With between 250 and 400 million
records, depending on the source, sold worldwide ABBA is one of the
most successful groups of all time. Their songs range from upbeat
“Dancing Queen”, that drew us all to the dance floor, to the
melancholia sounds of “SOS”. They had just the right songs for
whatever emotions we were feeling,
The group from Sweden, consisting of
two couples, first came into the international spotlight in 1975. For
the next 8 years their songs filled our airwaves until the group
broke up in 1982. In those 8 years they generated many hits but also
had plenty of songs that were underrated and never gained air play,
The following are just 5 such songs:
Released in 1974
“My Mama Said” is a song about a young girl complaining about her
mamas constant nagging and not letting her do what she wants. The
song has a funky beat that more of a bluesy vibe than the dance music
ABBA is known for in later years.
This song was
first released in Japan in 1973. It was originally released under the
German title “Wer im Wartesaal der Liebe steht”. The song has the
more folksy feel of the late 1960's and early 1970's. The song start
with music that reminds you of a traveling circus. I t then tells the
story of someone that lives their life on the road but tries to find
love where they can.
Released in 1982
the year the group broke up and on an album that was never finished.
The song was the 'B' side of their last single. It never saw much
play but show a more techno side to the group. The song pretty much
shadows the relationship of the group in that by that time both
couples had broken up.
The
members of the group didn't like the song, saying it didn't sound
like them. The song did have some success and does show a side of
ABBA other than the pop music.
One
of last songs the group recorded in 1982 shows a more sophisticated
side of ABBA. It tells the story of the character of Cassandra that
in Greek mythology was doomed to know the future but not to have
anyone believe her. To fit the theme of the story the songs melody is
slow with to give the song that Greek tragedy feel.
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