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 25 through to 21.
25. “Rainbow” – Sanna Nielsen
What we said: “Rainbow” is just amazing. If cut down in time it could’ve easily substituted for “Undo” in the contest. It’s more electronically inclined than the other tracks on her album, but the way they infuse the beats with her voice is exemplary. The lyrics are beautiful, the chorus is epic, and the song just makes you feel good! And there’s a little surprise in the beginning of the song. Sweet Sanna uses a not-so-sweet word. Cover your ears, kiddies! (Zach)
24. “Take A Ride” – Eric Saade
What we said: Eric Saade wants to take you for a ride—literally! In “Take A Ride (Put ’em in the Air)”, he calls on all his fans to taste the good life while touring the coast in a car. According to Mr. Saade, this fabulosity spans the cities of Rome, London and Rio. Why no Stockholm or Nyköping? The debut single from Saade’s forthcoming fifth album starts off well. The instrumentation makes for easy listening, and whistling modernises the song in a really refreshing way. (Deban)
23. “Falling For You” – A’Studio feat. Tomas N’Evergreen
What we said: Tomas N’Evergreen ain’t into cheese any more. On his new track “Falling For You” he’s got a fantastic pop sound tinged with a bit of Mika. It’s catchy. It’s now. And it’s a real winner. He owes much of that to Kazakh group A-Studio, who he recruited for the track. Together they’ve put together a sleek, very playful music video that sees them messing about in the Copenhagen Museum of Arts (what bus should I take?). It mixes modern with old: security guards and drummers dance alongside ladies dressed in medieval couture. It’s rather cool and even includes a replica of Michael Jackson! (William C)
22. “Packin’ Guns” – Tooji
What we said: The genre is difficult to define, but whether it’s rap, R&B or pop, “Packin’ Guns” is aggressively fresh and slightly reminscent of Beyoncé. The group chant takes this pop-number into new territory. It’s an upbeat, engaging anthem—and one with a message. The dark fairytale at the start should tip you off. “Packin’ Guns” isn’t lethal. It’s a playful showcase of self-mockery, rebellion, and a warning about what happens when violence becomes commonplace. (Deban)
21. “Places To Go” – Anouk
What we said: Anouk is one busy mama! After giving birth to her fifth child in June and releasing “Feet on the Ground” (with Nicky Romero) later that month, she has now released the latest single off her new album “Paradise and Back”. “Places to Go” suggests Anouk is in a happy place: “I travel light, no more starless nights/ Makes me shine from head to toe!” Although Anouk will always sound like Anouk—cue the sexy, smoky vocals—her new single is a major departure from her earlier stylings. She goes beyond sad and slow to something upbeat and optimistic. It almost makes us want to have five babies, too. (Daphne)
Do y’all agree with our list so far? What changes would you make?
Love, love, loveeee Rainbow.
Places to go by Anouk would be such a great entry for ESC, sounds so refreshing, but at the same time so 80’s, love it! Best song of these, deserves top 1 😀
Sanna deserved much higher, Top 3 🙂