In the pop world, there is ABBA, then there's everyone else. Benny and Bjorn are the absolute masters of the 3-minute pop song. NO-ONE comes close to them.
You probably didn’t know it, but a bet you heard, in a mall, in a grocery store, a restaurant, a tv commercial, on the news, a movie , a cartoon, one of the biggest selling hits in music history, Dancing Queen. You probably heard it and didn’t know who it was , but it is ABBA. I bet you’ve heard of the movie “ Mamma Mia” which featured songs from ABBA… ( and the sequel)
Agnetha of Abba has one of the best voices of our time. And, not really shown here, together with Annifrid they have a unique mix that makes the 'Abba sound'. They were both known vocalists before Abba, but when they got success, both of them worked very hard taking singing lessons to improve their voices. The composer Benny Andersson is a master of glue. After Abba he has flirted a lot with classical and folk music. Fun fact is that he can't read sheet music.
People sneer when I say ABBA are one of the top three bands of all time. Let them sneer , I know i am right. If writing perfect pop songs was so easy, there would be a thousand ABBA`s - there arn`t !! There is only one with this level of quality.
Benny Andersson uses so much classical motifs in his compositions. ABBA’s music is much more complicated than many people realize. When singers try to add to their music, the entire piece becomes lost and entirely different. In short, they ruin it. Benny’s favorite composer is Mozart and I daresay, that like Mozart, his compositions are full, locked in and complete. Notice also, how tight their harmony is, how the make voices are there in the background, but so integral to their sound, almost like an unnoticed base line which supports and lifts, so that without it, it is not fully ABBA. They are really superlative, because they are not just a band - they are true MUSICIANS. Happy New Year! 🎊🎆 🎉
@Niclas Eriksson as often he has mentioned Mozart. I just saw him in a lengthy interview. Bottom line is he now listens to only classical music and mentioned both composers. And - that there are classical influences in his music! 😁
Agnetha's voice is like medicine for the soul. Karen Carpenter had the same effect as well. Such beautiful,comforting voices that will be entertaining to listen to forever.
"This voice has a tonal quality that communicates experience of having lived a life that is not perfect". This is the first video I've EVER watched of Amy's, but I shall be watching more based solely on this comment. It perfectly encapsulates Agnetha, Frida, and the whole ABBA sound. So perceptive.
Very nice reaction. ABBA is too often frowned upon because of how easy their music is on the ear. But their songs are very well crafted, the melodies so effortlessly beautiful and so catchy. The lyrics are often quite serious and dark. The voices are beautiful and harmonize so well together.
Abba is just a frivolous pop band right? Pop they might be but they produced songs so much better than pop songs ever need to be. They created perfectly crafted songs that deserve to be taken seriously.
OK, being 64 years old I grew up listening to music of all kinds. Fact is ABBA was one of that type of music I really liked a lot, Dear Agnetha Fàltskog had and still has one of the strongest voice's I have ever heard. There are many great ABBA songs you really should hear the one that highlights Agnetha Fàltskog's voice was one of the last songs ABBA released called " Winner Takes It All. Please give it a listen.
ABBA are masters of combining sadness and joy in their songs. "Happy New Year" is by no means in the top ten of their songs. ABBA's Agnetha's "The Winner Takes It All" is possibly THE Breakup song (life experience!). Frida (the other female singer) is as good a singer as Agnetha and they each have a similar number of songs where they sing lead. Their combined singing has been referred to as "a third voice". I would be interested in your opinion. Thank you for such an informed and interesting analysis. I would love for you to do the same for other ABBA songs. Even if you cannot do this I encourage you to hear more ABBA. You will not be disappointed. (Try the 2 songs they released after a 40 year break!)
Absolutely not rock, but that's fine. ABBA are the greatest pop band ever. Despite what others may have said, they've never been out of fashion. Their music is timeless and of exceptional quality, and this comes from a hard rock/metal fan. There'll always be time for ABBA in my life. 👍👍 HNY to all.
After now watching your reaction, if you think Agnetha's voice portrays pain and disappointment, my goodness, you must do The Winner Takes It All. Any does ABBA is a series I could definitely get on board with.
I think there has been much debate over whether ABBA, and many other musical acts, are pop or rock. In fact, in their heyday, ABBA was derided by the music press, especially in the US, as being too "pop," and therefore somehow...inauthentic? I think it's important to remember that rock and pop are not merely genre signifiers, i. e., how the music "sounds." Pop is simply popular music, not classical or traditional folk. Rock is a form of popular music, emerging in the early- to mid-20th century, drawing influences from Southern gospel and rhythm & blues and yes, pop. So to assert that ABBA is "absolutely not rock" is to ignore the biggest chunk of their musical pedigree, the rock music of the 50s and 60s coming from the US and Britain. ABBA may not be a "rock group" in the tradition of Led Zeppelin or the Who, but they are certainly not "not rock." 😊
@jimstewart Thank you man!As a pop music lover and lifelong (and 'suffered' lol) Abba fan i really feel honoured to read many similar comments like this one from you too.HNY.
No such thing as rock and pop. All music genres are same. Many rock and metal groups have ballads and happier tunes and Abba had almost exclusively those. But they are one of the greatest bands basically, among the great bands , rock metal etc
Benny and Bjorn (the two B's in ABBA) were masterful song writers. Not only did they write and produce the dozens of hits for ABBA, but probably a 100 songs for other singers and groups in several languages. As a classical musician myself I was always impressed with the complex melodies and harmonies and excellent lyrics in ABBA's work.
I have read several comments about abba reviews now and you as well as many others write about the members as they wore dead. No, no they are not. However Benny is the one you see sometimes on swedish television as he has a "band" more of a folky band that makes more sophisticated folk dance music nowadays. The name is BAO, Benny Anderssons orkester, so i guess more of an orchestra than a band.
A very special resonance takes place when the two female singers of ABBA sing together. For a while, when I was 12 years old, their song "Knowing Me, Knowing You" was my favorite song. It's quite haunting.
The interresting thing about Benny is that he hasn't had any formal music training. He can't even read notes. So all you hear is through his own exposure to music he's heard, and his own creative genius working with that.
I think ABBA is so intriguing because every song seem to have so many contradictions. It's sounds so easy to sing and play but when you get into it, it shows itself to be very difficult and intricate. The songs are often cheerful in the chorus, but the lyrics are melancoly when you analyse them. Like Benny said in an interview, (paraphrasing here) typical ABBA is a sad lyric in a happy sounding song.
ABBA is the absolute best pop band ever, in my opinion. Their voices, their music composition and all the production elements are just as perfect as anyone could ask for.
ABBA fell out of fashion and became extremely uncool. That opinion of them probably no longer stands as bands such as U2 and Metallica have played ABBA songs on stage. A lot of their catalog is average, albeit very well done, but at their best it is stellar. Tracks such as Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Knowing Me Knowing You, and (of course) Thank You For The Music showed that pop could be perfect.
