Rock On In Scandinavia

Last night, Iceland and Finland chose their Eurovision entries for 2007. I've been following Iceland quite closely and there were a few decent songs in last night's final. However, as seems to be the trend this year, the underdog won, namely...

"Eg Les I Lofa Thinum" - Eirikur Hauksson

This song is a fairly bland number sung by old gravelly vocalist Eirikur who represented Iceland on their first attempt 21 years ago. He's a scary looking fellow and this isn't going to help matters that this song is instantly forgettable and rather out of touch with modern Eurovision flare. I don't think this is going to qualify at all and this is my second worst so far.

In Finland, the host country, they are still adamant that rock is king. Therefore, they will be sending this heavy rock song:

"Leave Me Alone" - Hanna Pakarinen

Hanna is a rock chick but unlike Gracia in 2005 she is a good performer and belts out this one with much conviction. It's received a lot of criticism from the fans and, even though it's not going to do the double for the Finns, I think this could still get a decent result. It's about halfway down my list at the moment. Good production, good sound to this and a great performer. Not a bad song either!

So a mixed bag from last night! Yet we've heard a third of the songs and still nothing stands out as winner yet... is it going to be a close affair this year? Or are the triumphant songs still yet to come? Let's hope for the latter. In the meantime, Norway's Ven A Bailar Conmigo still leads the pack for me!