Incredibly 2014 is almost up. And that means one thing – it’s time for “Team Wiwi’s Top Tracks of The Year”. Just like in 2013, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite releases and recordings by Eurovision stars. Songs which competed at Eurovision or national finals were excluded (they’ve been analysed to death in our jury reviews), as were artists who’ve never made it to the Eurovision stage (sorry Ace and Adelén). And this year we’ve decided to supersize and create a Top 50 – there was just too much great music for us to ignore. So #JoinUs as we continue our daily countdown. Today we look at numbers 45 through to 41.
45. “Viva La Fiesta” – Mandinga
What we said: “Viva La Fiesta” should come with a warning: it is highly addictive. We have the feeling it will be the summery dance track that pulls us all out of the pits of Post Eurovision Depression. Fans of “Zaleilah” will appreciate that Mandiga have returned to their Eurovison roots. This number is dripping with Latin flava and could help even Debbie Downer get her happy back. Get your iPods out folks. Your summer playlist starts now! (Katie)
44. “Zabluda” – Zeljko Joksimovic And Tony Cetinski
What we said: Zabluda may mean “misconception,” but one thing is clear: the track builds on Joksimovic’s well-known folk offerings. However, he has replaced his ever-present flute with the bouzouki, a staple of traditional Greek music. One may be forgiven for thinking that this record is another Zeljko solo. Cetinski doesn’t appear on the track for the first two and a half minutes. But when he does the music really takes flight! (Deban)
Click HERE to watch the music video
43. “Your High” – Edyta Gorniak
What we said: When Poland announced its return to Eurovision last year, rumours swirled that Edyta would be their contestant. She obviously wasn’t, as we got Cleo & Donatan instead. Perhaps it was for the best. Cleo & Donatan (and all those boobs) brought Poland to the final for the first time in years. And Edyta stayed busy remastering and perfecting her new single “Your High”. It’s a lovely song with a modern R&B sound. But would you dance to this in a club, or would you sit it out? The eternal conundrum of mid-tempo dance. (William C)
42. “Ko Je Ovde Ko” – Sara Jo
What we said: Sara’s chopped off her hair and toughened up for “Ko je ovde ko”. In the first 24 hours of its release, the music video has already clocked up over 100,000 views and it’s pretty obvious why. We see Sara pouting in a mirror, getting lost in a shipyard and striking some very provocative poses. Drawing on elements of hip-hop and R&B, it’s a tribute to ghetto fabulous, with an emphasis on the fab. It’s a far cry from the bubblegum pop and pink tutus displayed in Malmö, but after a year Sara has certainly found her feet—and she’s ready to stomp. (Katie)
41. “Guerriero” – Marco Mengoni
What we said: In contrast to “L’essenziale”, “Guerriero” features pronounced dub step through the second half of the song and though the vocal remains in the trademark haunting monotone, the rougher vocal delivery given by Mengoni sets this apart as his most emotive effort to date. The dizzying dubstep breakdown after the bridge with the beautiful visual and haunted vocal makes this beyond powerful. (Angus)
Do y’all agree with our list so far? What changes would you make?
I hope to see Pastora Soler again in this list!! :3