Germany

Music/Lyrics: Brendan Graham/Brendan Graham

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The contest was opened by a below par Irish ballad. Maria’s performance was a bit on the sickly side.

Music/Lyrics: Petri Laaksonen/Veli-Pekka Lehto

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Finland is capable of sending a song which is capable of sounding good only to natives. Not this time!! Eläköön Elämä is one of their best entries, a powerful, almost rock song, which Sonja delivered very well.

Music/Lyrics: Lia Vishy/Lia Vishy

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Lia (sister of Anna - Greece 1980 and Cyprus 1982), looked very vulnerable as she sung, sometimes with a wobble, this nice, soothing ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Heick

Conductor: Wolfgang Käfer

Kirsten and Soren, who had represented their country the year before, came back for more and this time, they had a secret weapon, or at least they thought they did; an ever so slightly annoying child. Not content with joining in with the song, the child (boy or girl, who knows? Who cares?!) got dressed into adult clothes while the others did their bits.

Music/Lyrics: Juan Carlos Calderón/ Juan Carlos Calderón

Conductor: Juan Carlos Calderón

Classic elegance was the order of the day for Paloma. La Fiesta Terminó shows how good Spanish songs can be when they really try. This is how big ballads should sound.

Music/Lyrics: Didier Pascalis/Didier Pascalis

Conductor: Michel Bernholc

The most memorable thing about this song is the fantastic string arrangement. It dominates the whole song, lifting it out of the realms of the ordinary into something that should have been placed in the top five.

Music/Lyrics: Mazhar, Fauat, Özkan/ Mazhar, Fauat, Özkan

Conductor: Garo Mafyan

MFO were three chaps who clearly enjoyed their three minutes on stage. They gave a cheery performance of a cheery song. You might not vote for it, but it will make you smile. 

Music/Lyrics: Pieter Verlinden/Bert Vivier

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Linda can count herself unlucky to have finished last with this sincere ballad for which she gave a sincere, professional performance.

Music/Lyrics: Tozé Brizo/Adelaïde Ferreria, Luis Fernando

Conductor: José Calvário

If ever Portugal deserved a place in the top five, this was it. The powerful and emotional ballad seemed to take its toll on Adelaïde. She ended her performance of one knee with her head bowed and took time to stand up again. Eigtheenth? The juries must have been listening to a different song!

Music/Lyrics: Hanne Haller/Hanne Haller

Conductor: Rainer Pietsch

This song is more highly regarded than it deserves. The ‘peace for all’ theme was starting to become boringly predictable in the German entries, a description which can also be applied to Für Alle.

Music/Lyrics: Kobi Oshrat/Hamutal Ben Ze’ev

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

Izhar won the contest in 1979 and went for the double with a song which is almost guaranteed to fill dance floors and sounds as good today as it did then. It’s full of bounce and zip.

Music/Lyrics: Dario Farina, Michael Hofmann/Christiano Minellono

Conductor: Fio Zanotti

Italy’s favourite husband and wife team came back for a second attempt nine years after their first, with a slightly cheesy cabaret number. That said, it’s given a lift by the quality of Al’s voice, and when you look as good as Romina, you can get away with anything.

Music/Lyrics: Rolf Lövland/Rolf Lövland

Conductor: Terje Fjaern

The country which had unfairly become famous for not scoring found itself at the top of the scoreboard for the first time. It’s a bouncy, catchy, clap-along which was given an appropriately lively performance by Elisabeth Andreasson and Hanne Krogh, both experienced song contest performers.

Music/Lyrics: Vikki Watson/James Kaleth

Conductor: John Coleman

Chosen from a high quality ‘A Song For Europe’ competition, it might have been expected for Love Is to do well. So it proved for the contemporary pop song.

Music/Lyrics: Anita Kerr/Trudi Muller-Bosshard

Conductor: Anita Kerr

Having sang solo two years earlier, Mariella was joined by the splendidly moustached Pino for this fairly unmemorable song.

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Ingela ‘Pling’ Forsman

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Kikki wisely moved only a little, leaving her two dancers to perform the acrobatics. Her song spoke for itself, an up-tempo, foot tapping and wonderful slice of Schlager. The title also allowed Lill Lindfors to make a saucy joke about the English translation of the title.  

Music/Lyrics: Mick Jackson, Geoff Bastow/Michael Kunze

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Singing the first of two successive songs in the 1985 contest about children, Gary appeared for the first time as a solo artist. His song is not quite an anthem, but moves along freely.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger, Jean-Michel Beriat

Conductor: Norbert Daum

An array of singers from almost as many countries as were in the contest joined forces for Luxembourg to sing what is almost a series of duets. It should have been messy, but it actually worked reasonably well.

Music/Lyrics: Takis Biniaris/Maro Bizani

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

The contest ended with a very gentle song. Takis' performance was rightly understated and respectful of his own composition.

Adorned in golden boots, the three chaps from Sweden bounded their way through the slick choreography. There were songs more worthy of winning, but you will find yourself humming Diggi-loo Diggy-ley long after it has finished.

Luxembourg - Sophie Carle - 100% D'amour (French)
Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Goussaud/Jean-Michel Beriat/Patrick Jaymes
Conductor:  Pascal Stive

The hopes of the host nation lay on the shoulders of teenager Sophie. She was clearly happy to be there, but her inexperience did show. As for the song, it can best be described as bubblegum pop.

