Under Attack is actually one of my favourite ABBA choruses. The harmonies are complex and of course sung perfectly by the girls. When I watch the video and see them walking off into the distance it brings a lump to my throat.
B sus7 at the start with bassline works a treat as well.. Lots of clever pedal note usage and smooth voice leading as per usual from abba... They were just so damn clever. n
They walked away from the audience with the red lights on. Listen once more and you’ll understand what they are telling us. Then listen at their new songs. Story telling! They are genius!
In 2021, the turned around and walked back into the warehouse with their new album, Voyage! I can’t wait for the full album. I have listened to “I still have Faith in You” and “Don’t shut me Down” every day since they came out as singles!
This song is so underrated! It was featured in the Mamma Mia! stage musical as an amazing nightmare sequence. Unfortunately, it was not used in the movie version. Awesome reaction as always! ABBA still have a lot of great songs and some have music videos or live performances. Keep it up! I would suggest ‘I’m A Marionette’ (very dark) or ‘Our Last Summer’.
Yes. Musically similar to I Let The Music Speak. Our Last Summer, Cassandra, I Have A Dream, Should I Laugh Or Cry, and One Man One Woman are also great songs with Frida on lead.
This is my favorite Abba song. Absolutely love Under attack. This is not the fault of the listener, let’s face it, most youngsters wouldn’t know good music if it slapped them in the face with a wet haddock.
This song has nothing to do with "The Visitors". It has been added to re-releases of that album, but the original album only has nine tracks (ending with "Like an angel passing through my room") and was released in late 1981. ABBA recorded a few songs in 1982 but soon realized they wouldn't have an entire album ready by year's end. The idea was hatched to release a greatest hits package to celebrate ten years of ABBA working together. This became "The Singles - The First Ten Years" which was a double album with only two new tracks, the new singles "The day before you came" and "Under attack". The other tracks recorded were "Cassandra" and "You owe me one" which became the b-sides of the singles and the far superior tracks "I am the city" (released in 1993 on "More ABBA Gold") and "Just like that" (which remains unreleased to this day). The latter song was reworked for Swedish duo Gemini in 1985 and for this reason Benny and Bjorn are still refusing to release ABBA's version in full. They have released the chorus though in a medley of outtakes.
Meant to say my last comment that Michael Tretow with assistance from Benny had released an early version of just like that that sounded nothing like the final snippet that everybody is familiar with hearing and doesn't have any of the sacks in it and just has a very slow flowing sound
In defense of the song and relation to the visitors album I will say it does represent on the visitors album the direction they were going before they got to this zone in such tunes such as the title track and head over heels both are very synthy poppy songs
As an ABBA hardcore Fan. This song is very special, is their last video, the couple seem tired, old, sad, (Look at Frida). At this point they are about to go in separate ways forever, this song is the last piece of the ABBA history that I as an ABBA fan try to hold on to. Is not their best song, but is not their worst song either, however is one of their last recordings, their last video, is emotional to see the end of the video walking out of that warehouse going from darkness to light. I love Under Attack. Is not their best song, yes, but is the last and only song left of what could of, should of been of ABBA.
Yes this was goodbye, this was very sad to see. I absolutely love Under Attack too, and I totally agree it is emotional to see them walking away out of the warehouse.
One thing I learned from videos here on RUclips was one with a stripped down version of the vocals, is there's a "Know how" at the end of the chorus, "should I want to I'm not sure I would know how." "Know How". But they faded that part out and put the instruments over it. This video wasn't produced by the guy that did most their other videos. It does have a different feel to it, and it was a prophecy. Under My Sun and Rubber ball Man were attempts at a song that just never worked out, so B and B scavenged a part and reused it in Under Attack. This was common for them to do. Parts of Dream World were used for Does Your Mother Know. While the group did do a promotional tour in Europe for the release of The Singles anniversary album set that included this song, it wasn't a heavy promotional. People were expecting a new album at this time and got a 'greatest hits' package instead, with two new songs buried in it. There were probably better ways of drumming up excitement. But by that time, the group just wasn't into it. B and B had remarried and were, I think expecting new babies, and were trying work on a musical. Leaving A and F to look at doing stuff on their own. ABBA wasn't top priority. Again, it's sad they didn't allow themselves a experimental period to try out hits and misses and kept going. By this time (if you know about ABBA's history and what was happening with the entity as a whole in the 80s with investments, tax fraud charges, management disagreements,etc) it becomes obvious, keeping the group going was a bigger headache than anyone realized and probably wasn't worth the trouble, in their minds.
They amazingly blended from 1970's to 1980's. I only wish there were more ABBA albums after "The Visitors"... ABBA in the 80's - OMG, just imagine that! 😍
I've been on an ABBA marathon the past week and I just heard Under Attack yesterday and now it's on repeat! It sounds soooo ABBA but different at the same time. It's just so cool thinking the song came out in 1982!
Actually the stalker thing happened in the 90s. She already knew he was a fan of hers but he used the fact that they both went through similar situations (pretty bad car crashes) to draw her in. He always wrote letters to her and even moved to the same island as her.
