1966
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MY #1 SONG "Merci chérie" is a classic ballad performed by Austrian singer-songwriter Udo Jürgens. Released in 1966, the song is best known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest that same year, marking Austria's first victory in the competition. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, "Merci chérie" expresses themes of love, farewell, and gratitude. The emotional depth of the song, combined with Jürgens' rich vocal delivery, struck a chord with audiences across Europe. Following its Eurovision success, the song achieved significant chart success, reaching high positions in several European countries. "Merci chérie" remains one of Udo Jürgens' most iconic and enduring hits, often regarded as a timeless example of the classic Eurovision ballad style. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1965
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MY #1 SONG "Poupée de cire, poupée de son" is a French pop song performed by France Gall, written and composed by Serge Gainsbourg. Released in 1965, the song became famous for winning the Eurovision Song Contest that year, representing Luxembourg. With its catchy melody and playful yet sophisticated lyrics, the song marked a departure from the sentimental ballads typical of Eurovision at the time. The title, which translates to "Wax doll, sawdust doll," reflects the themes of superficiality and the pressures of fame, with the doll symbolizing a young pop star controlled by the music industry. The lyrics, layered with double meanings, highlight the loss of innocence and self-identity often experienced by artists in the public eye. Commercially, the song was a major success, charting in several European countries and becoming one of France Gall's signature hits. It is often regarded as a groundbreaking entry in Eurovision history, as it showcased a more modern, contemporary sound that would influence future editions of the contest. The song remains a classic of 1960s French pop music and a defining moment in France Gall's career. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1964
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MY #1 SONG "Warum nur, warum?" is a poignant ballad by Austrian singer-songwriter Udo Jürgens, released in 1964. The song features a melancholic melody paired with heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the emotional turmoil of unanswered questions. Jürgens' rich, emotive voice adds depth to the song's reflective tone, making it one of his most memorable early works. The track gained significant attention after being Austria's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1964, where it finished sixth. Despite not winning, the song became a commercial success, charting in several European countries and solidifying Jürgens' status as a rising star in the German-speaking music scene. "Warum nur, warum?" is often regarded as a classic example of Jürgens' ability to blend lyrical introspection with broad emotional appeal. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1963
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MY #1 SONG "Dansevise" is a Danish song performed by Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann, which gained international recognition after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963. The song is a soft, jazz-inspired ballad characterized by its gentle guitar arrangement and Grethe's delicate, emotional vocals. Its title translates to "Dance Ballad," reflecting its dreamy, poetic lyrics that evoke images of love, longing, and the fleeting nature of time. Musically, "Dansevise" stands out for its understated elegance, breaking from the more theatrical style typical of Eurovision entries at the time. This subtle approach, combined with its melodic charm, helped it capture the attention of juries across Europe. Its victory marked Denmark's first win in the contest's history, solidifying its place in Eurovision folklore. Commercially, "Dansevise" saw modest chart success, especially in Scandinavian countries, where it became a beloved classic. Its win also contributed to Denmark's growing reputation on the European music scene, influencing future Danish entries in the contest. To this day, "Dansevise" is remembered as one of Eurovision's most iconic and artistically refined winners. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1962
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MY #1 SONG "Sol och vår" is a Swedish song performed by Inger Berggren, known for its lively melody and bittersweet theme. The title translates to "Sun and Spring," symbolizing charm and deceit, as the song tells the story of a woman who is tricked by a charming con man during a springtime romance. The playful yet cautionary lyrics, combined with Berggren's expressive vocals, give the song a memorable blend of lightheartedness and underlying seriousness. The song was Sweden's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1962, where it finished in a respectable 7th place. Its catchy tune and engaging storyline helped it achieve popularity in Sweden, making it one of the more enduring entries from the early years of the contest. "Sol och vår" remains a nostalgic classic in Swedish pop music history, celebrated for its clever storytelling and timeless charm. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1961
