Who doesn’t like a good pop song?
You have probably heard an ABBA song, even if you don’t realize it. This group affected pop culture in many ways not only with their music but with their influence. In 1972 ABBA recorded their first song “People Need Love” with no idea that later on they would be one of the most successful and influential groups of all time. This Swedish pop group managed to change history in only 10 years with world famous songs.
But why was ABBA so popular? What made them so different from pop in America?
It may have something to do with their catchy lyrics or unique sound. Many were enticed by their vocals and how vastly different the members’ voices were. One thing that made ABBA stand out was the fact that they weren’t an American group, though they still made it in the top charts in the United States.
ABBA took influence from many bands and Rock N Roll legends, such as Chuck Berry’s rhythm and The Beatles’ coherent sound.
What ABBA songs are worthwhile and what do the albums have to offer? That’s exactly what I am about to diverge into. I grew up hearing ABBA songs and continue to expand my knowledge. I am going to rank my favorite Albums and songs from my least favorite to my favorite.
Ring Ring (1973)
This album is ABBA’s debut album, and is what helped them start their career. The reason why I have this album ranked as last on my list is due to the few songs on this album that I can sing by heart. Only a few songs are nostalgic to me, although I have to admit the storytelling in this album is very well done. I feel that as they grew as a group that the catchiness of their songs only improved, and those are the songs that fans remember. The storytelling in “Nina, Pretty Ballerina” is definitely noteworthy and compels you to listen to the entire track. I find the relatable message in “Love Isn’t Easy (But It Sure Is Hard Enough)” to be a worthwhile listen for any audience. And of course “Ring Ring” is an obvious listening choice with the upbeat sounds and chorus. That said, otherwise, this album does not have as many unforgettable songs as other records.
The Album (1977)
This album was very popular in the UK, and stayed within the top charts for seven weeks. Many songs like “Eagle” were praised for the vision that they included. My personal favorite from this album is “Thank You For The Music” due to the themes of self expression that it exhibits. ABBA does an excellent job of showcasing the effects of music and how it can unify people with no other similarities but the love of a song. The love and romance that can be felt in a relationship is featured in the song “One Man, One Woman,” which is about monogamy and love in marriage. Overall, this album ranks so low on my list due to the fact that it only includes nine tracks, which Is a song or two shorter than the others, and is lacking a masterpiece like other records.
Waterloo (1974)
This was ABBA’s second album, and was the cause of their popularity. “Waterloo” won the Eurovision Song Contest, and caused ABBA’s fanbase to become global. After both the song and album went international, ABBA’s recording career advanced while they tried to keep their popularity. The upbeat energy in “Honey, Honey” and romantic story is likely to get anyone appreciating the various melodic voices. Having previous music and dance experience, “Dance (While The Music Still Goes On)” is one of my favorite songs not only on this album but from ABBA overall. Waterloo is a noteworthy album, and is definitely some of ABBA’s well known work as well as one I appreciate.
The Visitors (1981)
ABBA experimented with a new sound for this album, with a more nostalgic message in most songs. The Visitors has more complicated lyrics and themes than ABBA’s previous albums. “Head Over Heels” mentions the complexities of love and how there are vulnerabilities in falling for someone. There is no control in falling head over heels, it is an action that happens whether we want it to or not. Although this song did not do well when it was first released, I find this song to be captivating, with both the well-written lyrics and the chord progression throughout. These mature themes in The Visitors are ones in which I applaud. “When All Is Said And Done” is an impressive track that relates to the divorce of two of ABBA’s members, which makes it feel relative and personal. And of course one of my preferred tracks from this album, “Slipping Through My Fingers” which discusses the harsh reality of growing up and how time slips away. This was one of the first ABBA songs I ever heard and remains one of the best. This Album dealt with heavier topics than former albums which I believe was necessary for the relevance of ABBA’s audience and added a layer that I relate to.
Super Trouper (1980)
This album was very popular in the UK, especially with ABBA’s hit, “The Winner Takes It All”. This song was written after two of ABBA’s members had broken up, and is an emotional song. I appreciate the pure emotion that can be heard throughout this track and the unwavering beat that adds to the ongoing theme. “Super Trouper” is one of the most superior tracks on the album due to the catchy lyrics and backup vocals. It definitely earns its spot in being the title track. One of the finest ABBA songs is “Lay All Your Love On Me”. This song differentiates itself from other songs on Super Trouper with the electronic sounds and steady beat. Putting this album at number four on my list was certainly disheartening and put into perspective just how good other albums are if I was able to push Super Trouper so far down on the list.
Voulez-Vous (1979)
ABBA embraced disco music in their album Voulez-Vous and was certainly met with good feedback in Britain. The title track “Voulez-Vous” became very popular due to the melodic chorus and soaring vocals. The disco and pop genres worked very well in gaining listeners for ABBA. “Chiquitita” was a famous single that raised money for UNICEF, a charity for children. This track is to this day one of the most popular ABBA songs and I admit the music is very unforgettable. One of the most notable songs on Voulez-Vous is :”Angel Eyes,” it is very easy to sing along with and has a continuously upbeat tempo. These popular and harmonious songs are a great listening experience that I couldn’t suggest more.
Arrival (1976)
Arrival is one of ABBA’s most famous Albums rightfully so. It features many catchy songs and skillful lyrics. The most popular ABBA song, “Dancing Queen” received this title due to the memorable melody and bass that makes everyone want to sing and dance along. It became popular all around the world, and still remains ABBA’s most well known song. “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is a very emotional song that bids farewell to the romantic relationships within ABBA. I find this song to be a very influential song on Arrival due to the emotive complexities. “Money, Money, Money” is one of the most impressive songs on Arrival due to the relative themes even 47 years later. These tracks barely scratch the surface on great hits on Arrival, not even mentioning songs like “Tiger,” and “Why Did It Have To Be Me?”. Overall Arrival is one of the most exceptional ABBA albums, and is remarkable in its lyrics and sounds.
ABBA (1975)
My favorite ABBA songs are on the album ABBA, as it is packed full of amazing tracks. ABBA features “Mamma Mia,” which later inspired the famous musical comedy. “SOS” stands as one of my all time best ABBA songs due to the lively lyrics and the rhythmic chords. I can appreciate many other tracks on this album such as “Hey, Hey Helen” and “So Long” for their creative lyrics and tempos. “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” has catchy lyrics and I applaud it for the romantic message. All in all, this is the most impressive album in the way of tracks and how influential on pop culture tracks like “Mamma Mia” is to this day.
It is impressive the reach that ABBA has had internationally and how their music is still relevant and popular today. With each member’s vastly different vocal ranges it is formidable how coherent their sound is. Given the fact that this group was only together for 10 years, their influence has existed for longer than they did. My advice is to give ABBA songs a chance, not only the mainstream tracks but the ones mentioned in my list. In doing this you will gain a wider music range and possibly a new favorite song.
