The Eurovision Song Contest has given us plenty of unforgettable moments since its inception in 1956. But in the vast sea of Eurovision hits, some songs fall into obscurity, despite being really good (in someone’s opinion at least).

I don’t know about you, but when I have a hardcore late night Eurovision session on Youtube (which happens often), I sometimes stumble upon songs that leave me thinking, “This song was good! How did I forget it?” So, loyal wiwireaders, I present to you, in no particular order, some of my favourite forgotten gems of Eurovision.

Ten Forgotten Eurovision Gems

1) Sweden 1990 – “Som en vind (Like a wind)” – Edin – Ådahl

In 1990, Sweden sent the band Edin- Ådahl, which included two sets of brothers, Frank and Simon Ådahl and Bertil and Lasse Edin. This was the only genuine power ballad in the contest and the brothers sang their hearts out, led by Frank’s amazing vocals. Alas, the European juries frowned upon them, giving them only 24 points and leaving them in 16th place. Boo! An unjust fate in my opinion, as this is a true fist-clencher. Also, stonewashed jeans have never looked so good!

2) Belgium 1991 – “Geef het op (Give it up)” – Clouseau

I’m sorry, but the Belgian band Clouseau was waaaayyyy ahead of its time in 1991 with this Britpop-influenced number, sung in Flemish. In the UK, bands like Suede were helping to launch Britpop as a credible genre, but Eurovision apparently was not ready for the musical style. The boys ended up in 16th place, and fell deep into the dark pit of forgotten Eurovision songs. But just feast your ears on this diamond. Yum.

3) France 1996 – “Diwanit bugale (May the children be born)” – Dan Ar Braz & L´Héritages des Celtes

In the mid-nineties, there was a real trend for ethnic songs at Eurovision. Eimear Quinn took the trophy for Ireland with “The Voice” in 1996, but poor France was forgotten by jurors the same year. Which is a shame, because this number truly is Celtic in every sense. And this was, as far as I know, the only time time the beautiful Breton language was heard on the Eurovision stage. Never forget.

4) Ukraine 2010 – “Sweet People” – Alyosha

OK, let’s face it, Ukraine has never really been a fan of the “less is more” approach to Eurovision. Except in 2010 when Alyosha, aka Olena Kucher, sang for Ukraine. Alone on stage, fully clothed and without pyrotechnics, gladiators or hamster wheels, Alyosha let her voice carry the song. She came 10th with 108 points. Boom. Sometimes, less truly is more. This deserves to be remembered people!

5) Armenia 2007 – “Anytime You Need” – Hayko

2007 was kind of the year for forgotten gems. Mainly because there was a record-breaking number of nations competing. Twenty-eight of them competed in the semi finals (and most of them stayed there). Although Armenia’s Hayko came in 8th with 138 points, his entry remains a forgotten Armenian treasure. Odd, because this is a beautiful,  heartfelt ballad. And the guy is even bleeding! How can anyone forget this?

6) Norway 1994 – “Duett (Duet) – Elisabeth Andreasson & Jan Werner Danielsen

We just love Bettan. In 1994 we were treated to gorgeous “Duett” between Bettan and the late Jan Werner Danielsen. A power couple with a power song, this sneaked into sixth place, but has rarely been mentioned since. One of Norway’s best, it will forever be in the Bettan Hall of Fame. This also serves as a reminder that Jan Werner Danielsen was a powerhouse vocalist!

 

7) Ireland 1988 – “Take Him Home” – Jump the Gun

The contest of 1988 was packed with good songs. Ireland hosted the contest for the third time, and this is one of those underrated host entries that hasn’t earned its rightful place in Eurovision history (maybe because most of Ireland’s other host entries actually ended up winning). This had pretty much everything an 80s music connoisseur needed. A pinch of Bohemian Rhapsody, a dash of Elton John, with a hint of Spandau Ballet. What more do you need? Not to mention the fact that “Take Him Home” is probably one of the greatest bromance anthems in the history of Eurovision.

