Spain

Writer/Lyrics: Dick Bakker, Eddy Ouwens/Will Luikinga

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

The second Dutch winner has an international flavour with its simple lyrics and cheery melody. There is a belief that being first in the running order is a disadvantage. The birth of a new voting system was clearly not to the disadvantage of the Netherlands.

Writer/Lyrics: Tommy Swarbrigg, Jimmy Swarbrigg/ Tommy Swarbrigg, Jimmy Swarbrigg

Conductor: Colman Pearce

The Swarbrigg brothers wrote as well as performed the Irish song, which lyrically is a poor man’s ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’. They would represent Ireland again two years later.  

Writer/Lyrics: Pierre Delanoë, Jeff Barnel/ Pierre Delanoë, Jeff Barnel

Conductor: Jean Muzy

Such is the softness of the song, it’s almost as if the writers didn’t want anyone to hear it. As well as soft, it’s also very melodic. 

Music/Lyrics: Rainer Pietsch/Michael Holm

Conductor: Rainer Pietsch

No-one could fail to notice Joy! The big woman with the big voice belted out Germany’s entry, with lots of help from the brass section.

Writer/Lyrics: Bill Martin, Phil Coulter/ Bill Martin, Phil Coulter, Pierre Cour

Conductor: Phil Coulter

The lilting melody of the verses, which Géraldine almost whispers, gives way to a more impassioned chorus. 

Writer/Lyrics: Sven Hundsnes/Johnny Saeussen

Conductor: Carsten Klouman

The chorus is let down by the verses. While the chorus is quite strong, the listener might not make it beyond the first verse.

Writer/Lyrics: Simone Drexel/ Simone Drexel

Conductor: Peter Jacques

This is a pleasant, jolly song whose melody, in the chorus at least, is very much in the style of the circus.

Writer/Lyrics: Tadej Hrusovar/Dusan Velkaverh

Conductor: Mario Rijavic

If Dan Ljubezni was as memorable as it is pleasant, it could have won. As it is, the likeability factor doesn’t quite go far enough for this folk song.

Writer/Lyrics: Paul Curtis/Paul Curtis

Conductor: Alyn Ainsworth

Having long since stepped out of Cliff Richard’s ‘shadow’, this was a rare excursion into lyrics for a band better known for instrumentals. Bruce Welch had lead vocal duties, and let the world know when he forgot a couple of words when he turned to his colleagues and said “I knew it” in range of his microphone.

Writer/Lyrics: Sammy Galea/Iris Misfud

Conductor: Vince Tempera

After a two year break, Malta returned with a song whose lyrics are inane and melody childish. Amazingly, this did a lot better than the two previous Maltese entries.

Writer/Lyrics: Mary Boduin/ Mary Boduin

Conductor: Francis Bay

This is a steady tune which is easy to remember and sing along with. She seemed indecisive as to which language to sing in, chosing to sing half the song in Flemish and half in English.

Writer/Lyrics:  Shlomo Artzi/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Eldad Shrem

The third Israeli entry was the first up-tempo song from it. It showed a glimpse of the delights of Israeli pop that would delight fans in later years.

Music/Lyrics: Kemal Ebcioglu/Hikmet Munir Ebcioglu

Conductor: Timor Selcuk

As with many Turkish entries, this, their contest debut, didn’t make the impression on the scoreboard it deserved to. It’s not one of the foot tapper that fans would become used to, more a melodic, captivating song which has stood the test of time.   

Writer/Lyrics: André Popp/Boris Bergman

Conductor: André Popp

Making good use of the accordion, Sophie’s eyes barely look away from the camera during the close ups. The song moves along quite freely and easily.

Music/Lyrics: Kim Kuusi/Hannu Karlsson

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of fiddle playing as Finland turned to folk music. More surprising was that it finished as high as seventh. 

Music/Lyrics: José Luis Tinoco/ José Luis Tinoco

Conductor: Pedro Osório

Having been prevented by the EBU from dressing in full military regalia complete with loaded pistol, Duarte instead wore a sober (by 1970’s standards!) suit. A shame in a way, because the uniform would have suited this dramatic song quite well.

Music/Lyrics: Juan Carlos Calderón/ Juan Carlos Calderón

Conductor: Juan Carlos Calderón

Estíbaliz’s voice is the louder of the duo. Sergio is virtually a backing singer in one of the less Spanish of 1970’s Spanish entries. 

