Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post Reply
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

Based on an article I read that got me into the black hole of music that is Eurovision. Significantly less ambitious than my last list, but why the fuck not. Also a good way to prove I'm not a music snob if I listen to this shit voluntarily.
1 | Katrina & The Waves | Love Shine a Light |1997 (#491 AT)
2 | The Shadows | Let Me Be the One | 1975 (#499 AT)
3 | Cliff Richard | Power to All Our Friends | 1973
4 | Michael Ball | One Step Out of Time | 1992
5 | Sonia | Better the Devil You Know | 1993
6 | Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up | 1981
7 | Gina G | Ooh, Aah (Just a Little Bit) | 1996
8 | The New Seekers | Beg, Steal, or Borrow | 1972
9 | Molly | Children of the Universe | 2014
10 | Love City Groove | Love City Groove | 1995
11 | Cliff Richard | Congratulations | 1968
12 | Andy Abraham | Even If | 2008
13 | Jade Ewen | It's My Time | 2009
14 | Blue | I Can | 2011
15 | Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran | Rock Bottom | 1977
16 | Joe and Jake | You're Not Alone | 2016
17 | Lucie Jones | Never Give Up on You | 2017
18 | Imaani | Where Are You | 1998
19 | James Fox | Hold On to Our Love | 2004
20 | Frances Ruffelle | We Will Be Free (Lonely Symphony) | 1994
21 | The Allisons | Are You Sure? | 1961
22 | Bardo | One Step Further | 1982
23 | Mary Hopkin | Knock Knock Who's There | 1970
24 | Sweet Dreams | I'm Never Giving Up | 1983
25 | Patricia Bredin | All | 1957
26 | Kathy Kirby | I Belong | 1965
27 | Engelbert Humperdinck | Love Will Set You Free | 2012
28 | Bonnie Tyler | Believe in Me | 2013
29 | Matt Monro | I Love the Little Things | 1964
30 | Vikki | Love Is... | 1985
31 | Jessica Garlick | Come Back | 2002
32 | Bryan Johnson | Looking High, High, High | 1960
33 | Belle and the Devotions | Love Games | 1984
34 | Clodagh Rogers | Jack-in-the-Box | 1971
35 | Electro Velvet | Still in Love with You | 2015
36 | Kenneth McKellar | A Man Without Love | 1966
37 | Daz Sampson | Teenage Life | 2006
38 | Javine | Touch My Fire | 2005
39 | Ronnie Carroll | Ring-a-Ding Girl | 1962
40 | Nicki French | Don't Play That Song Again | 2000
41 | Prima Donna | Love Enough for Two | 1980
42 | Black Lace | Mary Anne | 1979
43 | Brotherhood of Man | Save Your Kisses for Me | 1976
44 | Olivia Newton-John | Long Live Love | 1974
45 | Ryder | Runner in the Night | 1986
46 | Ronnie Carroll | Say Wonderful Things | 1963
47 | Lindsay D | No Dream Impossible | 2001
48 | Live Report | Why Do I Always Get It Wrong? | 1989
49 | Scott Fitzgerald | Go | 1988
50 | Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson | Sing, Little Birdie | 1959
51 | Samantha Janus | A Message to Your Heart | 1991
52 | Co-Co | The Bad Old Days | 1978
53 | Scooch | Flying the Flag (for You) | 2007
54 | Lulu | Boom Bang-a-Bang | 1969
55 | Rikki | Only the Light | 1987
56 | Precious | Say It Again | 1999
57 | Emma | Give a Little Love Back to the World | 1990
58 | Josh Dubovie | That Sounds Good to Me | 2010
59 | Jemini | Cry Baby | 2003
60 | Sandie Shaw | Puppet on a String | 1967
For those interested, #s 1-27 are actually pretty good (or at least massive guilty pleasures), #s 28-37 are harmlessly mediocre, #s 38-44 are pretty bad, and #s 45-60 are insanely bad.
Last edited by StevieFan13 on Wed Sep 13, 2017 12:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
DaveC
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3482
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:04 am

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by DaveC »

You are courting controversy there. 'Puppet on a String' won the contest. Not only is it one of only five winning songs on this list, but it was the first. Unlike most on this list, Sandie Shaw was a bona fide contemporary popstar before she was chosen for Eurovision and didn't surrender her artistic integrity to do so. Not insanely bad, actually pretty good.

Oh and furthermore Morrissey is a fan.
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

DaveC wrote:You are courting controversy there. 'Puppet on a String' won the contest. Not only is it one of only five winning songs on this list, but it was the first. Unlike most on this list, Sandie Shaw was a bona fide contemporary popstar before she was chosen for Eurovision and didn't surrender her artistic integrity to do so. Not insanely bad, actually pretty good.