He was obsessed and moved there, got to know her, and they became a couple 1997-1999. After she broke up with him he began to stalk her, calling her every day, going through her mail box, following her in the grocery store. She got a restraining order on him in 2000, and he was convicted for abuse and was deported. Twice.
After releasing this song, ABBA disbanded and Björn and Benny went on writing with the great Tim Rice a musical called ‘Chess’ which is technically a continuity of ‘The Visitors’ album in terms of themes. You should check out Murray Head’s ‘One Night in Bangkok’ from that musical. It has an official music video and was a huge hit back in the 80s.
I'd recommend the full 5 minute version of One Night In Bangkok with the long intro, instead of the shorter music video: ruclips.net/video/YIOHSoaKPTk/видео.html
Dear Dereck. You need to focus on Abba's SUPER TROUPER and ARRIVAL albums. They're filled with gems...Love your comments...try Happy New Year, Our Last Summer, The Way Old Friends Do, also That's Me, My Love My Life, When I Kissed The Teacher, Why Did It Have To Be Me..and many more..
All the later singles by ABBA were criminally under appreciated. The complexity and maturity were outstanding. The public still wanted pop, but thank God Benny and Bjorn did what was right. Pure brilliance. Having said that, my favourite ABBA album is and always will be Arrival.
This was one of their last singles and yes the last video .... but it was not from any of their 8 studio albums .. this song came out just as they were unofficially splitting up as group in late 1983.... A 9th album could have been done, as they had released enough enough singles and songs on vinyl with the b sides from 1981 to 1983 , aside from their last studio album .. The Visitors in 1981
For me It's typically "ABBA" It sounds like something they'd have done early in their careers before the Mega Hits came along, as opposed to right at the end. Still up to the mark, excellent vocals, catchy tune, OK lyrics. You can tell by their expressions & body language that they we're tired & didn't have much more left to give. It's quite fitting that at the end when they walk out of that warehouse, they walked away from It all. Thank God for all the wonderful song's & memories they left the world. I'm so looking forward to the "New Music" in these dark times we need them back to make us feel good again.
I don't know if they knew it when they filmed the video, but as they walk out the warehouse door at the end this is them literally walking away from Abba. This was the last (new) single they ever released. Seeing them walk away into the distance always makes me feel a little bit sad. Also can i just say in Frida's defence that she has many lead vocals where Agnetha joins in and provides backing vocals and harmonies. For most of their career A and F were allocated roughly half of the songs on each album to lead on.
Isn't it amazing, Derek, that no matter how many ABBA songs you react to, there are still so many more to discover? LOL I would love to see you react to "Me and I" and "Cassandra." Along with all the rest of the suggestions here. :-)
Wow!..wowow!.Under Attack.great song I love it also the video..same thing the girls voices amazing oh my the instruments sounds so perfect i hug this song I sing together, i imagine I'm one of the back up singer hehehe..Amazing!..
It would be worth listening to Track 11 on CD4 on the compilation Thank You For The Music released in 1994. This is called ABBA Undeleted and has demos of the songs you mention and two hidden gems: Rikky Rock N Roller recorded in September 1974 here in it’s entirety and the a segment of Just Like That recorded in May 1982 which I think every ABBA fan would love to see released. Plus there’s some fun bits. Check it out!
Hi Dereck, you were being so careful with your words for the rabid ABBA fans (of which I am one,) LOL!! But I agree with you, this was literally the end and it shows. What will be exciting is what they are promising us in 2021 in the way of new music. FIVE NEW TRACKS!! My hope is that it will be awesome as these guys do not do anything half way.
Oh as far as new ABBA reactions, check out the live version of "Why Did It Have to Be Me" ruclips.net/video/UNCDt51cwLs/видео.html & the audio version of "I'm A Marionette" ruclips.net/video/TjkigLLt9Ag/видео.html
Your review of that track was for me, spot on. It just sounds to me like a half hearted effort. I think the reason for it not charting so well was a combination of record buyers both moving on to other sounds and also picking up on the reduced effort and energy of the group. ABBA did not need to keep sounding the same, indeed, each album had a different sound to the previous one; 'The Visitors' track is a million miles away from 'Ring Ring' but both have heir own unique energy. I don't hear it that much in this song. It's not bad, it's just lacking the ABBA energy. I just feel they could not be bothered any more.
Do you want hidden gems????????? Hole in Your Soul, Should I Laugh or Cry, I'm A Marionette, Me and I, Lovers, Move On, Lovelight... Do those gems and tell me...
Why nobody talks about On and On and On?? It's also one of their finest songs and much different from other stuff. C'mon Dereck, it's great one and it has an official video! Greetings from Croatia!🙂
Its Agnetha, not Anna btw. This was thier last vid and the band was broken up by this point. The boys had already started on the musical Chess, which was a huge mega hit.
Exactly! For years, the only way you could get this song was to buy their album "The Singles: The First Ten Years" (which wasn't easy to find) or get the UK single on vinyl.
You didn't react to 2 of their biggest hits yet!!! Definitely you must do it! The songs you didn't react yet, is "I Have a Dream" and "Thank You For the Music". Very beautiful songs, and kind of calming. I'm sure you'll like it.
