Cue the disco lights–
The second your shoe – whether it is a dress shoe, or a heel – touches the glimmering floor, lit up by colors of the rainbow from the strobe lights, your expectations for the party are set. What will be the first song? Who will it be by? How will it set the mood? With a flurry of these questions racing through one’s mind, it is impossible to not consider the embodiment of pure pop brilliance, ABBA.
From sparkling harmonies and catchy melodies to truly unforgettable performances, ABBA was not just an entertainment group which released lyrics and music. Rather, the quartet created a feeling, a moment, a memory that would linger in minds for decades to come. The pop hit ‘Dancing Queen’ is an anthem of youth and freedom, world renowned ‘Mamma Mia’ is a soundtrack of romantic ups and downs, and ‘The Winner Takes It All’ is a heartbreaker that somehow still makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. Even today, over fifty years after the group was initially formed, their sequins twinkle as bright as ever; so, take a chance on ABBA!
Backstory
ABBA. The name itself may seem a bit random, but in reality it portrays the tight-knit connection among the two couples that form the group. It is a combination of the first letters of its member’s names: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. But their musical excellence didn’t emerge suddenly — the group started off as a cabaret named Festfolk, performing on small stages scattered throughout their hometown of Stockholm, Sweden. After their first albums were released and they grew in popularity, the group was determined to participate in EuroVision. Despite their doubts and tenuous expectations of their performance, ABBA arrived back in Stockholm with the first place title, and their fame skyrocketed.
Although the group held the attention of thousands of loyal fans, ABBA surprisingly had even more haters – many disliked the quartet for their unapologetic music style and disco themes that were uncommon compared to the heavy rock music that was popular at the time. Nonetheless, ABBA broke through these barriers, producing music that, even now, continues to inspire fans.
Albums
Each ABBA album is a masterpiece in itself, creating a story for listeners to admire. From romance, to heartbreaks, to nostalgia, each is unique in their own ways.
Their first official album, Waterloo, kicked off their career in a bright flash. Showcasing a mixture of saxophones, piano chords, and other vibrant instruments, the quartet watched their chart entries soar within just months of their first release. The diversity of genres incorporated within this album contributed to their success in EuroVision, as the pop hit Waterloo was the title crucial to pivoting their legacy, cementing the group’s place in music history.
Next came their self-titled album, ABBA, most well known for its hit ‘Mamma Mia.’ Featuring reggae, cod, and countless spiraling melodies, many of this album’s songs have been featured in both musicals and movies.
Their third album, Arrival, came out soon after, featuring songs like ‘Dancing Queen,’ which have only risen in popularity since their broadcasting on social media apps like Tik Tok and Instagram. In fact, this album was a complete commercial favorite, hitting No.1 in 12 countries and becoming the best-selling LP of 1977. After hitting such a goal, ABBA was destined for greatness.
ABBA: The Album, released later in 1977, continued to prove that ABBA’s ongoing success wasn’t just an accident: over one million copies of this album were sold in Poland alone, an achievement unheard of at the time. Even in Russia, during the heavily censored era of the Soviet Union, an impressive 200,000 copies were sold. With ABBA’s revolutionizing a cappellas, and studio sophistication, their songs were truly groundbreaking.
Voulez-Vous emphasized the start of a new era for ABBA, involving disco-themed, dance worthy music: an evolving genre in the late 70s. In their fourth and fifth albums, ABBA was the most upbeat they had ever been, producing music filled with bright, cheery lyrics. Yet, as always, there is a calm before the storm, and this album was just that.
ABBA’s next album, Super Trouper was created just as both couples of the quartet had split; a plethora of melancholy, sorrowful songs such as ‘The Winner Takes it All’ made references to their heartbreak. Each word was laced with emotion, and although sad, demonstrated their beautiful abilities in writing lyrics and making both stories and memories.
The Visitors continued to emphasize their mournfulness regarding their split relationships, as tensions between the group members grew and songwriting became increasingly difficult; Björn himself admitted that their sessions were often unfriendly and difficult. Even the album’s cover reflects their distance, as each group member was situated in chairs separated far from one another. Due to the many obstacles they had been facing, this album was symbolic of ABBA’s final goodbye to their fans. Songs such as ‘Slipping Through my Fingers’ (one of my personal favorites) reflect their anguished feelings as the members realized their time making music would soon come to an end.
Twenty years later, long after their divorces, the quartet decided to convene together one last time to create Voyage. This was their true, official departure from the stage of music. Despite this, they recorded it just like any other album; both members Benny and Björn have mentioned in interviews that they purposefully recorded this album “trend blind,” steering clear of rappers, pop singers, and other trendy artists. Refusing to conform to societal expectations, their final album touched upon all their fans’ emotions, all whilst sticking to their original styles of music.
Legacy
Although the quartet’s time together has officially ended, their songs and memories live on in other people’s hearts through their lively music. To this day, the band has over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and many more when considering other streaming platforms. Fans include a diverse group of people, from heavy-metal band Slipknot’s singer, Corey Taylor, to Jude Craymer, the creator of ‘Mamma Mia,’ a hit movie and musical featuring over 20 ABBA songs. The band will only continue to thrive in the music industry.
Not only did ABBA touch our hearts with their music, but they also left their mark in our emotions and culture. With their iconic bright, bold, and glittering stage costumes, their style became a hallmark of the 70’s disco-themed fashion. From metallic jumpsuits and bell-bottom trousers, to platform boots and feathered belts, their outfits were a statement embodying the group’s energy and creativity. Even now, their unique style endures in retro-inspired fashion trends, with many fans boasting ABBA-inspired outfits in present-day fashion.
The quartet’s songs have also been featured in a variety of plays and TV shows, including Muriel’s Wedding and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Both movies used their music to underscore themes of transformation, empowerment, and joy, highlighting the emotional depth and versatility of ABBA’s albums. On television, shows like Glee and The Simpsons have paid tribute to the band, showcasing their songs in memorable performances.
Social media has also played a significant role in ABBA‘s enduring cultural relevance. Viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have brought classics like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Chiquitita’ to younger audiences, who incorporate the music into dances, lip-syncs, and nostalgic reels. Even decades later, ABBA remains a soundtrack for celebrations, memes, and moments of pure fun.
Their profound impact on music led to the creation of The ABBA Museum, based in Stockholm, Sweden: the band’s history, along with their music, is explored through the honorary purposes of the building. The group was also recently celebrated during the 2024 Eurovision, which was similarly hosted in the group’s hometown. Finally, Abba: 50 Years Since EuroVision, a movie commemorating such successes, their origins, and their overall journey was released last year, emphasizing their long-lasting effects on the music world.
From sparkling harmonies and catchy melodies to truly unforgettable performances, ABBA was not just an entertainment group which released lyrics and music. Rather, the quartet created a feeling, a moment, a memory that would linger in minds for decades to come. The pop hit ‘Dancing Queen’ is an anthem of youth and freedom, world renowned ‘Mamma Mia’ is a soundtrack of romantic ups and downs, and ‘The Winner Takes It All’ is a heartbreaker that somehow still makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. Even today, over fifty years after the group was initially formed, their sequins twinkle as bright as ever; so, take a chance on ABBA!