Writer/Lyrics: Lars Berghagen/ Lars Berghagen

Conductor: Lars Samuelson

The possibility of a second successive victory for the host nation couldn’t be ruled out. Jennie, Jennie is a sad ballad about a girl for whom life is becoming too difficult. 

Writer/Lyrics: David Shapiro/Andrea lo Vecchio

Conductor: Pier Natale Massara

Era is a very laid back song which winds its way steadily from the beginning to the end. Wess’ voice has a naturally rough tinge to it, but it still harmonises well with Dori’s more smooth vocal.  

Music/Lyrics: Eero Koivistoinen/Hector

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Despite having a strong melody, Keep Me Warm somehow doesn’t quite deliver. It’s likeable and has a sing-along quality, but something to leave a lasting impression is missing.

Music/Lyrics: Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro/ Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro

Conductor: Nick Ingman

Olivia, who was brought up in Australia, was asked by the BBC to sing for the country of her birth. Long Live Love has a marching style arrangement and was given a chirpy delivery by Olivia.

Music/Lyrics: Pedro Pubill Calaf/ Pedro Pubill Calaf

Conductor: Rafael Ibarbia

Peret looked very serious (and slightly silly with the microphone hanging from his shirt)as he urged everyone to ‘Sing and Be Happy’. It’s very Spanish and likeable without sounding like a winner.

Music/Lyrics: Frode Thingnaes/Philip Kruse

Conductor: Frode Thingnaes

Anne-Karine was part of the Bendik Singers when the represented Norway in 1973. This time, she was given top billing - probably because she was married to one of the writers. She seemed to enjoy her place in the spotlight.

Music/Lyrics: Yorgos Katsaros/Pythagoras

Conductor: Yorgos Katsaros

Marinella stood rather awkwardly on the stage as her backing group performed the first few bars of Greece’s debut song. The bouzouki gives the song a very Greek feel, and it also sounds quite jolly.

Music/Lyrics: Dani Sanderson/ Dani Sanderson, Alon Oleartchick

Conductor: Yonathan Rechter

Poogy were an odd collection of men with a nifty line in tank tops.  Natati La Khaiai is very melodic with a consistent tempo which makes you listen to the song from start to finish. The English version, I Gave Her My Life, has to be one of the best and funniest English versions.

Music/Lyrics: Kornelije Kovac/Kornelije Kovac

Conductor: Zvonimir Skerl

There were doubts before the show was broadcast as to which language Korni would choose to sing their anti war song. The sound of bombs falling is even included for effect. 

Music/Lyrics: Benny Andersson, BjőrnUlvaeus/Stig Anderson

Conductor: Sven-Olaf Walldoff

This is where it all began! Waterloo has the double female vocal and full arrangement which would become Abba’s trademark. The conductor even dressed up as Napoleon.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Michael Kunze, Humbert Ibach

Conductor: Charles Blackwell

Brit Ireen was a star in Germany but made her first appearance in the contest for Luxembourg. The song starts slowly and builds into an uncomplicated sing song. 

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Bourtayre/Michel Jourdan

Conductor: Raymond Donnez

Romuald’s third and final Eurovision entry is a big ballad which he delivered very professionally. A good swansong for him.

Music/Lyrics: Jacques Hustin/Frank Gérald

Conductor: Pierre Chiffre

After spending the previous couple of years trying something gentle or fun, Belgium sent a passionate ballad. Jacques was up to the task.  

Music/Lyrics: Gerrit den Braber/Hans van Hemert

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Party time!! Mouth bursts with charisma as he and Maggie MacNeal smiled their way through the happiest song of the contest. The performance probably won them a few points, even though the song was a strong contender for the top spot anyway. 

Music/Lyrics: Paul Lyttle/ Paul Lyttle

Conductor: Colman Pearce

Wearing a dress whose pattern did indeed cross her heart, Tina certainly enjoyed her three minutes. There was more to enjoy about the Irish song than there had been for a few years.

Music/Lyrics: Werner Scharfenberger/Kert Feltz

Conductor: Werner Scharfenberger

This is one of the less interesting entries from Germany. Even Bert didn’t seem too interested, although Cindy did her best.