Being a hard core Pink Floyd fan I was eagerly waiting for the next chapter and reaction/analysis of the The Wall saga. But then when I instead saw the add of this ABBA review I got thrilled because they are so fantastic and closely connected to my childhood. Their repertoire of songs is just amazing and the composition and performance is just brilliant and emotional. Even though a sidestep from the rock avenue it would be highly appreciated if you would do some more ABBA reviews! Happy New Years and greetings from Sweden! Love your channel and looking forward to seeing you immensely in next year!
I was a pretty hard core rocker in 70-80’s. Still am for that matter. Regardless, no one I know objects if someone slips ABBA in the party rotation. They did what they did very very well. I enjoy led their music then and today.
@@SebaZero Thnx for sharing info! Great musicians attracts great musicians and no doubt that the musical genius David also appreciate the geniality of Abba…
Я не знаю, что вам говорил Влад, но я из того поколения, для которого в Советском Союзе эта песня была и остаётся символом Нового года. Из всех слов в ней мы понимали только happy new year, ни про какой 89 год не слышали, но с первого раза безоговорочно и навсегда полюбили эту грустно-счасливую мелодию, этот хрустальный голос, эту гармонию и ожидание чуда. До сих пор большая часть старшего поколения не знает о чем песня, но она звучит в каждой нашей семье накануне нового года. И комментариев под клипом на русском чуть ли не половина, хотя мы не все русские, а больше советские и сейчас живём в разных странах, но АВВА любим, восхищаемся, помним и уважаем
@@MetalGearyaTV но ведь и сейчас особо никто из постсоветских слушателей этому не придает значение- красивая песня, ностальгия по юности. Лично мне значительно ближе тот смысл, который авторы вкладывали в него. Хотя, конечно, слушатели всегда соучастники действия) и 89 год- как пророчество мне импонирует)
@@alnaale6923 речь не о постсовестских слушателях-совках, речь о жителях стран Восточной Европы -- Польши, Чехии, Словакии, Румынии, Венгрии, Восточной Германии -- которых СССР незаконно оккупировал, и для которых 1989 город имеет огромное символическое значение года освобождения от рабства. Понятно, для дорогих россиян он ничего не значит, наоборот, они тоскуют по былой 'силе' и былом 'влиянии'.
@@MetalGearyaTV Активно тоскуют многие, к горю соседей( Но я вам хочу сказать, что и советские республики тоже не в восторге от "старшего" брата были...
Abba's exceptional pop purity is acceptable and acknowledged by many famous rockers/metal/even punk celebrities.Plenty of them do an exeption for ABBA and their special sound and have publicly confessed their apreciation and love for 4 these Swedes.
For me, one of the most beautiful ABBA song. Probably because it speaks to me, as it probably does to most people, from the soul. The world is anything but a perfect place and if you look at humanity, it is unlikely that anything will change so quickly. But we must not lose our hopes and dreams. Who knows what the world will look like in 10 years. For me, it has something of John Lennon's "Imagine" in its message.
Benny and Bjorn should be remembered as being a songwriting super heavyweights. Even after the tour de force that was ABBA they have continued on many musical projects, churning out hits and memorable melodies for decades, and I'm a Pink Floyd and Tool Fan
As with Fleetwood Mac, the separation from their partners and the personal hassle, they went through, lifted their music to new heights. From an already amazing pop based music, the personal involvment and experience enhanced it even more. To think what tensions were present during the recordings of their later songs! To have ex-partners write music dealing with these themes and reflections, the other ex-partner singing these lines, almost unreal. Great presentation of the conflicts on both sides, great compositions and fabulous interpretations followed their personal troubles. And it is always strange, that Agnetha’s fantastic voice and delivery (and Frida’s, as well), hasn’t earned her (them) the spots in the vocalist appraisals Abba’s music really deserves. Agnetha could have ended up as a semi-known german Schlager performer in the late Sixties, astonishing how much further her and the band’s talent and craftmanship led her.
ABBA seem easy to explain but no way.As a fellow fan said 'they made complicated seem simple.And as another fellow fan(my cousin) also added 'Agnetha's and Frida's vocal chemistry is one of a kind.Out of this world.A UTOPIC thing'.Once you fall for them you just can't escape.Apart from the big known classic hits,some great deep cut classical music inspired tracks suggested are 'MOVE ON','I LET THE MUSIC SPEAK' and their 2021 epic 'ODE TO FREEDOM'.
Thank you Alex ,just to add one more deep cut but also very popular amongst Abba fans the rock operatic 'Hole In Your Soul'!(both studio/live tour versions)
I think Agnetha Fältskog, when she was a little girl, was visited by angels who taught her how to sing and maybe coated her vocal chords with some sort of self-rejuvenating organic golden substance. Her voice shines like gold, she breathes life into every song, similar to the way a master actor can carry a whole movie by a far-above-ordinary, incredible acting ability. Anni-Frid adds a unique ingredient as well, similar to the pairing of Stevie Nix and Christine McVie. There is some sort of balance and counter-balance going on that brings a vibrancy to a song.
I think Agneta was one of the best female pop singers of her time. If you delve into ABBA more, please remember that their last few albums (starting with Eagle) are better than their earlier work. As highlights, I would recommend Eagle (full version), the day before you came, the winner takes it all (look up the background of this emotional song for the group), visitors (highly political, anti-authoratorian song). For her voice in depth, see "my love, my life) of ABBA.
For anyone who may complain that this is Pop and not Rock, there will be more Rock in the true sense of the genre to come. A very good choice as a Happy New Year song.
a side comment on your extraordinary and wonderful analysis of the song and the female voices the lead voice here is Agnetha Fältskog (the blonde), her voice is pure soprano, she stands out more in the high tones, she is an excellent storyteller (here she shows it) she stands out for her most fragile tone in the most heartbreaking songs At the beginning of her, she had the famous singer Connie Francis as a model the second voice here is Anni-Frid 'Frida' Lyngstad (the brunette), her voice is a mezzo soprano, she shines more in the low tones and is more versatile In her beginnings she was a jazz singer and led your own group both combined complement each other in an extraordinary way, achieving the so-called 'third voice' of ABBA
On now you've done it, abba is a sonic goldmine.they are greatness embodied. Try slipping through my fingers,I let the music speak and if you are brave the winner takes it all. Abba are pure music, they are always authentic and down to earth. They released a album in 2021 and the voyage concert,see the trailer on RUclips,not bad for a comeback,they are all in their 70s! AGNETHA still has that delicate powerful soprano voice now ! I saw them live in 1977 in Perth, every concert after that wasn't as good
Bjorn and Benny are masters of melody and arrangement. Both started their careers in the 60s, Bjorn in the Swedish folk band The Hootenanny Singers, and Benny in the pop The Hep Stars, commonly referred to as "the Swedish Beatles". Benny had classical piano training, along with learning folk accordion from his grandfather. All of these influences find their way into the music. They got that really full vocal sound by layering the girls' vocals multiple times.