France - Annick Thoumazeau - Autant D'amoureux Que D'étoiles (French)
Music/Lyrics: Vladimir Cosma/Charel Lavel
Conductor: Francois Raubèrt

A very elegant Annick stood quite still as she performed the French song, a mid-tempo ballad which sometimes veers towards the operatic.

Spain - Bravo - Lady, Lady (Spanish)
Music/Lyrics: Miguel Blasco/Amaya Saizar
Conductor: Eddie Guerin

Bravo were a group of three men and two ladies, one of which performed lead vocals. The song is a nice, mid-tempo ballad. 

Norway - Dollie de Luxe - Lenge Leve Livet (Norwegian)
Music/Lyrics: Ingrid Björnov/Benedicte Adrian/Ingrid Björnov/Benedicte Adrian
Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

The two ladies of Dollie de Luxe were hard to miss in their bright white outfits and a dance routine which featured a lot of marching movements. Although the vocals of this contemporary song were a bit screechy in places, seventeenth was a long way off where they deserved to finish. They would go on to star in the West End in their own musical, Which Witch.

United Kingdom - Belle and the Devotions - Love Games (English)
Music/Lyrics: Paul Curtis, Graham Sacher/ Paul Curtis, Graham Sacher
Conductor: John Coleman

Paul Curtis’ third song for his country is 60’s retro in the Motown mould. Belle and the Devotions resembled anything but a Motown group. Belle would return in later years as a backing singer for more than one United Kingdom act.  

Cyprus - Andy Paul - Anna Mari-Elena (Greek)
Music/Lyrics: Andy Paul/Andy Paul
Conductor: Pierre Cao

Even the involvement of ‘The Hitman’ Pete Waterman couldn’t propel the Cypriot song to the top of the scoreboard. Andy’s performance of his gentle toe-tapper was assured.

Belgium - Jacques Zegers - Avanti La Vie (French)
Music/Lyrics: Henri Seroka/Jacques Zegers
Conductor: Jo Carlier

Hopefully, Jacques and his backing singers remembered to put on deodorant, they all stood very close together and looked very serious as they sung this calm ballad.  

Ireland - Linda Martin - Terminal 3 (English)
Music/Lyrics: Sean Sherrard/Sean Sherrard
Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The team that would win the 1992 contest came second with their first collaboration. Unlike Sean's (aka Johnny Logan) winners, Terminal 3 is an uptempo song with a beat that drives the song relentlessly from beginning to end.   

Denmark - Hot Eyes - Det' Lige Det (Danish)
Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Heick
Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

The Danish duo are popular amongst the fans for their chirpy songs, and this is arguably the best of their three efforts in the contest. Unlike the other two, it’s gimmick free, which is always a bonus. 

The Netherlands - Maribelle - Ik Hou Van Jou (Dutch) Music/Lyrics: Peter van Asten/Richard Debois/Peter van Asten/Richard Debois
Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

Sensibly, the presentation was kept simple to allow the absolute beauty of the song shine through. It’s one of those that deserve to be much higher up the scoreboard.

Yugoslavia - Vlado and Isolda - Ciao Amore (Serbo Croat)
Music/Lyrics: Slobodan Bucevac/Milan Peric
Conductor: Mato Dosen

Isolda had been one third of Aska in 1982. Her duet with Vlado is rock influenced and is one of quite a few this year that should have finished higher than it did. 

Austria - Anita - Einfach Weg (German)
Music/Lyrics: Brigitte Seuberth, Ernst Seuberth/Walter Muller
Conductor:  Richard Österreicher

From start to finish, the Austrian song is pleasant if unspectacular. The beat and tempo remain very steady. Her two backing singers make the performance more entertaining to watch.

Germany - Mary Roos - Aufrecht Geh'n (German)
Music/Lyrics: Michael Reinecke/Michael Kunze
Conductor: Pierre Cao

Twelve years after she finished 3rd in the contest, Mary returned with a big German ballad with a big intro.

Turkey - Bes Yil Önce, On Yil Sonra - Halay (Turkish) Music/Lyrics: Selcuk Basar/Ulku Aker
Conductor: Selcuk Basar

While there are a couple of interesting moments during the song, it does drift along rather aimlessly and it’s easy for the mind to wander to others things before the end.

Finland - Kirka - Hengaillaan (Finnish) 
Music/Lyrics: Jukka Siikavire/Jussi Tuominen
Conductor: Ossi Runne

Kirka’s slightly rough voice adds a bit of character to Finland’s song, which is an uptempo and slightly unusual number. It occupies a place on the scoreboard that songs below it were more deserving of. 

Switzerland - Rainy Day - Welche Farbe Hat Der Sonnenschein (German)
Music/Lyrics: Gunther Loose/Gunther Loose
Conductor: Mario Robbiani

The Swiss representatives were a trio of two men and a woman. The lady did most of the singing for this very soothing and sophisticated ballad. 