Music/Lyrics: Pepe Ederer/Pepe Ederer

Conductor: Pepe Ederer

The pattern of soft verse and slightly more intense chorus remains throughout the song. It’s all a bit dull.

Music/Lyrics: José Calvário/José Nisa

Conductor: José Calvário

Not many songs can claim to have started a war. In 1974, the playing of this song on the radio started the revolution. Ironically, the song is quite uneventful and passes by almost unnoticed. 

Music/Lyrics: Daniele Pace, Mario Panzeri, Lorenzo Pilat, Corrado Conti/ Daniele Pace, Mario Panzeri, Lorenzo Pilat, Corrado Conti

Conductor: Gianfranco Monaldi

Ten years after she charmed Europe as a teenager, Gigliola returned with another soft ballad. She couldn’t quite emulate her previous success. 

Finland - Marion Rung - Tom, Tom, Tom (English)

Music/Lyrics: Rauno Lehtinen/Rauno Lehtinen

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Marion sung in English and not only repeated the title several times, there were also more than enough la’s in this lively ditty to get the 18th contest underway.

Belgium - Nicole and Hugo - Baby, Baby (English)

Music/Lyrics: Ignace Baert/Erik Marijsse

Conductor: Francis Bay

An injury to Nicole prevented the duo from singing in the 1971 contest. Looking the height of fashion, their purple flares were to the fore as they kicked their way through this chirpy and entertaining little number.

Music/Lyrics: Fernando Tordo/José Carlos Ary dos Santos

Conductor: Jorge Costa Pinto

Fernando marched on the spot for a lot of his performance. Quite suitable as there is a hint of the military about the Portuguese entry. 

Germany - Gitte - Junger Tag (German)

Music/Lyrics: Gunther-Eric Thőner/Erich Offierowski

Conductor: Gunther-Eric Thőner

After a strong brass intro, things calm down for the first verse and then pick up again to mid-tempo for the chorus. The mid-tempo pace remains until the end.

Norway - The Bendik Singers - It's Just a Game (English/French)

Music/Lyrics: Arne Bendiksen/ Arne Bendiksen

Conductor: Carsten Klouman

Mixing both the harmonies and languages (English and French), it could be a very irritating little ditty. For those who don’t find it irritating, it’s a good sing-a-long which offers a bit of variety without being messy. 

Music/Lyrics: Bernard Liamis/Boris Bergman

Conductor: Jean-Claude Vannier

A very timid looking Marie entered the stage. She had no reason to be timid. Her performance was more than adequate and the song sounded like a contender.

Spain - Mocedades - Eres Tu (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Juan Carlos Calderón/ Juan Carlos Calderón

Conductor: Juan Carlos Calderón

This song was a big international hit after the contest in its original language. The whole group performed with belief in what they were doing, contributing well to the visual effect. 

Music/Lyrics: Patrick Juvet/Pierre Delanoë

Conductor: Hervé Roy

Patrick rather arrogantly tells an ex that he is marrying someone else. There is little sympathy for the ex in the performance or the melody. 

Yugoslavia - Zdravko Colic - Gori Vatra (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Kemal Montemo/Kemal Montemo

Conductor: Esad Arnautalic

The whole song is very intense, as was Zdtavko’s performance. As a result, it is very memorable, not a bad thing.

Music/Lyrics: Enrico Polito/Gaetano Savio

Conductor: Enrico Polito

Massimo is not just a singer, he is also an actor and he showed both skills as he performed at the contest for the second time. Chi Sara con Te is less Neapolitan than his song from the 1971 contest, and more like background music in a restaurant.  

Music/Lyrics: Claude Morgan/Vline Buggy

Conductor: Pierre Cao

Luxembourg won for the second time in succession and the fourth time overall. It was thoroughly deserved, a powerful song which never lets the listener s ear to stray to other things. The passage of time has been kind to the song; it has lost none of its appeal. 

Music/Lyrics: Monica Dominique, Carl-Axel Dominique

Conductor: Monica Dominique

The Nova were two men, they had to be given some of the lyrics! The song itself is quite melodic and isn’t too dissimilar to what Simon and Garfunkel were doing at the time. 