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MY #1 SONG "Are You Sure" by The Allisons is a heartfelt pop ballad that captured attention with its tender harmonies and poignant lyrics. The song explores the uncertainty and heartbreak of love, posing the question of whether a partner’s love is genuine or fading. Its melodic simplicity and emotional resonance made it relatable to listeners, showcasing the duo’s vocal blend and sincere delivery. The song gained prominence as the United Kingdom's entry in the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, where it finished in second place. Beyond the contest, it achieved commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and staying in the charts for several weeks. This enduring popularity cemented its place as a memorable classic of early 1960s pop music. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1960
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MY #1 SONG "Wat een geluk" by Rudi Carrell is a lively and charming song that captures the essence of joy and optimism. Released in 1960, the song's title translates to "What a Luck" in English, and its cheerful melody and catchy lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures and surprises life can bring. The upbeat rhythm, combined with Carrell's charismatic delivery, made it a standout hit in its time. The song achieved notable success, becoming a chart-topping hit in the Netherlands. Its widespread popularity established Rudi Carrell not only as a beloved entertainer but also as a prominent figure in Dutch music and television history. "Wat een geluk" remains a delightful example of lighthearted European pop from the early 1960s, evoking nostalgia and a sense of carefree happiness. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1959
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MY #1 SONG "Sing Little Birdie" by Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr is a charming and upbeat duet that became a classic of its time. The song, performed in the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, features playful lyrics and a catchy melody, evoking a cheerful and lighthearted atmosphere. The imagery of a little bird singing symbolizes joy, love, and the simplicity of happy moments, resonating with listeners across generations. The song achieved remarkable success, securing second place in the Eurovision competition and charting well in the UK, reaching the top 10. Its warm harmonies and engaging performance style helped it stand out, cementing it as a beloved entry in the history of British pop music. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1958
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MY #1 SONG "Nel blu dipinto di blu," commonly known as "Volare," is a classic Italian song performed by Domenico Modugno. Released in 1958, the song captures the euphoric feeling of freedom and love, with its title translating to "In the blue, painted blue." Its soaring melody and uplifting lyrics, describing the narrator's dreamy flight into a vivid blue sky, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The song achieved tremendous success, winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1958 and becoming Italy's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest the same year, where it placed third. Despite not winning Eurovision, "Volare" went on to enjoy remarkable global acclaim, topping charts in the United States and becoming the first-ever Grammy winner for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1959. Its timeless appeal has made it one of the most recognized Italian songs in history, covered by numerous artists and celebrated as a symbol of joy and escapism. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1957
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MY #1 SONG "Skibet skal sejle i nat," performed by Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler, is a Danish ballad that represented Denmark at the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest. The song, whose title means "The Ship Will Sail Tonight," tells the heartfelt story of a sailor bidding farewell to his loved one before departing on a long journey. The lyrics capture the bittersweet emotions of love, separation, and the hope for reunion, set against the backdrop of the open sea. Musically, the song features a gentle, melodic arrangement that complements the tender lyrics, creating a nostalgic and romantic feel. The performance is also memorable for the on-stage kiss between Wilke and Winckler, which became iconic due to its length and unexpected nature for the time. While "Skibet skal sejle i nat" did not win Eurovision, it placed well, helping to establish Denmark's presence in the contest. The song became a popular hit in Denmark and remains a classic, fondly remembered as one of the country's most beloved Eurovision entries. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |
1956
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MY #1 SONG "Aprite le finestre" ("Open the Windows") by Franca Raimondi is a lively and optimistic Italian song, best known for its winning performance at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1956. With an upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, the song encourages listeners to open their windows to the fresh, vibrant atmosphere of spring, symbolizing renewal and the joy of life. The lyrics celebrate nature’s beauty and inspire a sense of hope and brightness, reflecting post-war Italy’s spirit of renewal and optimism. The song's success at Sanremo helped establish it as a popular anthem in Italy, becoming an emblem of the country's musical rebirth in the mid-1950s. Though it didn't achieve international fame, "Aprite le finestre" gained significant national recognition, charting well in Italy and remaining a memorable classic associated with springtime and the hopeful energy of the era. My complete rankings & Spotify playlist |