Voyage: A Review
When I heard ABBA was coming out with a new album, I was sitting in a greasy-spoon-esque cafe with my cousin, where they were showing the news. I never imagined that this would be what it is like to have new ABBA music coming out in my lifetime. The build-up to the release date was filled with memorising the pre-released singles and imagining what the track names would translate to as a song. I knew that once the album was out, I would have to write this blog post, if not for the good of the nation, then for the good of the poor people who asked “how are you?” before I launch into a deep analysis of ABBA history which they didn’t bank on hearing.
I Still Have Faith In You
Can I fault this as an opening track? No. It seems to explain the past 40 years of no ABBA music and was the perfect choice for the hype singles. It feels reconciliatory, whilst eluding to the love and friendship and good vibes that were always there, if sometimes a little hidden. It puts the past behind us and reminds us that good things are still coming and are very much possible.
When You Danced With Me
I close my eyes and see the closing credits of a Disney film based in Scotland. It’s beautifully folky and requires a harsh wind coming off the sea. When Agnetha and Frida sing, it’s absolutely an ABBA song, but the interludes have a strong modern bagpipes track. I imagine it would be a great song to have at your ceilidh, charging up and down a hall dancing.
Little Things
My initial thought was that this would be the Sound of Music Christmas Special competition performance with the Von Trapp family singers. It’s very sweet and joyful and I can almost remember having heard it the whole way through my childhood whilst trees are decorated and presents are wrapped in preparation. Obviously I haven’t, because the song has only just come out, but I think that’s a testament to how this will be a Christmas classic without trying.
Don’t Shut Me Down
I cannot name whatever instrument makes that iconic wail multiple times in this song, but let it be known – I love it. Every time it sounds slightly out of place or out of tune, and there’s something glorious in imagining that musician just having a great time in the song, maybe not quite nailing it, but the energy behind it was so pure and joyful that no one would dare cut it. I truly believe that one sound encapsulates the whole song, and transforms it from a standard bop to an ABBA bop.
Just A Notion
I can already see the finale numbers being performed to this song. Certain songs just require you to start taking a bow, clapping others onto a stage, waving at the crowd, and this is one such song. To place this in the middle of the album is a bold move. We know this song was one of ABBA’s previously unreleased and part of me is saddened that this track never had a chance to make it to the Mamma Mia Soundtrack.
I Can Be That Woman
Every ABBA album needs a ballad. This song, however, has me constantly doubting whether the titular woman is a cat or not. Or maybe it’s being sung to a cat? Either way, I’m certain a cat is involved in here somewhere which adds a unique spin to the classic topics of songs. It’s sad, it’s hopeful, it’s dreamy, it’s about rock bottom. All it needs is a bus window on a rainy day.
Keep An Eye On Dan
As soon as I saw the track title, I knew this would be one of the more intense songs ABBA have written. Speculations were made of whether this would fit into the universe of ‘When I Kissed The Teacher’ (or the WIKTTU) – potentially a staff room warning of the kid who keeps interrupting lessons to snog the teacher, informing the others that Dan is to be kept under watch. The intro begins with a sequence reminiscent of ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ whilst the song concludes with perhaps a whisper of ‘SOS’. The scene is set in my head with a police chase, a babysitting experience gone wrong, a worried parent, and Dan no doubt wreaking havoc on the town. It has a great beat and I can imagine would be very motivational on a run to imagine yourself as Dan.
Bumblebee
Filled with nordic folk energy, but perhaps looking to warmer days and bumbly bees. I love bees and think they are so cool and clever so I think this is a fitting ode to these wonderful creatures. I love the flutework, clean and crisp. A song for bumblebees rather than one by them as there wasn’t really any buzzing.
No Doubt About It
Yet again, ABBA are hitting us up with the weirdest instruments and sounds. Would I want anything other? It jumps right into the toe-tapping, hip-shaking chorus and you know it’s ABBA through and through (no doubt about it). It has drama, joy, and changes in tempo. It really sounds fresh out of the 70s and I think maybe that is its main purpose? It ends just as quickly as it started and leaves you certain of what you just listened to.
Ode to freedom
I believe this song to be heavily influenced by Beethoven’s Symphony number 9 – particularly the 4th movement. However, the whole thing is hours long and I haven’t actually been able to verify whether the sample they use is indeed from that. Others rumour that it’s from Tchaikovsky. The voices blend so well with the instruments that if you let your mind wander, they might be the same thing. It has the grandeur befitting the final track of an ABBA album after a 40-yea hiatus.
For my recommendations on an ABBA song for every mood, see my post here.
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2 thoughts on “ABBA’s New Album”