ABBA have released a statement saying that they have been recording together for the first time in 35 years and they have two new songs completed. One of them is titled "I Still Have Faith in You" and will be used in an NBC special which will be broadcast in December.
No news on when we'll actually hear them but WOW! I can't wait to hear the songs, it would be amazing if they did a full studio album but I won't get my hopes up.
The full statement can be seen on their Twitter - this is the article from the OCC: http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/abba-confirm-they-have-recorded-two-new-songs__22723/
Posted by: gooddelta 27th April 2018, 12:03 PM
Amazed, never thought this would happen. I will nervously await hearing the songs (and am expecting mature MOR ballads) but this is fantastic news.
Posted by: Midge 27th April 2018, 12:05 PM
Whilst it's cool news, it will hardly be the same as it once was. I hope they prove me wrong though. Love a bit of classic Abba.
Posted by: Suedehead2 27th April 2018, 12:37 PM
Anyone putting money on ABBA for Christmas number one?
Posted by: Midge 27th April 2018, 12:39 PM
QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Apr 27 2018, 01:37 PM)
Anyone putting money on ABBA for Christmas number one?
What're the odds?
Posted by: Suedehead2 27th April 2018, 01:19 PM
QUOTE(Midge @ Apr 27 2018, 01:39 PM)
What're the odds?
No idea I suspect that are shorter than they were 24 hours ago.
Posted by: gooddelta 27th April 2018, 01:24 PM
Can't see them being a streaming force with new music, sadly. Though a sales top 10 is probably quite likely.
Posted by: Iz 27th April 2018, 01:25 PM
Very interested to hear what they have for us. I'm not sure I'm expecting any new classics but just that this is happening again is interesting.
Posted by: Popchartfreak 27th April 2018, 01:28 PM
Hell has just frozen over. Never thought it would happen.
Suddenly I'm 16 And cheering them on to win Eurovision again...!
Posted by: John-James 27th April 2018, 02:00 PM
They should release one of the songs around the time of the new film, cash in on the hype. It could be a big sales hit!
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 27th April 2018, 03:01 PM
Looking forward to hearing this, I wonder where a single would chart?
Posted by: TomboOnBroadway 1st May 2018, 07:56 AM
This is cool, it is riduclous their tour is just holograms though, I certainly won't be paying to watch a hologram perform. The Fizz (formerly Bucks Fizz) are still performing so why the hec can't Abba?
Posted by: AllieCat17 1st May 2018, 07:41 PM
I just sure hope they don't let us down and tarnish the legacy Hopefully the stuff will be really good though...
Posted by: Theo. 4th October 2018, 02:32 PM
A whole album could be happening! Benny has revealed that the two songs could possibly now be four!
Finally an update - they'll be releasing this year!
Posted by: Spiceboy 24th May 2020, 12:41 AM
But releasing what!?!? A full album, a couple of tracks?? They've been weirdly quiet about it despite saying they are recording!?
Posted by: tommie 29th May 2020, 06:50 AM
QUOTE(Spiceboy @ May 24 2020, 12:41 AM)
But releasing what!?!? A full album, a couple of tracks?? They've been weirdly quiet about it despite saying they are recording!?
The two tracks they've recorded.
Posted by: Spiceboy 31st May 2020, 01:13 AM
QUOTE(tommie @ May 29 2020, 07:50 AM)
The two tracks they've recorded.
One of them said that the recording sessions went so well with those songs they were continuing to explore and could potentially end up with a full album... the fact it's taken so long makes me question whether it is just those two tracks or whether there is more to it?
Posted by: GTH 3rd June 2020, 06:24 PM
QUOTE(Spiceboy @ May 31 2020, 02:13 AM)
One of them said that the recording sessions went so well with those songs they were continuing to explore and could potentially end up with a full album... the fact it's taken so long makes me question whether it is just those two tracks or whether there is more to it?
I am in the same boat there. They have sat on these songs for so long now am expecting a larger project for their release. That or they have gone off the songs and the release never happens
Posted by: Lukuzz 3rd June 2020, 08:10 PM
It's certainly taking forever, wish they hadn't announced anything back in 2018 cause I've now just been disappointed waiting. Hope it is by end of this year and hopefully a mini EP or something
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 22nd July 2020, 03:14 PM
Ya it seems to be coming like forever, and sometimes i think they will change their mind and not release.
Posted by: UltraBeKind 22nd July 2020, 03:42 PM
Yeah I'm at the point where I'll believe it's happening when its actually released.
Posted by: Lukuzz 22nd July 2020, 03:57 PM
If it does go ahead next year it'll be 40 years since their last album. If they have 5 songs now surely they can shot another 5 together and do an album, we deserve it after all this waiting
Posted by: Bré 22nd July 2020, 04:53 PM
I'm convinced at this point that they still haven't actually even recorded anything.
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 12th May 2021, 11:06 PM
The latest update from Bjorn today is that it is "definitely" coming this year
"It's not a case anymore of it might happen, it will happen" he said, and that they have been in the studio together!
Posted by: Warwick Avenue 13th May 2021, 12:00 AM
I’m sure I heard on the news they’ve recorded 5 or 6 songs now.
It will be good to finally listen to this when it comes out, the wait has been so long
Posted by: Mangø 19th May 2021, 02:25 PM
Are they just going to keep saying the same thing every year?
Posted by: Quarantilas 19th May 2021, 02:27 PM
Are ABBA the new MKS? #soon
Im Hype for this, whenever it finally appears
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 19th May 2021, 02:27 PM
I think this'll be the year! I imagine COVID had delayed things quite a bit
Posted by: Mangø 26th August 2021, 09:01 AM
An announcement titled 'ABBA Voyage' is scheduled for next Thursday (Sep 2nd). Could we finally get new music on Sep 3rd?
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 26th August 2021, 02:29 PM
Im actually looking forward to hearing the new music just to see what they come up with, i wouldnt be surprised either if Abba Gold returns to number one in the weeks ahead.
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 26th August 2021, 04:36 PM
QUOTE(Mangø @ Aug 26 2021, 10:01 AM)
An announcement titled 'ABBA Voyage' is scheduled for next Thursday (Sep 2nd). Could we finally get new music on Sep 3rd?
The Sun are reporting that a new song will be released!
Posted by: Popchartfreak 26th August 2021, 04:50 PM
2nd September is the 50th anniversary of me landing back in the UK after 2 years in Singapore as a boy. I'm sure it'll have been timed to celebrate my return to UK pop music record buying, being as I bought just about everything they released in the 70's, 80's and most stuff since.
Posted by: Suedehead2 27th August 2021, 10:27 AM
QUOTE(Popchartfreak @ Aug 26 2021, 05:50 PM)
2nd September is the 50th anniversary of me landing back in the UK after 2 years in Singapore as a boy. I'm sure it'll have been timed to celebrate my return to UK pop music record buying, being as I bought just about everything they released in the 70's, 80's and most stuff since.
Ah, now we know why they have been teasing us for the last few years
Posted by: Mullo 27th August 2021, 10:37 AM
News on the show:
1. The 6,710 Sq Mt purpose built, 3,000 capacity, 360 degrees immersive theatre in Olympic Park, Stratford, East London is transportable and, therefore may move to either Stockholm or Las Vegas in 2025 after it's three year London run.
2. The venture has run up an eight figure bill so far, but the re on investment is likely to be hundreds of millions
3. Opening Spring, 2022 with Eight shows per week on a three year run
4. Svana Gisla (Beyonce, Coldplay, Madonna, and Oasis) will be a producer on the show. The former head of Universal Music Sweden pulling it all together and Benny's son too.
5. There is believed to be enough new material recorded for a whole new ABBA studio album
Posted by: zeus555 28th August 2021, 10:38 AM
Apparently, there is to be some kind of ABBA 'Event', at several Global Cities, on Thursday 2nd September. It lasts from about 5pm, (some say 6pm), to 1 Minute to Midnight.
In the 1st Minute of Friday 3rd September, we will get some New ABBA Music. It is to be either 1 Song, or 2 Songs. ABBA have Recorded more than 2 New Songs. We will get the rest at a later Date. Altogether, there are either 5 New Songs, or 8 - or even a New Album. We will see.
If you want to get Emails - with on-going information, about ABBA's Plans, here is the ABBA Voyage Site:
You can see what The Venue will look like, (for The ABBAtars Shows, in London), in this Article, from yesterday's 'The Sun'. The Venue looks like it could be a Building in 'Star Trek'! It seats 3000 People, and there will be 8 Shows a Week. Presumably Saturday, will be the Day with 2 Shows.
Posted by: Popchartfreak 28th August 2021, 10:49 AM
QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Aug 27 2021, 11:27 AM)
Ah, now we know why they have been teasing us for the last few years
Posted by: Voodoo 30th August 2021, 06:57 PM
Do we have any clue what ABBA Voyage is all about? Why does this project have a dedicated website along with Facebook, Instagram & Twitter pages?
Posted by: -Jay- 31st August 2021, 04:47 PM
Someone on Popjustice posted this:
QUOTE
I just got a sneak peek at the Press kit for this and: - The album will include 10 NEW SONGS. 2 of which will be in the hologram show. - We got a musicvideo for "I Still Have Faith In You" (Not sure what it's gonna be but the press kit includes pictures of ABBA in motion capture suits.) - The album campaign runs from Sep to Dec so I guess they're targeting a December release date - Only B&B appeared in the EPK video.
All sounds very exciting, I wonder if the lead single will have good opening day streams, the curiosity potential for this must be huge and their back catalogue is masssively successful still.
First look: Waterloo Station, London, this morning ❤️ Photo: Sam Burgess.
Exciting! So intrigued to hear what a 2021 ABBA release sounds like.