You are the reactor Abba deserve! Maybe someday you could listen to Ode to Freedom, the last track on their final album released in 2021 when they were all over 70 years old...it is classically influenced like several of their songs but the two songwriters started their careers obviously influenced by traditional Scandinavian folk music.
THEY "ARE' just great musicians, they where larger than VOLVO in revenues to their country they were that good in those days and volvo was (not sure if still is) a great car in my opinion
some observations, with all due respect, from my point of view, for some comments here in the comment section about ABBA 'not exactly' I think "Happy New Year" was recorded in February 1980. At that time, the blonde singer Agnetha Fältskog and the guitarist-composer Björn Ulvaeus had already been separated since Christmas 1978 (more than a year ago). Agnetha and Björn's divorce had already been processed, and it took place in July 1980 The couple of the pianist composer Benny Andersson and the brunette singer Anni-Frid 'Frida' Lyngstad separated between the end of 1980 and the beginning of 1981 ABBA was very professional, they continued as a quartet 4 years after the first separated couple, and the last 2 years without being a couple and after 35 years the four of them recorded together again, which shows that They knew how to overcome their sorrows and in last May 2022 all four ABBA members asist to the premiere of the new Voyage concerts at the new ABBA Arena in London UK the ages of all ABBA members now is 72 Agnetha ; 76 Benny ; 77 Björn & Frida
To understand the sadness in the voice of Agnetha - esp. in this song - one must know, that this song was released in January 1980. This is also the year of the divorce of Agnetha and her husband Björn Ulvaeus (the Man at the window). While singing the lyrics. probably both knew exactly what this new year will bring for them. "Happy new year" and another song of ABBA - called "The winner takes it all" - are surely reflecting the autobiographic thoughts about his fading love Björn had, while creating this two songs.
ABBA is my childhood. It's my Mom's favorite music, we always listened to them and I could sing all their melodies even before I could speak (so Mom tells me, I don't remember, of course). Now I listen to their songs every now and then and it always takes me to a very special happy place in my memories. But I also always note how beautiful and tasteful ABBA's songs are, not only the music, but the lyrics also, something you can understand only when you've grown up and had some experience in life. Happy New Year, everyone!
Abba is pure perfection!!!! And Agnetha’s voice, like an angel passing through my room. I haver stopped admiring them, their music, their voices, specially Agnetha’s.
Your analises of this song is so good that makes me cry. i play abba a lot on my grand piano and i like you to do more reflections on their music, Thank you so much, you are wonderful. greetings Peter
S.O.S.(1975) is the second worldwide hit to ABBA, the sing with begins definitely the ABBA era, and the sing that gives ABBA their identity as a pop group but tve first ABBA worldwide hit is Waterloo, the winner song of Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton UK 1974 both, Waterloo & S.O.S, are masterpieces, with Dancing Queen (1976) are in my Top3 (Podium) of all ABBA songs
@@eduardooscar309 Yes, you and Pwecko are right. In the US, I think "SOS" is the first song most of us heard from ABBA, and people probably backtracked and listened to "Waterloo" here. That's a song that makes more sense to Europeans. "SOS" has a baroque quality to it that I like a lot, and the melody was a bit Beatlesque, which played well in the States.
@@EddieReischl , "Waterloo" was a worldwide smash hit, included #6 in US Billboard 1974 a year later ABBA go to TV in U.S. and "S.O.S." pick at #15 in US Billboard 1975
Coming from a 'western' country, it's easy to overlook the significance of the '89 lyric. It's spookily prescient, and adds meaning to the song that could never have been foreseen when the song was written.
I think that's the genius of ABBA. Not many can analyze and explain this song as beautifully as you, but everyone can feel it when listening to the song.
ABBA disbanded over 40 years ago and reunited after a GAP of 40 years and bad an international hitwith their "Voyage" album. Also a purpose built arena for their ABBAtar show. More ABBA PLEASE. It is not ONE female singer but TWO!
Far from being a fan of pop or light rock, I believe this song deserves its place on this wonderful channel. Nicely composed, the lyrics are quite deep - yet without moralizing pathos. Fits well on the occasion it proclaims. )
One of my favorite of their songs. I saw an ABBA tribute band a few years ago on New Year's Eve (Abbamania -- very talented!), and they actually DIDN'T play this song! Another great one is "Andante Andante." What brilliant pop/melodic songwriters Benny and Bjorn are. They're up there with Lennon, McCartney, Brian Wilson, and few others.
This is my favorite new years tune. It’s kind of melancholy but hopeful, and it feels apropos. I really do think ABBA are masters at crafting pop songs. They are almost never boring and always catchy. Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson are amazing composers and songwriters, and Agnetha has a beautiful voice.
I discovered your channel today. This is the first video I have watched of yours. This is by far the BEST analysis of ABBA's "Happy New Year" that I have ever seen. Great comments, great insights, and I am so glad you enjoyed the sentiments of the song. I, too, hope for "a world where every neighbor is a friend." If you would like to listen to more ABBA, may I suggest an analysis of "The Winner Takes It All"? I would love to hear your thoughts on that song. Many have called it ABBA's masterpiece.
hello for the first time Thank you for your reaction to ABBA songs. This is a classic ABBA song for all dates of December/January A beautiful song with a soft melody at the beginning, a melancholic lyrics with the beautiful and very sweet interpretation of the blonde singer Agnetha, a brilliant chorus with the brunette Frida (especially the powerful of his second voice in the second and third verse) and a catchy chorus with the melody that grows and falls in love All the ingredients of ABBA The lyrics are very emotional, contrasting with a very catchy chorus. It's not funny, it's melancholic, but it has a message of hope. "Happy New Year" (1980) is a great song from the album "Super Trouper" (which includes the song of the same name and "Winner Takes All" among others) It has a version in Spanish: "Felicidad" which was success here in my country Argentina "Happy New Year" has two official ABBA videos, in English and Spanish, a TV performance in France 1980, and a new official ABBA lyric video in 2022. Last November 2021, ABBA released a new album "Voyage" (after almost 40 years) which included a Christmas song titled "Little Things"; it was released as a single and ABBA donated its royalties to UNICEF, as they did earlier in 1979 with "Chiquitita". My best wishes to you with good music. My best regards from Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷 South America happy new year 2023
Interestingly, you stumbled upon the melancholy in Agnethas voice. This is a feeling that is well known in Sweden and pervades almost every aspect of Swedish music. Every ABBA song, even the happy ones has this melancholic undertone and it's beautiful.
Abba was a favorite of my parents at the time and from 78 to about 84 were mainstays on our car trips. This one and the Super Trouper album were one of my favorites as a kid. It seemed a sad but hopeful song especially considering the two couples had split by that point so the 70's had brought them superstardom and heartbreak, and you feel it. Agnetha has such a lovely voice to carry the introspective words.