And just adding to suggestions: One Man, One Woman, Hole in Your Soul recorded and live, Kisses Of Fire, Andante Andante, On and On and On, Should I Laugh Or Cry Solo stuff for Frida: Sista valsen med dig (in Swedish), Alla mina bästa år (duet with Marie Fredrickkson), Shine, Twist In the Dark, To Turn To Stone, Även en blomma (in Swedish). THe Swedish material if off her last full album in 96. Agnetha: When You REally Love Somebody, Dance Your Pain Away, I Should Have Followed You Home (duet with Gary Barlow) off her last album A, and What Now My Love, and When You Walked Into The Room, off her 2003 album My Colouring Book, an album of songs Agnetha grew up with and wanted to cover.
One of my favorites actually. But - the best way to listen to it is to listen to "The day before you came" and with as little of a pause as possible go into this. That's why this feels like such a sunny song to me: everything is bland the day before you came, and now that she's under attack things are bright and sunny.
Under Attack is *not* from the original The Visitors album, but it is on The Visitors reissue cds as a *bonus* track along with other bonus tracks like The Day Before You Came, Should I Laugh Or Cry, Cassandra & You Owe Me One bonus tracks varying depending on 1998 or 2001 cd reissues you have. Under Attack & The Day Before You Came are not from any ABBAalbum as such, but are included on ABBA's 1982 triple greatest hits lp combo ABBA - The First Ten Years show casing ABBA's iconic hits in order they were released on the tracklisting. Yeah, what you have to understand is that at the end of 1982, ABBA had been recording for ten years non-stop from 1973 releasing an album a year during that period. By the end of 1982, music had changed so much with post punk/NewRomantics being huge at that time like Yazoo, Human League, Adam And The Ants, Depeche Mode etc dominating the charts. ABBA singles were failing to chart with this a plus their previous two singles (Head Over Heels & The Day Before You Came) just about bealy denting the top 30 in UK charts Under Attack reaching No.24 UK chart which is bad in ABBA universe. I *think* ABBA made a conscious decision amongst themselves to break up despite stating in interviews (Noel Edmounds Late Late Breakfast Show late82 for instance) that they were not breaking up, but it was obvious to anyone with a bit of intelligence to see through that. What you have to understand it that at point in time (late 1982), ABBA's music had touched the hearts of millions upon millions worldwide, millions were ABBA obsessed cocooning themselves in an ABBA universe being totally touched by ABBA's music with ABBA's music being their source of escapism from the day to day of tough living (the movie Murals Wedding being a prime example) And if ABBA had announced that they *were* breaking up at the end of 1982, believe it or not, there would've been a huge volume of people who wouldn't have been able to handle that (as ridiculous as it may seem) not having their ABBA cocoon zone to take comfort and refuge in anymore (take one look at what happened when British iconic boyband Take That broke up in 1996 I believe the year was, fans were plunged into utter devastation with one fan committing suicide because of the break up, so with ABBA fans, multiply that by millions) ; And I think that ABBA recognised this (they had good logic thinking heads on their shoulders) and instead of announcing they were breaking up, just didn't record anymore music post that (exception would be but never released 1983 single I Am The City) And that comment that Dereck read out regarding ABBA exiting the warehouse going their separate ways, the picture of ABBA social distance on the cover of their last studio album The Visitors, they were unquestionably hinting to anyone who scratched the surface they were coming to an end. Frida said in a 1992 interview that by the end of 1982, they were tired of ABBA and needed a break. I *think* the decision to film the Under Attack video in a wear house came from 80s movies & tv shows were a typical blond is trapped in a dimly light closed area being chased by a bad guy was a frequently used scene used back then.
If you like the darker feel of this song, you might love "I Let The Music Speak" off The Visitors album. There isn't a video, but but it's so unique. As for a video, "Head Over Heels" is a good song with a comedic video 🙂
I only heard that song from watching Mama Mia! Live in the west end, but that's the first time I've seen the music video and I'm as confused as the next person. WTH was it about? It was like a work safety video of how to use stairs in a warehouse . . . .
As an ABBA fan who grew up with them this was Abba's last single (in the UK) before they split up. It was also part of the incomplete Opus 10 album they were working on in 1982. The group decided to not complete this and released the Singles, the first 10 years at the end of 82. This and the day before you came were included there. This is 1982 and not part of the Visitors as you seem to allude, that was 1981. Some deluxe versions of the Visitors have these 2 songs on them but they are not on the original studio album for the Visitors. Note that four of Abba's hits are not on studio albums. Fernando and Summer Night City are the other two. They are on Greatest Hits and Greatest Hits vol 2 respectively as well as the Singles. The US market may have been different but the releases in Europe are the main market for the band. The final opus 10 track, I am the City was not released until More ABBA Gold in 92 I believe.
When Björn and Benny were asked which songs they expected to be big hits but weren't they mentioned Under Attack and The King has lost his Crown. Thank you Dereck you're the best./Greetings from Sweden
One of the last ABBA tracks, and one of the clearest classical influences of many in their work, the chorus using baroque counterpoint. The latter part of the post-ABBA gem "Story Of A Heart" (by Helen Sjoholm and the Benny Andersson Orchestra) is the same way...that would be worth reacting to too, actually, Dereck...maybe check out Steps' "Something In Your Eyes" too, a very recent A&U track...
