1. Alvaro Soler - It’s always weird to remember how much TSC has evolved with their winners. It’s pleasant enough, but it’s definitely not gonna be my favorite in this lineup.
2. Delta Goodrem - Not available in the US. The buildup towards the chorus is pretty nice, but then it kinda loses steam there. It was alright.
3. Lorde - I’ve been meaning to listen to Melodrama, I’ve heard it’s such a great album. It’s very conceptual, and for the sake of this contest, it drags on a lot more than I’d like, especially in the last minute when it could’ve easily ended much sooner. I could see myself being into it, but I don’t think I’m in the mood at the moment.
4. Demi Lovato - Can’t listen to this song anymore without thinking about Yvie and Brooke Lynn. LMAO SHE SAID GAY RIGHTS IN THE CHORUS MAKING STRAIGHTS KISS. It’s a cute little bop.
5. Lil Nas X - His whole career so far has a confusing journey. Ironic how a gay black man made this meme-worthy song that str8s are eating like candy. The song itself is still a MESS though.
6. Taylor Swift - I’m not looking at the dock or anything, but like… really? Taylor has SO MANY better songs than Style. It’s honestly one of the less memorable songs on 1989.
7. Röyksopp & Robyn - Robyn is at least pretty consistent, so I’ll give her that. This was a fun track.
8. Metro Station - I would listen to this song on the bus on my way to middle school every single day. And it’s aged so badly, but it’s still such an iconic song to this day.
9. Brooke Fraser - Would’ve done really well with TSC’s crowd many years ago, but I’m only halfway through this song under 3 minutes and I’m already over it.
10. Of Monsters And Men - It’s amazing how well this song has aged, it still sounds very modern. It’s won regular TSC once already, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it won Beta as well.
11. Hurts - I’m not quite sure what to think of this. It feels very TV soundtrack to some documentary, which isn’t really like the fiercest reference.
12. Rachel Stevens - ANOTHER song blocked in the US! Oh my God the production to this is horribly dated and trashy. I can’t handle this.
13. Florence & the Machine - LMAO this entry in regular TSC caused KAOS. I prefer other Florence songs over this, but this is still a solid closer to this contest.