Reviewing every Eurovision Song Contest Winner (1962, 1963, 1964)

1962.  Isabelle Aubret, "Un premier amour" (France).

With its third winner in five years, France established itself as the powerhouse in the early years of the contest.  "Un premier amour" isn't as grating as "Tom Pilibi" or as dramatic as "Dors, mon amour", but its easily the most nondescript.  Even after multiple listens, I found myself not remembering a thing about it other than the repeated title.  You might never forget your first love, but you won't have any trouble forgetting about this song the instant its over.  Not bad, not offensive, just boring and devoid of colour or character. 2/10.

1963.  Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann, "Dansevise" (Denmark).  

The song leads off with the deep twang of Jorgen Ingmann's guitar, which for this contest, is like an sudden infusion of punk energy.  By becoming the first duo to win Eurovision, the Ingmanns redirected the focus away from the ever present orchestra and towards their own performance.  The orchestra is still there, but for the first time I feel like I'm watching a pair of artists in concert rather than a glitzy singing contest.  It's a simple, mildly uptempo song with a hint of swing and a head nod to rock and roll.  They don't try to do too much with it, which is fine because no histrionics are needed.  By breaking free of wistful balladry, they've done enough to be memorable.  7/10.   

1964.  Gigliola Cinquetti, "Non ho l'eta" (Italy).

Cinquetti was just sixteen years old at the time of her winning performance and became the youngest winner ever (a record not surpassed until 1986).  She sings with a shy, almost awkwardly restrained demeanor, but considering the song is about a meek young girl who's not ready to fall in love, it works for her.  The music has a proto-Spectorian grandeur dating from the years right before Spector nailed his formula.  The best comparison would be The Paris Sisters' "I Love How You Love Me" -- innocent and heartwarming, a grown-up subject matter sung in a manner that's palatable for teenagers.  I can understand why this became an international hit in several languages.  Cinquetti would return to Eurovision ten years later with another great song, but picked the wrong year for her comeback, finishing second to the most famous winning act ever.  8/10.