Music/Lyrics: Pierre Kartner/Pierre Kartner

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

De Oude Muzikant is a slightly old fashioned song. The use of the accordion and slight um-pa-pa feel to the arrangement conjures up images of the fairground. 

Music/Lyrics: Jack Brierly, George Crosbie/ Jack Brierly, George Crosbie

Conductor: Colman Pearce

The Irish entry didn’t stand out from the crowd, being pleasant, but no more than average fare.

Music/Lyrics: Guy Fletcher, Doug Flett/Guy Fletcher, Doug Flett

Conductor: David MacKay

The BBC persuaded Cliff to return to the contest for a second time. The song the British public chose for him had a soft rock atmosphere to the chorus, and some very silly choreography. 

Music/Lyrics: Paul Koulak/Anne Gregory

Conductor: Jean Claudric

After trying something different in 1972, the French went back to what they did best, the big ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Nurit Hirsh/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Nurit Hirsh

Israel’s debut song is dramatic and powerful, as was Ilanit’s performance. The piano is heard clearly in the arrangement. 

Music/Lyrics: Joachim Heider/ Joachim Heider

Conductor: Paul Kuhn

Mary made her contest debut with the type of song which, lyrically at least, would be come typical of German entries.

Music/Lyrics: Frédéric Botton/Frédéric Botton

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

Is it Betty or Edith Piaf singing? The distinctive vocal warble is definitely there and Comé-comédie could come from a 1940’s French film. The song is quite plain and not very memorable.

Music/Lyrics: Joe Burkett/Liam MacUistin

Conductror: Colman Pearce

Irelands only entry in Gaelic is otherwise not very Irish. It’s soft and melodic and while there is nothing to dislike, there is also nothing to really like about it.

Music/Lyrics: Augusto Algueró/Ramon Arcusa

Conductor: Augusto Algueró

Spain had already started to prove that the dramatic ballad was what they did best and Amanece is certainly that. 

United Kingdom - The New Seekers - Beg, Steal Or Borrow (English)

Music/Lyrics: Tony Cole, Graeme Hall, Steve Wolfe/Tony Cole, Graeme Hall, Steve Wolfe

Conductor: David MacKay

For trivia buffs, The New Seekers was the first band to perform ant the Eurovision Song Contest. The song was a mid tempo number along the lines of the commercially successful I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.

Norway - Grethe Kausland and Benny Borg - Småting (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Kare Grottum, Ivar Borsum/ Kare Grottum, Ivar Borsum

Conductor: Carsten Klouman

With a song which could have been written for one of the 1960's contests, Norway’s hopes surely wouldn’t have been high. Grethe and Benny did their best, though.

Music/Lyrics: Josè Calvário/Josè Nisa

Conductor: Richard Hill

Drama, passion and emotion are all over the Portuguese entry. Carlos gave a good performance and deserved his place in the top ten.

Switzerland - Véronique Müller - C'est La Chanson De Mon Amour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Véronique Müller/Catherine Desage

Conductor: Jean-Pierre Festi

Gentle songs were the dominant style of the 1972 contest. Switzerland’s was one of the most gentle.

Malta - Helen and Joseph - L-imhabba (Maltese)

Music/Lyrics: Charles Camilleri/Albert Cassola

Conductor: Charles Camilleri

Not put off by finishing last on their debut the year before, Malta chose to sing in Maltese again. Early disco undertones feature in thearrangement, but there is nothing disco about the rest of the song or the performance. This was to be Malta's last appearance until 1976.

Finland - Päivi Paunu and Kim Floor - Muistathan (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Juha Flinck/Juha Flinck, Nacke Johansson

Conductor: Ossi Runne

The musical influences of one of Finland’s neighbours, Russia, are more than evident. One of six duos in the contest, Pavi’s deep voice and Kim’s higher voice (naturally) contrast, but still harmonise well.  

Austria - The Milestones - Falter Im Wind (German)

Music/Lyrics: Richard Schönherz, Manual Rigoni/Heinz Unger

Conductor: Erich Kleinschuster

Acoustic guitar and the flute feature heavily in the arrangement. The three men and one woman band returned for Austria in 1977 under a different name. 

Italy - Nicola di Bari - I Giorni Dell' Arcobaleno (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Piero Pintucci, Nicola di Bari/Dalmazio Masini

Conductor: Gianfranco Reverberi

RAI once more turned to the Sanremo to find Italy’s representative. The gentle, melodic nature of the song suits Nicola’s voice perfectly. 