Thank you for taking the time to go through this beautiful song. Abba has such a fantastic discography full of fantastic songs, like I`m a marionette (from a mini-musical from the 1977 The Album), I let the music speak with Frida (the brunette) singing the lead vocals and I still have faith in you from their 2021 album Voyage, after almost 40 years after the release of their previous album. I would like to hear your thoughts about those songs.
Many, very many, of your comments on this song would apply equally well to ANY Abba song. They are all so well crafted, melodic and meaningful in one way or another. Please do more.
I have a confession to make. I am a metalhead. I love Amy's videos, especially the one's about metal songs. I also don't mind Abba occasionally. I have realised that now don't even care what music Amy is reviewing. All I am interested in is the pure joy Amy displays when listening to some of these songs. I knew she would like Abba. Her expressions in this video are simply priceless. Happy new year Amy and Vlad.
Wow, just wow! Thank you soo much for this wonderful lecture. ABBA has been my favourite group since 1974 and you made such a fine analyzation of this song. Very peaceful and lovingly done. Happy new year to you.
What an articulate, genuine assessment of this underrated and beloved ABBA classic. It truly deserves to be a New Years standard. You explain every reason just why. Thank you for taking the time hete, for your professional assessment. It is enlightening and respectable. Perhaps this will serve as a springboard of many more ABBA reviews by you ahead.
More Abba please! The winner takes it all, Chiquitita, One of us, Gimme gimme gimme, Fernando, The day before you came and my personal fave Move on. You won't be disappointed 👌
Know this song for 42 years now but you took my reception on the music to a new level.. never thought about the glue but immediately understood what you meant same with the shift of tone at end oof each verse to break into the more uplifting chorus.ABBA are called the master of typical Swedish happy sad sound.. Benny did a beautiful piano version on his 2017 album.. Benny possibly wrote the melody and he eventually developed into a serious composer combining all his musical influences into his music. To follow his composing evolution is fascinating.
Delighted to see/hear ABBA here! Their 1977 concert at the Royal Albert Hall was my first ever 'Rock/Pop' concert, and though I am more a fan of rock than pop their incredibly rich music never fails to please me when I hear it. Happy New Year!
Lovely assessment. I do strongly hope you will delve deeper into ABBA's oeuvre. Their music, while pop/rock, is heavily influenced by European classical and folk traditions. A deep sonic cave full of treasures.
Thank you for your in depth analysis. It would be interesting to hear you analyse one of the ABBA songs where Frida sings lead, such as Money, Money, Money or When All Is Said and Done.
This song always puts me down. I didn't hear that hope, that the lady talks about, only fear that it might become worse and worse. Maybe it's a kind of hangover that is in the air at the new years morning, a sad hangover that I sometimes felt in the past, specially at the new years day. And the line "if we don't we might as well lay down and die" gives me a kick into the stomach! To me it means: okay, nothing is good, nothing is really worth to live for, but if we don't go on, we could as well die immediately. Only the outstanding voice of Agnetha and in the chorus together with Frida makes this song hearable to me. As good, as it's made as well - it will never be a favorite of mine.
Now we are talking, even when ABBA is not really rock they were huge in the disco era but boy they are REALLY GOOD in their music, so.... kudos on them and you for choosing their music. Prosperous year to all of you.
ABBA are just as much a part of `Rock` as anyone else. For me; `Rock` encompasses more than themed double albums or thrash metal. Pure pop qualifies just as much- and for me, has just as much value!
Thanks for a really interesting take on abbas music. There are so many gems. However here are a few suggestions for further abba reactions. I think you would love the Bach tones muxed with melancholy and uplifting pop/rock in SOS. The emotionally charged "Slipping Through My Fingers" and the almost classical operatic arrangement of "I Let The Music Speak", which also highlights Fridas fantastic voice. Abba were/are are often (especially in the US) considered a one dimensional, happy disco band. These songs will showcase other qualities. If you would like a go with some high class abba disco the Bach anthemic "Lay All Your Love On Me" is a masterpiece. Happy New Year!!
Abba was such a fantastic band that gave us songs of that great quality. You could pick any other songs and find wonders in it. I had never analysed it the way you do. Great to have your perspective. Happy new year to both (+) of you!!!
In the pop world, there is ABBA, then there's everyone else. Benny and Bjorn are the absolute masters of the 3-minute pop song. NO-ONE comes close to them.
There is no pop world. Abba are great musicians and I include them among the great groups. Rock metal etc.
The Beatles and Abba
@Prueba They are my all time favorite bands!!!!
1 The Beatles
2 The beach boys
3 but I do take your point
You probably didn’t know it, but a bet you heard, in a mall, in a grocery store, a restaurant, a tv commercial, on the news, a movie , a cartoon, one of the biggest selling hits in music history, Dancing Queen. You probably heard it and didn’t know who it was , but it is ABBA. I bet you’ve heard of the movie “ Mamma Mia” which featured songs from ABBA… ( and the sequel)
Agnetha of Abba has one of the best voices of our time. And, not really shown here, together with Annifrid they have a unique mix that makes the 'Abba sound'. They were both known vocalists before Abba, but when they got success, both of them worked very hard taking singing lessons to improve their voices.
The composer Benny Andersson is a master of glue. After Abba he has flirted a lot with classical and folk music. Fun fact is that he can't read sheet music.
People sneer when I say ABBA are one of the top three bands of all time. Let them sneer , I know i am right. If writing perfect pop songs was so easy, there would be a thousand ABBA`s - there arn`t !! There is only one with this level of quality.
Benny Andersson uses so much classical motifs in his compositions. ABBA’s music is much more complicated than many people realize. When singers try to add to their music, the entire piece becomes lost and entirely different. In short, they ruin it.
Benny’s favorite composer is Mozart and I daresay, that like Mozart, his compositions are full, locked in and complete.
Notice also, how tight their harmony is, how the make voices are there in the background, but so integral to their sound, almost like an unnoticed base line which supports and lifts, so that without it, it is not fully ABBA.
They are really superlative, because they are not just a band - they are true MUSICIANS.
Happy New Year! 🎊🎆 🎉
@Niclas Eriksson as often he has mentioned Mozart. I just saw him in a lengthy interview. Bottom line is he now listens to only classical music and mentioned both composers. And - that there are classical influences in his music! 😁
I think that if Mozart lived in our time, Abba would be his favorite band.
Agnetha's voice is like medicine for the soul. Karen Carpenter had the same effect as well. Such beautiful,comforting voices that will be
entertaining to listen to forever.
Agnetha & Karen
my favourites female singers too
both born in 1950
@@eduardooscar309 And one tragically gone too soon.
Agree. Agnetha and Karen are the best. Their voices are so soothing.
