Welcome to our new series of posts!
The moment of truth has arrived, and all 37 competing songs for Eurovision 2025 have been revealed.
So we are ready for an extended review of them and a ranking of the songs.
Each post in the series will focus on 5-6 songs.
This first post will focus on 5 of the countries competing in semi-final 1: Azerbaijan, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
Mamagama – “Run With You”
Mamagama is an Azeri band that was formed in 2021. The band members are Asaf Mishiyev (vocals), Hasan Heydar (guitars), and Arif Imavnov (drums).
In 2022, the band competed in an international music festival “Kenga Magjike 2022” (held in Albania), and won 1st place in the international artists category. In 2023 they were finalists in the internal selection for Eurovision 2023.
On February 4th, they were announced as Azerbaijan’s choice for Eurovision 2025.
Their song “Run With U” was released on February 19th.
Allocation in Semi-Final
Azerbaijan was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Initial Personal Ranking
17th overall, 5th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is an indie song, with influences of electronic and ethnic elements.
- The song opens with electric guitar, piano, and bowed string elements. The first verse’s melody is based on keyboards and a constant beat. Asaf’s unique voice combines well with the melody. The first refrain features more production elements, as well as the piano and string elements, while the rate is higher. The first pre-chorus follows, and it brings more electronic sound. The melody is more fragmented, while the tempo is based on electronic keyboards and processed sound. He sings this pars with some humming.
- The first chorus is based on a more contemporary sound. Asaf sings it in a higher pitch. It opens with a tensed beat and later on becomes lighter and softer. The melody is based on keyboard playing. The first chorus ends with oriental instruments playing (like the Baglama and Saz).
- The second verse has a more funky sound. The melody is based on keyboards, bass, and electronic guitar. The second pre-chorus is based on fatter singing, drum, and bass. In the background, we can hear pre-recorded backing vocals. The second chorus starts with high notes, stylish beats, piano, and string instruments. The song ends with the oriental instrumental part, which relies on ethnic string elements and finalized with piano playing.
- Overall, the song combines traditional, classic, and contemporary music. I feel like the refrain took the place of the chorus. It takes some time until we get the best part of the song (which is the chorus). The song is elevated by Asaf’s impressive vocals. I am not sure about how competitive the song is, but it is fun to listen to it.
Poetry Analysis
The song showcases the strong feelings that love brings. He finds these feelings hard to explain – “Don’t know where to start”. Love is described as a superior power that is irresistible to ignore, like electricity (This will be the main metaphor in the song).
The invitation to dim the lights is a hint to inticimacy, as well as a step to the unknown. The narrator accepts the part of making mistakes as part of the love story (“Play Wrong Til It’s Right”).
The narrator describes love as a risk – “Shooting to the starts”, but as the same time as something rewarding. It makes him feel like he has never been there before. In the end, he is committed to everything the love story will bring – “No matter what you’ll do tonight”
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Azerbaijan, 2 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Ukraine and Cyprus.
Betting Odds
The song was released on February 4th. Between the release date and February 14th, the song was 23rd-26th with the bookies. Later on, it went up to the 20th-22nd position for a week. It spent 2 days in the 24th place. Ever since then, Azerbaijan has been in the 26th-28th place.
Early Prediction
It isn’t a secret that Azerbaijan has struggled with the public vote in recent years. The absence of some countries that usually tend to vote for them: Russia, Moldova, Belarus, Romania, Turkey, and more doesn’t make it easier.
The first semi-final is pretty weak, so qualification is possible. I will sum it up as Borderline
If Azerbaijan qualifies, it will be around 17th-23rd in the final.
Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake
Marko Bošnjak is a 21-year-old Bosnian-Croat singer-songwriter. He rose to fame in 2015, when he took part in the 2nd season of the Serbian talent show “Pinkove Zvezdice”, where he won.
In 2022, he competed in “Dora 2022” (The Croatian selection for Eurovision 2022). He performed the song “Moli za nas” and finished in 2nd place. This became his debut single.
In 202, he won the Croatian selection for Eurovision 2025 – “Dora 2025”.
He will perform the song “Poison Cake”:
Allocation in Semi-Final
Croatia was drawn to perform in the second half (songs 8-15) of semi-final 1.
Initial Personal Ranking
36th overall, 14th is semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a trap dark pop song.