Italy - Alice and Franco Battiato - I Treni Di Tozeur (Italian) 
Music/Lyrics: Franco Battiato/Rosario Cosantino
Conductor: Giusto Pio

The classiest song of the night! It sounded good at the time and the years have not taken away anything. The only down side were the dresses worn by the three backing singers. They wore green, white and red dresses and stood in order to make the Italian flag.

Portugal - Maria Guinot - Silêncio E Tanta Gente (Portuguese)
Music/Lyrics: Maria Guinot/Maria Guinot
Conductor: Pedro Osório

Maria sat at the piano to sing her melancholic but poetic and melodic ballad Portugal have often finished lower than their entries have deserved and this was one of those times.  

Music/Lyrics: Guy Bonnet/Fubert Cant

Conductor: Francois Raubèrt

Guy first appeared in the contest in 1970. As then, his self-penned song this time is a ballad whose arrangement is very minimal, leaving the strength of the melody to impress.

Music/Lyrics: Jahn Teigen, Anita Skorgen/Jahn Teigen, Herodes Falsk

Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

Jahn sang with his wife, Anita Skorgen, the year before in Harrogate. She was part of his backing group this time, as were several children! Quite suitable really as this, his third entry, is a sing-along nursery rhyme.

Music/Lyrics: Ron Roker, Jan Pulsford, Phil Wigger/ Ron Roker, Jan Pulsford, Phil Wigger

Conductor: John Coleman

Dressed as if they had just arrived from an Aerobics class, the three members of Sweet Dreams (including Carrie Grant, the vocal coach much used by the BBC) were very energetic as they danced their way through this lively piece of 80’s pop.

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Monica Forsberg

Conductor: Anders Ekdahl

One of the most iconic of Eurovision singers started at an early age with this likeable, mid tempo ditty.

Music/Lyrics: Maurizio Fabrizio/Riccardo Fogli, Vincenzo Spambinato

Conductor: Maurizio Fabrizio

Riccardo won the Sanremo festival in 1982, when Italy didn’t enter the Eurovision Song Contest. This may or may not have influenced RAI when they chose him, but his song is a steady plodder that won’t invoke strong feelings either way.

Music/Lyrics: Bugra Ugur/Aysel Gŭrel

Conductor: Bugra Ugur

The first of two songs that didn’t score starts off normally enough, but tumbles into complete nonsense with a totally unsuitable melody and arrangement. The costumes of the backing singers couldn’t have helped either. 

Music/Lyrics: Jose Miguél/Isidro Munoz

Conductor: Jose Miguél

Immediately following one song that scored no points at all was the other song that didn’t score. However, Spain should be congratulated for entering such an ethnically Spanish song. It could have come straight from a Spanish gipsy camp.

Music/Lyrics: Thomas Gonzenbach, Remo Kessler/Nella Martinetti

Conductor: Robert Weber

Mariella made the first of her two appearances with this mid-tempo song which tries to be anthemic, but doesn’t quite manage it.

Music/Lyrics: Kari Kuusamo/Kaisu Liuhala

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Ami, the sister of 1977 Finnish singer Monica, gave a very confident performance.  She had good reason to be confident. Fantasiaa is a very strong and dramatic song which has plenty of strings and builds well for the big ending.  

Music/Lyrics: Antonis Plessas, Mimis Plessas/Sophia Fildissi

Conductor: Mimis Plessas

All was going well with the song on the night until the part of the song which has been the downfall of many over the years, the saxophone solo. Some bodged notes ruined any chances Greece’s gentle ballad had.

Music/Lyrics: Piet Souer/Martin Duiser

Conductor: Piet Souer

This is one of those songs that starts slowly and builds bit by bit as it continues. It reaches its peak just before the end before slowing down again for the last few bars

Music/Lyrics: Daniel Popovic/Mario Mihaljevic

Conductor: Radovan Popovic

The vocals of Dzuli required Danijel to almost yodel, which he coped with quite well. The whole package was quite entertaining. 

Music/Lyrics: Stavros Sideras/Stavros Sideras

Conductor: Michalis Rozakis

A simple song and an equally simple presentation. Stavros and Constantina sat on stools strumming guitars while harmonising their way through a fairly unmemorable ballad. 

Music/Lyrics: Michael Reinecke/Volker Lechtenbrink

Conductor: Dietre Reith

The Hoffman brothers had more than a slight chance of giving Germany another win. Rücksicht is a sad and emotional ballad whose beauty lies in its simplicity. The English version, Love Gives, has one of the best lyrics of any English version of any Eurovision song. 

Music/Lyrics: Flemming Gernyx, Christian Jacobsen/ Flemming Gernyx, Christian Jacobsen

Conductor: Allan Botschinsky

During her performance, Gry managed to have a dance routine while remaining virtually rooted to the spot. While it tries hard, the song doesn’t really go anywhere.

Music/Lyrics: Avi Toledano/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Nanssi Silviu Brandes

After the contest, Ofra went on to have a successful international career before her untimely death. It’s easy to see how she achieved that success, Hi is an easy to remember foot tapper.

Music/Lyrics: Armando Gama/Armando Gama

Conductor: Mike Sergeant

Esta Balada Que Te Dou is a standard ballad with a Portuguese flavour. Armando looked the part as he played the piano in a smart suit.

