Hey, folks. So I apologize to seem needy, but I’ve been super-stressed the last couple days and am feeling a bit “lonely” (long story short, I have some unexpected and significant expenses suddenly, and I’m just in a tough spot currently), so any and all emotional support would be appreciated right now. Indeed, these musical journeys have become a central part of my life, as I have so much fun going on them with the kindness and knowledge of you amazing people. As such, I’m going to keep doing as many videos as I can during this period, though for the immediate time being (maybe the next two-three weeks), the flow will likely be slightly reduced. Regardless, to all of you who’ve become friends of the channel and/or a champion of the journeys we go on daily, and to all those who’ve contributed to my channel with donations (shout-out to all the patrons!), thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love and I’ll see you in the comments.
Hey Matt. No apology required my good man. Look after yourself. Do what you need to do. You owe us nothin. I think are one heck of a great guy and I hope the road smoothes out for you. I send you massive hugs. Tryin not to get too mushy here. Thank you for being YOU my man❤
I echo everything @DD-58 said in his comment. I think many of us can relate to what you are going through. These lyrics from "I Let the Music Speak" seem appropriate, as it pertains to your reactions: "I let the music speak, leading me gently, Urging me like a lover, Leading me all the way Into a place Where beauty will defeat the darkest day" I hope that you feel less "lonely" as you read these comments of love from your viewers. I wish you peace.
I let the music speak, leading me gently into a place where beauty will defeat the darkest day..... Hope your music will give you some comfort. Big hug from the other side of the pond.
Hi there. I love the way you listen to music! I know this song well, but seeing your first time reactions and expressions adds a new dimension for me. Seeing what aspect of the vocals and instrumentation you are picking up on is fun to watch. One of the things I love about the song is the way it swicthes for 3/4 to 4/4 twice and then at the end it takes the 4/4 melody but plays it in 3/4. What a clever, creative idea. I'm so glad you are going through the ABBA repertoire. So many of the songs are jewels -- so well constructed and arranged and executed. ABBA is really special! (or is it ABBA are really special??!)
Frida's voice and vocal technique is something unique... Sometimes it gives me chills, like in this song and even a little more in "Like an angel passing through my room". What a versatility in one beautiful human being! Love ❤️ FRIDA ❤️🇨🇱👍
Not only my favorite song on this album but arguably my favorite of theirs overall, certainly a top three. I've said it before and now I'll say it again, this is Frida's album. And she isn't done yet.... She has one more unbelievable performance yet to come. Agnetha has her moment coming up later. The last two songs on this album are knockouts, different yet work together gorgeously. In fact, if I may suggest I would ask they be taken as one song and listened to and reacted as one string and not broken up. You will see why ...
With the bonus tracks there are even three Frida leads left and everyone is different but all of them are great. And not to forget her backing vocals in TDBYC. 🤩
Anyone who at this point in 1981 missed that B&B was in a completely different place than before with this one, probably understood it now. There will be no more "Ring ring" or "Name of the game".. In their minds, the future lies in completely different music. Some people may refer to it as Abba's "Bohemian rhapsody". Maybe worth noting, though, but in the same year, Depeche Mode released their first album "Speak and Spell", and Human League released the single "Dont you want me". Everyone who knows what they are, and other contemporaries understands that the pop group Abba now left the arena of interest for good. Also interesting to note, is that the hottest bands from that time are today forgotten by most people today, while Abba continues to amaze.
Jon Lord on writing a song for Frida: "Easier said than done when you've got a voice that is that specific and that glorious". - Jon Lord, 2004 Beyond the Notes, Biography Jon in interviews said Frida has a very unique sound that she produces that has an embedded emotion. I have always called that embedded emotion on Frida voice -- sadness and wistfulness.
ABBA aren't justice pop music legends but geniuses at music across and beyond all music genres. Timeless and Eclectic. This number sang by Annifrid to me is the best among all songs in the Visitors album. Few musicians can beat or rival the music and magic of ABBA!