Oh and furthermore Morrissey is a fan.
Oh I know all of that. And I'm judging these songs objectively, not as Eurovision entries, and by that margin I can't stand Puppet on a String (neither, for that matter, could Sandie Shaw). I hate the whole It's a Small World vibe with the oompahs and cuckoo clock sounds and the lyrics are yucko. I guess it's alright compared to the worse songs the contest has offered over the years, but I just hated it instantaneously the moment I heard it.
And I know all about Moz too. Almost competed actually! But it didn't work out and Scooch got it instead. What a shame.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

Being a winner didn't tip the scale for me. A winner is at the bottom here, but my favorite is also a winner (and deservedly so).
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

For the sake of interest, I also denoted which songs figure on my AT list (the top 2, surprisingly enough, although not very high). The only other ESC songs I can think of with a shot at the top 500 are Secret Garden's "Nocturne" and, of course, ABBA's "Waterloo."
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
bonnielaurel
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1662
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:48 pm

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by bonnielaurel »

The top 7 is completely pre-1990, but after that there are some more recent entries. Many of these songs used to be popular, but are now practically forgotten. Carola finished third with a better song than when she won it.

NOTE: I just read the title, and it says UK entries. Well, I did it for all countries instead. UK entries are in bold.

1. ABBA - Waterloo (1974, winner)
2. Domenico Medugno - Nel blu dipinto di blu (1958, 3rd)
3. Nicole - Ein Bißchen Frieden (1982, winner)
4. Johnny Logan - Hold Me Now (1987, winner)
5. Carola Häggkvist - Främling (1983, 3rd)
6. France Gall - Poupée de cire, poupée de son (1965, winner)
7. Ruslana - Wild Dances (2004, winner)
8. Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops (2013, winner)
9. Sandra Kim - J’aime la vie (1986, winner)
10. Vicky Léandros - Après toi (1972, winner)
11. Cliff Richard - Congratulations (1968, 2nd)
12. Yohanna - Is It True? (2009, 2nd)
13. Dana - All Kinds of Everything (1970, winner)
14. Sandie Shaw - Puppet on a String (1967, winner)
15. Noa & Mira Awad - There Must Be Another Way (2009, 16th)
16. Louis Neefs - Ik heb zorgen (1967, 7th)
17. Johnny Logan - What’s Another Year (1980, winner)
18. Ann Christy - Gelukkig zijn (1975, 15th)
19. Loreen - Euphoria (2012, winner)
20. De Spelbrekers - Katinka (1962, 13th)
21. Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969, tied winner)
22. Lenny Kuhr - De troubadour (1969, tied winner)
23. Edsilia Romblay - Hemel en aarde (1998, 4th)
24. Gigliola Cinquetti - Non ho l’età (1964, winner)
25. Massiel - La La La (1968, winner)
26. Céline Dion - Ne partez pas sans moi (1988, winner)
27. Dana International - Diva (1998, winner)
28. Daniel - Džuli (1983, 4th)
29. Zlata Ognevich - Gravity (2013, 3rd)
30. Liliane Saint Pierre - Soldiers of Love (1987, 11th)
31. Izhar Cohen - A-Ba-Ni-Bi (1978, winner)
32. Anne-Marie David - Tu te reconnaitras (1973, winner)
33. Brotherhood of Men - Kisses for Me (1976, winner)
34. Carola Häggkvist - Fångad av en stormvind (1991, winner)
35. Ingeborg - Door de wind (1989, 19th)
36. Teach-In - Ding-a Dong (1975, winner)
37. Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (1981, winner)
38. Bobbysocks - La det swinge (1985, winner)
39. Natasha St-Pierre - Je n’ai que mon âme (2001, winner)
40. Jade Ewen - It’s My Time (2009, 5th)
41. Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light (1997, winner)
42. Sertab Erener - Everyway That I Can (2003, winner)
43. Ruth Jacott - Vrede (1993, 6th)
44. t.A.T.u. - Ne ver’, ne boysia (2003, 3rd)
45. Herreys - Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley (1984, winner)
46. Imaani - Where Are You (1998, 2nd)
47. Patricia Kaas - Et s’il fallait le faire (2009, 8th)
48. Gali Atari - Hallelujah (1979, winner)
49. Michelle - Out on My Own (2001, 18th)
50. Helena Paparizou - My Number One (2005, winner)
De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum.
antonius
Movin' On Up
Posts: 976
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:47 pm
Location: Hoboken, Antwerp, Belgium

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by antonius »

bonnielaurel wrote:The top 7 is completely pre-1990, but after that there are some more recent entries. Many of these songs used to be popular, but are now practically forgotten. Carola finished third with a better song than when she won it.