Music/Lyrics:  Nikica Kalogjera/Ivan Krajac

Conductor: Nikica Kalogjera

Possibly a bit overdramatic for a song called Music and You, it is nevertheless a strong effort which never lets the drama drop.  

Music/Lyrics: Hakan Elmquist/Hakan Elmquist

Conductor: Mats Olsson

Preceding Abba, Family Four were a two male, two female group from Sweden. As they demonstrated the previous year, their style was more folk than pop. 

Monaco - Anne-Marie Godart and Peter MacLane - Comme On S'aime (French)

Music/Lyrics: Raymond Bernard/Jean Drejac

Conductor: Raymond Bernard

To defend the crown, Monaco sent an inoffensive, understated ballad. Anne-Marie and Peter gave a suitably quiet performance.

Belgium - Serge and Christine Ghisoland - À La Folie Ou Pas Du Tout (French)

Music/Lyrics: Daniel Nelis, Bob Milan/Daniel Nelis

Conductor: Henri Segers

Serge and Christine sung a rather non-descript ballad which is rather twee, but doesn’t really go anywhere. 

Music/Lyrics: Klaus Munro, Mario Panas/ Klaus Munro, Yves Dessca

Conductor: Klaus Munro

Greek born Vicky represented Luxembourg for the second time, having enjoyed a big international hit with L’amour est Bleu. This time, she belted out a big ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Hans van Hemert/Dries Holten

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

The most fun song of the contest without doubt. Sandra and Andres are clearly enjoyed themselves, and there is plenty of reason for the listener to sing along with and tap their feet to.

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.

Music/Lyrics: Pieter Goemans/Pieter Goemans

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

The Netherlands got the contest off to a melodic, if slightly lacklustre start. There were good harmonies throughout this calming song.

Music/Lyrics: Henri Dès/Henri Dès

Conductor: Bernard Gérard

Injecting a bit of bounce into the contest, Henri, with no hint of shame, sang to his lady about all the fun he would have while he was away from her. He even did a silly dance for good measure.

Italy - Gianni Morandi - Occhi di Ragazza (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Lucio Dalla/Gianfranco Baldazzi & Sergio Bardotti

Conductor: Mario Capuano

Italy diverted from their usual way of selecting their singer, through the Sanremo festival. Super confident Gianni wasn’t even in the festival in 1970, never mind win it. Occhi di Ragazza is very melodic and has a relaxed feel to it.

Music/Lyrics: Mojmir Sepe/Dusan Velkaverh

Conductor: Mojmir Sepe

The youngest singer in the contest gave the understated performance the song needed and showed a maturity beyond her 16 years.

Belgium - Jean Vallée - Viens L'oublier (French)

Music Lyrics: Jean Vallée/Jean Vallée

Conductor: Jack Say

A big intro leads into a quiet verse. When the chorus of this French ballad arrives, the drama returns.

Music/Lyrics: Guy Bonnet/Pierre André Dousset

Conductor: Frank Pourcel

This was the first of two appearances by Guy. He sat at the piano to sing this gentle, flowing ballad.

Music/Lyrics: John Carter & Geoff Stephens/ John Carter & Geoff Stephens

Conductor: Johnny Arthey

Mary’s pure voice gave the song a sense of innocence. Knock, Knock, Who’s There? Moves along freely and almost lives up to its tag of pre-contest favourite.

Music Lyrics: Yves de Vriendt/Eddy Marnay

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

Possibly one of the least deserving members of the ‘nul points’ club, even if it does break from its French ballad style into la, la, la towards the end.

Music/Lyrics: Julio Iglesias/ Julio Iglesias

Conductor: Augusto Augueró

The future international superstar represented his homeland with a song which wouldn’t have been out of place on his greatest hits album.

Monaco - Dominique Dussault - Marlène (French)

Music/Lyrics: Eddie Barclay & Jimmy Walter/Henri Dijan

Conductor: Jimmy Walter

Dominique certainly sounded just like the subject of her song, and Marlene herself could certainly have sung this, if it wasn’t for the song being about her.

