ABBA's Vocal Force - Agnetha & Frida | Reunion
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- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- When I listened to ABBA’s new album "Voyage" for the very first time, one element, to me, was defining the entire album: the voices of Frida and Agnetha. In my first impressions, I called the experience of this album "women power at its very best". Let’s bring together quotes from their friends and colleagues. Join me for a celebration of the union of Frida and Agnetha, an homage to the vocal force of ABBA.
0:00 Intro
1:18 Agnetha & Frida - Marvellous Craft (Tretow)
2:21 Agnetha & Frida - "The Most Important Ingredient" (Benny)
3:02 Agnetha & Frida - "It Was Amazing" (Tretow & Björn)
3:44 Professionalism & Craftsmanship (Jörgen, Björn & Benny)
5:02 Voyage - An Unforgettable Experience
6:35 Outro
---
Written, narrated, recorded & edited by Bobby’s Brother.
Music by Europaweite Aussichten: • Europaweite Aussichten...
Bobby's Brother on Instagram: / bobbysbrother72
#abba #voyage #reunion 
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There's a performance of "Thank You For The Music" live on TV where Frida is staring at Agnetha and smiling while she sings. It's such a lovely moment. They are all gathered around a piano.Frida wasn't too happy during this time in her life...she was newly divorced..but when she's watching Agnetha sing she's just beaming and looking so PROUD
I remember that. For me ABBA was the best thing getting trough difficult times in your life. The lift up your spirit.
@@CristinavdfV Totally agree with you!! Greetings from MÉXICO 🇲🇽🥰
A magical musical moment indeed!
@@dianaramirez3468 Hello ABBA fan from Mexico......I am a dutch fan.
I think that might be their last ever together (until Voyage), in 1982, though nobody knew it was going to be at the time: ruclips.net/video/kDWAD65EPPk/видео.html - just an almost informal performance in a BBC studio (end of an episode of the LLBS, I think).
Nobody can sing ABBA like they do . They are simply abba. Their voices are unique and it is magical. They are true professionals
I feel blessed to have grown up with ABBA. hearing these beautiful voices my entire life 🥰
It is very very rare to find voices like Agnetha and Annifrid with perfect pitch and tone,but to find and bring two perfect singers together in unison to create a third voice is so unique that the world may never ever see it again, these two beautiful angels were brought together by chance ,a special moment in time and place that is as phenomenal as a solar eclipse. How fitting is the cover of the VOYAGE album to represent the reunion of these two ANGELIC voices again 40 years later to reinforce the love of ABBA for the older fans and inspire new generations of fans.One song that Agnetha sings and Annifrid harmonises with her that absolutely brings tears to my eyes and lifts me into a surreal mind with them is "I've Been Waiting For You",this song ,for me is a defining moment and an example of what they can achieve, magical and mystical.
That's the whole thing. Agnetha and Frida. Their connection. The electricity that flows through them. Two distinct yet compatible voices. But it is also their souls. Their spirits. They unite and compliment each other. This is what stays with me all these years. The sound of them is more than what I hear, it is what I feel. Name any song of theirs that touches you and then listen again and think of what you are hearing. It is magic.
The combination of Frida and Agnetha's voices has always been ABBA's identity. A unique and exclusive sound, in such a beautiful and perfect harmony of voices, that enchants us and makes us want to hear more and more. They sing from the heart and the connection is perfect.
Thank you Frida and Agnetha, we love you forever.
Thanks Bob.
To me, the magic of Agnetha and Frida’s vocals on Voyage is they still sound like themselves when singing in “third voice” unison, even if they are not singing at the same stratospherically high pitches as in the 70s and early 80s. I love that Agnetha is not afraid to make expressive use of her lower voice, particularly on a song like “I Could Be That Woman,” when she lets her voice crack to show the emotional distress of the woman narrator, but still show flashes of her “younger” voice when she sings “You’re not the man you should’ve been.” As Frida herself said in a BBC Radio interviewer, Agnetha is a gifted storyteller in all three of her lead vocal Voyage songs. For her part, Frida amazes with the sheer power of her voice in “No Doubt About It,” her showing off her baritonal range in “Ode to Freedom,” and also showing poignant expressivity reaching for that high note in that final “I still have faith in you” in the song of the same name. It has been such a gift to hear the two of them singing Benny and Björn’s songs again after nearly 40 years.
Beautifully said, I couldn't have expressed it better! ❤️
The immense talent of each of them, the voice control, range and emotion that comes through is simply extraordinary when they combine. Words cannot describe the beauty and effect of Frida and Agnetha joining their voices. Simply wonderful, maybe a taste of heaven!