NOTE: I just read the title, and it says UK entries. Well, I did it for all countries instead. UK entries are in bold.
I would've put "Eres Tu" by Mocedades (1973) somewhere near the top.
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

I ranked all the winners too, so maybe I'll post that too. (Spoiler alert: I agree about Waterloo)
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

bonnielaurel wrote:The top 7 is completely pre-1990, but after that there are some more recent entries. Many of these songs used to be popular, but are now practically forgotten. Carola finished third with a better song than when she won it.

NOTE: I just read the title, and it says UK entries. Well, I did it for all countries instead. UK entries are in bold.

1. ABBA - Waterloo (1974, winner)
2. Domenico Medugno - Nel blu dipinto di blu (1958, 3rd)
3. Nicole - Ein Bißchen Frieden (1982, winner)
4. Johnny Logan - Hold Me Now (1987, winner)
5. Carola Häggkvist - Främling (1983, 3rd)
6. France Gall - Poupée de cire, poupée de son (1965, winner)
7. Ruslana - Wild Dances (2004, winner)
8. Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops (2013, winner)
9. Sandra Kim - J’aime la vie (1986, winner)
10. Vicky Léandros - Après toi (1972, winner)
11. Cliff Richard - Congratulations (1968, 2nd)
12. Yohanna - Is It True? (2009, 2nd)
13. Dana - All Kinds of Everything (1970, winner)
14. Sandie Shaw - Puppet on a String (1967, winner)
15. Noa & Mira Awad - There Must Be Another Way (2009, 16th)
16. Louis Neefs - Ik heb zorgen (1967, 7th)
17. Johnny Logan - What’s Another Year (1980, winner)
18. Ann Christy - Gelukkig zijn (1975, 15th)
19. Loreen - Euphoria (2012, winner)
20. De Spelbrekers - Katinka (1962, 13th)
21. Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969, tied winner)
22. Lenny Kuhr - De troubadour (1969, tied winner)
23. Edsilia Romblay - Hemel en aarde (1998, 4th)
24. Gigliola Cinquetti - Non ho l’età (1964, winner)
25. Massiel - La La La (1968, winner)
26. Céline Dion - Ne partez pas sans moi (1988, winner)
27. Dana International - Diva (1998, winner)
28. Daniel - Džuli (1983, 4th)
29. Zlata Ognevich - Gravity (2013, 3rd)
30. Liliane Saint Pierre - Soldiers of Love (1987, 11th)
31. Izhar Cohen - A-Ba-Ni-Bi (1978, winner)
32. Anne-Marie David - Tu te reconnaitras (1973, winner)
33. Brotherhood of Men - Kisses for Me (1976, winner)
34. Carola Häggkvist - Fångad av en stormvind (1991, winner)
35. Ingeborg - Door de wind (1989, 19th)
36. Teach-In - Ding-a Dong (1975, winner)
37. Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (1981, winner)
38. Bobbysocks - La det swinge (1985, winner)
39. Natasha St-Pierre - Je n’ai que mon âme (2001, winner)
40. Jade Ewen - It’s My Time (2009, 5th)
41. Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light (1997, winner)
42. Sertab Erener - Everyway That I Can (2003, winner)
43. Ruth Jacott - Vrede (1993, 6th)
44. t.A.T.u. - Ne ver’, ne boysia (2003, 3rd)
45. Herreys - Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley (1984, winner)
46. Imaani - Where Are You (1998, 2nd)
47. Patricia Kaas - Et s’il fallait le faire (2009, 8th)
48. Gali Atari - Hallelujah (1979, winner)
49. Michelle - Out on My Own (2001, 18th)
50. Helena Paparizou - My Number One (2005, winner)
I really enjoy a lot of these! To each their own about Puppet on a String, I suppose.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
jamieW
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1938
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:19 pm

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by jamieW »