@Marvin Morawski I remember reading that in a book. Either Benny or Björn had mentioned that they had planned the title of their next album (LP), to be titled «Opus 10». But, of course that never happened, because, the 2 «B's» in ABBA had begun work with Sir Tim Rice on «Chess», and Frida had already moved to London to work with Phil Collins on her solo album «Something's Going On». And, of course Agnetha would «follow suit», and release her own solo album, the very next year, in 1983, «Wrap Your Arms Around Me».
Hey Derek...check out the funky, underrated "My Mama Said". It is from their Waterloo album and how it was never released a single?...is beyond me. Has a real funky bass groove and soulful guitar break.
Oh, I remember every little thing about that day I remember every place Grey skies, you were laughing at the clouds And rain fell softly on your face The memories of our time together cannot be replaced I never loved you more than on those happy autumn days
This song marks the end of ABBA. It was their very last single released and their last music video. Abba should I laugh or cry and Does your mother know/Hole in your soul medley live at Wembley 1979 next please :)
Last song ABBA made together… but Benny and Björn made a few abbalike songs to their musicals you should listen "I know him so well" from chess.. if it only was sung by Angetha and Frida...
Yes, that is the studio recording order. Last 4 songs were meant to be for the upcoming next album, but band broke up after these sessions (at the recording of Day before you came Frida had already left). but the last Anderson/Ulveaus popsong is "Story of a Heart"by Benny Andersson's Band 2009 and the single release of Steps 2017 Great ABBA song, I wish the singer has been Angetha (instead of Helen Sjöholm) ruclips.net/video/NkokZH00lfs/видео.html
Under Attack is actually one of my favourite ABBA choruses. The harmonies are complex and of course sung perfectly by the girls. When I watch the video and see them walking off into the distance it brings a lump to my throat.
@Julian Pedagogia I don't find the rhythm boring myself and think the melody is strong but it's fine if you do ;-)
@Julian Pedagogia the lyrics are kind of negative, while the song has an uplifting rhythm
Probably the ending of the video is more interesting thah the video and song itself.
As one of their last videos, I always felt it was symbolic when they walk out together at the end and sort of fade into the distance.
B sus7 at the start with bassline works a treat as well.. Lots of clever pedal note usage and smooth voice leading as per usual from abba... They were just so damn clever. n
Under Attack is one of ABBA's best songs thank you for reacting to it and Under Attack was actually one of 6 songs recorded for ABBA's 9th album.
Their last single, and so apropos that they walk away from the audience at the end of the video!
And Benny aged 10 years in 1.
They walked away from the audience with the red lights on. Listen once more and you’ll understand what they are telling us. Then listen at their new songs. Story telling! They are genius!
In 2021, the turned around and walked back into the warehouse with their new album, Voyage! I can’t wait for the full album. I have listened to “I still have Faith in You” and “Don’t shut me Down” every day since they came out as singles!
This song is so underrated! It was featured in the Mamma Mia! stage musical as an amazing nightmare sequence. Unfortunately, it was not used in the movie version.
Awesome reaction as always! ABBA still have a lot of great songs and some have music videos or live performances. Keep it up! I would suggest ‘I’m A Marionette’ (very dark) or ‘Our Last Summer’.
" I WONDER ( DEPARTURE ) .... is a hidden gem . Frida on lead vocal
Stan Solo totally agree
Yes. Musically similar to I Let The Music Speak. Our Last Summer, Cassandra, I Have A Dream, Should I Laugh Or Cry, and One Man One Woman are also great songs with Frida on lead.
@@Pulsar77 im a sucker for story songs and i wonder is a very good one where you can place yourself in the songwriter/singers position
Marionette might appeal to Dereck given his love of bass lines.
This is my favorite Abba song. Absolutely love Under attack. This is not the fault of the listener, let’s face it, most youngsters wouldn’t know good music if it slapped them in the face with a wet haddock.
This song has nothing to do with "The Visitors". It has been added to re-releases of that album, but the original album only has nine tracks (ending with "Like an angel passing through my room") and was released in late 1981. ABBA recorded a few songs in 1982 but soon realized they wouldn't have an entire album ready by year's end. The idea was hatched to release a greatest hits package to celebrate ten years of ABBA working together. This became "The Singles - The First Ten Years" which was a double album with only two new tracks, the new singles "The day before you came" and "Under attack". The other tracks recorded were "Cassandra" and "You owe me one" which became the b-sides of the singles and the far superior tracks "I am the city" (released in 1993 on "More ABBA Gold") and "Just like that" (which remains unreleased to this day). The latter song was reworked for Swedish duo Gemini in 1985 and for this reason Benny and Bjorn are still refusing to release ABBA's version in full. They have released the chorus though in a medley of outtakes.
Actually there is a really rough draft original tape of just like that that Michael's Tretow
Meant to say my last comment that Michael Tretow with assistance from Benny had released an early version of just like that that sounded nothing like the final snippet that everybody is familiar with hearing and doesn't have any of the sacks in it and just has a very slow flowing sound
In defense of the song and relation to the visitors album I will say it does represent on the visitors album the direction they were going before they got to this zone in such tunes such as the title track and head over heels both are very synthy poppy songs
Cassandra should be a single and belongs to Visitors album. My opinion
Hi Derek, do react to
1. One Man One Woman
2. Move On
Both are masterpieces
love the song Move on! Absolutly amazing.
