Eurovision Moscow 2009 - Semi Final 2

Semi final two: take your pick! The UK can't vote in this semi, but since when has that stopped the fun? Find me on Twitter on Thursday night during the show for live micro comments, and check back for the big five reviews on Friday, before the final this Saturday.

Croatia
Artist: Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea
Song title: Lijepa Tena(Beautiful Tara)
Language: Croation
The reckoning: Arty guitar and orchestration accompanied mostly by black scarves. A proper Eurovision ballad this, with added Christian lyrics.

Ireland
Artist: Sinéad Mulvey & Black Daisy
Song title: Et Cetera
Language: English
The reckoning: Rocky pop Pink style, it’s another catchy tune. Should make a mark on the night but will it win enough votes? Doubtful.

Latvia
Artist: Intars Busulis
Song title: Probka (Traffic Jam)
Language: Latvian
The reckoning: After the Pirate mega-fail of last year, Latvia brings us a bizarre, repetitive ode to rush hour. On the bright side, it’s rocky and good fun.

Serbia
Artist: Marko Kon & Milaan
Song title: Cipela (Shoe)
Language: Serbian
The reckoning: Not so much of a novelty as the title might imply! An afro-haired, Barry White voiced singer serenades a shoe while sunglassed men dad-dance.

Poland
Artist: Lidia Kopania
Song title: I Don't Wanna Leave
Language: English
The reckoning: I can see the far right laughing now. Why, Poland, why? A nice pop ballad, 90s Celine style, and they go and give it that title.

Norway
Artist: Alexander Rybak
Song title: Fairytale
Language: English
The reckoning: Fiddles, dancing, clapping – brilliant. A young singer who delivers nervous English with gusto and some great string work!

Cyprus
Artist: Christina Metaxa
Song title: Firefly
Language: English
The reckoning: There’s a great sentiment behind this song: but it just doesn’t get going and is unfortunately forgettable: more TV theme than winning Eurovision tune.

Slovakia
Artist: Kamil Mikulčík & Nela Pocisková
Song title: Leť Tmou(Fly through Darkness)
Language: Slovakian( ?)
The reckoning: Slovakia seem to be hoping for some of last year’s winning action with this classical, emotional ballad.

Denmark
Artist: Brinck
Song title: Believe Again
Language: English
The reckoning: I heard this and thought Denmark had kidnapped Ronan Keating. Unmistakable Boyzone. Then I found out Ronan was involved, which explained a lot. Catchy but might slip under the radar.

Slovenia
Artist: Quartissimo feat. Martina
Song title: Love Symphony
Language: English
The reckoning: It’s all a bit Vanessa Mae here. Martina only makes an appearance about halfway through, but it’s a great performance.

Hungary
Artist: Zoli Ádok
Song title: Dance With Me
Language: English
The reckoning: Proper 90s pop here. All sorts of shenanigans involving random sailors in the video. Can’t see it winning but good fun nevertheless.

Azerbaijan
Artist: AySel & Arash
Song title: Always
Language: English
The reckoning: Dance duo with the modern/traditional blend which is so popular in the competition. What I’d regard as a good modern bellydance track.

Greece
Artist: Sakis Rouvas
Song title: This Is Our Night
Language: English
The reckoning: Sakis is back. Last year’s Greek entry was brilliant, and Greece clearly feel they were robbed so have wheeled out the winner of 2004. It’s catchy, but maybe a bit, well, desperate?

Lithuania
Artist: Sasha Son
Song title: Love
Language: English
The reckoning: The boy can clearly sing, but I think it’s a little mediocre. Video is strangely sloganised for no apparent reason.

Moldova
Artist: Nelly Ciobanu
Song title: Hora Din Moldova (Dance of Moldova)
Lanaguage: mostly English
The reckoning: A traditional feel with a funky upbeat bridge, giving it an edge. However it may not make the grade by trying to cover all angles and spreading itself too thinly.

Albania
Artist: Kejsi Tola
Song title: Carry Me In Your Dreams
Language: English
The reckoning: Europop rules! No doubt the girl can sing, this is catchy Eurovision fare. Dreadful (not even funny) video, so look forward to the performance.

Ukraine
Artist: Svetlana Loboda
Song title: Be my Valentine! (Anti-crisis Girl)
Language: English
The reckoning: A trumpet section improves any song in my opinion, and this is power pop with attitude. A hit.

Estonia
Artist: Urban Symphony
Song title: Rändajad (Wanderers)
Language: Estonian
The reckoning: Haunting vocals and atmospheric violin and electronic combinations. Good song but lacks the punch and conclusion it needs.

The Netherlands
Artist: The Toppers
Song title: Shine
Language: English
The reckoning: Cheese. Hilarious, comedy cheese. ‘Love will make us glow in the dark’? Genius. Awful outfits, dad dancing – it should win.