Melodifestivalen 2020: The Essential Songs

As Melfest Semi 4 wraps up, we think it is fair to say that this has certainly not been one for the ages. Normally the immaculate Swedish selection has us struggling to choose a top two from each semi final due to the plethora of talent, yet the pool has been somewhat limited this time. We’ve selected our favourite tracks across the four semi-finals to come up with the essential songs of Melodifestivalen 2020.

Felix Sandman – Boys With Emotion
Semi 1

This slinky electronic anthem scraping through in the second chance round is an undeniable pop injustice. The previous runaway favourite has since gone on to rack up 1,300,000 streams on Spotify since debuting on the platform which could be a sign of potential Melfest victory. Sandman is a charismatic, engaging performer and the staging of this is edgy and screams Eurovision success.

Robin Bengtsson – Take a Chance
Semi 1

This jaunty guitar anthem packed with a heartfelt romantic London set narrative is a departure from the electronic dancepop of Bengtsson’s previous Melfest winner I Can’t Go On. Yet, it is a rousing anthem confidently delivered by Bengtsson which shows he is anything but a one trick pony.

Dotter – Bulletproof
Semi 2

Wrapped in a dress like a shimmering disco ball Dotter belts out her track Bulletproof – a strong midtempo with a somewhat anthemic chorus. Whether it reaches the stadium shaking proportions it needs to for maximum impact, we’re not entirely sure. Nonetheless it is a solid entry – that seems to be running ahead in Youtube views at the moment – if that’s an indicator of a potential victory.

Anna Bergendahl – Kingdom Come
Semi 2

The undeniable standout of semi two was Anna Bergendahl’s Eurovision ready track Kingdom Come. Part schlager anthem and part contemporary pop masterclass, the track is a striking return to form for regular Melfest star Bergendahl. Plus we were further sold when the semi-shirtless dancers appeared – call us shallow.

Linda Bengtzing – Alla mina sorger
Semi 2

Her Royal Highness Linda Bengtzing delivered a full on schlager banger with Alla mina sorger. When that chorus hits and the neon lights spring into action, the track reaches camp perfection and commands you to the dancefloor.

Méndez feat. Alvaro Estrella – Vamos amigos
Semi 2

Mendez’s big Latin party track pairs the rapper’s chaotic bursts with the smooth vocals of Alvaro Estrella who carries the track through its infectious chorus. Not a winner, but it’s a joyous Latin anthem.

Nanne Grönvall – Carpool Karaoke
Semi 4

Nanne took us by surprise with a subtle Lana Del Rey inspired ballad about heartbreak and lost love. No, of course not. It was a stonking big camp sixties inspired rocker which saw Nanne sing about the unholy terror that is J*mes C*rden. Other than that unwelcome namedrop, Carpool Karaoke was a delight – Nanne belting out her notes in a little pink number, genuinely having the time of her life – particularly as she mounts her dancers who have formed into a makeshift car. That’s why we love Melfest.

Victor Crone – Troubled Waters
Semi 4

Other than the questionable chains on his jeans (unless he’s using them for some light post-show bondage – call us), Victor Crone’s return to the Euro arena with Troubled Waters was a treat. He’s faced Storms and now it’s Troubled Waters that plague the handsome Swede – but this is a rousing pop number that we could truly rally around.