INTRODUCTION
Writing a review about a greatest hits album from one of the world’s most loved, recognised and famous bands should be a doddle, as there is very little most people don’t know about ABBA – in many cases, whether they want to or not. The Swedish foursome managed to find a perfect ... Read review
Advantages: A comprehensive compendium of the greatest hits Disadvantages: None to speak of.
...most people don’t know about ABBA – in many cases, whether they want to or not. The Swedish foursome managed to find a perfect combination of songwriting and melodies to create some of the most endearing and durable pop records of the last forty years. In a way, that’s what makes writing about them so difficult – everyone already has an opinion, everyone has their favourites, and most have already decided whether they will tap their feet to the catchy ... .../> I was introduced to ABBA as a child, when, in more innocent times, my grandfather used to put on some of their records (with a sprinkling of Boney M – remember them?) for me and my cousins to cavort, dance and “jive” to as six year old kids having some fun. Their music stayed with me, in the background, throughout my life – very much a guilty pleasure during the times when I was way “too cool” to like them, or I was clever enough to realise that ... more
INTRODUCTION
Writing a review about a greatest hits album from one of the world’s most loved, recognised and famous bands should be a doddle, as there is very little most people don’t know about ABBA – in many cases, whether they want to or not. The Swedish foursome managed to find a perfect combination of songwriting and melodies to create some of the most endearing and durable pop records of the last forty years. In a way, that’s what makes writing about them so difficult – everyone already has an opinion, everyone has their favourites, and most have already decided whether they will tap their feet to the catchy beat when ABBA comes on the radio, or mutter under their breath and resolutely change the station.
I was introduced to ABBA as a child, when, in more innocent times, my grandfather used to put on some of their records (with a sprinkling of Boney M – remember them?) for me and my cousins to cavort, dance and “jive” to as six year old kids having some fun. Their music stayed with me, in the background, throughout my life – very much a guilty pleasure during the times when I was way “too cool” to like them, or I was clever enough to realise that open acknowledgement of my soft spot would probably be social suicide. However, when I stopped caring about what other people thought, and when it became trendy and retro to like them again (coincidentally, when ABBA Gold came out) they made a spectacular comeback into my record collection.
THE CONTEXT
Apart from the nostalgia and happy childhood memories, ABBA Gold had a more contemporary relevance to me. In the summer of 1997, one of my good friends from uni was getting married to an Italian aristocrat in a lovely walled Tuscan village called Campagnatico, so my friend Jezza and I decided to hire a car and make a week of it, driving around Northern Italy. On our travels, we took in Florence, Sienna, Pisa and ultimately Venice. The car had a tape player and a radio, and after deciding that we could not endure Italian pop any longer, we decided to buy a tape – any tape – at the next service station we popped in to. Nestled amongst all of the trashy looking crap that obviously (along with double espressos) served to keep Italian HGV drivers awake, was ABBA Gold. No contest.
We then spent the rest of our trip playing the tape over and over, and by the end of it, we remembered all the words we’d forgotten and learned all of the ones we didn’t know. We must have looked a sight, bombing down the motorways, windows down, belting out ABBA at the top of our lungs and camping it up for good effect. The proof, if any was ever needed, of the universality of ABBA, came when we got stuck in a horrendous traffic jam in the middle of nowhere on our return from Venice to Pisa airport. It was one of those incidents where people eventually start getting out of their cars and milling about.
In an inspired moment, Jezza turned on the radio, popped in the tape, and as the first strains of Dancing Queen penetrated the aural passages of the gathering crowd, some sort of race memory kicked into overdrive, and before we knew it, we were having a bit of a rave up amongst the cars in the middle of Tuscany – making friends, getting down with strangers, and even dancing with old biddies in black. Sadly, all too soon (I think it was in the middle of “Mamma Mia”) traffic started moving again, and we had a plane to catch – but the experience will live with me forever.