I'm mainly a prog rock guy but if it's brilliant and quality the genre becomes irrelevant. Abba is/was pure quality.
Do more ABBA; they really are excellent.
Sooo many glorious tracks!
All super high end, especially the vocal harmonies!
Brings tears to my eyes with almost each track. :)
I second that.
maybe have one where Frida singing lead next time? :-) 'Our Last Summer' ,for example.
The Visitors LP was my favorite.
I can't even imagine if she ever reacted to The Day Before You Came.
"This voice has a tonal quality that communicates experience of having lived a life that is not perfect". This is the first video I've EVER watched of Amy's, but I shall be watching more based solely on this comment. It perfectly encapsulates Agnetha, Frida, and the whole ABBA sound. So perceptive.
This is by far the best New Year's song in the history of music. I am not accepting any other opinion on this.
Never again will we see such TALENT
Im into punk, new wave, and synthwave... But I friggin LOVE ABBA.
It is all music. Good punk, good synthwave, good music etc and abba are good music similar to the good groups of other styles
Same. I love hard classic rock, new wave, etc, but dang, ABBA is from another planet. They are phenomenal!
Sid Vicious was a great ABBA fan and often visited them backstage.
Very nice reaction. ABBA is too often frowned upon because of how easy their music is on the ear. But their songs are very well crafted, the melodies so effortlessly beautiful and so catchy. The lyrics are often quite serious and dark. The voices are beautiful and harmonize so well together.
Abba is just a frivolous pop band right? Pop they might be but they produced songs so much better than pop songs ever need to be. They created perfectly crafted songs that deserve to be taken seriously.
OK, being 64 years old I grew up listening to music of all kinds. Fact is ABBA was one of that type of music I really liked a lot, Dear Agnetha Fàltskog had and still has one of the strongest voice's I have ever heard. There are many great ABBA songs you really should hear the one that highlights Agnetha Fàltskog's voice was one of the last songs ABBA released called " Winner Takes It All. Please give it a listen.
ABBA are masters of combining sadness and joy in their songs. "Happy New Year" is by no means in the top ten of their songs. ABBA's Agnetha's "The Winner Takes It All" is possibly THE Breakup song (life experience!). Frida (the other female singer) is as good a singer as Agnetha and they each have a similar number of songs where they sing lead. Their combined singing has been referred to as "a third voice". I would be interested in your opinion.
Thank you for such an informed and interesting analysis. I would love for you to do the same for other ABBA songs. Even if you cannot do this I encourage you to hear more ABBA. You will not be disappointed. (Try the 2 songs they released after a 40 year break!)
Good to see that ABBA are being taken more seriously than just a superficial pop group, which to many people have done in the past.
Please, more ABBA analysies. You are brilliant!
I was out with my fiance, my brother and all his friends dancing. At midnight on 12/31/1980 We heard this for the first time. I wept with joy.
The production quality of ABBA's Music is second to none.
Absolutely not rock, but that's fine. ABBA are the greatest pop band ever. Despite what others may have said, they've never been out of fashion. Their music is timeless and of exceptional quality, and this comes from a hard rock/metal fan. There'll always be time for ABBA in my life. 👍👍
HNY to all.
After now watching your reaction, if you think Agnetha's voice portrays pain and disappointment, my goodness, you must do The Winner Takes It All.
Any does ABBA is a series I could definitely get on board with.
I think there has been much debate over whether ABBA, and many other musical acts, are pop or rock. In fact, in their heyday, ABBA was derided by the music press, especially in the US, as being too "pop," and therefore somehow...inauthentic?
I think it's important to remember that rock and pop are not merely genre signifiers, i. e., how the music "sounds." Pop is simply popular music, not classical or traditional folk. Rock is a form of popular music, emerging in the early- to mid-20th century, drawing influences from Southern gospel and rhythm & blues and yes, pop.
So to assert that ABBA is "absolutely not rock" is to ignore the biggest chunk of their musical pedigree, the rock music of the 50s and 60s coming from the US and Britain. ABBA may not be a "rock group" in the tradition of Led Zeppelin or the Who, but they are certainly not "not rock." 😊
@jimstewart Thank you man!As a pop music lover and lifelong (and 'suffered' lol) Abba fan i really feel honoured to read many similar comments like this one from you too.HNY.
@@christianoazzuro6711 Happy new year to you!
No such thing as rock and pop.
All music genres are same.
Many rock and metal groups have ballads and happier tunes and Abba had almost exclusively those.
But they are one of the greatest bands basically, among the great bands , rock metal etc
Gotta love ABBA's harmonies, my god, what a superb group.
You mean what an awfull superficial pop group.
@@nikolajkrarup8750 you're allowed your objectively wrong opinion.
@@DiegoDeschain You mean right opinion😅
Benny and Bjorn (the two B's in ABBA) were masterful song writers. Not only did they write and produce the dozens of hits for ABBA, but probably a 100 songs for other singers and groups in several languages. As a classical musician myself I was always impressed with the complex melodies and harmonies and excellent lyrics in ABBA's work.
The piano part of Chiquitita, in my opinion, just isolated, is as good a piece of music as any I have ever heard.
I have read several comments about abba reviews now and you as well as many others write about the members as they wore dead. No, no they are not. However Benny is the one you see sometimes on swedish television as he has a "band" more of a folky band that makes more sophisticated folk dance music nowadays. The name is BAO, Benny Anderssons orkester, so i guess more of an orchestra than a band.
A very special resonance takes place when the two female singers of ABBA sing together. For a while, when I was 12 years old, their song "Knowing Me, Knowing You" was my favorite song. It's quite haunting.
Absolutely!
The interresting thing about Benny is that he hasn't had any formal music training. He can't even read notes. So all you hear is through his own exposure to music he's heard, and his own creative genius working with that.
I think ABBA is so intriguing because every song seem to have so many contradictions. It's sounds so easy to sing and play but when you get into it, it shows itself to be very difficult and intricate. The songs are often cheerful in the chorus, but the lyrics are melancoly when you analyse them. Like Benny said in an interview, (paraphrasing here) typical ABBA is a sad lyric in a happy sounding song.
ABBA is the absolute best pop band ever, in my opinion. Their voices, their music composition and all the production elements are just as perfect as anyone could ask for.
ABBA fell out of fashion and became extremely uncool. That opinion of them probably no longer stands as bands such as U2 and Metallica have played ABBA songs on stage. A lot of their catalog is average, albeit very well done, but at their best it is stellar. Tracks such as Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Knowing Me Knowing You, and (of course) Thank You For The Music showed that pop could be perfect.
Being a hard core Pink Floyd fan I was eagerly waiting for the next chapter and reaction/analysis of the The Wall saga. But then when I instead saw the add of this ABBA review I got thrilled because they are so fantastic and closely connected to my childhood. Their repertoire of songs is just amazing and the composition and performance is just brilliant and emotional. Even though a sidestep from the rock avenue it would be highly appreciated if you would do some more ABBA reviews! Happy New Years and greetings from Sweden! Love your channel and looking forward to seeing you immensely in next year!
