Eurovision 2026 is in the books, and this year’s Contest was surprising - shocking? - in several meaningful ways. But with the benefit of hindsight, was it surprising? Here are five things that happened. What had happened was the jury votes were significantly more diverse this year, and I think that is due to big... Continue Reading →
The jury votes that determine half of each country’s points have been cast. Here is how I think this year’s Grand Final is going to play out. When they reveal those jury votes, I expect that Australia and Finland will be well out in front of the 25 Finalists, and that Australia needs to be... Continue Reading →
“Cause now you’re in my head, my heart, my body parts.” Sure, these lyrics from Sweden’s Felicia in My System - an absolute banger of an electro-pop song - may not remind anybody of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. But in the Eurovision Song Contest, only two things matter: what will (supposedly) objective juries of... Continue Reading →
I've always said that all the proof I need that God exists is that there is such a thing as the female singing voice. In no particular order, here are a dozen international female musical artists I have long obsessed over. Liv Kristine Norway (ex-Leaves' Eyes). The voice of an angel. Charlotte Wessels The Netherlands... Continue Reading →
Here’s Part 2 of the most recent Current Obsessions. Let’s get caught up on some banger singles that I’ve had on repeat. Robyn The Swedish dance/pop queen has a new album, Sexistential, dropping on March 27. To keep us fed until then, she’s given us three hot and sexy singles. Here’s a taste. https://open.spotify.com/track/6rY4CO2ko4iWpSIm93fWJv?si=b7e6afa3926e4a94 Jessie... Continue Reading →
magical | ˈmajəkəl | adjective beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life. For me, 2025 was a magical year for popular music. These are the 14 beautiful albums I delighted in the most. As usual, musically, they’re all over the map, representing my faves from the 8,425,594 genres... Continue Reading →
JL, a Longtime Loyal Follower of These Musings, asks the question1: “I know Taylor Swift isn’t your fav but wondered if you’ve listened and had thoughts on her new album that’s all songs collaborating with Max Martin and Shellback. I’ve heard people say it’s very pop Sweden..which means little to me but made me think... Continue Reading →
Ray's Musings 