I have been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest now for over 20 years, which is somewhat surprising, as originally I didn’t at all care for it! I knew of it’s existence, you can’t live in the UK for very long and not know of it, it’s virtually impossible to never hear of it, when you live in the UK. I do have memories of watching bits of it, mainly the opening visuals on the TV, but no, was never really into it.
That all changed in 2004. At the time I was playing the classic PC RTS game Total Annihilation, and the TV just happened to be on, and showing Eurovision at the time. And then a song came on (number 10 on the below list), which was very enjoyable; and then my brother asked who I would vote for if I did, and I said that one. So I did, and it won! That was the first year I cared about anything Eurovision, but my interest didn’t really kick-off, until the weeks following it, when I recognised the song being played, whilst in a branch of Woolworths.
The following year, I watched again, but mainly to see the winning song from the year previously, only to see something simillar from the same artist, but not the actual winning song from the previous year. Anyway, I watched the show nonetheless, voted (number 1 on the list below), and was pretty much hooked from there. This then grew even more the year following when another band (number 8) played a song, and instantly became my favourite band in the world, and since then, I have loved the Eurovision Song Contest (no matter how hard BBC Radio 2 tries to ruin it for me).
Throughout the years of watching the contest, I have largely kept up a running list of sorts, as to what were my favourite songs, but as time passes, it becomes harder and harder to keep track. The last time I posted a list of my favourite songs was about 11 years ago, and things change, so I thought it was about time that I post an updated list.
But as is always the case, there are so many things to choose from, and some things are just not worthy enough for the Top 10, but are still decently worthy of a mention, with those songs being:
1944, In A Moment Like This, Only Teardrops, Cha Cha Cha, Euphoria, Soarele şi Luna, Fight, Water, No Rules!, I Feed You My Love, Satellite, No Prejudice, I Do, Never Forget, Eyes That Never Lie, Narkootikumidest Ei Tea Me, Dark Side, My Number One, Queen of Kings, Rim Tim Tagi Dim, Higher Ground, Missä Miehet Ratsastaa, Day After Day, Tornerò, and Unforgettable.
And so, without further ado, here are My Top 10 Favourite Songs from the Eurovision Song Contest; Enjoy!
10. Ruslana – Wild Dances – It all started with this, and over the last 20 years has remained a strong favourite of mine. I can’t help but wonder if this song changed the course of Eurovision too, given that it’s not just a song, but a large dance routine, and whether it’s success led to songs like Euphoria for instance coming along. Well, even if it didn’t bring on a Eurovision dance revolution, the song is still a brilliant number. Even if you can’t understand the words, you want to join in any way possible, either through voice or movement!
9. Hanna Pakarinen – Leave Me Alone – It is no secret that over the course of the last 20+ years of watching Eurovision, that I have voted for Finland more than any other country. When I checked last year, it turns out I have voted for Finland 25% of the time. So, no surprise then that theres more than one song from Finland on this list. First off we get their 2007 entry, hot off the heels from their 2006 victory, and with a song not too dissimillar. Featuring a very hard rock opening and chorus, backed up with a gothic rock like look, and a song about a deep emotional choice. I can’t think of a song more powerful in delivering the words “Leave Me Alone” than this, delivered both with energy, and passion!
8. Lordi – Hard Rock Hallelujah – Those who know me, and what music I like, may find it weird that this one is ranked so low, especially as once upon a time, they were my favourite band. But, whilst it may have drifted down the list quite considerably than when I first saw it (and posted last), that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Oh No, it’s still one of the most enjoyable songs in Eurovision history, and also one of the best performances. It’s monster suit look grabs your attention immediately, but it’s the song that keeps hold. One of the first major heavy metal performances in Eurovision history, and one that opened the door for more and more metal acts in the years since!
7. Sunstroke Project and Olia Tira – Run Away – It’s the song that launched the internet meme Epic Sax Guy, although sadly after the contest, otherwise who knows, maybe Moldova could have had it’s first win. Run Away is a very weird song, featuring a variety of styles within a disco like pop song. It features a fast chorus, but a sedate verse. It’s also got a rather dark low essence, it’s not a high positive tune, plus carries a rather distinct vocal section, between two very different vocalists, which is one of the songs most memorable moments, at least before the Epic Sax Guy thing took off!
6. Silia Kapsis – Liar – You’d never think that a song like this would appeal to me. I am a fan of heavy metal, not pop music. But within the first minute, I instantly liked it. 2024 had some really good songs in it, but this one just grabbed me so easily. The tune is very dark, with a nice low beat, plus the vocalist has a great on stage attitude that matches the song’s lyrics, and even the dance routine (something that I never really look at), looks really cool, thanks largely in how not one move is repeated anywhere else in the routine. It’s a song which stands out initially because it looks nothing like what I normally like, and then stands out even more, in it’s distinguished subtleties!
5. The Rasmus – Jezebel – The third and final Finish song on this list. Yes, Lordi were Fantastic, but there’s just something about this song, which I prefer to Lordi’s. It’s got a great tune, and is a slightly more accessible approach to metal than some Eurovision acts. The start is so easy going, but when the chorus slams in, you are hooked, and just wanted to shout out Jezebel with the rest of the audience. It’s not just a metal act, it’s a visual treat, and a catchy one too!
4. Sergey Lazarev – You Are The Only One – This piece stands out in two prominent factors, it’s rather catchy tune, and of course, the visual board he is climbing on. The choreography is so well timed between the visuals on the board, and the singer’s positions. It’s hard to tell whether it was rehearsed to perfection, or if the visuals are cued by touch. Either way, when the song reaches it’s middle section, it looks fantastic. But like I said, it’s not just the visuals. The song’s lyrics are terrific. Very catchy, and easy to pick up, whilst also sounding inspirational within the song’s immense level of positive energy!
3. Keiino – Spirit In The Sky – Spirit in the Sky is a very weird song, and instantly memorable, and it’s all thanks to the group’s third member. Fred Buljo is a Sámi rapper, and when you first hear him sing, it instantly grabs your attention. I was initially interested thanks to Alexandra Rotan being the spitting image of a former co-worker of mine. But once you are hooked in, it doesn’t dissapoint. It has this tremoundous amount of energy, and is a real feel good song, the perfect way to light up your evening, and feel alive. How on earth this song didn’t win, is one of life’s great mysteries!
2. Eric Saade – Popular – This is an epic piece, as once the first few beats kick in, you don’t want to look away. It’s a disco-esque pop piece, but with a very dark tone, as the singer talks about his desire to be popular, potentially highlighting the dark side of fame. It is expertly choreographed, as the movement blends so well into the tune, you’re not even really thinking about it, and can’t take your eyes away, especially when the glass breaks, with our character breaking out and gaining his desired stardom. You are not merely listening to a great tune, you are actually in it!
1. Vanilla Ninja – Cool Vibes – I remembered voting for this act, but for two years after the contest, I couldn’t remember anything about it. When I finally looked it up, I didn’t look back. This has comfortably risen from my third favourite, to my firm number 1 favourite. It’s a hard rock/metal piece, performed by an awesome girl band, with a great stage presence, and an epic sound. Largely un-remembered compared to many songs that have come since (it was 2005 after all), but for me, everytime I hear it, I want to hear it over and over again. I absolutley love it, and that’s why it’s my favourite Eurovision Song!
Things I Like 
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