THE ALBUM
Following the 30th anniversary of their first UK hit “Waterloo” in 1974, ABBA re-released the 19-track CD version of ABBA GOLD in 2004 (the original CD was released in 1994) and it has become a staple of most record collections ever since. Every one of the songs on the album, which span the period between 1974 and 1981, is instantly recognisable, which speaks both to their universal appeal and their copious and productive output. The success of this compilation spawned the follow-up More ABBA Gold in 1994 which has some of their less recognisable material, so for the novice “Gold” is a great starting point, and at £5.68 from Amazon, you can hardly go wrong. The CD includes a very good booklet with a potted history of the band, as well as the genesis of the ABBA Gold album. Of course, the musical “Mamma Mia” and the film based on it have exposed ABBA to a whole new generation of fans. It is doubtful that Agnetha, Bjorn, Benni and Anni-Frid will need to worry about their retirement.
THE SONGS
At 19 songs, the album represents fantastic value, but the sheer number makes it impractical to cover each one. As such, here are my top five.
Knowing Me, Knowing You
ABBA career has always been punctuated by the personal relationships between the band members (Bjorn and Agnetha, and then Benni and Anni-Frid married and divorced) and a lot of their material hides an emotional depth - born of their experiences – under the slick, pop veneer. “KMKY” is one such song. It is a melancholy ballad, with its source material obvious from its raw and punchy lyrics, but it’s hard to refrain from singing along with the catchy chorus and its characteristic harmonies.
“No more carefree laughter. Silence ever after. Walking through an empty house, tears in my eyes. Here is where the story ends. This is goodbye. Knowing me, knowing You, there is nothing we can do.”
Super Trouper
My favourite mondegreen comes from this song (not a typo – but the fancy name for a misheard lyric). ABBA were a very busy band during their 70’s heyday, and this song speaks to the endless grind of performing and touring. Another catchy number (aren’t they all) which will have you tripping over your tongue trying to emulate Benni and Bjorn’s background “Suppapappa Troopappa”. As for that mondegreen? “I was sick and tired of everything when I called you last night from Tesco”. That’s, erm “Glasgow” actually…
“Facing 20,000 of your friends, how can anyone feel so lonely? Part of a success that never ends, still I’m thinking about you only…”
The Winner Takes it All
Another of ABBA’s “divorce ballads” this is a heartfelt, powerful and emotional song that has resonated with many who have found themselves in similar circumstances. You can almost feel the hurt through its exceptional lyrics and delivery. The singer is trying desperately to be brave, to face the truth, to banish regrets and move on (“it’s simple and it’s plain, why should I complain?”) but you know – and feel – that she can’t – not really. An outstanding track.
“I don’t want to talk, if it makes you feel sad, and I understand, you’ve come to shake my hand. I apologise if it makes you feel bad, seeing me so tense, no self confidence, but you see, the winner takes it all.”
Fernando
ABBA tell stories in their songs exceptionally well, and Fernando is a fine example of their art. In a short, four minute window, they manage to create a rich and colourful Latin American tableau for the listener. The lyrics and the music together do a masterful job of transporting you back to a different time and era. This is the international appeal of ABBA at its most obvious – and in my view at least – best.
“There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright Fernando. They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando. Though we never thought that we could lose, there’s no regret…”
Thank You For The Music
This a lovely, simple little piano led number, with none of the razzmatazz usually associated with some of the fuller and busier ABBA songs. It would have been a fitting end-note type tribute for the band’s success (and their appreciation for their undoubted talent) but it was actually written in 1977 – in their heyday. It showcases Agnetha’s excellent voice – something you don’t really expect given most of their material.
“And I’ve often wondered, how did it all start? Who found that that nothing can capture a heart like a melody can? Well, whoever it was, I’m a fan!”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
From “Waterloo”, which kicked it off at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, until they “took a break” in 1982 which ended up being permanent, ABBA enjoyed almost unparalleled and continuous worldwide success. They have entertained generations of fans in a way that very few groups ever have, and for that they are, and always will be legends of pop. The excellent ABBA Gold is a perfect introduction to those who want to hear a bit more.
