With only a few days to go before the escXtra.com team start arriving in Copenhagen, we decided to ask seven former Eurovision entrants their opinions on the songs from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. First up: he entered the Eurovision Song Contest 1995 for Sweden, where he finished third with his Se På Mig: it’s Jan Johansen!
Sweden: Sanna Nielsen – Undo
After the 7th time in the Swedish Melodifestivalen Sanna finally won with the song Undo! (Fredrik Kempe, David Kreuger and Hamed “K-One” Pirouzpanah) She sings it flawlessly and it’s a strong powerballad! It’s the fourth win for composer Fredrik Kempe! It’s many ballads this year but this is one of the stronger ones! Go Sanna! Go Sweden!
Ireland: Can-Linn ft. Kasey Smith – Heartbeat
I fell in love with Dublin and Ireland in 1995 when I did ”Se på mig” in the Point Theatre! It’s been so many good songs and artists’ coming from Ireland! This one doesn’t go all the way! Kasey does a decent job but the song doesn’t lift off! I like the mix between synths and folk instruments in the music!
Georgia: The Shin & Mariko – Three Minutes To Earth
It’s like listen to Yes unplugged in the 70’s! Progressive jazz/rock! They’re good musicians! They probably are not aiming for winning the competition! Three minutes in Copenhagen! That’s it!
Finland: Softengine – Something Better
These guys I liked right away! I hope they sound as good live! A really good song! I read on Wikipedia that they’re called ”The Finnish Bon Jovi! I think they sound more like ”Foo Fighters” and ”Thirty Seconds To mars”! If the singer Topi Latukka finds the cameras in Copenhagen they will do well I think!
Iceland: Pollapönk – No Prejudice
I love the crazy Icelandic guys! Grate message in the song. Don’t Discriminate! First the music is Punk, Then ”Rascal Flats” and then “Disco”! It might not be a winner but I like that they doesn’t take it to serious! I guess they will give us a fun number in Copenhagen!
Estonia: Tanja – Amazing
The song is strong! I think it will be up there in the top 5. Too bad they decided to go with the whole “Euphoria” chorography! And it’s hard to sing with all that dancing going on!
Jan also told us which four songs he liked best from all entries this year:
The Netherlands: The Common Linnets – Calm After The Storm
Finland: Softengine – Something Better
Malta: Firelight – Coming Home
Estonia: Tanja – Amazing
We would just like thank Jan for sharing his opinions and furthermore, to state that these opinions are that of Jan himself, and not of everyone at escXtra. Feel free to give your own opinion in the comments below! Stay tuned for day two tomorrow!