I've never seen an episode of Eurovision, but if we're expanding beyond just the UK, didn't Margaret Berger's "I Feed You My Love" get its start at Eurovision? That song made my top 10 of 2013, so it would likely be my overall favorite (although there are many of these I haven't heard yet).
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

jamieW wrote:I've never seen an episode of Eurovision, but if we're expanding beyond just the UK, didn't Margaret Berger's "I Feed You My Love" get its start at Eurovision? That song made my top 10 of 2013, so it would likely be my overall favorite (although there are many of these I haven't heard yet).
I think so. There have been a handful of notable songs and artists that had their start at Eurovision - "L'amour est bleu," "Volare," "Ooh Aah (Just a Little Bit)," and "Waterloo" are probably four of the most famous songs Eurovision's ever had, and "Volare" remains the biggest selling Eurovision song in the USA (and, to my knowledge, the only one covered by Frank Sinatra and David Bowie at different points).
Interesting note: there was a special called "A Song for Eurotrash" a while back that featured different artists covering Eurovision songs, and some of them were quite good. Here's Ireland's 1970 winner, "All Kinds of Everything," performed by Sinead O'Connor and Terry Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8oqKyVW978
And here's a fuzzed-up version of the UK's "Save Your Kisses for Me" by Kenickie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rLkwGIXilU
And for pure bile fascination, here's another Irish winner, "What's Another Year," rendered incomprehensible by The Pogues' Shane MacGowan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSCEZ-F8-HI
Side note: there is a high chance that I am the only straight American Eurovision fan. I'm like a unicorn who loves silly Europop.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
bonnielaurel
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1662
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:48 pm

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by bonnielaurel »

antonius wrote:
bonnielaurel wrote:The top 7 is completely pre-1990, but after that there are some more recent entries. Many of these songs used to be popular, but are now practically forgotten. Carola finished third with a better song than when she won it.

NOTE: I just read the title, and it says UK entries. Well, I did it for all countries instead. UK entries are in bold.
I would've put "Eres Tu" by Mocedades (1973) somewhere near the top.
I overlooked that one. It should be in the top 5 indeed. It finished second in 1973.
De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum.
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

