In this day and age, who hasn’t heard of Swedish pop legends, ABBA? Although it’s been 30 years since they last released any new material, ABBA is making their much-awaited comeback in 2020, possibly sometime in September.
They plan to release at least five new songs to the public, according to band member Benny Andersson. Since they reunited in 2018, the band has been in the process of recording new material, but they have been delayed due to technical issues, leading to numerous postponements. Also in the works is an ABBA hologram tour, but this has unfortunately been delayed along with their new album. While we wait for their official release date, here’s a look back at two of their best musical contributions:
Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia is undoubtedly one of their most famous songs. From the well-received stage musical and film titled after it, along with its cleverly titled sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, this catchy tune is number 5 in The Rolling Stone’s list of the best ever ABBA songs. They fittingly describe it as “a greatest-hits album in three and a half minutes, a lovesick rave that leaves you exhausted and dizzy and fiending for more,” but it apparently barely cracked the Top 40 in the US at the time of its release. However, its lasting European charm is undeniable, being an avant-garde addition to the world of pop.
Dancing Queen
Looking back at other iconic hits, did you know that Dancing Queen was actually inspired by the Queen of England? According to Gala Bingo, band member Bjorn Ulvaeus was inspired to write the hit after a party at Glamis Castle. It’s one of those songs that never fails to get people on the dancefloor, no matter their age. For someone who’s never heard it before, “that opening piano swirl can trigger a pheromone rush in any human who knows what it means to (1) dance (2) jive, and/or (3) have the time of their life, on a floor where girls run the world and boys are just disposable props.”
Finally, if you’re interested to learn what ABBA’s new album is going to sound like, here’s some great news: Last year Björn said ABBA was attempting to emulate the vibe of The Beatles with their comeback album. At that time, two songs were already complete, and he said: “It is when you feel every note is where it should be and I don’t just mean the chorus.”
Following in their footsteps, Betta Lemme is a European dance-pop singer, who is influenced by ABBA. She describes her sound as if “a glamorous Quentin Tarantino film had a baby with a glittery dance-pop singer in Europe.” To learn more about her life and music, check out our previous interview.
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Why didn’t you put a question mark on this title? There’s not any officiality, yet! If so, ABBA would make another statement!