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Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, San Marino

Lithuania: Stay by Monika Linkytė

Monika’s puffy sleeves in the video are only second to Finland’s amazing green bolero sleeves! And rather than belt ‘cha-cha-cha-cha’ at the top of her lungs, Monika and her backing singers incantate the spell: ‘Čiūto Tūto’ over and over again. But to no avail, the song is repetitive and lacks an energetic built up or any change of pace. And all that even though Monika can and will sing!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Moldova: Soarele și Luna by Pasha Parfeni

Here is another attempt to enchant us with electro-folklore sounds: heavy davul-drum beats matched with an ethereal flute. There is pagan imagery: stags, planetary constellations, forests and they even threw in a set of twins! Pasha tries hard to create some otherworldly connection with the audience but is himself less than magnetic (despite the intense staring).

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Poland: Solo by Blanka

Blanka is solo, and boy, is she having a great time! She is dancing in a candy shop, hanging by the pool, driving a vintage sports car, DJing in a club, eating capsicum. Life does not get much better and that douchebag person who did Blanka dirty is probably regretting it big time! The song is quite enjoyable too, with a catchy reggae guitar riff, perfect for summer discotheques, but not for Eurovision finales.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

San Marino: Like an Animal by Piqued Jacks

Piqued Jacks have bought up all of San Marino’s terrycloth headbands for their big Eurovision entry! The sporty look is complemented with shorts and sneakers. The song starts with a great guitar riff and high-intensity vocals, but the energy quickly dissipates with the less exciting and somewhat disconnected verses. Possibly the most controversial lyrics of the competition (come on baby, I want to smell you like an animal), which is refreshing!

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Italy, Israel, Spain

Italy: Due Vite by Marco Mengoni

Wow, with this performance, he set himself apart from other singers. I really like his beautiful voice which takes me to different moods during the performance. Marco Mengoni killing it this time. This song is stunning! Sensational! I simply cannot stop listening to his divine vocals. Universal!  Absolutely everything about it is great! From Australia I’m sending my love and my vote.  Brava Italia!

Review by Chathuranga Dharmarathne

Israel: Unicorn by Noa Kirel

Stunning Noa Kirel performs amazingly. I love the meaning of this song, such a phenomenal and upbeat song! I like the “Older stories time to go away”, “I am gonna stand here like a Unicorn” phrases. She just sings effortlessly, and her voice has that superpower. So far, the best performance this year. Israel consistently creates the most creative and excellent unbeatable performance. I’m excited to see this fire girl perform on stage. From Australia I’m sending my love and my vote.  

Review by Chathuranga Dharmarathne

Spain: Eaea by Blanca Paloma

Conveniently enough I just came back from a trip to Spain (where they’re still playing Slow Mo in the bars), and I’d love to incorporate some of what I learned into this review. Spanish culture, especially in southern Spain (where singer Blanca Paloma comes from), is a rich and complex tapestry woven through history. Hispanic, Moorish, Jewish, and Indigenous Iberian influences all left indelible marks on the language, architecture, arts, and music. Unfortunately, the cruel Spanish Inquisition starting in 1492 pushed out the Moors and Jews, among others, leaving behind only their art and music.

Paloma manages to channel much of the sadness of traditional flamenco and cante jondo, evoking a feeling of pain. I mean it. The song is painful. Could function as a torture device worthy of the Spanish Inquisition. Please get exiled to Morocco ASAP.

Review by Scott Fabricant

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Georgia, Greece, Lativa

Georgia: Echo by Iru

Georgia’s entry could be best described as an acoustic wall of drums, ethnic pipes and high pitch wailing that persist relentlessly for the full three minutes, coupled with possibly the most incomprehensible lyrics of the competition (‘life is love – thing is known – like in dream’). The flowing gowns could do well with heavy wind machines on stage though! Worst case, it makes it into the finales.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Greece: What They Say by Victor Vernicos

Victor is the youngest entry from Greece at Eurovision ever! He wrote this song when he was 14 and that is exactly what it is – messy emotions, drama, wooden lyrics, homogenous melody and somewhat devoid of rhythm. Despite a great voice and possibly the most excellent pairing of school uniform shorts with high lace up Doc Martins, what I would say is: no more than the semis.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

Lativa: Aijā by Sudden Lights

Sudden Lights are a proper indi band performing a complex, delicate, lyrically sophisticated song that playfully pitches the vocals against an instrument heavy background. No key-change, little chance of wind machines, no crescendo, limited scope for on stage shenanigans and no catchy chorus for the in-house audience to sing along to. You know what that means…. exit in the semis.

