Day four of ABBA week means that today we explore the best of the best. Every track today, from number 10 right through to number 6 are amongst the elite ABBA songs. Some people even consider a few of these songs to be the best ABBA has ever written.
Today will be divisive for many of you. I know it and I'm willing to accept that there are some controversial choices. However, by tomorrow I'm hoping things will be a lot clearer for everyone.
Anyways, onwards we press with counting down the 25 greatest ABBA songs of all time. Today is a great mix of outright pop songs and dance tracks. All of which happen to have great film clips, might I add.
10. Summer Night City - 1978
I'm not in the business of lying so I'll come right out and say it, I've only recently discovered Summer Night City. I was watching an ABBA concert and near the end of the show, Bjorn started strumming the guitar and singing this song.
I sat up a little straighter and listened to the lyrics of this one. I was so caught up in the words that I hadn't noticed I was involuntarily bobbing up and down in my seat. Summer Night City is a smash hit. Upbeat, fast and rocking, this song has it all.
This song is in your face from the very beginning. It's almost like an invitation to sing and dance with the band. It's a little different and that's largely due to Bjorn carrying the proverbial vocal weight.
It still has the signature voices of Frida and Agnetha and the fast beats that have come to characterise the best ABBA dance numbers. Choosing this song is a little left of centre, however, it makes me want to dance- which is a feeling all the best ABBA songs provoke.
Best lyric: "It's a dream it's out of reach, scattered driftwood on the beach..."
9. Take A Chance On Me - 1978
Take A Chance On Me is another song where ABBA play with the idea that love is just a game. A bit of back and forth ensues. This song provides the perfect one two punch of Frida and Agnetha.
Frida is using that beautiful tone to establish the song. Just as we start to get into the groove Agnetha comes in, singing in that uncompromising upper register. Take A Chance On Me is a great example of when the girls really reach for those notes.
The precision with which they sing results in a sound of urgency and that's exactly what the song needs. The lyrics speak of trying to find ways to make someone love you. As the boys join in, singing 'take a chance' you really understand the back and forth of this song.
The progression of the song is world class. As the lyrics become more pleading, so do the vocals. To help portray this, the instruments get a touch louder. That's why Take A Chance On Me makes the top 10 of ABBA's greatest songs.
Best lyric: "You want me to leave it there, afraid of a love affair, but I think you know, that I can't let go..."
8. SOS - 1974
In a different countdown perhaps SOS would be number one. I absolutely adore this song. It's up there with my greatest songs of all time, from any band or genre. I had to listen to this song 3 straight times before I even started to understand exactly what makes this song so excellent.
That's right, excellent. Not just good. SOS is a triumph. ABBA were somewhat floundering after their Eurovision success. No one aside from a select group of superfans were really taking them seriously. They needed a hit and fast.
Then came SOS. It's an early and yet flawless example of the way in which ABBA were able to convey feelings of melancholy without depressing their audience. SOS is a sad song, but you wouldn't really know it judging by the musicality of the number.
Lone piano notes start the song off, before quickly building to match the intensity of Agnetha's vocals and in turn, the subject matter that she's singing about. I've said before that ABBA's lyrics convey that feeling of being surrounded by people and still feeling alone, and that my friends is SOS in a nutshell.
Best lyric: "I really tried to make it out, I wish I understood, what happened to our love it used to be so good..."
7. Mamma Mia - 1975
Mamma Mia. Two words that will forever be associated with ABBA. These two words that formed a song title in 1975 would go on to influence Broadway plays and Hollywood movies. Mamma Mia (the song) shows the endless potential of ABBA so it's only fitting this song created endless possibilities.
Mamma Mia achieves so many things that it's exhausting (in a satisfying way). Benny is tapping the keys of the piano, creating distinctive notes. In fact, this lasts the whole song. Tucked behind the vocals and the guitar is Benny's constant piano work.
Now that the ground work has been laid, Bjorn can come in on the guitar. Creating those expert riffs that allow the girls to pop on certain words. Accentuating the beat and the overarching message.
The cherry on top is the vocal work of Agnetha and Frida. I mean what's new? They are bona fide stars. In one instance the lyrics can be described as forlorn. Then Benny, Bjorn, Frida and Agnetha all combine their parts to send this song to dizzying heights. Heights that would ensure Mamma Mia be regarded as one of the great pop songs of all time.
Best lyric: "I've been cheated by you since I don't know when. So I've made up my mind it must come to an end."
6. Dancing Queen - 1976
I can almost hear the disbelief now. Dancing Queen at number 6? Many of you won't believe that Dancing Queen isn't number 1, let alone the fact that it doesn't crack the top 5. While a song like no other, I just believe ABBA have achieved better in their career.
That being said, the piano slide that starts the song will go down in history. Everything about this song is the very best of disco and pop. So much so that Dancing Queen is a song for everyone. Therefore it's fitting for this absolute smash to be universally beloved.
There is so much joy in this song. It allows you to forget about insecurities and those little things called inhibitions. It's hopeful and uplifting and that's why people flock to the dance floor when this song comes on.
The girls are so emotive in this song that it's hard not be believe that we the listener, can also be the Dancing Queen. They project in such a beautiful way that anything seems possible.
There are so many positive emotions related to this song that it's hard not to smile when those first 'oh ohhs' come through the speaker. This song has the ability to put someone in a dancing mood and yet also rescue them from a bad mood.
Dancing Queen is a hit, perhaps even ABBA's most beloved song. However, it lacks the emotional depth that I think is ever present in their most accomplished songs. Anyone can create an upbeat pop smash. But can they be just as successful when dealing with major issues like marriage breakdowns?
Best lyric: "You can dance. You can jive. Having the time of your life..."
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