Music/Lyrics: Peter Vieweger/Heli Deinboek, Heinz Nessizius

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Featuring Gary Lux (who would sing twice more as a soloist), Westend looked resplendent in mostly yellow outfits. Hurricane took its cue from synth-pop, which was popular at the time.

Music/Lyrics: Walter Verdin/Paul Peskens

Conductor: Freddy Sunder

Undaunted by being unceremoniously booed by the audience when they won the Belgian final, the two ladies of Pas de Deux gave us choreography that made their arms swing more than a pendulum and a song which, although consisting of one line which is repeated a lot, is strangely hypnotic.

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Millers/Alain Garcia

Conductor: Michel Bernholc

With her female backing singers dressed in black and her males in pink (whose idea was that?), Corinne belted out this big power ballad. It gave Luxembourg its fifth victory, and richly deserved it was too. It is a class above the competition and is arguably one of the best winners in the history of the contest.

Music/Lyrics: Anthony Pinho, Tóze Brito, Pedro Brito/Anthony Pinho, Tóze Brito, Pedro Brito

Conductor: Luis Duarte

Dressed like a female version of the three Musketeers, the four ladies of Doce gave proceedings a memorable start singing about what happens at various times of the day.

Music/Lyrics: Caril Assous/Michel Jouveaux

Conductor: Jean Claudric

There are almost two songs in one as the backing singers not only contribute to most of the song; they are often doing their own thing. Surprisingly, this gentle ballad works well.

Music/Lyrics: Jahn Teigen/Kim Hansen

Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

Husband and wife Jahn and Anita were contest veterans by now, having a total of three appearances between them by the time they arrived in Harrogate. Jahn had famously scored ‘nul points’ when he gave an over the top performance in 1978. He took it seriously this time, sitting next to Anita (who played piano) and giving a sincere performance of the most peaceful song of the night.

Music/Lyrics: Simon Jeffries/Simon Jeffries

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

Sometimes, the wrong outfits and choreography contribute to a downfall. Former Prima Donna member Sally Ann Triplett and Stephen Fischer deserved higher than 7th but were let down by what they were asked to wear and do. One Step Further is a great pop song which has stood the test of time and should have been higher up the scoreboard.  

Music/Lyrics: Olcayto Ahmet Tugsuz /Olcayto Ahmet Tugsuz, Fait Tugsuz

Conductor: Garo Mafyan

Neco had to do something to keep the attention of the jurors as the song didn’t give him much to work with, so he did a bit of swaying from side to side while his backing group did the same, but with a bit more vigour.  

Music/Lyrics: Jim Penbroke, Otto Donner/Juice Leskinen

Conductor: Ossi Runne

If Kojo intended this to be a protest song about nuclear weapons, then he should have told his backing band. They chose to dress up like the Blues Brothers which, combined with the messiness of the song, means the point is lost. 

Music/Lyrics: Alain Morisod/Pierre Alain

Conductor: Alain Morisod

Starting like a circus tune, Amour On T'aime quickly moves into an anthem which, whether you like or hate, you will remember when it’s finished.

Music/Lyrics: Anna Vishy/Anna Vishy

Conductor: Martin Ford

Cyprus made the top ten on their debut the year before, and this deservedly made the top five. It’s a lovely ballad which is hard to tire of hearing. One if the best songs the small island has sent to the contest!

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Monica Forsberg

Conductor: Anders Berglund

This is what the Swedes to best! Kikki Danielsson and Elisabeth Andreasen both of whom would appear again in later years, eased their way through this Swedish schlager song. Typically, it’s great to listen to and doesn’t take life too seriously.

Music/Lyrics: Michael Mell/Rudolph Leve

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Twee would be the best way to describe the Austrian effort. From the simple song to the smiley performance, it’s all slightly childish but quite memorable.  

Music/Lyrics: Fred Bekky, Rony Brack, Bobott/Jo May

Conductor: Jack Say

Belgium came to Harrogate with a contemporary slice of 80’s pop. While the song was contemporary, the look of the presentation was a bit old fashioned. 

Music/Lyrics: Francisco Cepero/Ignacio Román

Conductor: Miguel Angel Varona

Doing well to avoid a very serious Flamenco dancer, Lucia performed confidently for one so young. El is Spanish in tune and presentation.

Music/Lyrics: Jens Brixtofte/ Jens Brixtofte

Conductor: Allan Botschinsky

Lead singer Jens was inspired to write this song about the wonders of his video recorder. The rock style stops the song seeming completely daft. 

Music/Lyrics: Aleksandar Ilic/Miro Zec

Conductor: Zvonimir Skerl

The three ladies of Aska harmonised well and danced in unison which this adds to the song. It’s nice to listen to but is fairly unmemorable. 

Music/Lyrics: Avi Toledano/Avi Toledano

Conductor: Yoram Tahar-Lev

Israel had already built up a strong catalogue of Eurovision entries, and Avi added to this when his lively, very Israeli pop tune was the best of rest behind a runaway winner.

Music/Lyrics: Dick Bakker/Liselore Gerritsen

Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

Boasting possibly Europe’s tallest woman among his backing band, Bill walks among each of them in turn as they ‘play’ their instruments unconvincingly. As for the song, it’s pleasant enough but doesn’t stand out.

