To run alongside our Norwegian polls this month, the Eurovision Ireland team and friends have put together four of their Norwegian favourites. Today is the turn of John Stanton.

For vår jord – Karoline Krüger – (1988)

This understated song is always a favourite of mine. The ultra-modern stage (for 1988) combined with the elegant piano and candelabra strikes a chord. Karoline’s delivery of the song is faultless. Her fifth place is entirely justified.

Alle mine tankar – Silje Vige – (1993)

Who needs a big banger of number to get you votes, when you can sing something that might just get under the radar? Silje’s very un-Norwegian song was the perfect to the marathon that was the 1993 contest. This came fifth, and had an interesting way of audience participation. I like the way the roof camera at the Green Glens Arena was able to pick out the spectator who started the clapping along, and by the end of the song most of the audience seem to be following diligently. A great contest closer.

Intet er nytt under solen – Åse Kleveland – (1966)

Norway’s best result until they won came from the precociously talented Åse, who was only 17 at the time she sang in Luxembourg. Ignoring custom, she wore a trouser suit – the scandal! Her song was also one of the shortest ever, but it’s made an impression on me. It’s very contemporary for its time, and highly justifies the third-place the teenager got.

I’m not afraid to move on – Jostein Hasselgård – (2003)

I know Norway has put in its fair share of uptempo songs, but I still like this one. It’s a simple ballad that relies on the vocal of Jostein to sell it. And sell it he does. It’s a complex lyric, and very well-thought through. It proves that a song doesn’t need a simple lyric to finish fourth. A classic.

Join us tomorrow, as we celebrate more of our Norwegian favourites. Let us know what you think about Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovision Ireland