Finland - Paradise Oskar - "Da Da Dam"

FINLAND

Paradise Oskar - "Da Da Dam"

In recent years Finland has brought a diverse array of music to the ESC from the metal of 2006 winners Lordi, to high tempo modern dance numbers all the way through to last years folksy number which just missed out on a place in the final. Despite Lordi's win however, and being present in all but 3 finals since coming into the contest in 1961, Finland have failed to make a mark in recent years. Places outside the top 15 are common with more often than not the nation ending up in the lower reaches of the final table. However, ESC Addict certainly feels that Paradise Oskars entry this year will change this streak!

There is always one song at least that sticks in the mind through its selection from the national final all the way through to the Eurovision Song contest finale its self. This is the one this year! Never has the tune been far away from my mind and the urge to sing aloud the chorus has been persistent to the extent that my girlfriend is threatening violent action if "Da Da Dam" is heard from my lips again!

Paradise Oskar has came largely from no where and stormed to a win in the Finnish National Final with over 46% of the vote.

Its a very simple track and the style of music that is becoming ever more popular in this day and age, a singer and a guitar and not much else! And good grief, how this works. Oskar delivers the song perfectly with his fragile, youthful voice which is perfect for this sort of track. A simple stage presentation akin to Tom Dice last year is all that is required for this to sail through. The verses themselves are even catchy but the main hook is the chorus which has simple vocal and lyrical hooks that stick in the mind.

Looking how this years contest is shaping up with a lot of up tempo, over the top and rock based numbers this may just be subtle even to stand out. I feel this will breeze into the final and secure a top 10 for Finland with no hesitation and Paradise Oskar could well be taking the Eurovision Song Contest back with him to Helsinki!