Review by Mariella Herberstein

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Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

Portugal: Ai Coração by Mimicat

As a Brazilian I am always looking for a reason to criticise Portugal. This time I did not have to go very far. The song is a completely generic love song. The video clip does not match the actual lyrics. If I did not understand the language, I would conclude this was a party song and have a good time. Perhaps you can still do that.  

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Comment from Hansani: Very energetic performance, superb dancing, costumes are well-prepared and eye-catching.

Norway: Queen of Kings by Alessandra

After last year’s masterpiece, I was really looking forward to Norway’s entry this year. It was enjoyable, which is another way of saying mediocre. I like the theme of the song, and I think it had a nice mix of medieval with modern day music with just enough of a piraty vibe. Still, everything managed to fall flat, the lyrics, much like the videoclip, didn’t travel any seas; the outfits were boring, the setting was dull. Unlike the Queen of Kings, this song will probably not conquer much. 

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Sweden: Tattoo by Loreen

I love the line “you stuck on me like a tattoo” just because it is so inaccurate. Whoever wrote this clearly never got a tattoo and they don’t “stick on anyone, they are an engraving of pain, which is honestly a much better analogy of how relationships go, a bundle of painful lines that make a beautiful piece of art. 

The song itself is overly dramatic, the vocals, the lyrics, the effects. But all I could think is: what is going on with those nails? Yet another inaccuracy with the tattoo analogy, is that they don’t tend to leave – ever. So, it seems there is no one stuck to you. And this performance will not stick either.

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

Switzerland: Watergun by Remo Forrer

This song has a beautiful message of human fragility. There is a subtle critique of toxic masculinity, and how boys are raised to be engaged in war, when the reality of war is so different than child’s play. I think the softness of the voice and the slow pacing really works well with the message. It also comes at a time when people need to hear it. Surprisingly I have nothing bad to say, but I do wish there were more verses and less chorus, as I think there is still so much more that could have been said.

Review by Marilia Fernandes Erickson

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UK, Spain, Romania

UK: I Wrote a Song by Mae Muller

A catchy enough tune and some excellent life advice for people to take on board when they feel wronged. If only this song had come out a year and a bit ago. I can hand-on-heart say that the world would be a better place if old mate Vlad had written a sassy song instead of invading Ukraine. Just to add to the mental image I would also encourage him to get a manicure to match Mae Muller. This song is pleasant enough but probably not a title contender, however for giving me the mental image of Mr Putin with huge talon fingernails singing a song about how he feels betrayed I am giving this song a 3.5/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

Hansani: Energetic and creative performance, love the lyrics and music, very danceable song.

Spain: Eaea by Blanca Paloma

Blanca Paloma has an impressive and powerful voice. The dancers really got enthusiastic with their rowing performance, but it just didn’t feel like it had enough flair or pazzaz to win Eurovision, perhaps they’re saving their full potential for the big night. Also of concern is the fear that the lead singer is heading up the progression from high-waisted trousers to half-body trousers – a risk that we should all keep an eye on. 3/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

Romania: D.G.T. (Off and On) by Theodor Andrei

The highlight was a sudden wardrobe change which really sums up this entry. It appears to heavily rely on sex appeal, lacking a catchy tune or Eurovision style extravagance. 2/5

 Review by Louis O’Neill

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Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands

Ireland: We Are One by Wild Youth

Love the beats. Lyrics just blew my mind. Hijacks my heart. Incredible presentation. Love the way they cover their faces and remain covered until the song finishes. What more can I say? Have to create new words for ‘great’. “We are one in one and thousands of the world if exist. Music has the power that can hold everyone in the world and beyond the world together in one frame. Ireland, and this song are definitely the winner for me. Listening to it and trying to get all the energy the song carries.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul

Switzerland: Watergun by Remo Forrer

The beats and music are just the thing that caught my attention when I heard it for the first time. No gun, no war, just peace। The desire of this song lies in peace. I feel like this song is a song dedicated to all and has the potential to make connections with many people.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul

Netherlands: Burning Daylight by Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper

I can feel the grief in their soft, slow pitch and repetition of the words “goodbye old life”. When listening to this song, I feel like this is my life. Constantly losing here, stumbling, getting knocked back again and again. There is no joy anywhere in life, if there is no joy there is no peace. Life is a burning day, a terrible night. Maybe this song gives sad vibes to some other people, I am getting energy from this song, good for my type. Hope for the best, let’s see how far it can go.