He has reacted to Move On
One man one woman super!
This song had always been given bad press, but I’ve always loved it!! Thanks for always being so positive and open minded with your reactions!
So glad you did this one. Some of their last songs (like this and Cassandra) are really under appreciated.
As an ABBA hardcore Fan. This song is very special, is their last video, the couple seem tired, old, sad, (Look at Frida). At this point they are about to go in separate ways forever, this song is the last piece of the ABBA history that I as an ABBA fan try to hold on to. Is not their best song, but is not their worst song either, however is one of their last recordings, their last video, is emotional to see the end of the video walking out of that warehouse going from darkness to light. I love Under Attack. Is not their best song, yes, but is the last and only song left of what could of, should of been of ABBA.
Yes this was goodbye, this was very sad to see. I absolutely love Under Attack too, and I totally agree it is emotional to see them walking away out of the warehouse.
You should totally look into Our Last Summer, I Wonder, and One Man One Woman.
THOSE ARE ALL ANNI-FRID SONGS! I know who u prefer. ;) Good songs.
It’s very underrated
You can say that again!
React to ABBA "Move On"
Would rather be Al Andar even though I don't speak Spanish, it's so beautiful
amazing song. Agnetha sung lead on the best tunes.
One thing I learned from videos here on RUclips was one with a stripped down version of the vocals, is there's a "Know how" at the end of the chorus, "should I want to I'm not sure I would know how." "Know How". But they faded that part out and put the instruments over it. This video wasn't produced by the guy that did most their other videos. It does have a different feel to it, and it was a prophecy. Under My Sun and Rubber ball Man were attempts at a song that just never worked out, so B and B scavenged a part and reused it in Under Attack. This was common for them to do. Parts of Dream World were used for Does Your Mother Know. While the group did do a promotional tour in Europe for the release of The Singles anniversary album set that included this song, it wasn't a heavy promotional. People were expecting a new album at this time and got a 'greatest hits' package instead, with two new songs buried in it. There were probably better ways of drumming up excitement. But by that time, the group just wasn't into it. B and B had remarried and were, I think expecting new babies, and were trying work on a musical. Leaving A and F to look at doing stuff on their own. ABBA wasn't top priority. Again, it's sad they didn't allow themselves a experimental period to try out hits and misses and kept going. By this time (if you know about ABBA's history and what was happening with the entity as a whole in the 80s with investments, tax fraud charges, management disagreements,etc) it becomes obvious, keeping the group going was a bigger headache than anyone realized and probably wasn't worth the trouble, in their minds.
I guess I'm gonna be in the minority but I do love Under Attack. It is easily among my many all-time ABBA favorite songs.
Agree.
I love it too.
Heavily agreed
"My mama said" is a great funky sound and very fresh, from the Waterloo album. 1974.
With them walking out into daylight and the fade, that was it. As far as I remember, that was their last single release.
ABBA 'HEAD OVER HEELS' another underrated masterpiece!
They amazingly blended from 1970's to 1980's. I only wish there were more ABBA albums after "The Visitors"... ABBA in the 80's - OMG, just imagine that! 😍
I've been on an ABBA marathon the past week and I just heard Under Attack yesterday and now it's on repeat! It sounds soooo ABBA but different at the same time. It's just so cool thinking the song came out in 1982!
Actually the stalker thing happened in the 90s. She already knew he was a fan of hers but he used the fact that they both went through similar situations (pretty bad car crashes) to draw her in. He always wrote letters to her and even moved to the same island as her.
He was obsessed and moved there, got to know her, and they became a couple 1997-1999. After she broke up with him he began to stalk her, calling her every day, going through her mail box, following her in the grocery store. She got a restraining order on him in 2000, and he was convicted for abuse and was deported. Twice.
After releasing this song, ABBA disbanded and Björn and Benny went on writing with the great Tim Rice a musical called ‘Chess’ which is technically a continuity of ‘The Visitors’ album in terms of themes. You should check out Murray Head’s ‘One Night in Bangkok’ from that musical. It has an official music video and was a huge hit back in the 80s.
I'd recommend the full 5 minute version of One Night In Bangkok with the long intro, instead of the shorter music video: ruclips.net/video/YIOHSoaKPTk/видео.html
I would agree with Me and I or Our Last Summer as Dereck's next Abba Reacts video - he is so good.
This song is actually going on record is being one of Benny's favorite that they've done... Along with the day before you came
Try "When I kissed the Teacher" Really fun song
I’ll second that!
Love the music video.
This was their last video together
The last thing they ever released! Kind of depressing!
I liked "You owe me one" too which I think came out as a single or something just after that album?
Dear Dereck. You need to focus on Abba's SUPER TROUPER and ARRIVAL albums. They're filled with gems...Love your comments...try Happy New Year, Our Last Summer, The Way Old Friends Do, also That's Me, My Love My Life, When I Kissed The Teacher, Why Did It Have To Be Me..and many more..