- The song starts with a mysterious intro, relying on Marko’s voice and keyboards playing. He combines some vocal twirling. Thereafter, we get a short break where the melody is based on drums and bass. it becomes darker. The singing is fragmented. It continues to the first pre-chorus, which is served in some infantile sweetness (both the melody and the chorus). The melody is based on constant chords and the sound of a ticking clock. The first chorus is more of a trap pop with exploding beat. The main lyrics are “Poison Cake”.
- The second verse continues in the same dark direction. The melody is more sparse and less rhythmic. The bridge mainly relies on backing vocals, while the melody sounds more like an improvisation. The bridge combines a sharp transition from the rough, almost “industrial” melody to the saccharine pop part. The second chorus is more aggressive, the percussion elements are more dominant. It transits to a simple todler keyboard playing.
- The song ends with deafening singing which is served is high volume and low accuracy. The bass, drums, and electro beat fill the melody.
- I felt like the song features childish moments, both in the melody and the interpretation. The transition between the different parts isn’t smooth enough. It sounds like he still hasn’t got control over his voice, as he sings off-tune towards the end. The staging concept isn’t convincing enough at the moment. I like cakes, but this one isn’t cooked and isn’t tasty.
Poetry Analysis
The song is presented from the point of view of a narrator who wants revenge on someone. The revenge act is covered by a misleading of the sweet act of baking a cake.
The song opens directly with the main visual of baking a cake in the kitchen. The narrator reveals its intentions. Each step is pre-calculated as part of the revenge plan.
The narrator is proud of his questionable way – “Made you something that I know you’ll like” – He is aware to the way he will mislead the addressee.
The sentence “Take a bite of my poison cake” is a metaphor which represents the contract between the almost nothing it takes (“Only a bite”) and the deadly consequences.
He sees himself as a “serpent snake”, and this is also a linkage to Biblical story of Adam and Eve.
The narrator sees the revenge as the way to live. It is an integral part of his life, especially the preparations and planning. Through the song, he transits from a position of victimhood to one of control. He becomes the one to define his fate and empower himself. The childish descriptions also reflect on his inner child, showing us that after all he is the still the little child inside him, even if his intentions aren’t pure. Towards the end, he admits that he lost control over his desire to revenge – “I lost control when I started to bake”.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Croatia, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Slovenia, Ukraine, and Albania.
Betting Odds
The song was selected as Croatia‘s entry for Eurovision 2025 on March 2nd.
Between the 2nd and 9th of March, Croatia was ranked 30th-32nd in the betting odds.
Later on, Croatia went down to the 35th-36th place.
Early Prediction
I believe Croatia will struggle this year. The live performance wasn’t good enough, especially on the vocal aspects. The performance should be a different one, maybe taking it more to the darker side. I find the structure of the song a bit problematic. If Marko doesn’t improve a significant improvement, then I can see Croatia outside of the final.
Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA
Justyna Maria Steczkowska is a 52-year-old Polish singer-songwriter, actress, and photographer. She graduated from a musical high school. In 1994, she became known due to her winning in the music show “Chance For Success”. In 1995, she represented Poland in Eurovision with the song “Sama”, ending in 18th place.
In 2024, she ended 2nd in the internal selection for Eurovision with “Witch Tarohoro”.
In 2025, she won the national selection with “GAJA”.
So far, the singer has released 18 studio albums, and is considered one of the most successful musician in Poland.
She will perform “GAJA” at Eurovision 2025:
Allocation in Semi-Final
Poland was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) of semi-final 1.
Initial Personal Ranking
14th overall, 3rd in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is a bilingual folk-ethnic pop song.
- The song opens with a powerful singing of the first line of the chorus. The first verse is based on an electronic beat, wind instruments, and keyboard playing. The first chorus comes shortly after. Justyna sings it with long notes, a powerful voice, and some twirling. It is composed of 2 parts, each of them starts with longer musical boxes and thereafter a faster singing. The melody is based on percussion and keyboards. The out-chorus is more electronic, it features more dramatic beats and some manners.
- The second verse is based on the constant beat from the first verse, but we can also hear electric guitar from time to time. The melody is more fragmented; her singing is simpler. The second chorus is performed in English. Is starts with pre-recorded backing vocals. The melody is based on keyboards playing and powerful singing, The out-chorus is more ethnic and based on string elements. The bridge features animal noises, and it is mostly instrumental, it continues with a very high note. Thereafter, we get a short danceable instrumental part, which will probably be utilized for a dance break. The last part is faster and darker. It begins with one word at a time and then we get one last chorus.
- Overall, Justyna is a great singer, and this song helps her to express her vocal abilities. The folk genre adds a lot, especially when it is mixed with electronic music. It has huge staging potential.