What an incredible song. An incredible journey of sonic bliss. This is not just another ABBA masterpiece, this is something special. Over and over again I am humbled by the talent of these 4 Swedes - its always a journey worth taking. What a brilliant album with much more to come. Thanks Matt 👍
I really love this song! So uplifting and poetic! All though I am not a big fan of the musical genre, I still think this is a great composition, lyric and vocal performance! And again - Frida is so amazingly good! ❤️
Hello everyone. In 1982, when I was still a child at 12 years old, a good friend of mine had an accident and was in intensive care at the hospital. On September 2nd, I was in my room, waiting for my parents who had gone to the hospital to bring me news of my little friend. At that moment, this song was playing on my small cassette radio when my father walked in and announced the death of my friend. Since then, every time this song plays, particularly in its final part, which was the part I was listening to at that moment, I cannot help but feel the immense sadness that overtook me at that time and the tears that I shed throughout that night. Imagine such a dark and melancholic song as the backdrop for receiving such news. Well, Matt, I completely understand you and I am with you. You don't owe us any apologies. Do what you need to do to continue giving the best of yourself in the pursuit of the happiness that you deserve. All the encouragement in the world to you. Better times will come, they always do. A big hug from Venezuela
And thank you for sharing your personal connection to this song. My condolences. Indeed, it really speaks to the way music becomes part of our lives, not just background.
This is a really good analysis of the song, one that I have never thought of myself: The doubleness of the words on music flowing through the narrater, surrounding her, as a pivotal part of her being in the world, and then, on the other hand, heavy, lonely and painfully beautiful instrumentation and vocals (which are so beautiful here). I think you're right, and we don't need to choose between either of these dimensions. As always with ABBA, it's both uplifting and sad. Normally the music is uplifting and the words are sad. But here it's the other way round. Interesting.
Cheers, really appreciate that comment. It feels like everyone is contributing so much to the ABBA deep-dive in the comments, so it's nice to know some of my remarks can prove fruitful too.
This song is a masterpiece. Vocally, Frida shines. Musically it is a kind of syncretism, typical of ABBA. Classical and baroque music, with an unmistakable touch of music, I would say Ukrainian, Slavic. I love this song.
This is one of my many favorite ABBA songs 🌞 Another thing, I appreciate that there are now subtitles under your videos, Matt, because I can't always hear everything very well and I don't speak enough English to guess what you're saying. 🙏
Nice, I'm happy RUclips seems to be getting subtitles into my videos faster now. And yes, what a beautiful, powerful tune about music and our personal lives.
If I’m not mistaken, this song describes the process undertaken by Bjorn when coming up with lyrics for a song. After he and Benny (or in the case of Voyage, mainly Benny by himself) have composed the music and a rough backing track of the music without words is made, he will take it home and listen to it and see what “story” the music suggests. From there, he will write the lyrics accordingly. Separately, I really enjoy your reactions - no frills and highly articulate and interesting. Thank you and hope things start looking up for you soon.
This is one of my absolute favorites. Its a tad pretentious, but beautiful and again the imagery is wonderful. One of Frida's best vocals as well. I have never tired of hearing this.
I recommend you a Spanish singer her name is Diana Navarro with the song "El perdón" she is a very versatile singer. She sings different musical styles with a very personal voice and incredible melismas. She always transmits.
A couple of years ago I heard Frida in a Radio interview. At the end the DJ asked if there was a song she'd like them to play and she chose this one as a favourite. It is no surprise that they wrote the musical 'Chess' and later in 1995 the musical 'Kristina från Duvemåla' in Swedish (which is my favourite post-ABBA work by Benny & Bjorn)
yes that was in BBC radio 2 ,Zoe Ball interview the week that Voyage was out and outsold everything.She was asked for some fave Abba song with her on the lead or smth.Well tbh i was expecting her to chose 'One Man one woman" but she surprisingly did a more alternative 'non-radio friendly' choice.Twas a great interview.Very emotional.Especialy when she was asked "how do you want to be remembered by people".I cried my eyes out listening to her answering.Twas how i felt too and what i/we many of us/ had in our minds.Very heartfelt.
I love watching your videos and you going through all ABBA. This journey reminds me how incredible Frida, Agnetha, Benny and Björn are. If it can help, listening to ABBA's music is comforting. And ofcourse, your best friend Lukka (Luka?) is more than any other person or words the best anti-solitude remedy you can have. My former cat Felix has comforted me a lot and next month (after a year since Felix died) Ceasar will make his entrance here. Take care of yourself, we all stand with you as well as Lukka and ofcourse, the music.