 

8) Greece 1995 – “Pia prosefi (Which prayer)” – Elena Konstantopoulou

Everyone remembers Cyprus that year, when Alex Panayi slayed with the epicness that is “Sti fotia.” But do you remember the Greek entry, which was no less powerful, just a little more low key? No? Glad to be of assistance then! “Pia prosefí” was a beautiful ethnic song, mysterious and perfectly performed, both by Elena and her support band. This song screams Greek heritage, but somehow fell through the cracks and was quickly forgotten, both by jurors and viewers.

 

9) Germany 1992 – “Träume sind für alle da (Dreams are there for everyone)” – Wind

Another collaboration of the Siegel/Meinunger team featuring Wind, Germany’s most successful band of Eurovision. Their glory days in the 80s brought two top three placings, one in 1985 and another in 1987.  They say the third time is a charm, but unfortunately not for Wind. In 1992, the group’s third attempt fell flat, and came 16th. Awkward. However, this song is by no means any worse than their previous entries. It was a modern ballad and should have placed much higher, instead of being forgotten as soon as they left the stage.

 10) Cyprus 1996 – “Mono gia mas (Only for us)” – Constantinos 

Constantinos and this lovely, romantic ballad finished in a very respectable eighth place, and even received a set of douze points from the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, everybody has forgotten about this masterpiece. It had everything really. A gentle touch of piano, a powerful guitar solo, the softly spoken Cypriot-Greek language and last but certainly not least, the ever so alluring Constantinos. He gave a heartfelt performance, packed with feelings. *Swoon!* This should always be remembered. Always.

Do you agree with this list? Which forgotten gem sparkles the brightest? What are your favourite long lost Eurovision classics? Let us know below!

Read more of our Eurovision lists

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SpirK
SpirK
7 years ago

Really agree on Ukraine’s 2010 participation, which is my 2nd in 2010 and my 2nd favorite Ukrainian entry (1st until 2016 came) . It’s the only time Ukraine hasn’t relied on staging but on the song and the vocalist only, giving a breathtaking and heartfelt performance of a real song, with a depressive but realistic and true message. In contrast, I really disagree with Armenia’s 2007 entry, which I never liked and find really overrated. From the others, Ireland 1988, Sweden 1990, Belgium 1991, Germany 1992 leave me indifferent, Norway 1994 , France 1996 and Cyprus 1996 are ok and… Read more »

Erwann
Erwann
7 years ago

Totally agree on Diwanit bugale. But the studio recording was better than what they did on stage.
Then one should remember Italy 1997, the classy and absolutely perfect Fiumi di parole by Jalisse, as well as Spain (Azucar Moreno), Israel (Rita) and France (Joëlle Ursull) 1990.
And so many others.

jamaladingdong
jamaladingdong
7 years ago

Of course no one notices Alyosha’s entry here. One editor here did not even acknowledge my request to review her latest song a week or month ago.

RodrigoPinto
RodrigoPinto
7 years ago

How I love to see old Eurovision music refered here…

I completely agree on Diwanit Bugale(it’s in my top 5 from 1996) but I also would have to consider the Polish song for that case, because it’s so dramatic and powerful…
Pia prosefhí is really a remarkable song with epic music! One of the biggest diamonds there are in the entirety of the contest…
I’m also really glad to see Duett, Take Him Home and Mono gia mas!

Great work 🙂

DJ Tiggeh
DJ Tiggeh
7 years ago

Frances Ruffelle in 1994 was held down and made to change her entire image by the BBC.

PP
PP
7 years ago

My TOP 5 in 1994
1.Germany
2.Russia
3.Sweden
4.United Kingdom
5.Norway

PP
PP
7 years ago

mistake instead Norway 1996 , Norway 1994

PP
PP
7 years ago

also Cyprus 1996 for me is litlte overrated in points that year.

