EUROVISION 2014 - LATVIA - Five songs Latvia should've picked over 'Cake To Bake'

By Steven Oldham

Last weekend, Latvia chose Aarzemnieki's 'Cake To Bake' to represent them at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen.

Fan reaction has largely been negative across social media and fansites, particularly as the standard of the national selection this year was mostly high.  If this reaction is transferred to votes, Latvia will once again be left in the semi-finals.

The country has one of the worst qualifying records in recent years having not made the grand final since 2008.

Here are five songs they overlooked which I think would have given the Latvians a better chance.  Given the strength in depth this year I could have easily added 2 or 3 others.  You can listen to all the songs listed here, and the other 19 entries to Dziesma 2014 here

1. Davis Matskins - I Need More

The studio version of this is one of the best songs I've heard so far this year, full stop.  From the sci-fi movie soundtrack sounding opening, to the 80s Hurts-esque vocals and the simple, yet very effective chorus, this song genuinely lifts me.  This electro track manages to sound retro and bang up to date at the same time.  Admittedly Davis's live performance of this was disappointing, but it is a crime that so few people will have heard this track.

2. Ralfs Eilands & Valters Puce - Revelation

Revelation really stood out from the pack and for all the right reasons.  The interesting instrumentation and prominent strings are a world away from the other songs entered in Dziesma 2014 and the pointed message in the song is hard to ignore.  Easily the most adventurous song musically this year, though the change in pace for the last 30 seconds doesn't really fit with the song.  Ralfs qualified for Eurovision 2013 as part of PeR.

3. Eirosmits -  If I Could (Get Away)

Eirosmits brought rock to the fore this year and were hard done to place so low in the national final.  Combining a tale of being a fed up boyfriend with boyband hooks over a brooding guitar-filled track clearly didn't do it for the Latvians.  The verses sound like Bon Jovi - never a bad thing - and there's even a guitar solo.  I'd rather listen to this 100 times than Cake To Bake once.

4. MyRadiantU - Going All The Way

This downtempo yet strangely uplifting electro number would've picked up votes across the continent, I don't have any doubts.  After a slow start, it builds into a strong contender for selection with a gentle, driving piano and drum beat underpinning the synths and keyboards.  Hopefully they will come back next year and try again.

5. Markus Riva - Lights On

This likable song should've placed higher than second last in the final.  Multi-talented DJ Markus Riva - he's also a model and producer - entered a catchy, commercially successful dance pop song which would have undoubtedly been popular among the western countries - Lights On is the sort of song you'd hear on English radio and tap your foot to.  Unfortunately he won't be going to Copenhagen but I wouldn't bet against him finding future success outside his homeland.

Am I wrong? Will Cake To Bake take Latvia to the final for the first time in six years? Leave a comment here or follow me on Twitter - @spoldham