Thank you so much! Truly, it's a testament to how wonderful ABBA fans are that many of you have reached out and helped me feel better in a tough time. And you're right, it's amazing to learn about all the members of ABBA, hear their contributions to the different songs and albums, and get a sense of what this band has meant to people over the decades. Cheers to you, thanks again. :)
Stay well, Matt. As much as I am loving your Voyage (ha ha) through ABBA's catalogue, do whatever you need to take care of yourself. As beautiful as Frida sounds, Agnetha's backing vocals are my favorite part of the song.
This song reminds me of the mini-musical at the end of Abba the Album, but this time they combined all the different scenes into one song. Deliciously theatrical.
I'm not a huge fan of Musicals but I did thoroughly enjoy 'Chess' when I was taken to see it by a former girlfriend. My favourite track from the score is '"The Russian and Molokov / Where I Want to Be" and this absolutely sounds like it could be the prelude to that. Another great song.
It's a kind of song that knocks you instantly. Only those who understand what music is will know what I mean. Frida's voice is something unique and when Agnetha contributes with her voice the sound of the two voices look like a magic thing from heaven. Definitely ABBA is not from this world.
It probably contradicts most of the opinions, but I will respectfully express my feelings. And I am going to repeat myself in something that I said for another previous song "I let the music speak" It also leaves me with mixed feelings And first of all I want to make it clear that Frida's vocal performance as the main voice is outstanding, and the choirs are very well elaborated. But the song itself, although it's very good, doesn't end up closing me like others It's like there are parts that I like and others that I don't. And that's why I have it in the block of the three that I like the least on the album (and what I think is 7pts) Perhaps two comparisons come to mind: One with the 'mini musical' included in "The Album" which for me is incredible and fascinating in its three songs And I like this song, but it doesn't fascinate me And the other with "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen which also seems to me superior and more cohesive It is clear that at this point Björn and Benny were with the advanced idea of making a musical, and not with their partners Frida and Agnetha And this is a preview of what would come in his future creations outside of ABBA. perhaps the error is mine to resemble "I let the music speak" to both ABBA's mini musical and Queen's smash hit I am also talking about a very good song, where I think the vocals surpass the music But in the high catalog of ABBA it does not enter my Top25 as always, I enjoy your reactions your kindness and musical opening I leave you a big hugh from Buenos Aires, Argentina South America
The song is made up of disparate parts and you wouldn't describe it as catchy. They are exploring new ideas and methods of melodic writing. It's a bit of a rough sort of draft of what was to come with their Chess album where this new type of writing would become more refined. I kind of listen to it with fascination rather than loving every part of it.
This is the ABBA song that caught the attention of the opera world. A world famous opera singer covered this song. It is a song that many pop and rock listeners don't appreciate because a lack of sugar. The masses require a bit of sugar poured in the ear. It is a sophisticated song that certainly the opera world liked and musicians as well.
Not many songs cover as much ground as this does, shift gear so frequently and deftly. While i'm always happy to hear it on the album i don't think it's ever been an earworm, i've never found myself humming it while walking through the supermarket, probably because it does shift gears so often.
This more than any song showed the direction that Benny & Bjorn wanted to go with their songwriting, and in 1984 the album for the Musical Chess arrived.
Hey, folks. So I apologize to seem needy, but I’ve been super-stressed the last couple days and am feeling a bit “lonely” (long story short, I have some unexpected and significant expenses suddenly, and I’m just in a tough spot currently), so any and all emotional support would be appreciated right now. Indeed, these musical journeys have become a central part of my life, as I have so much fun going on them with the kindness and knowledge of you amazing people. As such, I’m going to keep doing as many videos as I can during this period, though for the immediate time being (maybe the next two-three weeks), the flow will likely be slightly reduced. Regardless, to all of you who’ve become friends of the channel and/or a champion of the journeys we go on daily, and to all those who’ve contributed to my channel with donations (shout-out to all the patrons!), thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love and I’ll see you in the comments.
I watch your videos, some not all😂,nearly every day and love your reactions. So stay strong dear man, we are there for you ❤
I´m always looking forward to your reactions and they bring me lots of joy. Hope things will be better soon !!