Quoting their own words to them would be a fitting way to end this piece, so “Thank you for the music” ABBA, “for giving it to me”.
FULL TRACK LISTING
Dancing Queen (1976) Knowing Me, Knowing You (1976) Take A Chance On Me (1977) Mamma Mia (1975) Lay All Your Love On Me (1980) Super Trouper (1980) I Have A Dream (1979) The Winner Takes It All (1980) Money, Money, Money (1976) S.O.S (1975) Chiquitita (1979) Fernando (1976) Voluez-Vous (1979) Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (1979) Does Your Mother Know (1979) One of Us (1981) The Name of The Game (1977) Thank You For The Music (1977) Waterloo (1974)
Advantages: A superb variety of their best tracks. Disadvantages: Doesn't include the tracks Eagle or The Girl With The Golden Hair
ABBA are probably the best all around pop group to ever grace this earth. They sometimes used an effect in the recording studio known as over dubbing vocals which achieved the effect of harmonies being created by multiple female vocals. The technique is also referred to as a Wall Of Sound which was pioneered by the music Producer Phil Spector back in the 1960s. On this 19 track CD you will hear exactly why. You get the catchy dance to tunes such ... ...contain song lyrics. Some ABBA facts: Anni-Frid Lyngstad (who is the brunette vocalist) is now known as Anni-Frid, Princess Reuss von Plauen through her marriage to Prince Heinrich Ruzzo Reuss von Plauen who sadly passed away in 1999. In 1979 The United Nations declared it the year of the child and ABBA kindly donated all royalties from sales of "Chiquitita" to this cause. Björn Ulvaeus, born in 1945, now suffers from some severe memory loss. I'm ...
bella6789 22.02.2009 (04.03.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba
Advantages: Upbeat pop music for all, perfect mix of pop and love Disadvantages: One or two slightly disappointing tracks, thats all
Abba were arguably the biggest 'cult' music group of the 70's. And even now, their music lives on as if it has only just recently been released. Abba songs often form the centre-piece of parties with the upbeat 'Dancing Queen' and 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' being particular favourites.
This CD encapsulates all the essential Abba hits. There isn't one single solitary song in this collection that is not worth listening to. The foursome who make up ... ...To be honest, every Abba song has a message about love and it is no surprise then that this is no different. The nice melodies of earlier tracks appears to be kicking in again with this song. Chiquitita:
We now enter a slow phase on the CD with this sumptuous effort. This is a beautiful song with lovely soothing verses leading up to a terrific chorus.
Fernando:
Very similar type song to Chiquitita. Nice verses, brilliant chorus.
Voulez Vous:
...
antonio79 11.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba
Advantages: great voice and songs, and plenty of songs Disadvantages: none
ABIT ABOUT ABBA
ABBA were a Swedish pop music group active from 1969 until 1982. They are the most successful music group ever to come out of Scandinavia. The quartet topped worldwide charts from the mid 1970s to the early 1980s.The group have reportedly sold more than 370 million records. ABBA were widely noted for the colourful and trend-setting costumes its members wore. the band consisted of 4 members who were:
Benny Andersson
Björn Ulvaeus ... ...just because i dont like a few songs. Abba really are a great group and i have liked them ever since i can remember, so when i saw this on sale i could not resist to buy it, and it was money well spend. Its a fabulous album. ...
kineticspade 12.03.2007 (13.03.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba
You are GOLD!! ABBA GOLD is one of those albums that every CD collection should contain. It's an album you can always rely on to entertain people, that everyone will like and dance away to when you put it on the CD player. As we all know, ABBA are a pop group from Sweden. They were formed in November 1970. They were popular in the 70's and 80's although their music still lives on today in films, musicals, pubs and clubs. The band were made up of ... ...given names. The album, ABBA Gold is a greatest hits album. It's very well packaged in my opinion, it's front is plain and simple, the background is black with ABBA Gold written in gold lettering. It stands out as an album and really makes an impression in my opinion. The album was released in 1992. According to an article I read, ABBA Gold is the biggest seller of all ABBA releases, and is one of the Top 30 best-selling albums of all time worldwide. ...
