Rachel Goode — “I’m Loving Me”
If you wanted to write an EDM song for Eurovision, this is how you’d do it. 1980s vibes for the instruments, soaring vocals delivering empowering lyrics, and a key change in the last minute of the track. So, having ticked all the boxes, does this mean it’s Eurovision-ready? In a way, yes, but only if Ireland are willing to risk non-qualification on the grounds that it’s too generic and predictable. On my first listen I could plot out the entire song (including key change). The guitar solo was the only thing that caught me off guard, and then it didn’t last for as long as I would have liked, even if it came back for a few seconds at the very end of the track. Having said all that, I like it — it’s catchy and fun. I just don’t think it’s going to be a strong competitor in a Eurovision semi-final.

Brendan Murray — “Real Love”
I always applaud previous Eurovision contestants coming back for another go at the contest. Especially ones who performed when they were very young, like Murray; he was 21 at Kiev in 2017. Most likely he now has a better idea of what kind of musician he is and where his strengths and preferences lie. For sure, his vocal performance of this track is more confident and self-assured than his first tilt at the Eurovision crowd. This piano-driven ballad eventually adds some drums and background guitars, but otherwise is entirely reliant on Murray’s voice to keep it going. I think he does a fine job of it — the track ends rather suddenly and overall it just isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s a strong ballad.