Incredibly, 2016 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 2016 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 [insert name of your favourite national final act]).
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’ll publish five tracks daily for the next 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”, Emmelie De Forest’s “Drunk Tonight” and Lena’s “Traffic Lights” in our Hall of Fame?
Best songs of 2016: (25-21)
25. Loboda “Tvoi Glaza”
What we said: Since this is Loboda, all eyes are on the music video. Thankfully, “Tvoi Glaza” does not disappoint.
The clip opens with our leading lady driving through the heat to the tune of her previous single. At the same time, we see a series of fiery celestial objects plummeting towards earth. It isn’t long before Loboda stumbles across a handsome young alien, who appears to have arrived during the meteor shower.
Given this is a video by the woman who sang the lyrics “You are so sexy BOM” at Eurovision 2009, the alien is completely naked… because, of course. Visually, the character resembles a gym-honed, blonde human man, except for his eyes. They are as big as Loboda’s lips are juicy. And judging by the singer’s furtive glances, other aspects of his anatomy are equally impressive… well, it makes a change from crucifixions. (Padraig)
24. Dima Bilan “V tvoyey golove”
What we said: The song is a catchy, electropop number with a killer hook. Prepare to find yourself whistling this chorus as you head to the shop in search of Dima’s fierce threads.
The music video looks seriously expensive.
It sees a very dapper Dima sitting at home as a series of intriguing characters defy logic and stereotype — ballerinas doing hip hop, large men twirling ribbons, swimmers attempting to put on mascara…while wearing their goggles. It’s fun and zany and shows Dima’s light-hearted side. (Liam)
23. Margaret Berger “Apologize”
What we said: Baby, this is amazing and you have nothing to feel sorry for!
“Apologize” builds on Margaret’s work “Scream” and its dark electronic pop sound. It’s more ballad than club banger. Nevertheless, the trademark electronic beats remain in tact, coupled with some badass lyrics. “I know I’ve been a bad one, but I’m up f****d up for a reason. And I won’t apologize.”
Some might say she is playing it safe and taking few risks with her sound. But hey — if it ain’t broke, why fix it? (Antranig)
22. Frans “Young Like Us”
What we said: Frans treads familiar territory here, delivering a chatty song with elements of folk and pop, all underscored by synth.
He still sounds like the love child of Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran, but this is not a bad thing.
His distinct vocal timbre and instantly recognisable accent separates him from his predecessors and does much to solidify his own brand and sound. In short, it’s very Frans. (William)
21. Emma “Il paradiso non esiste”
What we said: In the music video Emma serves some Amazonian realness.
We see Queen Emma and her sexy tribe dance, contort, hump, writhe and stretch in loin clothes, showing off their gym-honed bodies, which are painted and inked.
Besides dancing, Emma demonstrates that famous skill she mastered in Copenhagen — crawling on the ground and tantalizing us with her intense eye contact and facial tattoos. Strangely she puts us at peace and brings peace to nature. (Marek)
How’s the list shaping up? Are these among your best songs of 2016? Let us know below.
Young Like Us? More like, Boring Like Us. If I Were Deaf had at least a nice melody to cover up Frans’ ear-ripping vocals, but the new song (which, I shall remind everyone, didn’t make it past #87 on the Swedish Singles Chart) has nothing to its credit. Oop!
Emma tho, yas! That song kinda flopped here in Italy.