ABBA - Review

"The winner takes it all" – A review of ABBA. 

I really don't understand how anyone could not enjoy ABBA. I have met people who have claimed to dislike the band, and I have made an instant mental note to not trust them. Are they my favourite band ever? Of course not. Will I still belt out Dancing Queen every time it plays on the radio? Every time.

ABBA were a Swedish pop group formed in 1972 in Stockholm, and they remain one of the most beloved bands in musical history. Made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, this was a band who mastered infectious melodies, clever and often moving lyrics and gorgeous harmonies.

Whilst they formed in 1972, true success came for ABBA in 1974 in the form of an international stage like no other: Eurovision. ABBA entered and won Eurovision with Waterloo, and the song became a number one hit across the world. ABBA were no longer a local act but a global sensation, becoming one of the most successful pop groups of all time.

From then, ABBA released hit after hit. Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me and Super Trouper were just handful of songs to top the charts. This continued from 1975 to 1979, and it seemed like ABBA would continue to dominate the world – so where did they go?

ABBA wasn't made up of four random friends but of two couples – and when break ups happen, things get awkward. In 1980, Björn and Agnetha were divorced, and Benny and Anni-Frid followed suit in 1981. Despite the bands best efforts, things could not continue and the band went on a decade's long hiatus in 1982. So that was it then, the end of ABBA – or was it?

ABBA's popularity never went away. The musical, Mamma Mia! was hugely successful both on stage and on the big screen, and it was joined by various compilation albums which also proved popular. For a long time, it seemed as if this would be the final content the world would ever receive from the band, until, in 2021, after nearly 40 years, ABBA released a new album – Voyage. Fans were delighted worldwide and the album brought with it an experience, ABBA Voyage.

ABBA Voyage isn't just a concert but an experience, as virtual avatars are used to display the band as they were in the 70s, original music is used, but a ten-piece live band accompanies them live on stage. I've never been to see it live, but I have witnessed first hand the sheer joy and excitement of people after seeing it.

Decades after ABBA first appeared on the music scene and the band is still played across the world. Whilst their most recent album was seemingly their last, their legacy I'm sure will continue through tribute acts, musicals and films, and their music will continue to bring joy to old fans and new listeners alike.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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