You can never talk enough about this incredible vocal duo.
The way these two singers sound together is divine and beyond any explanation.
How could you explain a wonder?
@@christianoazzuro6711
Well, their genes may have played the main role...
At least I think so...
Do you agree?
Besides, there are many countless factors that made it happen...
And you're probably trying to tease me as I've already said "it's beyond explanation"... 😊
@@Mario-xr3jo Hey Mario ...yes i teased you in a well intented way/mood.Cause as U said it 'it's beyond explanation".It feels like heaven made this decision for these 2 girls to meet and co-exist.Their meeting plus their Benny/Bjorn unison was A cosmic thing in the musicverse.Cheers.
@@christianoazzuro6711
I think it was more of a fortunate coincidence rather than the girls' decision to meet in the first place.
But it all started with the boys who decided to write songs together. That's for sure.
And then they invited their girlfriends (who by that time had been acclaimed independent artists) to join.
@@Mario-xr3jo 'fortunate coincidence"...
I keep this.The 2 words i couldn't find that you did.
The perfect harmony 🌟❤🎶🪻🪽
For me, these two women’s voices are the perfect combination of heaven and earth, mother nature meets fallen angel. Frida’s soothingly intense natural resonance rising to meet Agnetha’s poignantly powerful angelic wailing. They merge in the stratosphere, where the gods gather and sing.
Definitely the best sound of ABBA. ❤❤❤❤
Michael B. Tretow said it all brilliantly. Agree with his words 100%.
Frida's and Agnetha's vocal unison is the ABBA identity.It's a divine unpreceded result that has a solid stamp that just CAN'T be replicated.It's Utopic.And their vocal and visual chemistry are out of this word.As another fan once kinda wrote 'it's a 'Universal treasure" to the recording music domain and i'm so grateful that i was given the chance to experience it for once again in 2021.When i heard the chorus of DSMD i couldn't believe my ears.That rich heavenly Abba sound was back again after 4 decades of drought.I sobbed.
Agnetha and Frida are the voices and the heart of ABBA, the great weight of the whole group was in them, in their feet and in their heads, and they certainly knew how to fit together perfectly, a dual dynamic force difficult to match, uniting their lives, personalities, beauties, charismas and talents in a healthy professional and loving, caring and respectful competition with each other, a sisterhood of powerful and extraordinary women. Joining their voices to achieve something unique, special and unrepeatable. Björn and Benny have the music, but without Frida and Agnetha, there is no ABBA... ❤
No offense to Benny and Bjorn's musical genius, but the best decision they ever made was to put the women as the lead vocalists. There is nothing more beautiful on the face of the earth than the voices of Agnetha and Frida soaring over all the brilliant musical arrangements. I was hooked at the age of 13, and now, at the age of 60, my love hasn't waned. I will always be grateful that I got to see them live at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. I couldn't believe I was there, in the same room breathing the same air. They were amazing in concert and, to this day, the LOUDEST concert I have ever been too!
I agree ! I was blessed to be at their 2 concerts in Sydney, Australia, 1977. Everyone knows the pouring rain in "The Movie" well, I was in the 3rd row that night, actually sitting on the centre aisle right next to the Panasonic movie camera that was filming footage for the movie. Not many people realise how LOUD ABBA were in concert. I was gob-smacked hearing that volume of noise, but everything was so clear, no distortions, nothing. Just sheer VOLUME, they were so loud and absolutely fantastic !
@@dubhla Oh you were there at an amazing time! The HEIGHT of ABBA mania in Australia and at that famous rainy concert...fabulous!! You lucky person!!! The US was still behind the times on ABBA back then. It was very hard to find ABBA memorabilia and I don't think The Movie ever opened in NYC! Thanks for sharing! Oh by the way...how was it seeing the full Girl with the Golden Hair! I think my favorite ABBA song/performance is "Get on the Carousel" from the Movie. WONDERFUL song!
@@supertrouper2550 It was all fantastic supertrouper. The Girl With The Golden Hair was amazing, although they were all new songs, the production, costume changes had everyone transfixed. I'll NEVER forget hearing Get On The Carousel that first time, it was so "punchy", LOUD, it was so rock style, more than I ever expected from ABBA. I'm so glad it made it into the Movie !! You can find some audience recordings here on RUclips, the quality is often bad but it gives you the full musical, eg, the narrator linked every song and progressed the story whilst the girls changed outfits etc, there's even some lyric changes from how we know these songs now !