ABBA were always ahead of their time 👍👍👍👍
All the later singles by ABBA were criminally under appreciated. The complexity and maturity were outstanding. The public still wanted pop, but thank God Benny and Bjorn did what was right. Pure brilliance. Having said that, my favourite ABBA album is and always will be Arrival.
You need to react to ABBA with Cassandra
upfrontbear74 my all time unappreciated fave!
Yes, another vote for Cassandra
One of my favourite ABBA songs ❤️
This was one of their last singles and yes the last video .... but it was not from any of their 8 studio albums .. this song came out just as they were unofficially splitting up as group in late 1983.... A 9th album could have been done, as they had released enough enough singles and songs on vinyl with the b sides from 1981 to 1983 , aside from their last studio album .. The Visitors in 1981
if Abba had continued their musical journey, this is the sound they would have explored i am sure, also this song has some clever lyrics that i like.
For me It's typically "ABBA" It sounds like something they'd have done early in their careers before the Mega Hits came along, as opposed to right at the end. Still up to the mark, excellent vocals, catchy tune, OK lyrics. You can tell by their expressions & body language that they we're tired & didn't have much more left to give. It's quite fitting that at the end when they walk out of that warehouse, they walked away from It all. Thank God for all the wonderful song's & memories they left the world. I'm so looking forward to the "New Music" in these dark times we need them back to make us feel good again.
Iffy is the perfect word to describe Under Attack! Thank you again great reaction! x
I think to remember that it's Agnetha's voice that the vocoder was used on.
I don't know if they knew it when they filmed the video, but as they walk out the warehouse door at the end this is them literally walking away from Abba. This was the last (new) single they ever released. Seeing them walk away into the distance always makes me feel a little bit sad. Also can i just say in Frida's defence that she has many lead vocals where Agnetha joins in and provides backing vocals and harmonies. For most of their career A and F were allocated roughly half of the songs on each album to lead on.
Isn't it amazing, Derek, that no matter how many ABBA songs you react to, there are still so many more to discover? LOL I would love to see you react to "Me and I" and "Cassandra." Along with all the rest of the suggestions here. :-)
Abba - That's Me
Wow!..wowow!.Under Attack.great song I love it also the video..same thing the girls voices amazing oh my the instruments sounds so perfect i hug this song I sing together, i imagine I'm one of the back up singer hehehe..Amazing!..
"One More Time - Highland" - Written by ABBA Benny's son. Big hit in Europe in 1992. Fantastic song. I'd love to see you react to it.
This proves once again that they just got better and better!!!
It would be worth listening to Track 11 on CD4 on the compilation Thank You For The Music released in 1994. This is called ABBA Undeleted and has demos of the songs you mention and two hidden gems: Rikky Rock N Roller recorded in September 1974 here in it’s entirety and the a segment of Just Like That recorded in May 1982 which I think every ABBA fan would love to see released. Plus there’s some fun bits. Check it out!
Hi Dereck, you were being so careful with your words for the rabid ABBA fans (of which I am one,) LOL!! But I agree with you, this was literally the end and it shows. What will be exciting is what they are promising us in 2021 in the way of new music. FIVE NEW TRACKS!! My hope is that it will be awesome as these guys do not do anything half way.
Oh as far as new ABBA reactions, check out the live version of "Why Did It Have to Be Me" ruclips.net/video/UNCDt51cwLs/видео.html & the audio version of "I'm A Marionette" ruclips.net/video/TjkigLLt9Ag/видео.html
I’ve Been Waiting for You
Suggestion for you derek from Abba
Thank you for your video
Put on your white sombrero ABBA find it out Dereck
Your review of that track was for me, spot on. It just sounds to me like a half hearted effort. I think the reason for it not charting so well was a combination of record buyers both moving on to other sounds and also picking up on the reduced effort and energy of the group. ABBA did not need to keep sounding the same, indeed, each album had a different sound to the previous one; 'The Visitors' track is a million miles away from 'Ring Ring' but both have heir own unique energy. I don't hear it that much in this song. It's not bad, it's just lacking the ABBA energy. I just feel they could not be bothered any more.
Review Cassandra and Just like that. 😊
As a true ABBA fan, I agree with you - my first time with the song, I felt the same.
Do you want hidden gems????????? Hole in Your Soul, Should I Laugh or Cry, I'm A Marionette, Me and I, Lovers, Move On, Lovelight... Do those gems and tell me...
Yes, Yes, Yes! All fantastic suggestions!!
For me, it's yet another 10 out of 10 Abba track, just totally superb.
Why nobody talks about On and On and On??
It's also one of their finest songs and much different from other stuff. C'mon Dereck, it's great one and it has an official video!
Greetings from Croatia!🙂
"On and On and On" is also one of my favourites!!! The lyrics are very fun!!!
Its Agnetha, not Anna btw. This was thier last vid and the band was broken up by this point. The boys had already started on the musical Chess, which was a huge mega hit.
Their names are Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anna Frida thereford the group name ABBA
Ya, I know.🙄
It's not from The Visitors album at all! It was recorded almost a year later in 1982. It was added as an "extra track" to the most recent CD reissues.
Exactly! For years, the only way you could get this song was to buy their album "The Singles: The First Ten Years" (which wasn't easy to find) or get the UK single on vinyl.