Spottydog11 13.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba
Advantages: ABBA's hit records on on album, good quality sound. Disadvantages: None
...has decreased.
I'm an ABBA fan, but why should I purchase this album?
You should purchase this album because it is comprised of ABBA's biggest hits, 19 of them!
Does the album come with anything?
It comes with a little booklet that show pictures of the band throughout th years, it also includes a litte bit of and ABBA history lesson.
I've never heard of ABBA, but I'm open to new kinds of music, but why should I buy this album?
Because ABBA's ... ...admit you like it...you do!). ABBA has made some of the most catchy, beautiful and memorable songs ever, if you've never heard of ABBA but are open to new kinds of music, you won't regret buying this album! ABBA is the band that won EuroVision in 1974, and have since then sold millions of albums worldwide, and have many many hit records.
Which ABBA songs will I locate on this album?
You'll locate 19 ABBA songs on this album, these are:
Dancing ...
PeterCucciniello 11.05.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba
Product Information for "Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits) - Abba" »
Product details
Title
Abba Gold Vol.1 (Greatest Hits)
Performer
Abba
Genre
Rock & Pop
Release Date
04/08/2003
Recomended Retail Price
16.99 GBP
Original Release Year
1992
Label / Distributor
Polydor / Universal Music
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
731451700729
Catalogue Number
5170072
Additional notes
Album Notes
ABBA: Bjorn Ulvaeus (vocals, guitar); Benny Andersson (vocals, keyboards); Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog (vocals). Producers: Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus. Compilation producer: Chris Griffin. Includes liner notes by John Tobler. Digitally remastered by Michael B. Tretow (Polar Studios). In seemingly random order, GOLD contains fourteen of Abba's twenty American hits (the remainder are on MORE ABBA GOLD); which is to say, it contains fourteen of the most delectable pop productions of the '70s and early '80s. "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo," "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and the other landmarks of upbeat melancholy are complex concoctions--all layered harmonies and brilliant keyboard arrangements. These songs don't easily fit into any pop timeline, which may be why Abba received much of their acclaim long after breaking up. What may have seemed like Euro-pop fluff in its day, has been revealed by time to be truly classic studio pop. The Swedish band's songs had show-tune and '60s-pop roots, skirted around the edge of disco, and were an unspoken influence on new wave. Without them, Madonna's very existence would be highly unlikely. With its Latin beat and gospel harmonies, "Lay Your Love All Over Me," one of the five songs here that didn't chart in the U.S., sounds like the very source of "Like A Prayer." Like Madonna, Abba had a grandiose vision of pop's place in the world--"who could live without it, I ask in all honesty," is how they put it in "Thank You For The Music," their Broadway-like farewell gesture. Hearing these singles, its hard to imagine anyone ever did.
Album Reviews
Rolling Stone (12/23/93, p.156) - "...these Swedes are a factor in the general revival of that silly decade, their giddiness a twist on the escapism that in more urgent form fueled disco and glam...." Q (10/00, p.154) - Included in Q's "Best Best Of... Albums Of All Time" - "...Confirms that Sweden's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson made a Faustian pact circa 1972..." Musician (11/93, p.93) - "...ABBA proved slickness and seething passion could coexist...."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Dancing Queen
2.
Knowing Me Knowing You
3.
Take A Chance On Me
4.
Mamma Mia
5.
Lay All Your Love On Me
6.
Super Trouper
7.
I Have A Dream
8.
Winner Takes It All
9.
Money Money Money
10.
SOS
11.
Chiquitita
12.
Fernando
13.
Voulez Vous
14.
Gimme Gimme Gimme
15.
Does Your Mother Know
16.
One Of Us
17.
Name Of The Game
18.
Thank You For The Music
19.
Waterloo
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