Hey Matt. No apology required my good man. Look after yourself. Do what you need to do. You owe us nothin. I think are one heck of a great guy and I hope the road smoothes out for you. I send you massive hugs.
Tryin not to get too mushy here. Thank you for being YOU my man❤
I echo everything @DD-58 said in his comment. I think many of us can relate to what you are going through. These lyrics from "I Let the Music Speak" seem appropriate, as it pertains to your reactions:
"I let the music speak, leading me gently,
Urging me like a lover,
Leading me all the way
Into a place
Where beauty will defeat the darkest day"
I hope that you feel less "lonely" as you read these comments of love from your viewers. I wish you peace.
I let the music speak, leading me gently into a place where beauty will defeat the darkest day..... Hope your music will give you some comfort. Big hug from the other side of the pond.
Hi there. I love the way you listen to music! I know this song well, but seeing your first time reactions and expressions adds a new dimension for me. Seeing what aspect of the vocals and instrumentation you are picking up on is fun to watch. One of the things I love about the song is the way it swicthes for 3/4 to 4/4 twice and then at the end it takes the 4/4 melody but plays it in 3/4. What a clever, creative idea. I'm so glad you are going through the ABBA repertoire. So many of the songs are jewels -- so well constructed and arranged and executed. ABBA is really special! (or is it ABBA are really special??!)
This is my fav ABBA song ever and totally musical theatre as you point out. An absolute masterpiece.
Frida slays.
The best of Frida vocal acrobatics. She really slays wickedly as some British people will say.
Frida's voice and vocal technique is something unique...
Sometimes it gives me chills, like in this song and even a little more in "Like an angel passing through my room". What a versatility in one beautiful human being!
Love ❤️ FRIDA
❤️🇨🇱👍
Frida was - and still is - amazing! ❤️
@@flemmingkristoffersen1896
Yeeees... SHE IS ❤️
One of their most sophisticated song !!! 🔥😍😍😍😍
Not only my favorite song on this album but arguably my favorite of theirs overall, certainly a top three. I've said it before and now I'll say it again, this is Frida's album. And she isn't done yet.... She has one more unbelievable performance yet to come. Agnetha has her moment coming up later. The last two songs on this album are knockouts, different yet work together gorgeously. In fact, if I may suggest I would ask they be taken as one song and listened to and reacted as one string and not broken up. You will see why ...
With the bonus tracks there are even three Frida leads left and everyone is different but all of them are great. And not to forget her backing vocals in TDBYC. 🤩
Anyone who at this point in 1981 missed that B&B was in a completely different place than before with this one, probably understood it now. There will be no more "Ring ring" or "Name of the game".. In their minds, the future lies in completely different music. Some people may refer to it as Abba's "Bohemian rhapsody". Maybe worth noting, though, but in the same year, Depeche Mode released their first album "Speak and Spell", and Human League released the single "Dont you want me". Everyone who knows what they are, and other contemporaries understands that the pop group Abba now left the arena of interest for good. Also interesting to note, is that the hottest bands from that time are today forgotten by most people today, while Abba continues to amaze.
Jon Lord on writing a song for Frida:
"Easier said than done when you've got a voice that is that specific and that glorious".
- Jon Lord, 2004
Beyond the Notes, Biography
Jon in interviews said Frida has a very unique sound that she produces that has an embedded emotion.
I have always called that embedded emotion on Frida voice -- sadness and wistfulness.
ABBA aren't justice pop music legends but geniuses at music across and beyond all music genres. Timeless and Eclectic. This number sang by Annifrid to me is the best among all songs in the Visitors album. Few musicians can beat or rival the music and magic of ABBA!
What an incredible song. An incredible journey of sonic bliss. This is not just another ABBA masterpiece, this is something special. Over and over again I am humbled by the talent of these 4 Swedes - its always a journey worth taking. What a brilliant album with much more to come. Thanks Matt 👍
this song is EVRYTHING!
I really love this song! So uplifting and poetic! All though I am not a big fan of the musical genre, I still think this is a great composition, lyric and vocal performance! And again - Frida is so amazingly good! ❤️
One of my favourites.
Amazing. Who else makes music like this?