There is a big reason for this song. Don't give up on my faith for this group holyhell
Yes, absolutely must do Me and I x
You didn't react to 2 of their biggest hits yet!!! Definitely you must do it! The songs you didn't react yet, is "I Have a Dream" and "Thank You For the Music". Very beautiful songs, and kind of calming. I'm sure you'll like it.
This song has some of the most complicated backing vocals I've ever heard.
And just adding to suggestions: One Man, One Woman, Hole in Your Soul recorded and live, Kisses Of Fire, Andante Andante, On and On and On, Should I Laugh Or Cry
Solo stuff for Frida: Sista valsen med dig (in Swedish), Alla mina bästa år (duet with Marie Fredrickkson), Shine, Twist In the Dark, To Turn To Stone, Även en blomma (in Swedish). THe Swedish material if off her last full album in 96.
Agnetha: When You REally Love Somebody, Dance Your Pain Away, I Should Have Followed You Home (duet with Gary Barlow) off her last album A, and What Now My Love, and When You Walked Into The Room, off her 2003 album My Colouring Book, an album of songs Agnetha grew up with and wanted to cover.
One of my favorites actually. But - the best way to listen to it is to listen to "The day before you came" and with as little of a pause as possible go into this. That's why this feels like such a sunny song to me: everything is bland the day before you came, and now that she's under attack things are bright and sunny.
Love this record....Anyway ABBA never made a bad record.
Under Attack is *not* from the original The Visitors album, but it is on The Visitors reissue cds as a *bonus* track along with other bonus tracks like The Day Before You Came, Should I Laugh Or Cry, Cassandra & You Owe Me One bonus tracks varying depending on 1998 or 2001 cd reissues you have. Under Attack & The Day Before You Came are not from any ABBAalbum as such, but are included on ABBA's 1982 triple greatest hits lp combo ABBA - The First Ten Years show casing ABBA's iconic hits in order they were released on the tracklisting.
Yeah, what you have to understand is that at the end of 1982, ABBA had been recording for ten years non-stop from 1973 releasing an album a year during that period. By the end of 1982, music had changed so much with post punk/NewRomantics being huge at that time like Yazoo, Human League, Adam And The Ants, Depeche Mode etc dominating the charts. ABBA singles were failing to chart with this a plus their previous two singles (Head Over Heels & The Day Before You Came) just about bealy denting the top 30 in UK charts Under Attack reaching No.24 UK chart which is bad in ABBA universe. I *think* ABBA made a conscious decision amongst themselves to break up despite stating in interviews (Noel Edmounds Late Late Breakfast Show late82 for instance) that they were not breaking up, but it was obvious to anyone with a bit of intelligence to see through that. What you have to understand it that at point in time (late 1982), ABBA's music had touched the hearts of millions upon millions worldwide, millions were ABBA obsessed cocooning themselves in an ABBA universe being totally touched by ABBA's music with ABBA's music being their source of escapism from the day to day of tough living (the movie Murals Wedding being a prime example) And if ABBA had announced that they *were* breaking up at the end of 1982, believe it or not, there would've been a huge volume of people who wouldn't have been able to handle that (as ridiculous as it may seem) not having their ABBA cocoon zone to take comfort and refuge in anymore (take one look at what happened when British iconic boyband Take That broke up in 1996 I believe the year was, fans were plunged into utter devastation with one fan committing suicide because of the break up, so with ABBA fans, multiply that by millions) ; And I think that ABBA recognised this (they had good logic thinking heads on their shoulders) and instead of announcing they were breaking up, just didn't record anymore music post that (exception would be but never released 1983 single I Am The City) And that comment that Dereck read out regarding ABBA exiting the warehouse going their separate ways, the picture of ABBA social distance on the cover of their last studio album The Visitors, they were unquestionably hinting to anyone who scratched the surface they were coming to an end. Frida said in a 1992 interview that by the end of 1982, they were tired of ABBA and needed a break.
I *think* the decision to film the Under Attack video in a wear house came from 80s movies & tv shows were a typical blond is trapped in a dimly light closed area being chased by a bad guy was a frequently used scene used back then.
If you like the darker feel of this song, you might love "I Let The Music Speak" off The Visitors album. There isn't a video, but but it's so unique. As for a video, "Head Over Heels" is a good song with a comedic video 🙂
Also Honey, Honey (Muiskladen '76) is a pretty great live performance imo
He has reacted to I let the music speak.
One of my fav ABBA songs
I only heard that song from watching Mama Mia! Live in the west end, but that's the first time I've seen the music video and I'm as confused as the next person. WTH was it about? It was like a work safety video of how to use stairs in a warehouse . . . .
Abba live @ Wembley, singing "The Way Old Friends Do" is one that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up Dereck.
