Continuing with the rankings of the 39 entries at Malmo 2013, which has passed almost three months ago. Here, in part three, this deals with my rankings from 27 to 22. So let's not hesitate. Here we go...
At number 27, was a then-pregnant Birgit Oigemeel with "Et Uus Saaks Alguse" (Estonia). Did I mention the word 'pregnant'? Exactly. As you saw in both the semifinal and grand final, she sported a big bump, indicating that she was(?) pregnant. Plus her big ass dress she had on for the contest. Huge big giveaways. As for the song, it is good and filling, but doesn't live up to the aura of past stuff like Padar & Benton (2001) or Ott Lepland (2012) just to name a few. It's an okay song, nonetheless.
A song that I should've ranked higher than number 26, "Only Love Survives" by Ryan Dolan (Ireland) was one of those songs I felt was euphoric with a house formula, but should have had better results in grand final. Dead last in final? As far as song quality, it is still better than what Ireland had in 2011 and 2012 (two of the worst songs in ESC history). Let's be happy about it and tell Planet Jedwardians to fuck off, seriously. Best song Ireland has had in ESC in quite sometimes.
At number 25, Anouk's "Birds" (Netherlands) is just another simple ballad. This made to the finals unlike Joan Franka in Baku. However, this soft ballad is okay, but it's not better than "You and Me" last year. At least "You and Me" was a more moving ballad than this due to the guitar riffs. Anyway, it is good nonetheless.
Another power ballad from this year that disappointed me somewhat, but was good nonetheless, was the song I ranked as the 24th on my Malmo countdown. "What If?" by Dina Garipova (Russia) was good, and it is just in the same light as Anouk, however, compared to Anouk, this was a little breathtaking. I also saw this as a bit disappointing, compared to the aura of the grandma's in Baku, who finished runner-up in the grand final on behalf of Russia. Great dress too on her (even though I come for song not for the ESC week costumes).
At number 23, the new and improved Valentina Monetta (San Marino) was the only return from Baku, and "Crisalide (Vola)" seemed to be a far better tune compared to "Facebook" from last year. This was a huge transformation for Valentina, who went from a pop hoodlum to a woman! Ralph Siegel, a veteran who has composed ESC works over the years, and also composed "Facebook" in late 2011, returned to work with Valentina and even though it missed the grand final ticket, this was a much better improvement. One of the better songs for San Marino in ESC. And yes folks, she will be in Denmark in 2014, where once again, she will represent San Marino in ESC. I don't think it has never happened in ESC history where an artist (or artists) have represented the same country three consecutive years in a row. That will be a first!
Malmo 2013 saw two great duets. This was one of them. "Pred da se Razdeni" (Macedonia) is 22nd on my rankings. It is good and filling despite what people think. Vlatko 'Lozano' Lozanoski collaborated with Esma Redzepova on this. For both, this was their first ESC appearance, and they were chosen by the Macedonian ESC broadcaster. Vlatko is an up and coming singer from Macedonia, however, Esma, at 68, has been singing for decades. Perhaps if you watched "Borat" and heard her "Caje Sukarije," which was on the soundtrack. Esma later sued film producers and Fox over copyright issues over that song. Recently "Caje Sukarije" has been covered numerous times by Sofi Marinova, who represented Bulgaria at Baku 2012. At first it was a borderline effort to make it to the grand final, but didn't eventually qualify. I was happy nonetheless for both, and both singers are just as legendary as Kaliopi Bukle, who represented Macedonia the last couple years in ESC. Good stuff despite the former Yugoslavia states' disappointment this year.
If you haven't read the past couple days about my Malmo 2013 rankings, do so.
And now, this is where I stand:
39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia
Where will Emmelie de Forest land? Zlata Ognevich? Koza Mostra? Alyona Lanskaya? The Salvation Army of the Swiss? Stay tuned.
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