@@dubhla I've seen a bit of it. I never knew there was a narrator. And for all the work that Benny and Bjorn did for Broadway, THERE was the most interesting story to do for Broadway! But it sounds like they were trying to do something theatrical with the narrator part. Wow, just wow. So happy to hear how amazing it was. And yes, once again, I was DEAF after the ABBA concert! LOL
Absolutely agree. Whenever there was a Bjorn lead vocal on an album, the Abba sound went out the window for me. Benny has always said that he was happy playing at the back and left all the work to the girls.😂
I will NEVER forget the moment when I heard the Ladies come together for the first time on an album I experienced in real time, like you also described, BB, on the line "There was a union" in "I Still Have Faith In You"!!! My dominant thought throughout was: "How I've missed those two voices!!!" My favorite quote has to be Agnetha saying: "It's just like our voices marry each other" - I couldn't think of a better description!
These two women are extraordinary. Love them. This group thrilled us and still does to this day
By far, the most emtional part of Voyage was hearing Agnetha and Frida singing together / - I remember back in the 80's - in the gay clubs in Sydney - asking DJ's to play Abba and always thanking them when they did - and of course the Abba nights - we kept their music alive - i am very proud to have been a part of that - being on that dancefloor ❤
I can't stop listening to the Album Voyage, we are so blessed to hear the sound of Abba again, for me one of my favourite Albums along with the Visitors. These two women are a force when singing together and as individuals in Abba . The Abba sound and third voice of them together in harmony is pure magic.
No one can sing ABBA songs like Agnetha and Frida. They are the ABBA sound. These two beautiful, gifted and heavenly ordained voices give life to the music creations of Benny and Bjorn. Mary artists have recorded ABBA songs but they are not the same. This distinctive sound is unique to Agnetha and Frida. The blend is heavenly. They were born to sing together. It was like they sang with all their hearts but from deep within also that being their spirit and souls. Benny and Bjorn struck gold with these two stunning naturally beautiful girls. They were beautiful in sound and vision. The combination is mind blowing. Benny and Bjorn combined and Frida and Agnetha. What a Union. Bjorn said it all began organically. I think it's much bigger than that. It was divinely ordained to happen. I can't pick one song where they sing together as being my favourite. Every song is a masterpiece when your hear the blend. ABBA Thank you for the music. 👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️🎵
Individually they are superb. Together they are unique! I can listen to their music forever, their harmonies are perfection.
'Individually they are superb/together unique" Hats off man,So well discribed.
There’s never been a better blend. When they sing together, it’s like one huge voice. And yet their voices are sort of distinctive.
Agnetha and Frida are pure MAGIC!
I’m from the uk and was born in 1970 , I grew up with ABBA , forget Elvis and the Beatles. There is no comparison, ignore the music Snobs. There is a Heavenly feel to the way these ladies voices mingle along with the magnificent writing. Just listen to the opening of when all is said and done, and super Trouper., they sound like angels. My favourite is the way old friends do, almost brings me to tears every time I hear it. This all takes me back to a time when the world was so much more fun and so very much kinder , where did it go so wrong!
Yes, ABBA p__s all over The Beatles, in every way.
I first heard ABBA in 1974 - I was almost 3 and I was spellbound. As I grew I started to appreciate the technical abilities of Agnetha and Frida. No one an tell a story in a song like Agnetha and she still remains my all time favourite singer to this day, Frida is also up there and there are some Frida led ABBA songs that I can’t imagine Agnetha singing, and vice versa. When they sing together there us a magic that no one else has ever managed - you could have a hundred singers and never get that ABBA sound because the ladies were and still are so incredibly talented.
As Benny once said: “Who are we without our ladies? Initials of Brigitte Bardot?”. Agnetha and Frida are the essence of ABBA. They are excellent on their own and simply unbeatable in unison. When they sing together, it feels like some kind of magic, it just grabs you.
4:48 this shot has kind of an emotional impact to see.That familiar look.Those smiles,the joy of recording TOGETHER.It's like 'Hallo there!...Ok,folks!,now here we are again,Back to work for you ....as you wished....like good old days.....would you believe this?!"
You are spot on when you said those two combined voices are unbeatable.
The girls are immense talents on their own, but as a team, a duo, with ABBA, they become "one" without losing their individuality. As they have gotten older they have aged like a fine wine, the flavor not as delicate, but the bouquet is deeper and the aromas are even more complex. :)
Thank you universe for Agnetha & Fridas friendship , their love for each other …their vocals . The most special collaboration of their time
ABBA have been a huge part of my life since I was 8 years old (I'm 56 now!!!)..
Their music and those so very special voices will never be replaced by anyone again.
Regards
From
South Africa
🇿🇦
The music of ABBA is TIMELESS.