Reviewed by Shatabdi Paul

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Ireland, Germany, Finland

Ireland: We are one by Wild Youth

I am usually an absolute sucker for songs that are anthemic and uplifting; with soft vocals with a simple beat and riff that lead to an absolute belter of a chorus that encourages everyone to shout out the lyrics. However, a great anthem needs to work for it, a catchy but refined first verse with enticing lyrics to keep you waiting for that intense chorus. We Are One by Wild Youth fails to create that enticing build-up, which then makes the chorus, with the key change and the newly introduced lead guitar and synthesizer fall flat. Wild Youth really tries to hone in on the key anthemic sounds toward the end by repeating the chorus with an added bass drum, but just feels rushed and unsatisfactory without enough effort or thought into the verse that needs to lead into the more emotionally serious chorus.

My feelings about “anthemic” pop songs aside, lyrically it’s cliche in all the fun ways. Focusing on unity and accepting differences without any substance that challenges any political point of view. Despite my issues with this song, I still know its going to be stuck in my head for a few days before I end up adding it to my listening playlist anyway.

Reviewed by

Chris Irving

Germany: Blood and Glitter by Lord of the Lost

I am 1000% backing this entry to win (even though I doubt they will). Lord of the Lost are what I expect to happen if a bunch of drag queens had babies with Marilyn Manson and I can’t even express how happy this makes me!

Blood and Glitter is a catchy tune, a mix of a sweet lullaby interlude with screamo metal, and is a joy to behold! This clip (which I’ve played about 4 times in a row this morning) gets better with every viewing. The spandex outfits, the glitter lips and monobrows, the intense staring into your soul, the half-naked group worshipping blood shower – I want to meet these guys and talk philosophy with them so bad!

Do your eyes and ears a favour and watch the video clip IMMEDIATELY! Es ist sehr gut!!!

Reviewed by

Georgina Binns

Finland: Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä

Ballroom dancers, be warned – this is not that kind of Cuban Latin cha-cha-cha… on the contrary, it is something far better: an utterly addictive techno-beat with plenty of synth, autotune and a bit of Mario Brothers. The genius is that the fairly abrasive and hammering opening gives way to melodic disco sounds whilst keeping the relentless tempo. Coupled with excellent green puffy sleeves (which I hope will make it onto the stage in Liverpool), this could go far!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

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Albania, Armenia, Cyprus

Albania: Duje by Albina & Familja Kelmendi

With the best running mascara of the competition, Albina dishes out big emotions of loss and family. The video is in a dramatic black and white with colourful flashbacks to better times of happy family life. All this delivered in her native language inclusive of the typical wailing and bagpipe sounds we all so detest. The whole family (mum, dad, brother, sisters) will be on stage in Liverpool….possibly a first for Eurovision. Still no further than the semis for me!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Armenia: Future Lover by Brunette

Sporting impressive cornrows and plaits the length of the country, Brunette delivers a song in two parts. The fragile Brunette with her delicate and ethereal sounds wanting to be good, do good, look good, gives way to badass Brunette street rapping with her cold heart, cold hands and fire in her veins. Both Brunettes are an uneasy union, but it could work on stage. It is a shame the song limps to the finish, rather than set off the much-promised volcano.

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Cyprus: Break A Broken Heart by Andrew Lambrou

Andrew, who could be a werewolf, howls his way through breaking a broken heart, with an impressive vocal range and a decent helping of autotuning. Most of us are probably struggling with the grammatical proposition – is the heart already broken and is it being broken into even smaller smithereens, or is it so broken that it can’t be broken again, or do two acts of breaking the heart actually heal it??? And at that point, we have reached the three minutes and the song is over and already forgotten.