Alright, so I've ranked just the UK. Now, for the songs that won the whole shmear. What's the best?
1 | ABBA | Waterloo | 1974 (Sweden)
2 | Secret Garden | Nocturne | 1995 (Norway)
3 | Katrina & The Waves | Love Shine a Light | 1997 (The United Kingdom)
4 | Lena | Satellite | 2010 (Germany)
5 | Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan | Rock 'n Roll Kids | 1994 (Ireland)
6 | Alexander Rybak | Fairytale | 2009 (Norway)
7 | Eimear Quinn | The Voice | 1996 (Ireland)
8 | Gali Atari and Milk & Honey | Hallelujah | 1979 (Israel)
9 | Gigliola Cinquetti | Non ho l'eta | 1964 (Italy)
10 | Salvador Sobral | Amar pelos dois | 2017 (Portugal)
11 | Emmelie de Forest | Only Teardrops | 2013 (Denmark)
12 | Loreen | Euphoria | 2012 (Sweden)
13 | France Gall | Poupee de cire, poupee de son | 1965 (Luxembourg)
14 | Mans Zelmerlow | Heroes | 2015 (Sweden)
15 | Udo Jurgens | Merci, cherie | 1966 (Austria)
16 | Vicky Leandros | Tu te reconaitras | 1973 (Luxembourg)
17 | Sertab Erener | Everyway That I Can | 2003 (Turkey)
18 | Conchita Wurst | Rise Like a Phoenix | 2014 (Austria)
19 | Izhar Cohen and Alpha-Beta | A-Ba-Ni-Bi | 1978 (Israel)
20 | Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann | Dansevise | 1963 (Denmark)
21 | Nicole | Ein bißchen frieden | 1982 (Germany)
22 | Jamala | 1944 | 2016 (Ukraine)
23 | Frida Boccara | Un jour, un enfant | 1969 (France)
24 | The Olsen Brothers | Fly on the Wings of Love | 2000 (Denmark)
25 | Helena Paparizou | My Number One | 2005 (Greece)
26 | Tanel Padar, Dave Benton, and 2XL | Everybody | 2001 (Estonia)
27 | Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up | 1981 (The United Kingdom)
28 | Lenny Kuhr | De troubadour | 1969 (The Netherlands)
29 | Lordi | Hard Rock Hallelujah | 2006 (Finland)
30 | Johnny Logan | Hold Me Now | 1987 (Ireland)
31 | Marija Serifovic | Molitva | 2007 (Serbia)
32 | Dana | All Kinds of Everything | 1970 (Ireland)
33 | Vicky Leandros | Apres toi | 1972 (Luxembourg)
34 | Ruslana | Wild Dances | 2004 (Ukraine)
35 | Marie Myriam | L'oiseau et l'enfant | 1977 (France)
36 | Carola | Fangad av en stormvind | 1991 (Sweden)
37 | Jean-Claude Pascal | Un bien amoureux | 1961 (Luxembourg)
38 | Lys Assia | Refrain | 1956 (Switzerland)
39 | Celine Dion | Ne partez pas sans moi | 1988 (Switzerland)
40 | Linda Martin | Why Me? | 1992 (Ireland)
41 | Corry Brokken | Net als toen | 1957 (The Netherlands)
42 | Johnny Logan | What's Another Year? | 1980 (Ireland)
43 | Toto Cutugno | Insieme: 1992 | 1990 (Italy)
44 | Bobbysocks! | La det swinge | 1985 (Norway)
45 | Severine | Un banc, un arbre, un rue | 1971 (Monaco)
46 | Niamh Kavanagh | In Your Eyes | 1993 (Ireland)
47 | Isabelle Aubret | Un premier amour | 1962 (France)
48 | Dana International | Diva | 1998 (Israel)
49 | Brotherhood of Man | Save Your Kisses for Me | 1976 (The United Kingdom)
50 | Charlotte Nilsson | Take Me to Your Heaven | 1999 (Sweden)
51 | Corinne Hermes | Si la vie est cadeau | 1983 (Luxembourg) [Israel should've won it that year]
52 | Massiel | La la la | 1968 (Spain)
53 | Salome | Vivo cantando | 1969 (Spain)
54 | Teddy Scholten | Een beetje | 1959 (The Netherlands)
55 | Jacqueline Boyer | Tom Pillibi | 1960 (France)
56 | Teach-In | Ding-a-Dong | 1975 (The Netherlands) [not a terrible song, but I am pissed that it beat "Let Me Be the One"]
57 | Sandra Kim | J'aime la vie | 1986 (Belgium)
58 | Lulu | Boom Bang-a-Bang | 1969 (The United Kingdom)
59 | Sandie Shaw | Puppet on a String | 1967 (The United Kingdom)
60 | Marie N | I Wanna | 2002 (Latvia)
61 | Dima Bilan | Believe | 2008 (Russia)
62 | Ell and Nikki | Running Scared | 2011 (Azerbaijan)
63 | Riva | Rock Me | 1989 (Yugoslavia)
64 | Andre Claveau | Dors, mon amour | 1958 (France)
65 | Herreys | Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley | 1984 (Sweden)
Truth be told, I have a little love in my heart for most of these songs (or at least any above the 61 spot or so - yes, I've changed my tune a bit on Puppet on a String, even if it still isn't my favorite).
Honorable Mentions:
Mocedades | Eres tu | 1973 (Spain)
Ofra Haza | Hi | 1983 (Israel)
Lazy Bums | Shir Ha'Batlanim | 1987 (Israel) - yes, really
Dschinghis Khan | Dschinghis Khan | 1979 (Germany)
Sjonni's Friends | Coming Home | 2011 (Iceland)
Anna Maria Jopek | Ale jestem | 1997 (Poland)
Şebnem Paker & Grup Ethnic | Dinle | 1997 (Turkey)
Cliff Richard | Power to All Our Friends | 1973 (The United Kingdom) - most of the higher-ranking UK entries above can be considered honorable mentions
Domenico Mudugno | Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare) | 1958 (Italy) - biggest snub in ESC history
Tom Dice | Me and My Guitar | 2010 (Belgium)
Vicky Leandros | L'amour est bleu | 1967 (France)
Dani Im | The Sound of Silence | 2016 (Australia)
George Nussbaumer | Weil's dr guat got | 1996 (Austria)
Il Volo | Grande Amore | 2015 (Italy)
Verka Serduchka | Dancing Lasha Tumbai | 2007 (Ukraine)
Morena | Vodka | 2008 (Malta)
Robin Bengtsson | I Can't Go On | 2017 (Sweden)
Anonymous | Salvem el mon | 2007 (Andorra)
And so on. I know altogether too much about Eurovision for a guy who barely knew it existed two months ago. Leave me in my shame.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
Dan
Movin' On Up
Posts: 988
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:41 am
Location: Newcastle, England

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by Dan »

Like bonnielaurel, I will interpret the title of this thread differently and post a list of my all-time favourite Eurovision songs. Here in the UK, people view Eurovision as a bit of a joke and don't take it seriously. I used to laugh (and sneer) at it myself. But over the past few years I've come to enjoy the light-hearted fun of it and even enjoy some of the songs.

In many other European countries people take Eurovision very seriously. When I visited Henrik in Sweden a couple of months ago I was slightly surprised to find that there is a massive fanbase in Sweden who follow not only the Eurovision Song Contest closely, but also the local Swedish music competition that selects Sweden's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. This local competition is a long and complicated process, and the songs entering the competion can be heard on the radio, in restaurants, and just about everywhere you go.