Music/Lyrics: Sally Keating/Sally Keating

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The Duskeys were three sisters and their brother who stood neatly in line while singing and dancing their way through their mid tempo pop song. 

Music/Lyics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Norbert Daum

Last in the running order, sung by a young girl on her own and the ‘let’s all love each other’ theme; how could it fail? It’s the sort of song that Scouts and Brownies sing around the camp fire

Music/Lyrics: Werner Böhmler/ Werner Böhmler

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

With strong support of four dancers (including one wearing a leotard, leg warmers and an American football helmet – odd but strangely appealing), this was Marty’s second appearance in Eurovision in two years, having been part of Blue Danube the year before - Austria was drawn first then, too. This time, he sang a pleasant, but unremarkable ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Ali Kocatepe/Ali Kocatepe

Conductor: Onno Tunc

From their outfits to their choreography, the Turkish quartet were more traditional than modern. There is a bit of Staying Alive style strings, but otherwise it’s all very tame.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/ Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Wolfgang Rődelberger

Siegel and Meinunger are better known for their schlager anthems, but this is a distinct diversion. It’s a sentimental ballad about a lonely boy. The performance featured a rare appearance by the harmonica.

Music/Lyrics: Sophie Makhno, Jean-Claude Pascal/ Sophie Makhno, Jean-Claude Pascal

Conductor: Joel Rocher

When he won the contest in 1961, Jean-Claude was an old fashioned crooner and 20 years later, he hadn’t changed a bit. He stood fairly still throughout and waved his hands a lot during his performance of this traditional French ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Shuki Levi/Shlomit Aharoni, Yuval Dor

Conductor: Eldad Shrem

The Israelis are not averse to a bit of swaying from side to side during their songs. There was plenty of it to accompany this decent disco effort.

Music/Lyrics: Tommy Seebach/Keld Heick

Conductor: Allan Botschinsky

Tommy had represented Denmark two years earlier in Jerusalem and Debbie was one of his backing singers. As with his previous effort, this is a disco number and, also like before, Debbie prances around as if she’s got ants in her knickers. 

Music/Lyrics: Ranko Boban/Ranko Boban

Conductor: Ranko Rihtman

This was Yugoslavia’s first entry since 1976. It’s a sincere ballad which is nice to listen to but lacks much to stay in the memory.  

Music/Lyrics: Jim Pembroke/Olli Ojala

Conductor: Otto Donner

Reggae purists would have a strong case if they argued that this is not of that genre. The song aside, Riki’s outfit is more likely to be seen on a children’s entertainer than your average Jamaican.  

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Paul Cara/Joel Gracy

Conductor: David Springfield

More than worthy of its third place, Humanahum is a beautiful French ballad which flows effortlessly and was given a very strong performance by Jean.  

Music/Lyrics: Amado Jaen/Amado Jaen

Conductor: Juan Barcons

The Spanish song is a gentle Disco number, the sort which is played towards closing time when the guys are looking to make a move on the lady they’ve been looking at all night.

Music/Lyrics: Cees de Wit, Bart van der Laar/Cees de Wit, Bart van der Laar

Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

The formally attired Linda and her equally formally suited band gave us a very Dutch song which is mid tempo in pace, flows freely and is nice if unspectacular. 

Music/Lyrics: Jim Kelly/Joe Burkett

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Lyrically different songs are always welcome and this does exactly what it says on the tin. It dismisses the attraction of horoscopes while the three ladies dance neatly in their futuristic (ish) outfits. The song remains a fan favourite today.

Music/Lyrics: Finn Kalvik/Finn Kalvik

Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

Songs performing immediately before or after the winning song often finish last. Finn can count himself very unlucky to have done so with his understated and simple ballad. He certainly didn’t deserve not to score. 

Music/Lyrics: Andy Hill, John Danter/Andy Hill, John Danter

Conductor: John Coleman

The removing of the skirts ensured the song, which gave the United Kingdom its fourth victory, would be one of the most memorable in the history of the contest. Making Your Mind Up is an up tempo, catchy bit of fun, but you can’t help feeling there were more worthy winners competing against it.  

Music/Lyrics: Carlos Paião/Carlos Paião

Conductor: Shegundo Galarza

His backing singers were dressed in boiler suits and were given a silly dance routine to perform. Carlos didn’t fare much better, although the song isn’t as bad as its placing might suggest.

Music/Lyrics: Kick Dandy, Giuseppe Marchese/Kick Dandy, Penny Els

Conductor: Giuseppe Marchese

Leggy Emly was dressed appropriately as she sang about one of the Bibles most famous characters. The song itself has a very memorable hook and was worthy of its position among the favourites before the contest. The juries thought differently, placing Belgium in the bottom half.

Music/Lyrics: Yiannis Dimitras, Yiorgos Niacgros/Yiannis Dimitras

Conductor: Yiorgos Niacgros

Yiannis spent the first half of his song serenading his pianist, who in turn seemed to be concentrating hard on the keys in front of her. The song is an almost instantly forgettable ballad

Music/Lyrics: Doros Georghiades/Stavros Sideras

Conductor: Michalis Rozakis

Island were a two male/two female group supported by two musicians. They got the Cypriot participation in the contest off to a strong start with a comfortable finish in the top ten. The song is quite repetitive but pleasant enough.  