Germany - Katja Ebstein - Wunder Gibt Es Immer Wieder (German)

Music/Lyrics: Christian Bruhn/Gunther Loose

Conductor: Christian Bruhn

Also appearing for the first time, Katja sings a song which is tinged with a touch of jazz, and isn’t as lively as the intro leads you to believe.

Ireland - Dana - All Kinds of Everything (English)

Music/Lyrics: Derry Lindsay & Jackie Smith/ Derry Lindsay & Jackie Smith

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

A young Dana sat alone on stage to sing a very gentle ode to everything that is nice about the world, and how they remind her of the one she loves.

Music/Lyrics: Milan Lentic/Milan Lentic

Conductor: Miljenko Prohaska

Once the idea for the song was established, the lyrics couldn’t have taken long to write. Ivan sings ‘hello’ in various languages. A clever tactic or laziness? You decide.

Music/Lyrics: Paul Mauriat & André Borly/ André Pascal

Conductor: Augusto Augueró

Five years after representing Monaco, Romuald hopped over the border, strolled through France, and found himself representing another small principality. He sung with French passion about Catherine.

Music/Lyrics: Maria José de Cerato/Aniano Alcade

Conductor: Augusto Augueró

The hosts won again (sort of) with a song from the same mould. While only proper words are used this time, the verses are slow and the chorus’ are more up-tempo. 

Music/Lyrics: Jo Perrier/Jo Perier

Conductor: Hervé Roy

Jean was easily young enough to get away with singing about his mother. It’s a happy sounding, up-tempo song, which slows down occasionally to sound all military.

Music/Lyrics: Michael Reade/Michael Reade

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Two firsts for Ireland - the first woman to represent them and the first up-tempo song for the Irish. No-one could accuse her of underselling the song.

Music/Lyrics: Piero Soffici/Daiano

Conductor: Ezio Leoni

In a year that produced four winners, Italy could have been the fifth. Experienced Iva delivered this beautiful and emotional song perfectly.

Music/Lyrics: Alan Moorhouse/Peter Warne

Conductor: Johnny Harris

After Cliff Richard, the BBC commissioned another well known and popular singer. Elements of the song could be compared with Puppet on a String, but it’s aged quite well. Aware of her surroundings, Lulu added an ‘Ole’ at the end.

Music/Lyrics: Lenny Kuhr/David Hartsema

Conductor: Frans de Kok

Another of the winners, and in many people’s eyes, possibly the most unworthy of the four. Never mind Ziggy, Lenny played guitar, which is as prominent as the ‘la la la’s’ throughout the song. 

Music/Lyrics: Roger Wallis/Britt Lindeborg

Conductor: Lars Samuelson

Nineteen years before his second appearance in the contest, Tommy’s voice is already mature enough to deliver a very solid performance of this melodic, mid-tempo song.

Music/Lyrics: Paul Quintens/Philippe van Cauwenbergh

Conductor: Francis Bay

The brass section of the orchestra added a bit of ‘oomph’ at appropriate moments, creating a bit of life for the chorus after fairly uneventful verses. Louis finished one place higher than his previous entry two years previously.

Music/Lyrics: Henry Mayer/Jack Stark

Conductor: Henry Mayer

Another singer making her first appearance, Paola sings in German. The song moves along steadily. The use of brass towards the end lifts the song.  

Music/Lyrics: Arne Bendiksen/Arne Bendiksen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Appearing for the third and final time, Kirsti sang a feel good song and left the contest with her worst result.

Music/Lyrics: Hans Blum/Hans Blum

Conductor: Hans Blum

In an early example of the international nature of the contest, Swede Siw represented Germany with a song that was a possible winner. Primaballerina contains elements of the fairground.

Music/Lyrics: Emile Stern/Eddy Marnay

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

In many people’s opinion, France supplied the best of the four winners. A classy, gentle ballad sung with feeling by Frida.

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

Conductor: Ferrer Trindade

While this sounds jollier than their entries to date, there is still a melancholy undercurrent to the song. Perhaps taking its cue from the winner from the previous year, there are a few ‘la la la’s.’

Music/Lyrics: Toivo Kärki/Juha Vainio

Conductor: Ossi Runne

This is a chirpy little number in a style which was starting to become typical of the Finnish entries. No surprise then that the result was typical as well, although Jarkko’s Boater hat and the little dance they both did during the instrumental couldn’t have helped.