Eurovision has changed a lot over the years. It has become a much more informal event, and the style of music performed has certainly moved on from its lovely chanson origins. I tend to prefer the older songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s to the Europop that took over from the 80s onwards, but even amid the strange things happening on stage nowadays it is possible to find enjoyable music. At the moment, Eurovision is probably still the only thing my inner music snob truly surrenders to. Long live those power ballads and all those choruses with key changes.

1. Abba - Waterloo (Sweden - 1974, 1st)
2. Séverine - Un Banc, Un Arbre, Une Rue (Monaco - 1971, 1st)
3. Loreen - Euphoria (Sweden - 2012, 1st)
4. Margaret Berger - I Feed You My Love (Norway - 2013, 4th )
5. Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (United Kingdom - 1981, 1st)
6. Claes-Göran Hederström - Det Börjar Verka Kärlek Banne Mej (Sweden - 1968, 5th)
7. Brotherhood of Man - Save Your Kisses For Me (United Kingdom - 1976, 1st)
8. François Deguelt - Dis Rien (Monaco - 1962, 2nd)
9. Katrina & The Waves - Love Shine A Light (United Kingdom - 1997, 1st)
10. Emmelie de Forrest - Only Teardrops (Denmark - 2013, 1st)
11. Vicky Leandros - Après Toi (Luxembourg  - 1972, 1st)
12. Ami Aspelund - Fantasiaa (Finland - 1983, 12th)
13. Sonia  - Better The Devil You Know (United Kingdom - 1993, 2nd)
14. The New Seekers - Beg, Steal Or Borrow (United Kingdom - 1972, 2nd)
15. Cliff Richard - Congratulations (United Kingdom - 1968, 2nd)
16. Vicky Leandros - L'amour Est Bleu (Luxembourg  - 1967, 4th )
17. Katja Ebstein - Wunder Gibt Es Immer Wieder (Germany - 1970, 3rd)
18. Jean-Paul Mauric - Printemps, Avril Carillonne (France - 1961, 4th )
19. France Gall - Poupé De Cire, Poupée De Son (Luxembourg  - 1965, 1st)
20. André Claveau - Dors, Mon Amour (France - 1958, 1st)
21. Lys Assia - Refrain (Switzerland - 1956, 1st)
22. Domenico Modugno - Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Italy - 1958, 3rd)
23. Luci Kapurso & Hamo Hajdarhodzic  - Jedan Dan (Yugoslavia  - 1968, 7th)
24. Frida Boccara  - Un Jour, Un Enfant (France - 1969, 1st)
25. The Common Linnets - Calm After The Storm (Netherlands - 2014, 2nd)
26. Line & Willy  - A Chacun Sa Chanson (Monaco - 1968, 8th)
27. Nicole - Ein Bisschen Frieden (Germany - 1982, 1st )
28. Dana - All Kinds Of Everything (Ireland - 1970, 1st)
29. Marianna Zorba - Horepse (Greece - 1997, 12th)
30. Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois (Portugal - 2017, 1st )
31. Dream Express - A Million In One, Two, Three (Belgium - 1977, 7th)
32. Conchita Wurst - Rise Like A Phoenix (Austria - 2014, 1st)
33. Şebnem Paker & Grup Ethnic - Dinle (Turkey - 1997, 3rd)
34. Wess & Dori Ghezzi  - Era (Italy - 1975, 3rd)
35. Katja Ebstein - Theater (Germany - 1980, 2nd)
36. Doce - Bem Bom (Portugal - 1982, 13th)
37. BrainStorm - My Star (Latvia - 2000, 3rd)
38. Milk & Honey - Hallelujah (Israel - 1979, 1st)
39. Isabelle Aubret - Un Premier Amour (France - 1962, 1st)
40. Wind - Für Alle (Germany - 1985, 2nd)
...will keep us together.
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

Decided to try this AGAIN, this time incorporating non-winners as well. Order could change drastically as I listen to more songs and remember more names, for Eurovision is a disease that is slowly killing me inside.

