1960. Jacqueline Boyer, "Tom Pillibi" (France).
Apparently the early years of Eurovision were all about big fluffy ballads and tongue in cheek character profiles of flawed lovers. Judging by his name, "Tom Pillibi" is likely a rich English philanderer, although the lyrics don't specifically mention where he's from. The cadence and vaguely ironic tone of the lyrics suggest that Britpop came to Eurovision five or thirty five years early (it depends on which generation you're from). But the song's plastic charm doesn't extend beyond the first few lines, and somehow I felt like it would never end, as if I was listening to a seven minute lyrical epic rather than a three minute radio friendly song contest entry. Its cheeriness might be pleasing for some, but I found this song nearly intolerable. 2/10.
1961. Jean-Claude Pascal, "Nous les amoureux" (Luxembourg).
I'm reminded here of a familiar theme in 50's and early 60's balladry -- the young couple who are furiously in love and fight to stay together even though "they" (usually their parents) want to break them apart. This song is set to light jazz and carries none of the desperation or passion that you'd expect for it to work. Who "they" are is never explained, we're told they're idiots and haters, but without a personality behind the description, they're just weasel words. Hating your parents is cool and relatable, anonymous "idiots" might as well be nothing but bad drivers. Plus, Pascal is no teenager, he's a 34-year old bland singer in a suit. Yet another new low in the early years of the contest. 1/10.
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