Pleace make more ABBA/Frida/Agnetha Reaction Videos🤩🤩🤩
ABBA walking & fading away is one of the saddest images to see. always brings tears to me watching the end of this video :'(
As an ABBA fan who grew up with them this was Abba's last single (in the UK) before they split up. It was also part of the incomplete Opus 10 album they were working on in 1982. The group decided to not complete this and released the Singles, the first 10 years at the end of 82. This and the day before you came were included there. This is 1982 and not part of the Visitors as you seem to allude, that was 1981. Some deluxe versions of the Visitors have these 2 songs on them but they are not on the original studio album for the Visitors. Note that four of Abba's hits are not on studio albums. Fernando and Summer Night City are the other two. They are on Greatest Hits and Greatest Hits vol 2 respectively as well as the Singles. The US market may have been different but the releases in Europe are the main market for the band. The final opus 10 track, I am the City was not released until More ABBA Gold in 92 I believe.
Please keep the reviews coming. I'm loving the younger generation view of ABBA's music.
When Björn and Benny were asked which songs they expected to be big hits but weren't they mentioned Under Attack and The King has lost his Crown. Thank you Dereck you're the best./Greetings from Sweden
Fun fact: This was ABBA’s last music video and song. You should react to ‘Head Over Heels’.
Glad you reacted to this at last! :-)
U need to review Just Like That
it was never COMPLETED!!
@@Davey7358 actually that’s wrong. There are complete versions out there !!!
@@lisacrane4006 I know, but not by Benny and Bjorn.
@@Davey7358 actually there are completed versions out there which were stolen from Benny’s car yrs ago
Try ABBA 'my love my life'
Yes yes yes
the most beautiful breakup song, up there with The Winner Takes It All
Yes! Also 'I've Been Waiting For You'.
One of the last ABBA tracks, and one of the clearest classical influences of many in their work, the chorus using baroque counterpoint. The latter part of the post-ABBA gem "Story Of A Heart" (by Helen Sjoholm and the Benny Andersson Orchestra) is the same way...that would be worth reacting to too, actually, Dereck...maybe check out Steps' "Something In Your Eyes" too, a very recent A&U track...
It's Cagney and Lacey :-)
Dereck, do you know that your ABBA reaction videos come up in the national news feed that I get every morning on my phone?? Pretty Cool!!
really? thats dope! 😍
Hello Dereck, maybe could you react on one of my favorite ABBA's songs "Our last summer", a nostalgic song with a great melody
Oh man, you gotta do Angel Eyes!
If they hadn't broken up,,,,, their follow-up album to «The Visitors» would've been titled «Opus 10».
@Marvin Morawski I remember reading that in a book. Either Benny or Björn had mentioned that they had planned the title of their next album (LP), to be titled «Opus 10». But, of course that never happened, because, the 2 «B's» in ABBA had begun work with Sir Tim Rice on «Chess», and Frida had already moved to London to work with Phil Collins on her solo album «Something's Going On». And, of course Agnetha would «follow suit», and release her own solo album, the very next year, in 1983, «Wrap Your Arms Around Me».
Hey Derek...check out the funky, underrated "My Mama Said". It is from their Waterloo album and how it was never released a single?...is beyond me. Has a real funky bass groove and soulful guitar break.
When Anni-Frid joins is beautiful!
Cassandra, I Wonder, Elaine.
Oh, I remember every little thing about that day I remember every place Grey skies, you were laughing at the clouds
And rain fell softly on your face The memories of our time together cannot be replaced
I never loved you more than on those happy autumn days
You mean when ''The autumn leaves are falling to the ground''?
@@geordieboy8945 and it all most makes me cry :)
This is a gem of a record, love it...
Benny on the Vocoder,not a song from Visitor ,was planned for opus 10 the album that never came
React to As Good As New, the intro is amazing!
I'm sorry, but this is pure ABBA. Nothing experimental about it at all. That chorus is ABBA's signature sound.
We fans still hope to get at least 2 more brand new songs from them as ABBA very soon.
and they gone into light, forever
I listen to a lot of Reaction videos and you always sound the most professional. You notice everything! Do "On and on and on" You will like it!
Thank you! 🙌🏽
Head over heels is also another ABBA Gem
That's me is good!
from the arrival album
This song marks the end of ABBA. It was their very last single released and their last music video. Abba should I laugh or cry and Does your mother know/Hole in your soul medley live at Wembley 1979 next please :)
Their last single by ABBA standards I always see it as a bit weak. Walking out at the end, out of the video and out of ABBA
I don’t think that this is a weak song at all. In fact, it’s amazing. Beautifully balanced and endlessly interesting.
It's a GREAT song
You should react to My Love, My Life.
I recommend 'Soldiers' and ' The Way Old Friends Do' both very meaningful songs that give plenty of heart.
Last song ABBA made together…
but Benny and Björn made a few abbalike songs to their musicals
you should listen "I know him so well" from chess..
if it only was sung by Angetha and Frida...
It's the last single they released as a band, but not the last song they recorded. That song goes to the day before you came
Yes, that is the studio recording order. Last 4 songs were meant to be for the upcoming next album, but band broke up after these sessions (at the recording of Day before you came Frida had already left).
but the last Anderson/Ulveaus popsong is "Story of a Heart"by Benny Andersson's Band 2009 and the single release of Steps 2017
Great ABBA song, I wish the singer has been Angetha (instead of Helen Sjöholm)
ruclips.net/video/NkokZH00lfs/видео.html
Steps - Story of a Heart (Official Video)
ruclips.net/video/yLWJC6M9l3w/видео.html