50 | Wind | Laß die Sonne in dein Herz | 1987 (Germany, 2nd place)
49 | Lazy Bums | Shir Habatlanim | 1987 (Israel, 8th place)
48 | Gigliola Cinquetti | Si | 1974 (Italy, 2nd place)
47 | Toto Cutugno | Insieme: 1992 | 1990 (Italy, 1st place)
46 | Udo Jurgens | Merci, Cherie | 1966 (Austria, 1st place)
45 | Kaveret | Natati la khayai | 1974 (Israel, 6th place)
44 | Lucia Moniz | O meu coração não tem cor | 1996 (Portugal, 6th place)
43 | Izhar Cohen | Ole Ole | 1985 (Israel, 5th place)
42 | Amaury Vassili | Sognu | 2011 (France, 15th place)
41 | Mekado | Wir giben 'ne party | 1994 (Germany, 3rd place)
40 | The New Seekers | Beg, Steal, or Borrow | 1972 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
39 | Marie Myriam | L'oiseau et l'enfant | 1977 (France, 1st place)
38 | The Olsen Brothers | Fly on the Wings of Love | 2000 (Denmark, 1st place)
37 | Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up | 1981 (The United Kingdom, 1st place)
36 | Rollo & King | Never Ever Let You Go | 2001 (Denmark, 2nd place)
35 | Maria Serifovic | Molitva | 2007 (Serbia, 1st place)
34 | George Nussbaumer | Weil's dr guat got | 1996 (Austria, 10th place)
33 | Tanel Padar, Dave Benton, and 2XL | Everybody | 2001 (Estonia, 1st place)
32 | Željko Joksimović | Lane moje | 2004 (Serbia & Montenegro, 2nd place)
31 | Lordi | Hard Rock Hallelujah | 2006 (Finland, 1st place)
30 | Avi Toledano | Hora | 1982 (Israel, 2nd place)
29 | Nicole | Ein bißchen frieden | 1982 (Germany, 1st place)
28 | Johnny Logan | Hold Me Now | 1987 (Ireland, 1st place)
27 | Sonia | Better the Devil You Know | 1993 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
26 | Dani Im | The Sound of Silence | 2016 (Australia, 2nd place)
25 | Verka Serduchka | Dancing Lasha Tumbai | 2007 (Ukraine, 2nd place)
24 | Jamala | 1944 | 2016 (Ukraine, 1st place)
23 | The Common Linnets | Calm After the Storm | 2014 (The Netherlands, 2nd place)
22 | Frida Boccara | Un jour, un enfant | 1969 (France, joint 1st place)
21 | Dubrovački trubaduri | Jedan dan | 1968 (Yugoslavia, 7th place)
20 | Michael Ball | One Step Out of Time | 1992 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
19 | Mans Zelmerlow | Heroes | 2015 (Sweden, 1st place)
18 | Vicky Leandros | L'amour est bleu | 1967 (Luxembourg, 4th place)
17 | Cliff Richard | Power to All Our Friends | 1973 (The United Kingdom, 3rd place)
16 | Dschinghis Khan | Dschinghis Khan | 1979 (Germany, 4th place)
15 | Anne-Marie David | Tu te reconaitras | 1973 (Luxembourg, 1st place)
14 | Milk & Honey | Hallelujah | 1979 (Israel, 1st place)
13 | Şebnem Paker | Dinle | 1997 (Turkey, 3rd place)
12 | Domenico Mudugno | Nel blu dipinto di blu (Italy, 3rd place)
11 | Loreen | Euphoria | 2012 (Sweden, 1st place)
10 | Emmelie de Forest | Only Teardrops | 2013 (Denmark, 1st place)
9 | Salvador Sobral | Amar pelos dois | 2017 (Portugal, 1st place)
8 | Eimear Quinn | The Voice | 1996 (Ireland, 1st place)
7 | Joelle Ursull | White and Black Blues | 1990 (France, 2nd place)
6 | Lena | Satellite | 2010 (Germany, 1st place)
5 | Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan | Rock and Roll Kids | 1994 (Ireland, 1st place)
4 | Ofra Haza | Hi | 1983 (Israel, 2nd place)
3 | Katrina & The Waves | Love Shine a Light | 1997 (The United Kingdom, 1st place)
2 | Secret Garden | Nocturne | 1995 (Norway, 1st place)
1 | ABBA | Waterloo | 1974 (Sweden, 1st place)

Shout-outs to Fairytale, Eres tu, Ale jestem, Vuelve conmigo, Non ho l'eta, Congratulations, Grande Amore, Rise Like a Phoenix, Fiumi di parole, and all the other great songs I just remembered.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
User avatar
StevieFan13
Wuthering Heights
Posts: 6967
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:00 pm
Location: New York, New York
Contact:

Re: Ranking the UK Eurovision entries from worst to best

Post by StevieFan13 »

Decided to try this AGAIN, this time incorporating non-winners as well. Order could change drastically as I listen to more songs and remember more names, for Eurovision is a disease that is slowly killing me inside.