It will never be forgotten and never be equalled!
Those of us that grew up listening and enjoying the music that they produced will live with us for eternity.
Fortunately, the new generations who have not experienced ABBA, the opportunity is there for everyone to enjoy, and the great truth about the music of ABBA is that it appeals to humans of ALL AGES.
And that is why no one else can ever cover ABBA songs adequately. The quality, range, strength and power of both girl's voices individually and together just can't be matched, by anyone. No one can sing like them.......period! Carl Magnus Palm said on this topic of so few ABBA songs being covered successfully that "their songs are just too hard to inhabit". Only Agnetha and Frida can do it.
So true, even the other pure velvet singer Karen Carpenter sang a cover version of Thank You for The Music and didn't sing it as good as Agnetha/Abba.
I typically think of Frida and Agnetha as the perfect compliments to each other. There's a contrast in almost every respect, from their appearance, their personalities as well as vocally, that work together through a bond of 'sisterly' affection. The men couldn't have picked a better pair to lead the group even if they hadn't begun dating them and just picked them from blind auditions. Frida is fire to me... red, fiery, sultry, extroverted and playful. Agnetha is ice... blue, shy, reserved, emotional. At least, this is how they came across as performers and vocalists... in their private lives they may have been very different, but on stage and in their videos, they worked so well as 'opposites' but not adversaries. Vocally they complimented each other because of their different ranges, but also with their different vocal techniques and strengths. Agnetha could break your heart with the pure emotion she would put in a song, the lyrics came alive, as if she was truly feeling the words she was singing... of course she could also hit the highest notes B&B demanded of her. Frida was more like a vocal virtuoso. Her flawless pitch, her range, her adaptability to sing a wide range of musical styles, and her projection. She has a masterful grasp of her vocal instrument. How else can you imagine a more perfect pairing? What incredible luck they were matched initially because they happened to be dating two men who were great friends and colleagues.
"Opposites but not adversaries" that's a very good way of expressing it. I think as Agnetha and Frida have said, they drove each other on to greater heights musically and supported one another especially on stage.
ABBA wouldn't be ABBA without the two Lady's, nobody and l mean NOBODY how ever hard they tried could take their place.Every song they sing brings on such emotions,saying that the men have lovely voices too ❤
Agnetha , Frida ont des voix incomparables . Des duos magnifiques . Et j'aime beaucoup l'album Voyage . Merci Bobby pour le partage
And the new album still makes me happy - especially because of their voices …. Thank you Bobby‘s Brother!
Their voices are simply amazing how they harmonize together. Their voices so combined you can't tell who is singing. My favourite song is the name of the game where the song showcases both their voices singing solo parts
Frida and Agnetha have the best voices in the music industry and I mean the best their voices give me goosebumps if you don't like ABBA you don't know music the best group in the entire universe ❤️
Tengo 53 años soy de México y recuerdo perfectamente los años 1978,1979,1980,1981 las canciones de Abba, eran éxitos seguros pero la canción de Chiquitita en especial fue un balsamo para mi, creía que eran Angeles cantando a niñas que fuimos abusadas a tan corta edad, y hoy creo que esa canción es un referente universal para mujeres, niñas y niños adolescentes .
Y cuando escuche VOYAGE tomaba mi café y me deje llevar por la letra y música y concluyó con esto
ABBA...GRACIAS POR LA MÚSICA QUE ME HACE SENTIR FELIZ!!!!
Saludos desde México Adriana 💖 🇲🇽
The thing about these two ladies is that when they start to sing that they give you the feeling that they are singing just for you. Not many artists have that quality. It is old fashioned hard work and a lot of experience and love for what they do.
To me it's always been a pity that 'I know him so well' has never been recorded with the voices of Agnetha and Frida. I really think that - without detracting from the performance of Elaine and Barbara - it would have become another smash hit. And moreover, it would have been a perfect proof that their magical unison could make a song shine brighter than anyone else ever could reach.
I share your thoughts on "I Know Him So Well"!!!! Since the first moment I heard this track I have always regretted it wasn't written for the ABBA ladies! 😢
Many fans and critics describe the magical mix of Agnetha and Frida’ s voices as HEAVENLY and it would be hard to find a better description than that.
The secret is perhaps the instant familiarity and uniqueness blended perfectly together whenever the two songstresses sing together in an ABBA song. That mix is just so pure and so potent that one feels elevated to celestial heights.
'Heavenly" and right now 2 things hit my mind...Their unison in the final chorus of 'Put on your white Sombrero" and that ending in 'Just a notion".Angelic.I could swoon from the pleasure i get.
