Kairo's Encyclopaedia of Random: Book 2

Eurovision 2016 pre-show review

I know Bulgaria haven't released their song yet, but hey, I couldn't wait any longer to do this review.
I'm really terrible at ranking songs (I usually categorise them into either trainwreck, bad, meh, good, amazing and OH MY GOD I AM DOWNLOADING THIS SONG), so this review is just my personal opinion. I'll add Bulgaria when their song comes out.
I'll have you know while I do act like I've watched a lot of contests, my introduction to Eurovision was the 2014 second semi final. I just have nothing better to do than watch older songs.

SEMI FINAL 1
-First half-
<<Armenia>>
Song: LoveWave by Iveta Mukuchyan
This song is so cool and different and I love it! The oriental and electronic instrumental is right up my alley, and Iveta's voice is incredible!
Ranking: Amazing

<<Croatia>>
Song: Lighthouse by Nina Krajlić
Her voice is really good, and the instrumentals fit the song really well, especially the percussion and flute.
Ranking: Amazing

<<Finland>>
Song: Sing It Away by Sandhja
Definitely a huuuuuuuuuuuuuge improvement on last year. This song is song is so catchy, man. Got me dancing. Hope it qualifies
Ranking: Good

<<Greece>>
Song: Utopian Land by Argo
I like this song, I really do. It's so different and cool, and I love the traditional instrumentals. I really hope it qualifies
Ranking: Amazing (I've downloaded it)

<<Hungary>>
Song: Pioneer by Freddie
This song is so powerful and rough and even better live! Definite finalist right here
Ranking: Amazing

<<Moldova>>
Song: Falling Stars by Lidia Isac
Just your cliche European pop song, nothing really special about this one. Her live vocals need work though
Ranking: Meh

<<The Netherlands>>
Song: Slow Down by Douwe Bob
You don't get a lot of country in Eurovision, I'm pretty sure. I like this song. It's a nice one to 'slow down' to.
Ranking: Good

<<Russia>>
Song: You Are the Only One by Sergey Lazarev
Call me trash for liking this song, I DARE you. It's catchy, has good lyrics and the sfx in the video is just wow. Big budget video means big budget performance, so hopefully something big for this in Stockholm
Ranking: OH MY GOD THIS WAS THE FIRST SONG AFTER AUSTRALIAS THAT I DOWNLOADED MAN

<<San Marino>>
Song: I Didn't Know by Serhat
Seriously, San Marino. You need to give up. His vocals are a trainwreck, the guy is creepy (and as far as I know, he has no connection to the country whatsoever) and this.... I can't even.
Ranking: Trainwreck

-Second half-

<<Austria>>
Song: Loin d'ici by ZOË
This song is really beautiful and hella catchy (even though I have no idea what she's saying). I hope she qualifies.
Ranking: Amazing

<<Azerbaijan>>
Song: Miracle by Samra
I swear I thought her voice was synthesised when I first heard this song no offence. Once again with Azerbaijan, they bring out a well produced and great sounding song. My opinion might change if they do something weird with the staging like last year.
Ranking: Good

<<Bosnia and Herzegovina>>
Song: Ljubav Je by Dalal & Deen ft. Ana Rucner and Jala
So many names, hehe. I like the cello bit at the start, and Dalal and Deen's voices mix really well. The song didn't need the rap bit, though. Good luck, Bosnia
Ranking: Good

<<Cyprus>>
Song: Alter Ego by Minus One
Now this song is actually the genre I listen to kind of regularly, so naturally, I really like the song. I want the dog too. They remind me of Fall Out Boy, so extra points!
Ranking: Amazing

<<Czech Republic>>
Song: I Stand by Gabriela Gunčíková
I like this one, kinda. The sfx are really cool. Let's see if it can go further than the shoe throw from last year
Ranking: Meh