Music/Lyrics: Peter Reber/Peter Reber, Nella Martinetti

Conductor: Rolf Zuckowski

While this song achieved Peter, Sue and Marc's joint highest placing, many feel it should have won. The Swiss trio tried for the fourth and final time to win the contest and must have fancied their chances. It’s a beautiful ballad which uses the pan pipes with haunting effect. Usually, Sue had the majority of the singing, but this time, it was Marc who did most of the vocals. No wonder they didn’t enter again, if they didn’t win with this, they were never going to win.

Music/Lyrics: Björn Skifs, Bengt Palmers/Björn Skifs, Bengt Palmers

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Björn represented Sweden in 1979 with a ballad, this time he had written a soft rock song. He gave a restrained performance and was probably deserving of his place in the top ten.

Music/Lyrics: Klaus-Peter Sattler

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Synchronised choreography, a list of famous composers and a key change easier to spot than a feminist at a Jim Davidson gig: what more does a song need?

Music/Lyrics: Atilla Ozdemiroglu/Sanar Yurdatapan

Conductor: Atilla Ozdemiroglu

For those fed up with songs about love, this is something completely different. In the days before tourism, oil was the big industry and Ajda played it straight while singing its praises.

Music/Lyrics: Jick Nakassian/Rony Sofou

Conductor: Jick Nakassian

Anna, one of Greece’s biggest stars, made her contest debut with a song which probably wouldn’t feature highly on her greatest hits album.

Music/Lyrics: Pierre Delanoë, Jean-Paul Cara/ Ralph Siegel, Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Norbert Daum

Drifting into the bizarre, Luxembourg sent two petit sisters and a large man in a penguin outfit. It’s easy to hum along with, but was it really necessary to dress the backing singers up as penguins too?

Music/Lyrics: Abdel Ati Amenna/Malou Rouanne

Conductor: Jean Claudric

Morocco’s first and so far only foray into the contest is very Arabic. It was certainly a different sound for the contest and starts well, but eventually, the end seems a long time coming. 

Music/Lyrics: Alan Sorrenti/Alan Sorrenti

Conductor: Del Newman

After taking a couple of off years, Italy returned to form. Alan’s voice sounds quite normal during the verses, but goes soprano for the chorus.

Music/Lyrics: Bjarne Gren Jensen/Flemming Jorgensen

Conductor: Allan Botschinsky

Bamses Venner were four men in stripy jumpers who kept movement to a minimum as they performed this easy to remember little song. A bit of swaying from side to side sufficed.

Music/Lyrics: Tomas Ledin/Tomas Ledin

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Just Nu is a rock song and Tomas struts around the stage like a true rock star. There are shades of Mick Jagger in the way he carried the microphone stand.

Music/Lyrics: Peter Reber/Peter Reber, Véronique Muller

Conductor: Peter Reber
Eleven years after she finished fifth in the contest, Paola’s second effort is a quirky tune which grows steadily from a reserved start as does Paola’s performance.

Music/Lyrics: Aarno Raninen/Vexi Salmi

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Vesa combines singing with playing the flute, although not at the same time! Huilumies is a slightly messy song which fails to leave an impression.

Music/Lyrics: Sverre Kjellsberg/Ragnar Olsen

Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

The Sami people live north of the Arctic Circle and the threats facing their very traditional way of life were highlighted in this very ethnic song, which also includes the traditional Sami song

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/ Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Wolfgang Rődelberger

Katia’s third and final Eurovision entry could be from the musical Caberet. She’s ably assisted by four men wearing black suits whose faces are painted white.

Music/Lyrics: Stephanie de Sykes, Stuart Slater/ Stephanie de Sykes, Stuart Slater

Conductor: John Coleman

Having survived a tie-break in the British selection show, Prima Donna, a six member vocal group of three men and three women, gave a suitably smiley performance of this cheerful song.

Music/Lyrics: José Cid/José Cid

Conductor: Jorge Machado

Saying goodbye in four different languages, José led the way through this mostly lively number, which is quite infectious.

Music/Lyrics: Frans Smit, Sjoukje Smit, Robert Verwey/Alex Alberts

Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

Six years after her successful collaboration with the charismatic Mouth, Maggie represented the hosts with a slightly self-obsessed song, but it’s none the worse for that and is worth a listen.

Music/Lyrics: Sylvano Santorio/Richard de Bordeaux, Richard Joffo

Conductor: Sylvano Santorio

Profil wore matching outfits with multi coloured stripes across the front. They were co-ordinated to the extent of the stripes joining up along the line of the five singers. As for the song, it’s quite europop.

Music/Lyrics: Shay Healy/Shay Healy

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The most successful of contest careers started here. It’s a heartbreaking ballad about the struggle Shay Healy’s Dad had coming to terms with the death of his wife. 

Music/Lyrics: José Antonio Martin/José Antonio Martin

Conductor: Javier Iturralde

The Spanish entry spends it’s time rising and dipping in volume and pace. The chorus is virtually chanted rather than sung.

Music/Lyrics: Daniel Dupret, Michel Muert, Marc Mullart/ Daniel Dupret, Michel Muert, Marc Mullart

Conductor:

It’s not quite Kraftwerk, but electro-pop makes an early appearance in the contest before it became trendy. Who says the Eurovision Song Contest has always been stuck in the past.