@@christianoazzuro6711 Agreed. I was actually going to mention Put on Your White Sombrero as well. The ladies' unison sounds other wordly.
Wonderful, Bobby, Once again. Abba are just pure joy, even' when they sing sad songs. They have been a source of absolute pleasure all my life. In what is a such a shit^ty world not only do they entertain me, the vastness of their talent almost overwhelms you. You put on their music and remind yourself what is good about life.
The way you present your videos, so professionally edited, make my love to ABBA even bigger every time I watch them. I have to thank you effusively for all these gifts. I also would say that the voices of Agnetha and Frida are the purest soul of the sound of ABBA. I just thrilled when almost 40 years after their last album I could listen to their new songs. If I have to remark some of the parts I love I could say Agnetha's voice in "I can be that woman" or Frida's "I still have faith in you". But there are so many... Now I remember Frida in The king has lost his crown or Agnetha in The winner takes it all.
Two beautiful sisters with the most amazing and enchanting voices that will always be treasured for many years to come Thank u our angels ❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
My top moment when they sing in unison is on Put on Your White Sombrero, I think it’s just so powerful.
In terms of Voyage, I can still remember that first time hearing I Still Have Faith in You, so emotional a moment hearing Frida again. My other standout moment is Ode to Freedom, for me it’s one of their greatest tracks
Ode to freedom is a highlight for me too
Simply put, the best voices in pop music ever. Each in their own right and when combined.. no contest. There are so many memories and moments, the list would be very long. But one of the best moments to me has always been when in Wembley, performing Chiquitita comes the slow part. Those harmonies, live, is the magic. That`s it. Sure there are fantastic moments in most of their songs, but in that moment, there`s something unreal even. It is so beautiful. And in Hole in your soul, the slow part. Again, in that Wembley concert in 1979. Thank you for putting this together. They can`t get enough credit for their contribution to this phenomenon called Abba.
I agree with your words 100% and for me are Agnethas and Fridas voices from the beginning the heartpiece of ABBA ❤️❤️🌹🌹 and they sing out all their feelings - joy, happiness, harmony and also pain and Sadness… 💗
Absolutely fascinating video BB, yes Agnetha & Frida were the sound of Abba, their voices unbeatable. I also can’t get over how after 40 years their voices are still so strong. Amazing…My favourite moments of their voices together are on ‘Put On Your White Sombrero’, I get cold shivers when the girls voices come together mid song & the chorus of ‘Just Like That’, it sounds so crisp & fresh, please Abba release it for your fans, I still feel it’s one of their best choruses, the girls voices sound so joyous. Agnetha & Frida, we salute your amazing voices & professionalism… A great video BB, thank you…
Since you refered to Voyage album...
In my standard fave top 3 Abba albums the VOYAGE LP is off this list ,. cause for me ,despite not being the "bestest" Abba album, it's a category on its own and has a huge 'sentimental quality' impact that tops them all ever since 2021 and that's for personal and deeply emotional reasons.I feel a wholehearted gratitude and the haunting aura of all the new tensioned memories it carries.And believe me , whenever i listen to this album there are always moments that make my eyes teary especially by the time i reach to the end with the closer, that's "Ode to Freedom".
I just like them, all 4 of them. Since I first heard them back in 1974... a day after EU song contest. :-) They are so NORMAL, natural,and great artists, professionals.
Sempre ...Agnetha e Frida é tudo ❤❤❤
Está bien que los chicos elogien por fin a las damas, ABBA es un pack de cuatro y nunca hubiese existido sin ninguno de ellos.
Las voces de Agnetha y Frida son grandiosas solas o conjuntas, se nota el respeto y amor que sienten una hacía la otra y eso se nota y plasma en sus canciones, como dijo Frida, Agnetha es mi hermana pequeña, todo lo hacemos juntas.❤❤❤❤❤
Hi Bobby's Brother,
I liked it when you say Women Power, instead of Girl Power that was said by the Spice Girls. I know it was said that Agentha was trying to give the lower voice and Frida was trying to give a higher voice like that were competing with one another, but that was on the surface, they are mates and in harmony with one another. Like they were in one of my favourites, Knowing me Knowing you. On the moment when Frida was singing at the front and Agentha was singing in the background repeating what Frida was singing. (eg. Singing: With me, Always, Bad days.) Anthony UK.
Their vocal magic lies in the almost conflicting yet dazzlingly exciting alto soprano & mezzo soprano harmonies. They both can use their voices as instruments of fragility and melancholy as well as joy and exuberance! "Move On" & "Don't Shut Me Down"; "Chiquitita" & "Knowing Me, Knowing You" are my favourite examples of this! Thanks Bobby's B ❤
Like John says below, their voices are a taste of heaven.