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

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Australia, Ukraine, France, Malta

Australia: Promise by Voyager

I first saw Voyager in 2014, when I took my now-partner to ProgFest in Melbourne for our third date. I think they were headlining, and I disliked them immensely – they seemed too poppy and really full of themselves on stage, and after a couple songs I walked out to grab a drink instead. 

Fast forward to 2023 and the ads for Voyager representing Australia have been played on SBS nightly, and every time I roll my eyes and think: “Yep, they’re perfect for this”. But I just watched the official video for the first time and listened to the song in full, and honestly – they could actually be strong contenders this year! There is no key change in Promise, which will hold them back from winning I reckon, but if they have a wind machine to help them whip their hair around on stage, then the lack of key change could possibly be overlooked. Simple and catchy lyrics, synth notes and metal guitar riffs, big eyebrows and a keytar – what more could we ask for?

Reviewed by

George Binns

Ukraine: Heart of Steel by Tvorchi

Ukraine is defending their title this year with a very different act to represent them – Tvorchi are two very cool looking dudes telling us all to say what we think and to be brave about it. They look like club bouncers that you need to be super nice to, lest they throw you out on your ass. The clip is poignant and opens with the pair looking into a bright doorway from the dark, with black ash falling about them – and the song is clearly a staunch ‘middle finger in the air’ in the form of an early 00’s RNB club banger. I am SO here for this song, even without a much-needed key change! The beat is defiant and sexy, and I want to be bravely grinding on the dance floor now please.

I backed Ukraine to win last year, and I’m not as certain this year, but regardless – SLAVA UKRAINI!

France: Évidemment by La Zarra

It’s evident that La Zarra from France doesn’t hide her ability to sing behind those new-fangled voice manipulation doohickeys. She has elegance, a beautiful voice, simplicity and lack of excess (although only when viewed from a Eurovision frame of reference; naturally there is no shortage of strings, sequins and synchronised lights). I didn’t understand the lyrics, though that might have been because she was singing in French. I’ve also no idea what the audience will think of her because she sings like a singer instead of a pop star, but I liked it.

Reviewed by

Jim McLean

Malta – Dance (Our Own Party) by The Busker

The Busker from Malta have put together a nice tune with a catchy rhythm. It almost got me boppin’ (almost)! Nice to see a Eurovision entry that doesn’t take itself too seriously (ok, they take themselves pretty seriously, but in a light-hearted way). In a refreshing change, some of them can play their instruments, too. I don’t know the Eurovision rules, but I guess there’s a minimum quota of glitter and sequins that all entrants must meet, which explains a couple of the scenes. Possibly not a big crowd pleaser, but I didn’t mind listening to it.

Reviewed by

Jim McLean

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Belgium, Czech Republic, Serbia

Belgium: Because of You by Gustaph

Did I just witness voguing in a Eurovision music video?? And gorgeous drag queens, too! Love it. The song and video give me 90s vibes with the outfits of dancers, the three backup singers and the cheery tune. The song is no doubt better than most that make it to Eurovision and takes repetition well. I fear that it lacks the needed kick to stand apart from the rest of the competition, as it must stand out memorably from tens and tens of other contestants. However, seeing the theme of the music video, I can’t wait to see the actual show in Liverpool!

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti

Czech Republic: My Sister’s Crown by Vesna

I am rather taken by this song; it feels unique and sounds lovely. Wikipedia reveals that Vesna is a Czech folk band, which shows in both the music style and the video. The song is half in Czechs and half in English and is mostly choir type of group singing, which sounds beautiful. For me, the fluent alternation of languages makes the song well approachable while maintaining national identity as a signature element of this contest piece. The music video captures attention with its choreography, unconventional makeup, and interesting costumes that I (want to) believe are inspired by Czech style traditional wear. Even better, the group sings of gender equality and how its everyone’s business, making me give two thumbs up for this one.

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti

Serbia: Samo Mi Se Spava by Luke Black

Luke Blacks’ Samo Mi Se Spava is a surprisingly modern take from Serbia, displaying a sci-fi gamer dystopia with more than a hint of anxiety. And why not, things have been quite fucked up in Europe lately and all that stuff is pushing closer to the everyday lives of Europeans. Blacks’ interpretation appears to be the perspective of a gamer with a tendency to escape the burning reality into a game world or perhaps just sleep through it all. The song, however, isn’t very catchy and I’m afraid this one might not go very far in the contest.

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti