Customer Reviews

Abba - The Album

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

By 1977, ABBA was one of the best selling bands world-wide. Both of their previous records; "Greatest Hits" and "Arrival" were world-wide smashes selling several million copies each. ABBA would repeat that phenomenal success with the release of "ABBA-The Movie" (which did well in Europe) and their 5th original album titled "ABBA-The Album".

By the time ABBA released their 3rd album in 1975, Bjorn and Benny had finally decided to let the 2 girls take centre stage since they were the better singers. This turned out to be a great move because a large part of the "ABBA sound" and their success was due to the combination of Agnetha's and Frida's contrasting voices. By 1976, Bjorn and Benny had perfected their sound, their technique and the use of their 2 most powerful weapons; Agnetha and Frida. The end result was one of their most polished original albums- "Arrival". "ABBA-The Album" takes it one step further. It pretty much follows the typical ABBA formula; beautiful melodies, strong harmony singing, and attention to detail but this time around the majority of the songs are longer with meaningful lyrics. The opening track is the under-rated "Eagle" which boasts a soaring melody, interesting lyrics, outstanding vocals and exquisite guitar work. This song has appeared on several other compilation albums but in edited form. This is one of the few albums where you can hear it the way it was intended- uncut. "Eagle" is followed by "Take a Chance on Me" which features yet again, extraordinary vocals and intricate harmonies (Agnetha is especially delightful during her 2 solos in this song). Frida is given her moments to shine as well in "One Man One Woman" and "I Wonder (Departure)". The latter song showcases her talents as a vocalist proving what us ABBA fans knew all along, that these women were more than just eye candy, they had great vocal talent. "I Wonder" doesn't sound like a typical pop song. It sounds more like a theatre piece and that's the way it was intended to sound since it was part of Bjorn and Benny's mini-musical "The Girl with the Golden Hair" which was performed during their 1977 concerts.

Pop soprano Agnetha takes the lead in the interesting, undeniably lovely "Move On" and "Thank You for the Music" (also from the mini-musical). "Move On" is an interesting piece because it has a brief introduction by Bjorn and the inspirational lyrics are very poetic. The song comes to life however, when Agnetha takes the lead in the verses and her "La-la-la-la-la-la-la's" during the song's climax is riveting. "Thank You for the Music" is another famous ABBA tune with a gorgeous melody that is enhanced by Agnetha's powerful voice.

Another major highlight in "The Album" is "The Name of the Game". This song may not grab the listener immediately like ABBA's earlier hits but repeated listening (with good quality earphones) will convince you this is one of the finest songs ABBA ever produced. Several have called it a "masterpiece". It offers beautiful vocals by the girls. They start off singing in unison then they branch off with Agnetha having the first solo in the song which perfectly showcases the texture and delicacy of her instrument. Then all members dig into the chorus in perfect harmony before Frida takes the lead. They adorn this part of the song with some creative orchestrations, vocal tricks and harmonies. This song also clearly showcases the differences between the 2 vocalists. Agnetha's solos are always in a much higher register since it's her upper notes that hold her magic while Frida's sultry lower register is her trademark. One of Bjorn and Benny biggest talents (aside from writing perfect pop songs) was how they skillfully used these womens instruments. They really knew how to display their vocal beauty.

"ABBA-The Album" was a commercial hit world-wide. The album reached #1 in the UK, the Top 10 in Canada and the Top 20 in the US achieving platinum status. The 2 singles that were released in these territories were also major hits. It has been said that "Dancing Queen" was ABBA's biggest selling single in the US since it was certified Gold and it reached #1 on the charts but it has since been stated that "Take a Chance on Me" actually sold more copies in America. Whether this is true or not it was still a big hit climbing to #3 and achieving Gold status in the US. The single also reached #1 in the UK and #7 in Canada. "The Name of the Game" reached #1 in the UK, #12 in the US and #15 in Canada. "Thank You for the Music" has always been regarded as one of ABBA's hits and it was even included in their "ABBA Gold" CD. The song was never released as a single in the UK until 1983 after the groups' breakup peaking just outside the Top Thirty.

"ABBA-The Album" was the turning point in ABBA's career. From this point forward, their albums would mature both musically and lyrically. They would become more sophisticated offering not just pretty melodies but emotional depth as well. Their wonderful sound, remarkable vocal harmonies and powerful ballads would continue to grace their future albums and immortalize their talents that went unrecognized during the groups' hey-day when they were considered by many as just a "flash in the pan". Several decades later the four Swedes' music continues to sell in the millions. To date they have sold between 360-400 million records world-wide (Only The Beatles and Elvis Presley have sold more). That only confirms that ABBA's music is more than just "bubble-gum". ABBA's musical legacy will continue to endure for years to come because music this perfectly crafted only gets better with age. We can now fully appreciate them for their beauty and brilliance and when hardened music critics jump on the ABBA band-wagon and admit the radiance of their tunes only solidifies our claims that several of these songs are masterpieces.

So for the uninitiated, forget about the platforms and those silly, form-fitting costumes. It's all about the music; the timeless melodies, the intricate harmonies, the wonderful sound created when combining Agnetha and Frida's glorious voices. All of these elements helped make ABBA's music transcendent. Enjoy.

this album is the studio soundtrack to their cringeworthy 1977 "Abba The Movie". As embarrassing as the rockumentary is, the actual record is a keeper. Eagle has wonderful vox from the 2 girls. Song is a work of art both musically and lyrically. Take A Chance On Me and The Name Of The Game were both hits in the US and UK. Move On is very Hawaiian styled. But the centerpiece on the album is the 3-piece Girl With The Golden Hair mini-musical. The beautiful tracks I Wonder (Departure) and Thank You For The Music as well as the uptempo I'm A Marrionette makes this album distinguishable from everything else Abba cut in the 70's. This is Abba at their commercial peak and is a darn good record by them. Personally I'd rank it third behind The Visitors and Super Trouper

ABBA's "The Album", originally released in 1977 as an accompaniment to their motion picture "ABBA-The Movie" and the follow-up to their 1976 album "Arrival", is a very good album, not as good as ABBA's classic album, "Super Trouper", but still a very good album with a few standout tracks that you wouldn't be able to find on any of ABBA's greatest hits albums. One such track is "Hole In Your Soul"; a great little rock song with super bass throughout, only to be interrupted by the mellow bridges of Agnetha and Frida's "ah-ha"s in the middle. Another such track is "One Man, One Woman", which appears in ABBA's greatest hits video collection "More ABBA Gold", but not on the greatest hits album of the same name. (Go figure!) The track "Move On" is okay, but the Spanish version "El Andar" (found on the album "ABBA Oro", their greatest hits in Spanish) is MUCH better. "The Album" also includes the tracks "Take A Chance On Me", "Thank You For The Music", "Eagle", and the full-length version of "The Name of The Game" - a far cry from the shortened version which Polydor has inexplicably used in ABBA's greatest hits collections "ABBA Gold" and the "Thank You For The Music" box set. All in all, "The Album" is a worthwhile purchase for any ABBA fan.

This album is a gem. It also happens to be one of the few CDs to feature the long version of "The Name of the Game" with an extra stanza which was not on the single version. That track alone is worth the price of admission! Great production, arrangements and harmonies throughout. This album also features some of Benny and Bjorn's experimentation with musical theatre which would bring them great success in the decades following the group's breakup.

Like Arrival, I bought this first on vinyl, then on CD, then a re-mastered CD, but have not bothered with the latest digipack version. No bonus tracks were added for the re-mastered version that I bought, but the sound quality is much better.

The album begins with Eagle, which was released as a single in some countries, but not in Britain. The music certainly suggests an eagle in flight and it's a great way to start the album.

Next comes Take a chance on me, a British number one hit. Despite heavy promotion in America, it did not reach number one there, but it was their second biggest American hit ever after Dancing queen.

One man one woman is a brilliant, upbeat song that sounds good enough to have been a single but wasn't. It is followed by The name of the game, which provided Abba with another British number one.

Of the remaining songs, Thank you for the music might have been another huge British hit if it had been released in 1979, but it wasn't a single until the band finally broke up. By which time anybody who wanted the song already had it, so it was only a minor hit.

Move on, I wonder and I'm a marionette are also excellent. I'm less keen on Hole in your soul, not because there's anything wrong with it, but more because it doesn't match the exceptional quality of the other songs here.

This is one of several Abba albums that I have played many times down the years and never get tired of hearing.

this album is the studio soundtrack to their cringeworthy 1977 "Abba The Movie". As embarrassing as the rockumentary is, the actual record is a keeper. Eagle has wonderful vox from the 2 girls. Song is a work of art both musically and lyrically. Take A Chance On Me and The Name Of The Game were both hits in the US and UK. Move On is very Hawaiian styled. But the centerpiece on the album is the 3-piece Girl With The Golden Hair mini-musical. The beautiful tracks I Wonder (Departure) and Thank You For The Music as well as the uptempo I'm A Marrionette makes this album distinguishable from everything else Abba cut in the 70's. This is Abba at their commercial peak and is a darn good record by them.

If you want ABBA's finest pre-1979 album, then this is THE ONE! Masters of their craft, ABBA experimented a little with some rather folksy melodies on "Eagle," "Move On," and they even experimented with three rather theatrical "showcase" tracks, dubbed "A Mini-Musical." These tracks are "Thank You For the Music," "I Wonder (Departure)," and "I'm A Marionette."

Also, on this CD, you'll find the irresistible "Take A Chance On Me," "The Name of hte Game," and "Hole In Your Soul." Without sticking to pop "formula," ABBA has crafted what stands as their finest album. Some fans may consider this one second only to "Super Trouper," but I personally feel this stands as their best piece of work to date.

Highlights: "Eagle," "Take A Chance On Me," "The Name of the Game," "Thank You For the Music," and "I'm A Marionette."

Released in conjuction with the mock-documentary film of the same name, "The Album" by ABBA ranks as one of their most experimental & fun records of their career.

Benny & Bjorn again handle all of the writing & arranging, setting up the pop landscapes for Agnetha & Frida to navigate through. It was stated that ABBA was very inspired by the California rock/pop of acts such as Steve Miller Band & Fleetwood Mac amongst others, & wanted to incorporate that sound into their own. Already the premiere pop group of the 1970's, it came as no surprise that they wanted to continue to add different sounds, & add they did.

The driving, hypontic "Eagle" opens the record on a very strong note, with beautiful blended harmonies from Agnetha & Frida. "Take A Chance On Me" takes its time with a chorus that will stick in your mind long after the song has finished. "The Name of the Game" probably ABBA's first stab at what could be called "soul" is a melancholic & melodically succesful number.

"Hole In Your Soul" is a an over-the-top ode to cheerfulness in the face of adversity, something the Beach Boys might've come up with. Here the synthesis of the "California sound" with the inescapable Swedish pop hooks, harmonies, & melody makes this cut one of the most successful songs on "The Album".

Also during this period, ABBA was working on the musical "The Girl With the Golden Hair", which featured "I Wonder (Departure)" & "I'm A Marionette", which fit in well with the theme of "The Album". The best song from these sessions, one that would become ABBA's theme & best loved song, "Thank You For the Music" was left off the original pressings of "The Album". It is included here on this record for the first time, along with the "Doris Day" version of that song. "Thank You For the Music" ranks as one of the best written songs about having passion for music today, in all its lovable schmaltz. Agnetha shines here vocally, proving that while Benny & Bjorn set the music up, it was Agnetha & Frida who captivated the audience with their unique vocal work.

From a remastering perspective, "The Album" is a great collector's piece. Released in digi-pak format, with exhaustive liner notes, & full color pictures, lyrics, added songs, & a sharper sound? An ABBA fan couldn't ask for more.

Either way, "The Album" is still one of the most well loved & accomplished records of ABBA's career. It would also be one of the last one's that was totally "carefree", since ABBA would begin to look inward for song inspiration, resulting in some of their most captivating, if dark, music ever. But "take a chance" on this one, it is pure pop perfection. Highly recommended!

In the late 1970's, record reviewers from Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines, referred to this album as "Abba's best and most ambitious album". If one listens to the original Abba's Greatest Hits (1976), one can see why the reviewers said that. Most of the songs from the original compelation, were mostly moderate hits, in Europe. The lyrics were mostly silly and the music simple and upbeat.

"The Album" was a departure, from what critics referred to as the "Abba formula". The lyrics were more serious and the music was complex. "The Girl with the Golden Hair" suite was a revelation. It was Bjorn and Benny's attempt to write a muscial. Agnetha opens the set with Thank You For the Music. A beautiful song that became an Abba staple. But, it was Frida who was a revelation. I Wonder (Departure) is a broadway show stopper. She shows a new musical range, that is dark, opraretic and heart felt.
Before The Album, Frida gave us a glimpse of her musical talent in songs like Fernando, Money Money Money, and Gonna Sing you My Love Song. Her mature sound is visable through out this album. Eagle and One Man, One Woman have a new found depth to them. Harmonies with Agnetha are clear and beautiful. Her voice will only get better with the albums Super Trouper and the sublime and haunting The Visitors.

Having been an ABBA fan since they busted out with Waterloo in 1974, and owning everything that ABBA ever put out commercially and, er um, on bootleg, ABBA-THE ALBUM is ABBA attempting to come out of the pop and singles-only ARRIVAL sound and move into something that would tell everyone in the world, but especially the American crowd (who never really accepted their musical abilities) that they had more lyrical depth, more engineering and production tricks up their sleeve, that their sometimes sappy vocals could be downright personal and searing, and that they could actually display something other than cold distance in their vocal arrangements. Even though most people associate this album with the hit singles Take A Chance On Me and Name Of The Game, the hidden gem is really Hole In Your Soul, a really rockin' little ditty with a great drum beat, rockier guitar licks, screaming vocals and Agnetha's greatest note she ever sung...who else could sing that scream in the middle section? ABBA was not just a Brit-pop singles phenomenon...they were greatest songwriters and studio-production team since Lennon/Mccartney...selling over 350 million albums worldwide must mean something. And, oh yeah, the movie was a blast to watch. So it didn't have a plot. What movie does nowadays? Put on The Album, turn on your lava lamp, plop down in a bean bag chair and listen to one of the best albums of the 70's!