PP
PP
7 years ago

Ireland 1988 is overrated for me in points 79 points and 8 place. Better song than Ireland had The Netherlands 9 place, Spain 11 place, Sweden 12/13 place ,Germany 14 place, Turkey 15 place, Belgium and Portugal 18/19 place. 1991 Belgium is not good , and deserved that place in final. In 1991 we had worst eurovision orchestra in history. Germany 1992 sound so much better at national final . Also Austria 1992 sound so much better in video prewiev. For me in 1992 most uderrated songs are song from Denmark and Cyprus, for me that song deserved TOP 5… Read more »

Neil
Neil
7 years ago

Cyprus 1996 is a gorgeous song. Ireland 1988 is very understated – the runner-up in the national final was gorgeous – “Lifeline” by Liam Reilly (he sang “Somewhere in Europe”) – an Elton John type ballad.

I like the older years as the contest had a lot of class and with the orchestra it added a lot of prestige to it.

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

To be honest, “Sweet People” is not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the meaningful lyrics and Alyosha’s great voice.

Noid Sottik
Noid Sottik
7 years ago

Elina Konstantopoulou was amazing. She should have been placed much higher

Ryan
Ryan
7 years ago

Gee @ninasublatti I wonder who else only cares about the most recent 9/61 contests,raise your hands please!

Pheonix
Pheonix
7 years ago

Wind’s 92 entry no worse than their two second placers?! Their 85 and 87 entries are my No1 in both cases, but 92 was awful, typical of the Siegel schlock we only ever seem to hear today. It rightly bombed and Wind just weren’t the same by 92 anyway, with both the 85 and 87 front men gone at that time. Germany were awful in both 91 and 92 and I don’t see how you can compare 92 to the superior songs that came beforehand !

DJ Tiggeh
DJ Tiggeh
7 years ago

@ninasublatti, many people care about Eurovision pre 2008…..any true fan of the contest would embrace all history of the contest.

DJ Tiggeh
DJ Tiggeh
7 years ago

Clouseau is an all time fave of mine. And it was nice to see some Scottish representation at eurovision….albeit for France lol.

The BBC seem to have a knack of avoiding Scotland in their choices these days.

Nitzan
Nitzan
7 years ago

Well most of these songs were forgotten for a reason…

DenizNL
DenizNL
7 years ago

I hate Sweet People. It makes me depressed and the melody sucks. But everyone has another opinion.

MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
7 years ago

Sorry – I read the article, and you don’t say those songs are bad! Maybe underrated, and didn’t have the place in the ESC fan base they deserve. I agree! Ukraine 2010 was great! I agree. Often I don’t like how Ukraine do their songs on stage. Far too many silly uncessary gimnciks…which has nothing to do with music. Just cheesy, unserious and quite tacky….too much glamour. But this song was a really classy peformance. Just her, her appereance, a great voice, and a strong bluesrock melody Really modern too…not something contrived for ESC, more a good song for radio.… Read more »

MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
7 years ago

Actually…all GREAT songs!! Apart from the Greek 96 song, Armania 07 and Germany 92.

Sweden 90 is among one of their best entries ever (a bit overshawdowed by “en dag” the year ealrier maybe. Belgium 91 is brilliant…should never have ended so low! And Ireland 1988 – the BEST ENTRY EVER!!! Pure magic 🙂

So “forgotten”??? Speak for yourself 😉

I can list a lot of ESC songs I feel are way more forgotten…maybe not all bad, but forgetable and with little impact n the history of ESC….

Paul D
Paul D
7 years ago

@ninasublatti speak for yourself

Tony
7 years ago

In direct contrast to @ninasublatti, I thank the author for the awesome list. One of the areas of Eurovision I am trying to learn more about is the older material of the 80s and 90s. It really interesting to me to see how trends change and musical style evolves. Thanks for the list, and I hope there are more down the road 🙂