. Switzerland - Remo Forrer - Watergun

With what is happening in Ukraine at this point in time I feel like this song is coming along at the perfect time. It’s definitely what I would consider a “peace-song”. And I find it very fitting that it comes from the ever neutral country of Switzerland.

4. Cyprus - Andrew Lambrou - Break a Broken Heart

For me this song ends up on my list because Andrew has a beautiful voice, and because the song is just as beautiful, and powerful, as his voice is.

5. Serbia - Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava

This one isn’t as weird as the Finnish song, but it certainly has some oddity to it. But I find it intriguing, and nice, to listen to.

6. Norway - Alessandra - Queen of Kings

I’m so glad to once again be able to like the Norwegian entry, as I couldn’t stand their entry 2022. But I really like this one. It’s powerful, and just a delight to listen to.

7. France - La Zarra - Évidenment

The beginning of this song, just when she starts to sing, gives me Édith Piaf vibes. And I love it! And then it turns into a quite powerful song, sung in beautiful French.

8. Malta - The Busker - Dance (Our Own Party)

Even though I’ve placed it quite far down my list I do hope that Malta has a shot at winning. Not just because I like the song, which is just a really nice pop song, but also because I know that the Maltese people absolutely love the ESC and it would be really nice for them to finally win the competition ♥️

9. Moldova - Pasha Parfeni - Soarele si Luna

This one is giving me Fulenn (France’s entry from 2022) feels to me, and I am living for it! And it has such a grimy beat in the chorus that I just love.

10. Belgium - Gustaph - Because of You

This is just a really nice pop song. And Gustaph is a great singer.

Now, I’d like to add that if the voting had gone differently in my own country of Sweden this list would have looked a bit different. Because if the song that I had hoped would get to represent Sweden had won, then that would have been in the number one spot on this list.

Smash Into Pieces - Six Feet Under

<--YouTube link to the song
I am in love with this song, and this band! I had never heard of them before they performed in the Swedish outtakes for ESC this year, but now that I have I am a big fan of their music. I get Linkin Park vibes from the song and that just adds to my love for it ♥️

Credits

Text by me, Camilla. Overlay by CORE. Pixel art by Lag.The background is a mix of two official backdrops used during two different Eurovision Song Contests, combined by me.