I was a pretty hard core rocker in 70-80’s. Still am for that matter. Regardless, no one I know objects if someone slips ABBA in the party rotation. They did what they did very very well. I enjoy led their music then and today.
FYI, last week David Gilmour assisted to the ABBA Voyage anniversary
@@SebaZero Thnx for sharing info! Great musicians attracts great musicians and no doubt that the musical genius David also appreciate the geniality of Abba…
Я не знаю, что вам говорил Влад, но я из того поколения, для которого в Советском Союзе эта песня была и остаётся символом Нового года. Из всех слов в ней мы понимали только happy new year, ни про какой 89 год не слышали, но с первого раза безоговорочно и навсегда полюбили эту грустно-счасливую мелодию, этот хрустальный голос, эту гармонию и ожидание чуда. До сих пор большая часть старшего поколения не знает о чем песня, но она звучит в каждой нашей семье накануне нового года. И комментариев под клипом на русском чуть ли не половина, хотя мы не все русские, а больше советские и сейчас живём в разных странах, но АВВА любим, восхищаемся, помним и уважаем
Про 89-й год стало иметь значение только после 1989-го. Кто мог знать до этого, что так будет?
@@MetalGearyaTV но ведь и сейчас особо никто из постсоветских слушателей этому не придает значение- красивая песня, ностальгия по юности. Лично мне значительно ближе тот смысл, который авторы вкладывали в него. Хотя, конечно, слушатели всегда соучастники действия) и 89 год- как пророчество мне импонирует)
@@alnaale6923 речь не о постсовестских слушателях-совках, речь о жителях стран Восточной Европы -- Польши, Чехии, Словакии, Румынии, Венгрии, Восточной Германии -- которых СССР незаконно оккупировал, и для которых 1989 город имеет огромное символическое значение года освобождения от рабства. Понятно, для дорогих россиян он ничего не значит, наоборот, они тоскуют по былой 'силе' и былом 'влиянии'.
@@MetalGearyaTV Активно тоскуют многие, к горю соседей( Но я вам хочу сказать, что и советские республики тоже не в восторге от "старшего" брата были...
Abba's exceptional pop purity is acceptable and acknowledged by many famous rockers/metal/even punk celebrities.Plenty of them do an exeption for ABBA and their special sound and have publicly confessed their apreciation and love for 4 these Swedes.
For me, one of the most beautiful ABBA song. Probably because it speaks to me, as it probably does to most people, from the soul.
The world is anything but a perfect place and if you look at humanity, it is unlikely that anything will change so quickly. But we must not lose our hopes and dreams. Who knows what the world will look like in 10 years.
For me, it has something of John Lennon's "Imagine" in its message.
Benny and Bjorn should be remembered as being a songwriting super heavyweights. Even after the tour de force that was ABBA they have continued on many musical projects, churning out hits and memorable melodies for decades, and I'm a Pink Floyd and Tool Fan
As with Fleetwood Mac, the separation from their partners and the personal hassle, they went through, lifted their music to new heights.
From an already amazing pop based music, the personal involvment and experience enhanced it even more. To think what tensions were present during the recordings of their later songs! To have ex-partners write music dealing with these themes and reflections, the other ex-partner singing these lines, almost unreal.
Great presentation of the conflicts on both sides, great compositions and fabulous interpretations followed their personal troubles.
And it is always strange, that Agnetha’s fantastic voice and delivery (and Frida’s, as well), hasn’t earned her (them) the spots in the vocalist appraisals Abba’s music really deserves.
Agnetha could have ended up as a semi-known german Schlager performer in the late Sixties, astonishing how much further her and the band’s talent and craftmanship led her.
There is also a delightful countermelody part on the Hammond Organ that really adds such delight to the performance.
ABBA seem easy to explain but no way.As a fellow fan said 'they made complicated seem simple.And as another fellow fan(my cousin) also added 'Agnetha's and Frida's vocal chemistry is one of a kind.Out of this world.A UTOPIC thing'.Once you fall for them you just can't escape.Apart from the big known classic hits,some great deep cut classical music inspired tracks suggested are 'MOVE ON','I LET THE MUSIC SPEAK' and their 2021 epic 'ODE TO FREEDOM'.
Thank you Alex ,just to add one more deep cut but also very popular amongst Abba fans the rock operatic 'Hole In Your Soul'!(both studio/live tour versions)
The creative 80's pop era of which these were geniuses including the 5th member not many hear about the perfect bassist "Gunnar rutgersson" 👌.
I think Agnetha Fältskog, when she was a little girl, was visited by angels who taught her how to sing and maybe coated her vocal chords with some sort of self-rejuvenating organic golden substance. Her voice shines like gold, she breathes life into every song, similar to the way a master actor can carry a whole movie by a far-above-ordinary, incredible acting ability.
Anni-Frid adds a unique ingredient as well, similar to the pairing of Stevie Nix and Christine McVie. There is some sort of balance and counter-balance going on that brings a vibrancy to a song.
I think Agneta was one of the best female pop singers of her time. If you delve into ABBA more, please remember that their last few albums (starting with Eagle) are better than their earlier work. As highlights, I would recommend Eagle (full version), the day before you came, the winner takes it all (look up the background of this emotional song for the group), visitors (highly political, anti-authoratorian song). For her voice in depth, see "my love, my life) of ABBA.
For anyone who may complain that this is Pop and not Rock, there will be more Rock in the true sense of the genre to come. A very good choice as a Happy New Year song.
It's about time that more pop was listened to on this channel..........!!!
Abba does have many songs that could very well qualify as rock. Try "Eagle" for example.
a side comment on your extraordinary and wonderful analysis of the song and the female voices
the lead voice here is Agnetha Fältskog (the blonde), her voice is pure soprano, she stands out more in the high tones, she is an excellent storyteller (here she shows it)
she stands out for her most fragile tone in the most heartbreaking songs
At the beginning of her, she had the famous singer Connie Francis as a model
the second voice here is Anni-Frid 'Frida' Lyngstad (the brunette), her voice is a mezzo soprano, she shines more in the low tones and is more versatile
In her beginnings she was a jazz singer and led your own group
both combined complement each other in an extraordinary way, achieving the so-called 'third voice' of ABBA
On now you've done it, abba is a sonic goldmine.they are greatness embodied. Try slipping through my fingers,I let the music speak and if you are brave the winner takes it all. Abba are pure music, they are always authentic and down to earth. They released a album in 2021 and the voyage concert,see the trailer on RUclips,not bad for a comeback,they are all in their 70s! AGNETHA still has that delicate powerful soprano voice now ! I saw them live in 1977 in Perth, every concert after that wasn't as good
Bjorn and Benny are masters of melody and arrangement. Both started their careers in the 60s, Bjorn in the Swedish folk band The Hootenanny Singers, and Benny in the pop The Hep Stars, commonly referred to as "the Swedish Beatles". Benny had classical piano training, along with learning folk accordion from his grandfather. All of these influences find their way into the music. They got that really full vocal sound by layering the girls' vocals multiple times.
