Austria - Marianne Mendt - Musik (German)

Music/Lyrics: Richard Schönherz & Manuel Rigoni/ Richard Schönherz  Manuel Rigoni

Conductor: Robert Opratko

A big brass intro set the scene as Marianne started with restraint and then belted out the big chorus. The busy arrangement keeps the attention of the listener until the end.

Music/Lyrics: Joe Grech/Charles Misfud

Conductor: Twanny Chircop

Malta’s debut song in the contest is a cheesy affair sung in Maltese. As was not uncommon at that time, brass is very evident in the arrangement. At least finishing last didn’t put them off.

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Bourtayre/Yves Dessca

Conductor: Jean-Claude Petit

Severine gave Monaco its first and only victory with a very classy ballad. It stands out from its competitors as being the best of the bunch. She also gave a performance worthy of the song.

Music/Lyrics: Peter Reber/Maurice Téz

Conductor: Jean-Claude Vannier

This was the Swiss trios first of four appearances. Sue did most of the vocal duties for a song which is gentle and reflective.  

Music/Lyrics: Dieter Zimmermann/Fred Jay

Conductor: Dieter Zimmermann

Katja’s second successive visit to the contest is a song which has a quiet verse and builds into the chorus. She sings with feeling for the duration of the song.

Music/Lyrics: Rafael Trabucchelli/Tony Luz

Conductor: Waldo de los Rios

The song starts quite softly and builds gradually towards the chorus. It’s the style similar to the two songs which brought Spain victory, and it very nearly did so again. 

Music/Lyrics: Alice Dona/Henri Djian & Jacques Demarny

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

A traditional ‘chanteur’ in voice and style of performance, Serge gave a solid interpretation of a song which plods along at times.

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Pierre Cour

Conductor: Jean Claudric

This is an unremarkable song which could come from a children’s television programme. The tempo and melody change little, although Monique sells it well.  

Music/Lyrics: John Worsley/David Myers

Conductor: Johnny Arthey

The intro immediately grabs the listeners attention and the rest of the song is interesting enough to maintain it before ending with a bang. Dressed in pink hot pants, Clodagh gave a lively performance. 

Music/Lyrics: Paul Quintens/Philippe van Cauwenbergh

Conductor: Francis Bay

Lily and Jacques represented Belgium after the original choices, Nicole and Hugo, had to withdraw after Nicole suffered an injury. Lily and Jacques were dressed quite formally for this mid tempo ditty which possibly deserved its low placing.

Music/Lyrics: Enrico Polito/Gaetano Savio & Giancarlo Bigazzi

Conductor: Enrico Polito

A young Massimo gave a mature performance, showing the potential that led to a successful career which continues today. L'amore è Un Attimo has echoes of his native Neopolitan tradition.

Sweden - Family Four - Vita Vidder (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Hakan Elmquist/Hakan Elmquist

Conductor: Claes Rosendahl

The quality of the harmonies was always going to be crucial to the success or otherwise of the Swedish entry. Fortunately, the four voices worked well together. If they hadn’t……….

Ireland - Angela Farrell - One Day Love (English)

Music/Lyrics: Donald Martin & Ita Flynn/ Donald Martin & Ita Flynn

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Pure voiced Angela almost went soprano at times. One Day Love moves along steadily, the pace never faltering.

The Netherlands - Saskia and Serge - De Tijd (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Joop Stokkermans/Gerrit den Braber

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

The recorders lend a medieval feel to the song, and the melody is also medieval in style. Saskia does most of the singing, leaving Serge to be little more than a backing musician. 

Portugal - Tonicha - Menina Do Alto Da Serra (Portuguese)

Music/Lyrics: Nuno Nazareth Fernandes/Josė Carlos Ary dos Santos

Conductor: Jorge Costa Pinto

If such a thing exists, Menina… could come from a Portuguese western. The tempo stays brisk throughout the song, which manages to keep the listeners attention.

Yugoslavia - Krunoslav Slabinac - Tvoj Djecak Je Tuzan (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Ivica Krajac/Zvonimir Golob

Conductor: Miljenko Prohaska

There is a jazz feel to the intro, but once Krunoslav starts singing, it turns into a big ballad.

Finland - Markku Aro and the Koivisto Sisters - Tie Uuteen Päivään (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Rauno Lehtinen/ Rauno Lehtinen

Conductor: Ossi Runne

This song can’t decide what it wants to be. The verses are slow and the chorus follows smoothly, but then there is a bridge which totally changes the direction of the song. The result is slightly messy.

Norway - Hanne Krogh - Lykken Er... (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Arne Bendiksen/Arne Bendiksen

Conductor: Arne Bendiksen

A very young Hanne was dressed for a summers day and looked a bit too sweet. Quite suitable for a song which is very twee.