Music/Lyrics: Carlos Nobrega e Sousa/ Carlos Nobrega e Sousa

Conductor: Thilo Krassman

The contest opened with the Portuguese song, which is slow in the verses and quicker in the chorus. Manuela moved confidently around the stage and clearly enjoyed her three minutes. 

Music/Lyrics: Carlo Marale, Piero Cassano, Antonella Ruggiero/ Giancarlo Golzi, Salvatore Stellita

Conductor: N/A

Matia Bazar has been one of Italy’s most popular bands over the last 30 years but this is not one that will be on the Greatest Hits album.

Music/Lyrics: Tommy Seebach/Keld Heick

Conductor: Allan Botschinsky

As the title suggests, the style is very much a fusion of Disco and Tango. It sort of works and Tommy performs with enthusiasm, as indeed does one of his three backing singers, who just can’t stop moving!

Music/Lyrics: Cathal Dunne/ Cathal Dunne

Conductor: Proinsias O’Duinn

Happy Man is a fairly standard ballad containing all the necessary ingredients.

Music/Lyrics: Matti Siitonen/Vexi Salmi

Conductor: Ossi Runne

This very Finnish style song starts as a ballad, but the tempo picks up little by little so that by the end, it becomes more like an out and out foot tapper.

Music/Lyrics: Paul de Senneville, Jean Baudlot/Jean Albertini, Didier Barbelivien

Conductor: Gérard Salesse

A slightly odd choice of song. It’s quite cheesy and Jean’s voice is weak. Ten out of ten for the effort he put into the performance, though.

Music/Lyrics: Doros Giorgiadis/Sotia Tsotou

Conductor: Lefteris Halkiadakis

Some careful choreography surrounded Elpida as she delivered a passionate performance of a powerful song.

Music/Lyrics: Peter Reber/Peter Reber

Conductor: Rolf Zuckowski

Who needs musical instruments when there are garden tools to use instead? Certainly not Pfuri, Gorps and Kniri, who joined Peter, Sue and Mark for their third attempt at winning the contest. This was never going to happen as this is arguably the worst of their four efforts. It’s too strange to have mass appeal.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Norbet Daum

Coulourful outfits, energetic choreography and a plethora of hoo-ha’s make this the most memorable song of the contest. It’s not all style though, there is also plenty of substance.  

Music/Lyrics: Kobi Oshrat/Shimrit Orr

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

Israel’s second winner is arguably one of the best winners in the history of the contest. The arrangement and volume builds verse by verse as the group enter the stage one by one, culminating in a big finish with all five singers leading the audience in a mass sing along.

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Eddy Marnay

Conductor: Guy Matteoni

Having won six years earlier for Luxembourg, Anne-Marie represented her own country with another big ballad. It could well have seen her become the first person to win the contest twice. Her performnance was what the song needed if it was to fulfil its potential, a strong, impassioned vocal.

Music/Lyrics: Charles Dumolin/Guy Beyers

Conductor: Francis Bay

One of Hey Nana’s biggest critics was Micha herself, who openly admitted to not liking it. ever the professional, you wouldn’t have known it from her performance and the song certainly isn’t that bad.

Music/Lyrics: Jean Renard/Jean Renard

Conductor: Hervé Roy

Luxembourgs piano ballad is quiet and reflective, which allows Jean’s powerful voice to dominate.

Music/Lyrics: Rob Bolland, Ferdi Bolland/Gerard Cox

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Miss Reemers third Eurovision appearance in the contest saw her change the spelling of her name from Sandra to Xandra. She went out with a bang with her best song and a very bouncy performance, in which she flirted with her musicians. 

Music/Lyrics: Kenneth Gärdestad, Ted Gärdestad/Kenneth Gärdestad, Ted Gärdestad

Conductor: Lars Samuelson

Satellit is a soft rock song which Ted performed sitting at the piano. Well, I say sitting, the truth is he bounced up and down on his seat so much that his microphone must have thought it was sailing through the North Sea.

Music/Lyrics: Anita Skorgan/Philip Kruse

Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

Previously, Anita had sung about Casanova and now it was Oliver’s turn. This is a more restrained song than her 1977 entry and it lacked anything to make it linger in the memory. 

Music/Lyrics: Peter Morris/Peter Morris

Conductor: Ken Jones

Black Lace had a successful career after the contest with songs everyone hated but could sing word for word. As with their more famous hits, Mary Ann is an amusing ditty which doesn’t take itself seriously. It tells the story of a drunken one night stand. Very British!

Music/Lyrics: Peter Wolf/André Heller

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Cynics might say that sending a song called Tonight In Jerusalem was just an attempt to win points. If that was the case, it failed miserably. They had to try something, it’s too boring to win points on merit and the dodgy saxophone solo didn’t help.

Music/Lyrics: Fernando Moreno/Fernando Moreno

Conductor: José-Luis Navarro

Clearly aiming for the sentimental vote, Betty was accompanied on stage by five children who were more irritating than cute. As for the song, it’s fairly ordinary and contains to many la-la-la's.