You are the reactor Abba deserve! Maybe someday you could listen to Ode to Freedom, the last track on their final album released in 2021 when they were all over 70 years old...it is classically influenced like several of their songs but the two songwriters started their careers obviously influenced by traditional Scandinavian folk music.
'Ode To Freedom'!A Solid 5 star track!
One must be very careful listening to ABBA. You can get one of their songs in your head for 2-3 days of involuntary humming and singing. Great band!
THEY "ARE' just great musicians, they where larger than VOLVO in revenues to their country they were that good in those days and volvo was (not sure if still is) a great car in my opinion
some observations, with all due respect, from my point of view, for some comments here in the comment section about ABBA 'not exactly'
I think "Happy New Year" was recorded in February 1980.
At that time, the blonde singer Agnetha Fältskog and the guitarist-composer Björn Ulvaeus had already been separated since Christmas 1978 (more than a year ago).
Agnetha and Björn's divorce had already been processed, and it took place in July 1980
The couple of the pianist composer Benny Andersson and the brunette singer Anni-Frid 'Frida' Lyngstad separated between the end of 1980 and the beginning of 1981
ABBA was very professional, they continued as a quartet 4 years after the first separated couple, and the last 2 years without being a couple
and after 35 years the four of them recorded together again, which shows that They knew how to overcome their sorrows
and in last May 2022 all four ABBA members asist to the premiere of the new Voyage concerts at the new ABBA Arena in London UK
the ages of all ABBA members now is
72 Agnetha ; 76 Benny ; 77 Björn & Frida
You did the finest choice lady,THANK YOU!Good luck for 2023.ABBA is still big deal to the world and music culture today.Eplore them.
To understand the sadness in the voice of Agnetha - esp. in this song - one must know, that this song was released in January 1980. This is also the year of the divorce of Agnetha and her husband Björn Ulvaeus (the Man at the window). While singing the lyrics. probably both knew exactly what this new year will bring for them.
"Happy new year" and another song of ABBA - called "The winner takes it all" - are surely reflecting the autobiographic thoughts about his fading love Björn had, while creating this two songs.
Very well known and respected new years eve music in Europe and Asia. With plenty of memories attached to it. ABBA fits you well.
ABBA is my childhood. It's my Mom's favorite music, we always listened to them and I could sing all their melodies even before I could speak (so Mom tells me, I don't remember, of course). Now I listen to their songs every now and then and it always takes me to a very special happy place in my memories. But I also always note how beautiful and tasteful ABBA's songs are, not only the music, but the lyrics also, something you can understand only when you've grown up and had some experience in life. Happy New Year, everyone!
Abba is pure perfection!!!! And Agnetha’s voice, like an angel passing through my room. I haver stopped admiring them, their music, their voices, specially Agnetha’s.
Thank you. Please do The winner takes it all. You will will amazed and will love it. Their best one
Your analises of this song is so good that makes me cry. i play abba a lot on my grand piano and i like you to do more
reflections on their music, Thank you so much, you are wonderful.
greetings
Peter
Happy New Year! Abba is certainly another band to do a dive into, starting with their first big song "SOS".
Their first big hit was Waterloo. That's the one they won the Eurovision Song Contest with in 1974.
S.O.S.(1975) is the second worldwide hit to ABBA, the sing with begins definitely the ABBA era, and the sing that gives ABBA their identity as a pop group
but tve first ABBA worldwide hit is Waterloo, the winner song of Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton UK 1974
both, Waterloo & S.O.S, are masterpieces, with Dancing Queen (1976) are in my Top3 (Podium) of all ABBA songs
@Eduardo Oscar I agree with your top three, those would be mine as well.
@@eduardooscar309 Yes, you and Pwecko are right. In the US, I think "SOS" is the first song most of us heard from ABBA, and people probably backtracked and listened to "Waterloo" here. That's a song that makes more sense to Europeans. "SOS" has a baroque quality to it that I like a lot, and the melody was a bit Beatlesque, which played well in the States.
@@EddieReischl
, "Waterloo" was a worldwide smash hit, included #6 in US Billboard 1974
a year later ABBA go to TV in U.S.
and "S.O.S." pick at #15 in US Billboard 1975
Coming from a 'western' country, it's easy to overlook the significance of the '89 lyric. It's spookily prescient, and adds meaning to the song that could never have been foreseen when the song was written.
So classy, brilliant analysis of this sophisticated song.
More ABBA! PLEASE.
I think that's the genius of ABBA. Not many can analyze and explain this song as beautifully as you, but everyone can feel it when listening to the song.
ABBA disbanded over 40 years ago and reunited after a GAP of 40 years and bad an international hitwith their "Voyage" album. Also a purpose built arena for their ABBAtar show. More ABBA PLEASE.
It is not ONE female singer but TWO!
Far from being a fan of pop or light rock, I believe this song deserves its place on this wonderful channel. Nicely composed, the lyrics are quite deep - yet without moralizing pathos. Fits well on the occasion it proclaims. )
More ABBA please. Hearing the analysis of their songs is always a treat.
One of my favorite of their songs. I saw an ABBA tribute band a few years ago on New Year's Eve (Abbamania -- very talented!), and they actually DIDN'T play this song! Another great one is "Andante Andante." What brilliant pop/melodic songwriters Benny and Bjorn are. They're up there with Lennon, McCartney, Brian Wilson, and few others.
This is my favorite new years tune. It’s kind of melancholy but hopeful, and it feels apropos. I really do think ABBA are masters at crafting pop songs. They are almost never boring and always catchy. Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson are amazing composers and songwriters, and Agnetha has a beautiful voice.
I discovered your channel today. This is the first video I have watched of yours. This is by far the BEST analysis of ABBA's "Happy New Year" that I have ever seen. Great comments, great insights, and I am so glad you enjoyed the sentiments of the song. I, too, hope for "a world where every neighbor is a friend." If you would like to listen to more ABBA, may I suggest an analysis of "The Winner Takes It All"? I would love to hear your thoughts on that song. Many have called it ABBA's masterpiece.
Abba is the king/queen of melodies
This is a sleeper, but was of my favorites from my teenage years. The perfect blend of optimism and classic Swedish melancholy!
hello for the first time
Thank you for your reaction to ABBA songs.
This is a classic ABBA song for all dates of December/January A beautiful song with a soft melody at the beginning, a melancholic lyrics with the beautiful and very sweet interpretation of the blonde singer Agnetha, a brilliant chorus with the brunette Frida (especially the powerful of his second voice in the second and third verse) and a catchy chorus with the melody that grows and falls in love All the ingredients of ABBA
The lyrics are very emotional, contrasting with a very catchy chorus. It's not funny, it's melancholic, but it has a message of hope.