As I mentioned before, a masterpiece! The next track, One Of Us, another 🥰
Hello everyone. In 1982, when I was still a child at 12 years old, a good friend of mine had an accident and was in intensive care at the hospital. On September 2nd, I was in my room, waiting for my parents who had gone to the hospital to bring me news of my little friend. At that moment, this song was playing on my small cassette radio when my father walked in and announced the death of my friend. Since then, every time this song plays, particularly in its final part, which was the part I was listening to at that moment, I cannot help but feel the immense sadness that overtook me at that time and the tears that I shed throughout that night. Imagine such a dark and melancholic song as the backdrop for receiving such news.
Well, Matt, I completely understand you and I am with you. You don't owe us any apologies. Do what you need to do to continue giving the best of yourself in the pursuit of the happiness that you deserve. All the encouragement in the world to you. Better times will come, they always do. A big hug from Venezuela
Thank you so much, Oscar. Your message brought me a smile in a week where things have been difficult. Big hugs back from sunny California. :)
And thank you for sharing your personal connection to this song. My condolences. Indeed, it really speaks to the way music becomes part of our lives, not just background.
What a lovely and sad story ❤ thank you for sharing.
Stunning Track and stunning Vocals.
Great review ❤
This is a really good analysis of the song, one that I have never thought of myself: The doubleness of the words on music flowing through the narrater, surrounding her, as a pivotal part of her being in the world, and then, on the other hand, heavy, lonely and painfully beautiful instrumentation and vocals (which are so beautiful here). I think you're right, and we don't need to choose between either of these dimensions. As always with ABBA, it's both uplifting and sad. Normally the music is uplifting and the words are sad. But here it's the other way round. Interesting.
Cheers, really appreciate that comment. It feels like everyone is contributing so much to the ABBA deep-dive in the comments, so it's nice to know some of my remarks can prove fruitful too.
@@mattsnider2667 They're very fruitful indeed.
This song is a masterpiece. Vocally, Frida shines. Musically it is a kind of syncretism, typical of ABBA. Classical and baroque music, with an unmistakable touch of music, I would say Ukrainian, Slavic. I love this song.
It was the first time I heard this song and I really liked it, a wonderful song. It sounds like a part of a musical ❤
This is one of my many favorite ABBA songs 🌞
Another thing, I appreciate that there are now subtitles under your videos, Matt, because I can't always hear everything very well and I don't speak enough English to guess what you're saying. 🙏
Nice, I'm happy RUclips seems to be getting subtitles into my videos faster now. And yes, what a beautiful, powerful tune about music and our personal lives.
Wonderful. Great job guy.❤
If I’m not mistaken, this song describes the process undertaken by Bjorn when coming up with lyrics for a song. After he and Benny (or in the case of Voyage, mainly Benny by himself) have composed the music and a rough backing track of the music without words is made, he will take it home and listen to it and see what “story” the music suggests. From there, he will write the lyrics accordingly.
Separately, I really enjoy your reactions - no frills and highly articulate and interesting. Thank you and hope things start looking up for you soon.
This song would fit right into the Sound of Music.
This is one of my absolute favorites. Its a tad pretentious, but beautiful and again the imagery is wonderful. One of Frida's best vocals as well.
I have never tired of hearing this.
I recommend you a Spanish singer her name is Diana Navarro with the song "El perdón" she is a very versatile singer. She sings different musical styles with a very personal voice and incredible melismas. She always transmits.
A couple of years ago I heard Frida in a Radio interview. At the end the DJ asked if there was a song she'd like them to play and she chose this one as a favourite.
It is no surprise that they wrote the musical 'Chess' and later in 1995 the musical 'Kristina från Duvemåla' in Swedish (which is my favourite post-ABBA work by Benny & Bjorn)
I heard that as well.
yes that was in BBC radio 2 ,Zoe Ball interview the week that Voyage was out and outsold everything.She was asked for some fave Abba song with her on the lead or smth.Well tbh i was expecting her to chose 'One Man one woman" but she surprisingly did a more alternative 'non-radio friendly' choice.Twas a great interview.Very emotional.Especialy when she was asked "how do you want to be remembered by people".I cried my eyes out listening to her answering.Twas how i felt too and what i/we many of us/ had in our minds.Very heartfelt.