Music/Lyrics: Colm T. Wilkinson/Colm T. Wilkinson

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Colm opened the contest by giving the best performance of the night. It was more than a little over the top, but totally genuine. Born to Sing tells the story of a man more committed to his music than any woman he meets.

Music/Lyrics: Kai Eide/Kai Eide

Conductor: Carsten Klouman

Other songs before and since have failed to score, but this is easily the most famous. It’s actually quite a nice song, but Jahn’s vocals were louder and a lot more intense than this essentially calm song needed. Maybe that’s why he received no points.

Music/Lyrics: Dario Farina, Mauro Luisini/Sergio Bardotti

Conductor: Nicola Samare

This is arguably one of Italy’s weakest entries. It never really gets going, and the outfits didn’t help. 

Music/Lyrics: Reijo Karvonen/Anna Rakkaudelle Tilaisuus, Seija Simola

Conductor: Ossi Runne

The Finnish song starts off very quietly and the volume increases only slightly for the chorus. There is an attempt at a big finish, but it’s more of a limp than a burst over the line.  

Music/Lyrics: Victor Maméde/Carlos Quintas

Conductor: Thilo Krassman

There are far too many repetitions of the title to keep the song interesting. Turn down the volume and enjoy the performance instead. 

Music/Lyrics: Gèrard Stern/Didier Barbelivien

Conductor: Alain Goraguer

This has all the elements needed for a classic French ballad, but somehow manages to be as dull as the proverbial ditchwater. The fact it finished third was probably a case of home advantage.

Music/Lyrics: Ramón Arcusa, Manuel de la Calva/ Ramón Arcusa, Manuel de la Calva

Conductor: Ramón Arcusa

Perhaps in an effort to please the hosts, there are a few words in French. The drama in Jose’s voice isn’t quite matched by the arrangement, but isn’t far away.

Music/Lyrics: Stephanie de Sykes/Stuart Slater

Conductor: Alyn Ainsworth

Until the slump which started at the end of the nineties, this was the worst placing for any United Kingdom entry. Dressed like escapees from the circus, Coco performed enthusiastically and eleventh place was slightly lower than the song, a jaunty sing along, deserved. 

Music/Lyrics: Alain Morisod/Pierre Alain

Conductor: Daniel Janin

Vivre moves along pleasantly enough at a mid-tempo pace. While it’s pleasant enough, it drifts along without going anywhere and is a bit forgettable.

Music/Lyrics: Jean Vallée/Jean Vallée

Conductor: Jean Muzy

Jean first appeared in the contest in 1970. This beautiful ballad oozes class and integrity. Jean remains seated at the piano for the first half of the song before standing up and moving to centre stage until the end. 

Music/Lyrics: Eddy Ouwens/Toon Gispen, Dick Kooiman

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Swirling strings grab the listener from the first note and the song never releases its grip. The trio sing well enough and their dance routine is co-ordinated, if a little dated now.

Music/Lyrics: Daghan Baydur, Onno Tunc/Hulki Aktunc

Conductor: Onno Tunc

Three years after its debut in the contest, Turkey came back for its second entry. The ladies and gentlemen in the quartet split the singing duties evenly between themselves, sometimes harmonising. There are lots of strings and a definite Turkish flavour to the song.

Music/Lyrics: Erich Leissman, Jean Frankfurter/John Mőring

Conductor: Jean Frankfurter

Having represented Luxembourg four years earlier, Ireen carried the banner this time for the country which had given her most success. Feuer is an out and out Disco floor filler and Ireen’s performance is full of joy. 

Music/Lyrics: Paul de Senneville, Olivier Toussaint/ Didier Barbelivien, Jean Albertini

Conductor: Yvon Rioland

The verses sound a little old fashioned, but the song is saved by a more punchy and catchy chorus. 

Music/Lyrics: Sakis Tsilikis/Yannis Xantoulis

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Tania was suitably attired and, musically, the arrangement borrows some of the style from Chaplins era, stopping short of being completely Chaplinesque.

Music/Lyrics: Mabel/Mabel

Conductor: Helmet Olesen

The Danes have always enjoyed having fun at Eurovision. This song was unlikely to be seen as the most credible musically, but would have cheered anyone up. A big bass drum was also brought on to add a bit more to the ‘boom booms’. 

Music/Lyrics: Rolf Soja/Frank Dostal, Peter Zenter

Conductor: Rolf Soja

Baccara had recently had a big hit with Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and this is very much part two of that song. The vocals were nothing more than ok and the choreography was sensibly simple.

Music/Lyrics: Nurit Hirsh/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Nurit Hirsh

At first glance, the winner has the kind of title that critics of the contest point to in order to illustrate what they perceive as lyrical banality. The truth is that it uses the language Israeli children use to talk to each other. There are elements of Disco, complemented by Izhar’s white suit. 

Music/Lyrics: Walter Markel, Gerhard Markel/ Walter Markel, Gerhard Markel

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

The mysterious Mrs Robinson is the object of the singer’s affections.  The all male trio were dressed almost identically and each played a guitar.  

Music/Lyrics: Peter Himmelstrand/Peter Himmelstrand

Conductor: Bengt Palmers

Like the Belgian song, this is a piano based ballad which stands out but somehow failed to gain the points from the juries that it deserved. Like Jean Vallée, Björn starts at the piano and finishes on his feet.