ABBA is one of the largest selling dance groups in the history of recorded music from the 70s to the 80s. Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad aka ABBA. Four initials, an anagram that their manager came up with.
They’re the biggest export out of Sweden since Volvo. And that’s who ABBA is. What a better way to keep yourself busy while stuck inside! So, dust off the disco Ball & Enjoy the ride!
What’s so special about their music?
Well, their music makes people happy. Plus, Agnetha and Frida’s voices sound like angels. Add in some upbeat dance beats and next thing you know, you’re dancing like fool or better yet, a queen. And just like The Beatles, back in the day, their popularity creates mass hysteria from fans everywhere they went.
Kind of cool for them considering they originally started off as a 1970 Swedish cabaret act named Festfolk. Good move on the name change. Five decades later, they’re still very relevant.
The Formation of ABBA
At first they struggled and were not taken too seriously. One of the changes the group made is to highlight the vocals of Fältskog and Lyngstad while Benny and Björn creates and writes songs around the vocals. Another is to change the name of the band to ABBA.
In 1974, they perform Waterloo for a music competition for Eurovision and they win! That night is a historical night for them because it’s the tipping point that got them some airplay and noticed.
ABBA – The Struggle is Real…
OK, so we have a Swedish band that plays Pop with some rock elements. During a time when back then radio and television were playing mostly Classic Rock, Punk, Prog rock and Country. They were taking a chance with their careers.
Then again, David Bowie went through a lot of Glam moments during his career and did pretty good for himself. Eventually, so does ABBA! Estimates of ABBA’s total record sales are over 380 million, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
While their careers soared, unfortunately, their marriages didn’t. But, with everything that has happened, they are still promoting ABBA as a band while working on their individual projects and moving on.
ABBA is back!
Lately, there’s been a resurgence of their music over the years it’s been the gift that keeps on giving. Receiving help with Mama Mia, the movie and the musical with the same name, The sequel to the first movie, Mama Mia! Here We Go Again!, some new music, An ABBA Museum and possibly a interactive hologram tour eventually.
But the most important fact, is that with all these new projects and recent events, their music is once again being embraced by newer generations. Yes, still relevant, thanks to the new fans.
So, we tried to include as much ABBA songs but trying to choose a favorite ABBA song is like choosing between your children…Simply impossible.
For those of you that are ABBA fans and want to hear everything we couldn’t include, Then check out the different streaming options for the band and get the party started. And while you’re at it, get your dose of Joe & the band as well.
Be sure, to check out the other blog posts: https://jbonamassa.com/category/blog