Voices of Anni Frida and AgnetНa are a miracle, very pleasent to Вe listened, only two voices are to Ве listened Вy me every day.
For me the best sounding moment of Agnetha and Frida singing together comes from the “from a twinkling star to a passing angel” at 5:20. I would really love to hear this version of Like An Angel Passing Through My Room in full as it is for the best one with absolutely glorious vocals from the girl. Also all their vocals performance in ABBA the movie are absolutely outstanding and I am still very eager to get a 77 live album…
ABBA will live Forever. I play there CD's in my truck, till my daughter took those CD's to play in her car. ABBA will live forever.
I Still Have Faith In You is a poignant and mature sequel to The Way Old Friends Do, and the former has a very nice nod to the latter in the line "The joy and the sorrow..."
All Kinds Of Collecting's discoveries in ISHFIY's backing vocals reveal that this nod goes even further in the backing vocals for the second chorus, as they sing "Joy and SOOOORROOOW..." you can almost hear them reminiscing not only when they first sang TWOFD's "Times of joy and times of sorrow...", but particularly when they performed it for a private party in 2016. The soaring O's in all of the mentioned recordings just give me that very same feeling, and it's one of my favourite moments in their entire career.
Frida~Agnetha 🙌Does~it~ever~get~better~than~this
Omg. I was just wondering how unbelievably powerful they are. Even after 40 years of a long break, they somehow brought back that unmatchable original ABBA sound. Thanks BB for making such a nice video appreciating those two golden voices. ❤️
🤩💖🌹🌹🌹🪄🎉✨🌈🌻 Bellissime e Fantastici sia come persone e sia le loro voci paragonabile ad un suono celestiale 💖🌹🌹🌹
That moment the harmonies come in during the verses of "Me & I" made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I first heard it as a child. Decades later, the effect is still the same. Pure magic.
BB, I AM sorry you didn't know what it was like to grow up with ABBA, waiting for the next album, because you describe their sound and their strengths so accurately and eloquently it's as if you were an "old" fan and admirer, like me.
I can hardly add anything to these quotes, except perhaps...Well, consider how heady and intense the experience of such focused talent and effort these 4 band members gave us. Now add onto it the uncertain passion and angst of a young teenager just learning about the bigger world.
Agnetha and Frida were the big sisters I needed, to show me how to work hard but smile, how to be a strong woman, even the fact that being a girl wasn't so bad. I felt less awkward when I remembered they were my role models, singing to me such a wide variety of songs about every tiny facet of life. They expanded my world, the greatest gift.
I was introduced at a young age when AᗺBA first flashed on to the American scene. I was hooked to say the least. Their harmonies were simply sheer perfection and through the years that music became a part of my life. There were there to celebrate all the joys and romances in my life and as well as comfort me during my own painful periods. When they broke up, I can truthfully say that a bit of me died that year. When Voyage was released in the USA, I was overjoyed and truthfully felt re-born anew. The only criticism that I have is that there just wasn't enough of that great music!
Hello guys, reading your comments made my night. I was 6 in 1974, and fell in love so much of both of the girls first, then Abba in its entirety. I was born in a very small town in Italy where English was very uncommon. But still, the sound was unique at that moment to me. Learned english later, moved to the US, kept the same feeling, there was nothing like Abba. But never imagine that 50 years later still they are unique, and that feeling at 6 years old, it is still as alive as then. Thanks guys for your wording.
Thanks BB
They’re such pros vocally but also able to connect with the listener immediately drawing one into whatever story they are telling. It’s really magical.
On getting back in the studio to record the vocals on Voyage Benny was asked if the magic was still there. Did it happen right away. Benny replied Yes it was like they never left the studio. I doubt any other pair who had not sung together for so long could get right back into singing in harmony in an instant like they did. The talent of both ladies being able to do that is amazing, as both their voices have changed a little over time and they still had that magic sound together, without having to try this and that or use electronics to blend things together.
They are awesome together and the sound is not the same when they are apart!! Beautiful voices!!
Their voices are unmatched. They are incredibly talented and what a gift they are to the world.
Thank you again tears in my eyes
My favourites! All of them ! Sweet & Simple ! There will never be another Freida & Agnetha !
There is a particular 'reaction' video where a genuine long time ABBA fan is first listening to songs from 'Voyage'. He's enjoying the opening verses of 'Don't Shut Me Down', but when those two voices join together for the chorus, the emotion of the moment is raw.. That sound was like the return of a much missed old friend.