50 | Wind | Laß die Sonne in dein Herz | 1987 (Germany, 2nd place)
49 | Lazy Bums | Shir Habatlanim | 1987 (Israel, 8th place)
48 | Gigliola Cinquetti | Si | 1974 (Italy, 2nd place)
47 | Toto Cutugno | Insieme: 1992 | 1990 (Italy, 1st place)
46 | Udo Jurgens | Merci, Cherie | 1966 (Austria, 1st place)
45 | Kaveret | Natati la khayai | 1974 (Israel, 6th place)
44 | Lucia Moniz | O meu coração não tem cor | 1996 (Portugal, 6th place)
43 | Izhar Cohen | Ole Ole | 1985 (Israel, 5th place)
42 | Amaury Vassili | Sognu | 2011 (France, 15th place)
41 | Mekado | Wir giben 'ne party | 1994 (Germany, 3rd place)
40 | The New Seekers | Beg, Steal, or Borrow | 1972 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
39 | Marie Myriam | L'oiseau et l'enfant | 1977 (France, 1st place)
38 | The Olsen Brothers | Fly on the Wings of Love | 2000 (Denmark, 1st place)
37 | Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up | 1981 (The United Kingdom, 1st place)
36 | Rollo & King | Never Ever Let You Go | 2001 (Denmark, 2nd place)
35 | Maria Serifovic | Molitva | 2007 (Serbia, 1st place)
34 | George Nussbaumer | Weil's dr guat got | 1996 (Austria, 10th place)
33 | Tanel Padar, Dave Benton, and 2XL | Everybody | 2001 (Estonia, 1st place)
32 | Željko Joksimović | Lane moje | 2004 (Serbia & Montenegro, 2nd place)
31 | Lordi | Hard Rock Hallelujah | 2006 (Finland, 1st place)
30 | Avi Toledano | Hora | 1982 (Israel, 2nd place)
29 | Nicole | Ein bißchen frieden | 1982 (Germany, 1st place)
28 | Johnny Logan | Hold Me Now | 1987 (Ireland, 1st place)
27 | Sonia | Better the Devil You Know | 1993 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
26 | Dani Im | The Sound of Silence | 2016 (Australia, 2nd place)
25 | Verka Serduchka | Dancing Lasha Tumbai | 2007 (Ukraine, 2nd place)
24 | Jamala | 1944 | 2016 (Ukraine, 1st place)
23 | The Common Linnets | Calm After the Storm | 2014 (The Netherlands, 2nd place)
22 | Frida Boccara | Un jour, un enfant | 1969 (France, joint 1st place)
21 | Dubrovački trubaduri | Jedan dan | 1968 (Yugoslavia, 7th place)
20 | Michael Ball | One Step Out of Time | 1992 (The United Kingdom, 2nd place)
19 | Mans Zelmerlow | Heroes | 2015 (Sweden, 1st place)
18 | Vicky Leandros | L'amour est bleu | 1967 (Luxembourg, 4th place)
17 | Cliff Richard | Power to All Our Friends | 1973 (The United Kingdom, 3rd place)
16 | Dschinghis Khan | Dschinghis Khan | 1979 (Germany, 4th place)
15 | Anne-Marie David | Tu te reconaitras | 1973 (Luxembourg, 1st place)
14 | Milk & Honey | Hallelujah | 1979 (Israel, 1st place)
13 | Şebnem Paker | Dinle | 1997 (Turkey, 3rd place)
12 | Domenico Mudugno | Nel blu dipinto di blu | 1958 (Italy, 3rd place)
11 | Loreen | Euphoria | 2012 (Sweden, 1st place)
10 | Emmelie de Forest | Only Teardrops | 2013 (Denmark, 1st place)
9 | Salvador Sobral | Amar pelos dois | 2017 (Portugal, 1st place)
8 | Eimear Quinn | The Voice | 1996 (Ireland, 1st place)
7 | Joelle Ursull | White and Black Blues | 1990 (France, 2nd place)
6 | Lena | Satellite | 2010 (Germany, 1st place)
5 | Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan | Rock and Roll Kids | 1994 (Ireland, 1st place)
4 | Ofra Haza | Hi | 1983 (Israel, 2nd place)
3 | Katrina & The Waves | Love Shine a Light | 1997 (The United Kingdom, 1st place)
2 | Secret Garden | Nocturne | 1995 (Norway, 1st place)
1 | ABBA | Waterloo | 1974 (Sweden, 1st place)

Shout-outs to Fairytale, Eres tu, Ale jestem, Vuelve conmigo, Non ho l'eta, Theater, Let Me Be the One (HOW'D I FORGET THAT ONE???), Congratulations, Grande Amore, Rise Like a Phoenix, Fiumi di parole, and all the other great songs I just remembered. And it just posted twice. Swell.
Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke (1976)
Post Reply

Return to “Music, Music, Music...”