I love watching your videos and you going through all ABBA. This journey reminds me how incredible Frida, Agnetha, Benny and Björn are. If it can help, listening to ABBA's music is comforting. And ofcourse, your best friend Lukka (Luka?) is more than any other person or words the best anti-solitude remedy you can have. My former cat Felix has comforted me a lot and next month (after a year since Felix died) Ceasar will make his entrance here. Take care of yourself, we all stand with you as well as Lukka and ofcourse, the music.
Thank you so much! Truly, it's a testament to how wonderful ABBA fans are that many of you have reached out and helped me feel better in a tough time. And you're right, it's amazing to learn about all the members of ABBA, hear their contributions to the different songs and albums, and get a sense of what this band has meant to people over the decades. Cheers to you, thanks again. :)
Their is a part of the song with an incredibly long phrase, without taking a breath. Frida is a master at diaphragmatic breathing.
My first Frida solo reaction will be up later this morning. Your comments are well-timed. :)
Stay well, Matt. As much as I am loving your Voyage (ha ha) through ABBA's catalogue, do whatever you need to take care of yourself.
As beautiful as Frida sounds, Agnetha's backing vocals are my favorite part of the song.
The harmonies are so beautiful and well crafted so I agree with you.
This song reminds me of the mini-musical at the end of Abba the Album, but this time they combined all the different scenes into one song. Deliciously theatrical.
This song is basically a preview of their musical Chess. It's the forerunner of the Where I Want To Be track in the Chess score.
I'm not a huge fan of Musicals but I did thoroughly enjoy 'Chess' when I was taken to see it by a former girlfriend. My favourite track from the score is '"The Russian and Molokov / Where I Want to Be" and this absolutely sounds like it could be the prelude to that. Another great song.
I thought ‘where I want to be ‘ from Chess sounds like ‘ I have a dream’😊
It's a kind of song that knocks you instantly. Only those who understand what music is will know what I mean. Frida's voice is something unique and when Agnetha contributes with her voice the sound of the two voices look like a magic thing from heaven. Definitely ABBA is not from this world.
You can hear Chess in every note of this one. It’s wonderful!
It probably contradicts most of the opinions, but I will respectfully express my feelings.
And I am going to repeat myself in something that I said for another previous song
"I let the music speak"
It also leaves me with mixed feelings
And first of all I want to make it clear that Frida's vocal performance as the main voice is outstanding,
and the choirs are very well elaborated.
But the song itself, although it's very good, doesn't end up closing me like others
It's like there are parts that I like and others that I don't.
And that's why I have it in the block of the three that I like the least on the album
(and what I think is 7pts)
Perhaps two comparisons come to mind:
One with the 'mini musical' included in "The Album"
which for me is incredible and fascinating in its three songs
And I like this song, but it doesn't fascinate me
And the other with "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
which also seems to me superior and more cohesive
It is clear that at this point Björn and Benny were with the advanced idea of making a musical,
and not with their partners Frida and Agnetha
And this is a preview of what would come in his future creations outside of ABBA.
perhaps the error is mine to resemble
"I let the music speak"
to both ABBA's mini musical and Queen's smash hit
I am also talking about a very good song, where I think the vocals surpass the music
But in the high catalog of ABBA it does not enter my Top25
as always, I enjoy your reactions
your kindness and musical opening
I leave you a big hugh from
Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America
The song is made up of disparate parts and you wouldn't describe it as catchy. They are exploring new ideas and methods of melodic writing. It's a bit of a rough sort of draft of what was to come with their Chess album where this new type of writing would become more refined. I kind of listen to it with fascination rather than loving every part of it.
This is the ABBA song that caught the attention of the opera world. A world famous opera singer covered this song.
It is a song that many pop and rock listeners don't appreciate because a lack of sugar. The masses require a bit of sugar poured in the ear.
It is a sophisticated song that certainly the opera world liked and musicians as well.
Very pre-chess.?❤
Not many songs cover as much ground as this does, shift gear so frequently and deftly. While i'm always happy to hear it on the album i don't think it's ever been an earworm, i've never found myself humming it while walking through the supermarket, probably because it does shift gears so often.
kitty cat don't like the slow stuff?
This more than any song showed the direction that Benny & Bjorn wanted to go with their songwriting, and in 1984 the album for the Musical Chess arrived.
Never heard before😮.... a bit too messy...but not bad😊
I'd rather say sophisticated than messy...
💥👍🙏