'That sound was like the return of a much missed old friend'
Yes and even far more than this i could say.That was like a perfumed kiss of life for some millions of fans.I forgot it was 2021 .I felt like a carefree 14yo again and the whole world was .beautiful, safe,perfect.My eyes were burning from the tears i was crying for days.
Too many vocal favourites to mention, however I want to tell you Bobby that I love your voice narrating the story, so calm and welcoming.
Divas ❤
Excellent video, BB, thanks. They were made one for each other on the musical way! 🤩. I insist: they should write a book together 🙏. They are the best singers and human beings. Greetings from México 🇲🇽🥰
Totally agree what Benny said about the 2 Ladies that 90% of tge ABBA sound ! Take them out & you're left with something just ordinary! They were competitve & had a terrific appreciation of each other & above all a terrific friendship 🎉❤
Jon Lord.
The great, late Jon Lord (RIP) has done interviews bragging on Frida's vocal skills, embedded emotion, unique sound, etc...
The following short quote from Jon Lord puts it just right when he was asked about 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, bio
Le tandem Agnetha/Frida est unique au monde sur tous les points de vue.
Merci pour le partage B.B.🙏
Wonderful video! I have some quotes from ABBA audio engineers to add, but first....I am as enamoured as Bobby's Brother with Frida and Agnetha's vocals. It's like a never ending gift, the more I listen to their work. The variety, range, different tones and textures they were capable of. Remarkable. I think Benny and Bjorn took two talented singers and, in continuing to push them musically and in the studio (combined with the girls own artistic ambition) produced a couple of "thoroughbreds." Two of the most competent and professional pop singers ever. To that end, it's interesting to encounter the views of producers and engineers who worked with Frida and Agnetha on post-ABBA projects. They often remark how surprised they were at the level of skill and professionalism they encountered with the girls. One example is the producer of Agnetha's Wrap Your Arms Around Me, remarking *"The thing that surprised me was that she had as many different voices as she has. That she's able to sing so many different types of songs. That surprised me!"*
More: From Stany Van Wymeersch's book The Legacy Of ABBA, Polar Sound Engineer, Lennart Ostlund said: *"When Agnetha did the duet with Tomas Ledin, she was going to do an overdub. One thing one notices when you do an overdub is that you get another voice, you get a double effect, to create a bigger sound. But Agnetha was SO EXACT on the dub, it sounded like an EXACT COPY, not like a double! I must tell you that both Agnetha and Frida are so good as singers, it is easy to record with them. They are two of the world's best singers. You don't have to think much as an engineer; you can just record the harmonies and other vocals right away on tape."*
In another section on Frida, Eight-time Gramy winning producer Gregg Field, who worked with Frida and Arturo Sandoval on their cover of ABBA's Adante Adante...during one vocal mistake Gregg asked if Frida wanted to "punch in" over that part, but Frida said no that's not how they did it in ABBA and she wanted to sing the whole part again. Frida was nervous about being in the studio again, but realized after a few takes, with a big smile that she still had it. Quote: *"Frida began to sing the fifth take and what became the vocal you hear on the recording. It was flawless and breathtaking performance. It was as though the years had melted away. As Frida was recording that take, Henry said, "Look at Frida, she looks 20 years younger," and she did. We then watched as Frida built that ABBA sound. She began by tripling her lead vocals with a precision I have rarely experienced in the studio. She then added the harmony and when finished came into the studio to listen back. For the first time, we all heard Frida's amazing vocals with Arturo's soaring trumpet, and it was very emotional for all of us. In all of the years I have known Frida, I had never seen her so happy and filled with joy as when we first heard the Adante Adante playback.....we all left the studio with hugs and tears."*
Bobby's Brother, if you can, would you consider doing a segment on individual music specials involving ABBA? I am thinking mainly of the Dick Cavett Meets ABBA one. It was broken in to two parts. The first one is an interview between Cavett and the group. He clearly has no idea really how incredibly popular they were, and it's so awkward! But then the magic happens. The curtains behind them suddenly open, and the four members walk around to join the band. We are then treated to a most magical concert. Really, it's the best I've ever heard them live on a TV show. Too often back then they had to lip synch because the arrangements were so complex for a TV appearance. But here, they had their band and they sounded incredible. Just as if they were performing in a small club.
Agnetha's voice has had a hold on me since I was 6 or 7 years old, when I remember hearing 'One of Us'. I was too young to remember them at the peak of their fame, and they split pretty soon after One of Us was released.
For the next 10 years, I hardly heard any ABBA, but if One of Us or The Winner takes it All, came on the radio, I was mesmerised by the voice I heard.