"Happy New Year" (1980) is a great song from the album "Super Trouper" (which includes the song of the same name and "Winner Takes All" among others) It has a version in Spanish: "Felicidad" which was success here in my country Argentina
"Happy New Year" has two official ABBA videos, in English and Spanish, a TV performance in France 1980, and a new official ABBA lyric video in 2022.
Last November 2021, ABBA released a new album "Voyage" (after almost 40 years) which included a Christmas song titled "Little Things"; it was released as a single and ABBA donated its royalties to UNICEF, as they did earlier in 1979 with "Chiquitita".
My best wishes to you with good music.
My best regards from
Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷
South America
happy new year 2023
I hope also that you react to ABBA more. Thank you.
Interestingly, you stumbled upon the melancholy in Agnethas voice. This is a feeling that is well known in Sweden and pervades almost every aspect of Swedish music. Every ABBA song, even the happy ones has this melancholic undertone and it's beautiful.
Abba was a favorite of my parents at the time and from 78 to about 84 were mainstays on our car trips. This one and the Super Trouper album were one of my favorites as a kid.
It seemed a sad but hopeful song especially considering the two couples had split by that point so the 70's had brought them superstardom and heartbreak, and you feel it. Agnetha has such a lovely voice to carry the introspective words.
The 'Super Trouper' album/era is legendary.I got great memories as a kid in 1980.
Thank you for taking the time to go through this beautiful song. Abba has such a fantastic discography full of fantastic songs, like I`m a marionette (from a mini-musical from the 1977 The Album), I let the music speak with Frida (the brunette) singing the lead vocals and I still have faith in you from their 2021 album Voyage, after almost 40 years after the release of their previous album.
I would like to hear your thoughts about those songs.
Many, very many, of your comments on this song would apply equally well to ANY Abba song. They are all so well crafted, melodic and meaningful in one way or another. Please do more.
ABBA is almost always a very good song. Their favourite of mine is ''Fernando''.
I have a confession to make. I am a metalhead. I love Amy's videos, especially the one's about metal songs. I also don't mind Abba occasionally. I have realised that now don't even care what music Amy is reviewing. All I am interested in is the pure joy Amy displays when listening to some of these songs. I knew she would like Abba. Her expressions in this video are simply priceless. Happy new year Amy and Vlad.
Wow, just wow! Thank you soo much for this wonderful lecture. ABBA has been my favourite group since 1974 and you made such a fine analyzation of this song. Very peaceful and lovingly done. Happy new year to you.
There is something magical that happens when Agnetha and Anni-Frid harmonise together.
Happy new year to you and your family.
What an articulate, genuine assessment of this underrated and beloved ABBA classic. It truly deserves to be a New Years standard. You explain every reason just why. Thank you for taking the time hete, for your professional assessment. It is enlightening and respectable. Perhaps this will serve as a springboard of many more ABBA reviews by you ahead.
Yes. When it comes beautiful pop/rock/dance music, often with iconic bass lines, and powerful vocals ABBA is a phenomenon.
What a beautiful introduction to this beautiful song ❤️
More Abba please! The winner takes it all, Chiquitita, One of us, Gimme gimme gimme, Fernando, The day before you came and my personal fave Move on. You won't be disappointed 👌
Know this song for 42 years now but you took my reception on the music to a new level.. never thought about the glue but immediately understood what you meant same with the shift of tone at end oof each verse to break into the more uplifting chorus.ABBA are called the master of typical Swedish happy sad sound.. Benny did a beautiful piano version on his 2017 album.. Benny possibly wrote the melody and he eventually developed into a serious composer combining all his musical influences into his music. To follow his composing evolution is fascinating.
Delighted to see/hear ABBA here! Their 1977 concert at the Royal Albert Hall was my first ever 'Rock/Pop' concert, and though I am more a fan of rock than pop their incredibly rich music never fails to please me when I hear it. Happy New Year!
Lovely assessment. I do strongly hope you will delve deeper into ABBA's oeuvre. Their music, while pop/rock, is heavily influenced by European classical and folk traditions. A deep sonic cave full of treasures.
'a deep sonic cave full of treasures'...!!!! Period!
I'd love to see you react to this more recent Abba track "Ode To Freedom"... ruclips.net/video/AiQ4-4FQ2iQ/видео.html
Thank you for your in depth analysis.
It would be interesting to hear you analyse one of the ABBA songs where Frida sings lead, such as Money, Money, Money or When All Is Said and Done.
Time fly..40yrs memories❤❤Love from Korea😅😅
Greatest of all times
I absolutely love your channel. Thank you.
Thank you for a thoughtful, well considered response. You have a new subscriber! 😊
This song always puts me down. I didn't hear that hope, that the lady talks about, only fear that it might become worse and worse. Maybe it's a kind of hangover that is in the air at the new years morning, a sad hangover that I sometimes felt in the past, specially at the new years day. And the line "if we don't we might as well lay down and die" gives me a kick into the stomach! To me it means: okay, nothing is good, nothing is really worth to live for, but if we don't go on, we could as well die immediately. Only the outstanding voice of Agnetha and in the chorus together with Frida makes this song hearable to me. As good, as it's made as well - it will never be a favorite of mine.
Such a beautiful song from ABBA, I enjoyed your analysis of this.
Now we are talking, even when ABBA is not really rock they were huge in the disco era but boy they are REALLY GOOD in their music, so.... kudos on them and you for choosing their music. Prosperous year to all of you.
Abba, one of the first pieces of Disco I can appreciate as a rock and roller.
ABBA are just as much a part of `Rock` as anyone else. For me; `Rock` encompasses more than themed double albums or thrash metal. Pure pop qualifies just as much- and for me, has just as much value!
This song of a 'happy new year', paradoxically, I dont know why, is melancholic to me
This brings such joy to my heart. A lovely analysis of this song and a beautiful message at the end. Thank you so much.
Thanks for a really interesting take on abbas music. There are so many gems. However here are a few suggestions for further abba reactions. I think you would love the Bach tones muxed with melancholy and uplifting pop/rock in SOS. The emotionally charged "Slipping Through My Fingers" and the almost classical operatic arrangement of "I Let The Music Speak", which also highlights Fridas fantastic voice. Abba were/are are often (especially in the US) considered a one dimensional, happy disco band. These songs will showcase other qualities. If you would like a go with some high class abba disco the Bach anthemic "Lay All Your Love On Me" is a masterpiece. Happy New Year!!
Abba was such a fantastic band that gave us songs of that great quality. You could pick any other songs and find wonders in it.
I had never analysed it the way you do. Great to have your perspective.
Happy new year to both (+) of you!!!