Incredibly, 2015 is almost up. And that means one thing — the return of our annual Top Tracks countdown! As usual, the team from wiwibloggs voted for their favourite 2015 releases and recordings by and featuring 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 yet to compete on the Eurovision stage (sorry Iveta, Sergey and friends). After considering well over 100 songs, we finally settled on our top 50. And now we’re ready to share it with y’all. We’re publishing five tracks daily over the course of ten days. Then on Christmas Eve we’ll announce our number one, giving you just enough time to send any last requests to Santa.
What song will join Loreen’s “We Got The Power” and Emmelie De Forest’s “Drunk Tonight” in our Hall of Fame? The countdown continues!
OUR TOP TRACKS OF 2015: (30-26)
30. Marco Mengoni “Io ti aspetto”
What we said: Ever since his Eurovision 2013 appearance, the suave singer has proven to be a dependable source of heart-felt, Mediterranean ballads – until now! “Io Ti Aspetto (I’m Waiting For You)” is a marked change in direction for Marco. While not quite in Calvin Harris or Avicii territory, there are definitely enough beats here to tempt you onto the dancefloor – “L’essenziale” this is not. And no need to worry that he’s sold out. The vocals are still trademark Mengoni. We should probably view this as a welcome summer-time break, rather than a permanent shift. (Padraig)
29. Softengine “All About You & I”
What we said: Softengine can do no wrong. In “Yellow House” they explored how memories of failed love can hold us captive. With their latest single “All About You & I”, they take that theme in reverse to explore how burgeoning love drives us forward. What seems at first like a romantic plea ultimately comes off as a celebratory love letter, nodding to how enamoured lovers in Finland spend their summer. Like always, Topi’s vocals are on point and the band’s sound is instantly recognizable. (Sami)
28. Anouk & Douwe Bob “Hold Me”
What we said: Everything Anouk releases, from pop to ballads like this, are masterpieces. She knows what she likes in a song and she doesn’t release it before it is perfect. The many twists and turns she has endured in her life come through in her songs: They drip with emotion, struggle and authenticity. (Mike)
27. Alexander Rybak “Kotik”
What we said: “Kotik” — that’s “Kitty” in English — is classic Alexander, replete with violin, love, an infectious beat and, um, beautiful girls. It’s a real earworm. Lyrically the song takes us into the mind of a man who can’t get a woman out of his head: “I can’t stop thinking about you, I go to sleep earlier my kitty..kitty..kitty..kitty, So that I can be alone with you for at least a short time.” Do you want to pet this kitty cat? (Dayana)
26. Ruth Lorenzo “Echo”
What we said: Lorenzo’s new pop tune reminds us that she really has the X-factor. “Echo” serves a strong uptempo beat that completely destroys her Spanish pop competition (yes, Edurne, I’m talking to you and your so-so album). This song has hit written all over it, and I’m quite sure it can compete with new pop sensations such as Ariana Grande and Rachel Platten if it reaches the US market. Ruth’s the whole package. (Bernardo)
How’s the list shaping up? Do these rank among your best songs of 2015? Let us know below.
Softengine solid and confident YES
the rest still have a lot to learn
Alexander. <333