At some point in my 40's I started to listen to ABBA's entire catalogue, and I learned about the brilliance of all 4 members. Today I would list 2 Frida leads (One Man, One Woman and I Wonder) as 2 of my favourite ABBA songs.
Frida's voice is truly remarkable and the magic that happens when both ladies sing together, is a musical gift to the world - but Agnetha claimed my heart many, many years ago, and the more I've learned about ABBA, the more I've fallen for her heavenly voice.
BTW Have you heard the Live version of 'I wonder" as featured in the b side of 'The Name of the Game" single.I like it far better than the album's version,Frida's delivery is 5 star and breaths out such an emotion.
ps..Shame they edited the saxophone solo as originally perfomed in their '77 tour..Fit Perfectly to this song.
Ode to Freedom is my favorite track from Voyage. My favorite moments are when Frida sings lead and Agnatha harmonies
It appeared even clearer to me in 2021 that all ABBA members had a very strong bond together, and that they had much more fun recording songs for Voyage that they had back in 1981/1982. I understand they don't want to be under pressure anymore. But as long as they are alive and well, to me ABBA is still relevant as an active group
Anni-Frid my favorite!!! Performance in every way!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Gooseflesh by so many songs - often hear Abba loud in my car - love it ❤
i love put on your white sombrero their vocals and like the angels sing in the highest pitch✨
One jaw dropping moment for me was when I heard Agnetha joining Frida on the chorus of Put on your White Sombrero. It was so angelic and blew my mind at the sound of them both singing together...wow ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dos damas maravillosas y con personalidades muy definidas. Y es por eso que en su faz como artistas brillan. Cada una, por su talento natural, su perseverancia y profesionalismo. Y desde la sensibilidad y lealtad mutua, logran este ensamble vocal, musical, armonías que brillarán por siempre. Recorren caminos que a pesar de todo lo difícil que les a tocado vivir, lograron superar con honestidad, aprendizaje y sabiduría. Entre todas las canciones, me quedo con los gestos y gracia con la que se brindaron al público. Y con el compañerismo que siempre han demostrado❤. Clau Vivian
Thanks B B Wonderful post...post....I think at all Abba-Songs with Frida & Agnetha, i feel i´am in the sky. Also at the Song "The day before you came", Frida´s operatic interjections....a wonderful....take care B B !
C'è una frase in questo bellissimo video che racchiude tutta la magia Abba, togliete Agnetha e Frida e sostituitele con altre cantanti e Abba scomparirà. La magia sono loro, uniche e mai più ricomparse nella storia della musica. Grazie Agnetha e Frida ♥️♥️
I remember hearing Chiquitita for the second time in 1979 on Radio 1 and being blown away by the start of the chorus - the lush sound of their combined vocals. This was following on from the relative failure of Summer Night City and seemed to announce they were back as strong as ever. I also remember Peter Powell, the DJ at the time, absolutely raving about the song: "You've really got to take your hat off to them,, who would have thought that even they could bring out something like that" etc etc
Frida singing ‘I Wonder’ is pure magic…
Live version '77 i prefer most.She nails it.
Bobby, thank you for this video! Seriously, I'm not sure if I'd still be alive and well today if these two voices had not been around from the time I was age 4. In German I can coin a word for this: Heilschall. Their unique frequencies bring soothing, healing to me. Then, ages later I found out that Michael B. Tretow is the same as Mikael Tretov, the mixer of Choralerna records, a Swedish choir bringing gospel into the "white" European world. We sang their songs in my late teens, in a church youth choir :-)
Are there divinely orchestrated people meeting people happening on the planet? Me: yes, definitely!! See above.
You please keep up the good work ❣
UM BEM HAJAM A ESTAS DUAS CANTORAS FANTÁSTICAS,AGNETHA A DIVA DA SUÉCIA, OBRIGADA BOBY
So many outstanding solo vocal performances from both ladies. I love Fridas beautiful vocal on Like An Angel Passing Through My Room and Agnetha's on The Winner Takes It All. Their voices combined are perfection, together with their harmonies and backing vocals I could listen to songs like Eagle, The Name Of The Game and Ode To Freedom all day long.
So much about Abba is greater than the sum of its parts, but the joint vocal, that third voice they make together, is surely something quite in a league of its own. It's hard to pick a stand out moment but musically its maybe expressed in the mini musical from the 77 tour, wearing identical outfits and wigs when they became this unison character, voices almost indistinguishable at times as they become something else entirely. And the back and forth vocals of Get on the Carousel are spectacular in their precision and wildness.