Poetry Analysis
Gaia/Gaja was the Greek goddess of Earth and the mother of all life. She is described as a caring and nurturing figure to all the children and plants of the world.
The song discusses a wide range of emotions: love, motherhood, identity, and connection to nature.
The song opens with the narrator telling us about someone who hurt her – “You wound my heart/ You, who don’t respect my love”. This left her scarred and lonely – “You left your mark on me/ You awakened the cry of loneliness”.
The listener is taken to the narrator’s world of loneliness and sorrow. She isolates herself and eager for connection. Her sadness impacts the whole world.
Later on, the song transits into empowerment – “I am your Creator/ Your soul’s doom, your salvation”.
Her powers unite her with the nature, makes her identity eternal – “Time flows in the bloodstream / Holy water washes away the destiny”.
While she is longing for moments that have passed – “I cradle the lost time in my arms”, she remains herself.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Poland, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Ukraine, Belgium, and Norway.
Betting Odds
Poland selected “GAJA” as the Eurovision 2025 entry on February 14th.
Ever since then, the bookies ranked Poland in the range of 22nd-26th place. mostly around 24th-25th place.
Early Prediction
Poland is one of the only 2 female vocalists in semi-final 1 (together with Albania). This might be an advantage. Justyna is a strong vocalist with a great stage presence. In addition, the Polish diaspora might help her. Therefore, I believe Poland will qualify for the final, and will finish 13th-18th in the final.
Klemen – How Much Time Do We Have Left
Klemen Slakonja is a 39-year-old Slovenian comedian, TV presenter, actor, singer and musician.
He rose to fame in 2007 when he hosted an Olympics-related event, there, he had his first public experience in impersonation.
Later on, he got an invitation to participate in a satirical show.
Since 2008, he has tool part in various shows hosting.
He has also hosted Slovenian’s national selection for Eurovision (“EMA”) in 2011 and 2020.
He is well known for his impersonation of politicians, singers and public figures.
In 2025, he competed in the national selection for Eurovision 2025 – “EMA 2025”, where he ended as the winner.
He will perform the song “How Much Time Do We Have Left?”:
Allocation in Semi-Final
Slovenia was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) in semi-final 1.
Initial Personal Ranking
29th overall, 11th in semi-final 1
Musical Review
- It is a singer-songwriter ballad.
- The song starts with the first verse, which is based on piano playing. Klemen opens the singing part with a gentle and soft voice. The lyrics are direct, while the melody allocates the words at a particular rate. The first chorus comes right after, it is based on piano, bowed string instruments, and acoustic guitar. He sings it emotionally, with a slightly higher tone of voice, while he is backed up by pre-recorded vocals.
- The second verse is more acoustic and based on guitar and piano playing. The melody takes us to the Waltz genre. The second verse ends with a more soulful singing. The second chorus comes right after, and it is similar to the first one. In this part, the backing vocals are more humming, which brings more intimacy to the song. The bridge relies on a denser melody, while the singing converts into speaking/reciting, as it progresses, he sings again, more soulfully.
- The third verse is based on strings and orchestral instruments. Klemen sings it with a warmer voice and longer notes. The song ends with a wish that’s executed emotionally and the song ends right after.
- Overall, the text is direct and leaves no space for wondering. It is a simple ballad that comes with zero tricks. On one hand, the level of exposure is appreciated. On the other hand, the song stays on a flat plane, meaning we need something to elevate it. I think this is a song that will be more appreciated by the jury. The chorus is more memorable in this case.
Poetry Analysis
The lyrics of the song are straightforward. Klemen is the narrator, who tells us an autobiographic story: His wife was diagnosed with cancer disease. The family was told that she didn’t have much time left. The song describes the way they cope with the new reality.
The family’s traumatic story is described in the light of regular life – “Our baby boy was crawling in the living room”, “It was a sunny day”, and “people going on their ways”.
However, they have no other choice but cry.
The question floats in the air: Is the end near? Will they have to give-up?
He asks directly: “How much time do we have left?”. He knows that the answer is missing. However, he isn’t ready to deal with it, and stated “I don’t wanna be here without your love”.
His only wish is that the unknown remaining time will pass slow, so they can enjoy it as much as possible.
In the second verse, he described the doctor as “a man in white with diplomas” – It represents his recoil from the man who can give them the sad news, and also the fact they heavily depend on him. He describes his wife a fighter who won’t give up.
