Over the last while, between national finals and the contest itself, we’ve all been a bit caught up with Euro-fever and the goings on in Vienna. This has been to the detriment of certain past stars who were silly enough to gift the world with new music at the height of ESC madness – when nobody was listening to them. But since we love all our Eurovision contestants equally (well most of them), we’ve gathered up some of the tracks which got lost amidst the melee. Listen and enjoy.
Marco Mengoni “Esseri Umani (Human Beings)”
Italy’s Marco Mengoni seems to have what every Eurovision star craves – commercial success and artistic integrity. The “L’essenziale” singer has yet to come up with a dud, and his latest track proves to be no exception. “Esseri Umani” is an understated ode to diversity. The beautifully shot video shows people of all shapes and sizes, colours and creeds, coming together as one. Uplifting but tinged with melancholy. The whole package packs an emotional, thought-provoking, punch. And did we mention the artistically justifiable nudity?
Loboda “Ne Nuzhno (I Do Not Need)”
Even without her hell machine, Ukraine’s Svetlana Loboda remains the queen of OTT wackiness. “I Do Not Need” may sound like your run-of-the-mill, anguish-ridden, break-up ballad but Loboda still manages to turn up the insanity levels. The video sees our “Anti-Crisis Girl” go from heartbroken misery on a forlorn cliff-top, to a sultry seductress on the bedroom floor. There’s murder, nudity, blood, and even creepy kids. You gotta love it! And the song is pretty good too.
Tooji “L.Y.S.”
No, unfortunately this isn’t a bizarre tribute to Eurovision’s first ever winner. But that doesn’t stop it from being the most brilliant thing you’ll hear all day. “L.Y.S.” or “Love Yourself” is a whole load of infectious, bubble-gum pop fun. Sprinkled with influences from 90s R&B to modern day K-pop, this is a wonderful gem. For the video, the “Stay” singer has recruited a whole host of Norwegian YouTubers to help channel the joie de vivre. Love yourself, love Tooji!
Nigar Jamal “Empathy for Khojaly: Broken Dreams”
We all know that even today, tensions remain high between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Over the years, atrocities have been inflicted by both nations, and now Nigar Jamal (or Nikki) has recorded a track to commemorate victims of the Khojaly massacre of 1992. Subtle this is not. The video shows explosions, fire, destruction and ammunition. While the track itself is punctuated with the sound of bullets. For the Armenian take on other conflicts in the region, listen to Sirusho’s latest single or Genealogy’s Eurovision entry.
The Makemakes “You Are Not Alone”
A dirty, sweaty, Dodo… on the run… in Mexico! This isn’t a fantasy but the plot of the Makemakes latest music video. Who knew they could actually be fun? “You Are Not Alone” sees the group return to their funkier, upbeat sound of previous hits and can most definitely be added to the large pile of Makemakes’ tracks that are better than “I Am Yours”. Definitely not a nul pointer.
D’oh! My keyboard sticks a lot! That line should have read “Interesting stuff you have HERE.”
Interesting stuff you have her. Keep ’em coming… …Which brings to mind another thought, for the Wiwi reporters to consider: How about a segment on the ones that got away? Namely, a second look at the performers and performances that were left for dead at the national contests, the songs that had the potential to score higher, or qualify for the Grand Final if they had been chosen to represent their respective countries at Eurovision 2015. For example, what if the Finns had sent Satin Circus or Opera Skaala to ESC 2015? What if the bookies’ favorites, Fahrenhaidt, had won… Read more »
SVETLANA LOBODA <3 Ukraine, get her back!!!!! <3
Tooji's is also extremely catchy <3
the only one I liked out of these suggestions was the song from Nigal Jamal, it was FLAWLESS! the rest I didn’t liked a bit.
A quick suggestion: Million Euro Smile from The makemakes this is like eating a spoon full of nutella!
I luv me some Tooji (drop an album already!) and Marco always and forever.
Btw, aren’t you guys going to write anything about Lena’s new album? It was released the same day as Conchita’s and it’s frikin amazing. Her best work to date by far.
@beccaboo1212 Natalia has released an album – all of the songs on it are really good. I really like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ICOJabUEA 🙂
Nikki has a new song called Herhalde
http://youtu.be/fbhH2f2GVe4
I’m really starting to like The Makemakers. I wish they sang this during Eurovision
I would much rather listen to Inga&Anush’s single “Aprelu April”. I still think this should have represented Armenia in Eurovision…or something similar to this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHA8KnG6H8Y
We haven’t heard much from Natália Kelly (#ESC2013, Austria). She should write a song under the title “What Goes Down”, and maybe perform under a new alter ego Nat-Nat 🙂
Well the armenian genocide was not made by Azerbaijani but Ottoman Turks… The fact that Azerbaijani are brothers with Turks does not mean that Azerbaijan is to get blamed 4 this.. Other than this Armenia is in war conflict state with Azerbaijan 4 decades now.. I can see why both sides are hostile with each other.. Well our Vision of Gay Love has done good with affecting positeively both Armenians & Azerbaijani calming down their battlefield state.. At least even if Peace will never come in the desired way 4 both sides we have to freeze their volcano so it… Read more »
Padraig, I let you new videoclip of Luth Lorenzo, Flamingos it is amazing, I hope you will publicate in wiwi, thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupkUxsi8i4&ab_channel=RuthLorenzo
“For the Armenian take on the conflict in the region, listen to Sirusho’s latest single or Geneaglogy’s Eurovision entry.” This part has to be corrected. The Armenian genocide has nothing to do with Azerbaijan or with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. You’ve tried to keep “the balance” there, but it leads to a huge mistunderstanding. And for the song, I love the indoor 3d projection. The song makes me have goosebumps everytime I listen. It’s so sad to know those innocent people including babies lost their lives in such a tragic way not so long ago. It doesn’t matter if they were… Read more »