The bridge draws her as an angel with super powers. She knows how to heal, love and stand on her own. He feels lucky to have her – “And you learned how to fly, made a loop in the sky/ You landed right into my arms”. This part of the song engages in all positive things he sees in her, without mentioning the disease – this is also their hope for better future.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Slovenia, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Croatia, Poland, and Azerbaijan
Betting Odds
The song was selected to represent Slovenia at Eurovision on February 1st.
On the day later, it went down from 24th place to 31st place. Thereafter, it kept on moving in the range of 29th-33rd place. Since March 7th, Slovenia went up to the range of 26th-28th place.
Early Prediction
Slovenia usually struggles to qualify for the final. We don’t have many ballads in this semi-final. However, we can partly consider Ukraine and The Netherlands as ballads, and both of them might do better. While the personal story is touching, I am not sure that the public will follow it. Slovenia might be a surprising qualifier (especially if a “certain” country will fail). However, I feel like the chances are more toward non-qualification
Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
Ziferblat is an Ukrainian band, consisting of 3 members: Daniel Leshchynskyi, Valentyn Leshchynskyi, and Fedir Hodakov. The band was established in 2015.
In 2017, they released their first EP “Kinoseans“. In 2023, they released their debut album “Peretvorennya” (Eng: Transformation).
In 2023, they won Muzvar Awards for in the category of Best New Names in Alternative Music.
In 2024, they competed in the national selection for Eurovision 2024 – “Vidbir 2024” with the song “Place I Call Home” and ended in the 2nd place.
In 2025, they won the national selection “Vidbir 2025”. They will perform the song “Bird of Pray”:
Allocation in Semi-Final
Ukraine was drawn to perform in the first half (songs 1-7) of semi-final 1
Initial Personal Ranking
28th overall, 8th in semi-final 1.
Musical Review
- It is an Indie song.
- The song starts with a short intro and features a female backing singing and acoustic guitar. Thereafter, we get the first verse, which is based on choir singing, drums, and guitars. The first pre-chorus is quite short: it is based on keyboards, it is simpler, and towards the end gets more upbeat. The first chorus starts with the drum playing. The lead singer opens it with longer notes. The melody is nostalgic and based on guitar, keyboards, and drums.
- The second part of the song opens with humming and vocal decoration. The second verse is performed as choir singing. This time, the drums are more dominant. Towards the end, the lead singer sings in a higher tone. The second verse is served in a more emotional manner, as the drums play a secondary role.
- Thereafter, we get a short instrumental part, which is composed of electric guitar and drums. This is the peak point of the song. The following chorus is more intimate, as the lead singer performs it more softly. The production is more laid back, and the sound is more mid-tempo. The song ends cyclically, with the same female vocals as in the intro.
- The song suggests a cinematic and nostalgic sound. The variety of vocals adds another dimension to the package. The stronger part of the song is its last minute. The new arrangement emphasized a different instrument each time. Having said so, the song lacks a bit of modernization. The chorus starts promising but doesn’t take the required attention. The live performance and vocals will elevate it, but not to the standards we got used to from Ukraine. But I do appreciate the bravery of sending something different.
Poetry Analysis
- The song title is a play word—”Bird of Pray” (instead of “Bird of Prey”). It represents the bird’s vulnerability but also its willingness and hope for a better future. The narrator initially asks the bird to come to him, but its wings are described as heavy. For some reason, it is hard for them to fly.
- The narrator knows it will be hard to find his lover. He looks for light and even dares to do the impossible (move mountains).
- He is eager for a true connection, where one can reveal his feelings with no judgment – “share
My heart with someone/ Who cares for me”. The words “fly” and “live” repeat multiple times and emphasize the importance of freedom, peace, and emotional support.
The impact of the allocation in semi-final 1
Among the countries that usually vote for Ukraine, 3 of them will vote in semi-final 1: Poland, Azerbaijan, Italy, and Portugal.
Betting Odds
Ziferblat won the national selection on February 8th.
The song started 5th in the odds and then dropped to 7th and 14th place in the odds.
Between the 12th and 27th of February, Ukraine was 13th-19th in the odds.
Thereafter, Ukraine was 11th-13th with the bookies.
Ukraine has been in the 8th-10th place, mostly around the 9th place, in the recent days.
Early Prediction
Ukraine is likely to continue its qualification sequence. The political climate will help it score even higher than expected. I think they will do better with the jury this time. Unlike previous years, a top 7 score won’t be easy to achieve. Overall, I predict Ukraine to be 9th-15th in the final.
In the next chapter, we will review additional 5 countries from semi-final 1
Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland, on the 13th, 15th, and 17th of May 2025
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