Posted by: Voodoo 2nd September 2021, 01:43 PM
The ABBAtars look great.
Posted by: J00prstar 2nd September 2021, 03:22 PM
This is so WEIRD but I'm not complaining
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 2nd September 2021, 03:23 PM
As they never actually officially split before, imagine if the press conference this evening is to formally release a statement announcing they have split up as a band. 😱
Posted by: spiceboy 2nd September 2021, 03:46 PM
I'm really excited for whatever this is!
Posted by: Qween 2nd September 2021, 03:47 PM
There’s something OFF about that Bjorn ABBAtar, I can’t quite place it. It looks roughly like him, but it’s perhaps a little uncanny valley?
Posted by: Ghosty. 2nd September 2021, 04:18 PM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ Aug 31 2021, 05:47 PM)
Someone on Popjustice posted this:
If all of that is true I might literally collapse from sheer joy - a whole new album?!
Posted by: Envoirment 2nd September 2021, 04:36 PM
I hope it's good.
Does anyone think they have a shot at #1 if they released a new song at midnight? I wouldn't be surprised if they did get to #1. I think a lot of people will feed into the nostalgia of it. Plus, I'd be here for ABBA getting a hit in 2021. *_*
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 04:42 PM
QUOTE(Envoirment @ Sep 2 2021, 05:36 PM)
I hope it's good.
Does anyone think they have a shot at #1 if they released a new song at midnight? I wouldn't be surprised if they did get to #1. I think a lot of people will feed into the nostalgia of it. Plus, I'd be here for ABBA getting a hit in 2021. *_*
Top 10 quite possibly, no 1 seems a stretch but I suppose it's possible given how they seem to be one of those bands that cross generations.
New album 'Voyage' out November 5th - it's finally happening!!
01. I Still Have Faith In You 02. When You Danced With Me 03. Little Things 04. Don't Shut Me Down 05. Just A Notion 06. I Can Be That Woman 07. Keep An Eye On Dan 08. Bumblebee 09. No Doubt About It 10. Ode To Freedom
Posted by: ESCharts22 2nd September 2021, 04:59 PM
One week after Ed Sheeran👀
Posted by: Jade 2nd September 2021, 05:04 PM
Two new songs on streaming now! Very excited to listen later *.*
Posted by: Envoirment 2nd September 2021, 05:10 PM
They already released new songs already? Omg *_*
Posted by: Voodoo 2nd September 2021, 05:11 PM
QUOTE(ESCharts22 @ Sep 2 2021, 07:59 PM)
One week after Ed Sheeran👀
And one week after the Spice Girls!
Imagine all the formats they will be releasing. Their fanbase will go nuts. *.*
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 05:12 PM
Sorry but if you're not even going to tour outside of one city, you should probably just do real live performances rather than going to this much effort.
Posted by: Jade 2nd September 2021, 05:13 PM
QUOTE(Voodoo @ Sep 2 2021, 06:11 PM)
Imagine all the formats they will be releasing. Their fanbase will go nuts. *.*
Posted by: Envoirment 2nd September 2021, 05:14 PM
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 2nd September 2021, 05:21 PM
Woah very exciting!
Could someone change the thread title? x
Posted by: Bré 2nd September 2021, 05:22 PM
QUOTE(Theo. @ Apr 27 2018, 01:02 PM)
ABBA have released a statement saying that they have been recording together for the first time in 35 years and they have two new songs completed. One of them is titled "I Still Have Faith in You" and will be used in an NBC special which will be broadcast in December.
Lmao so they really have just been sitting on this song for over 3 years
Posted by: Monzo 2nd September 2021, 05:22 PM
I am not disappointed, but I am not sure if I am excited. So far I prefer "I Still Have Faith In You" to "Don't Shut Me Down".
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 05:22 PM
They've dropped the ball massively on this one by releasing the songs at 5.45pm on a Thursday night given no streams for the next 4 hours - including most curiousity streams will land in the dead zone between the two chart weeks.
Posted by: Bré 2nd September 2021, 05:23 PM
^ if they are relying on sales & streams from just a few hours then there was no chance it was going to be a significant hit anyway.
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 05:25 PM
Love that they are releasing CD singles and vinyl for both the tracks - should hopefully give them a chart boost!
Posted by: Envoirment 2nd September 2021, 05:25 PM
"I Still Have Faith In You" is really lovely. Their voices work really nice with the song/lyrics now that they are much more matured/deeper. I love how long it is as well. Perfect song to lead the album with.
"Don't Shut Me Down" feels like a classic ABBA song and would fit in with any of their older albums!
Posted by: Qween 2nd September 2021, 05:33 PM
I’ve just DESTROYED my credit card buying multiple bundles and formats.
Posted by: Envoirment 2nd September 2021, 05:37 PM
Just seen ABBA on the news with a snippet for "I Still Have Faith In You" being played. They're front page on the BBC news website and the top 2 most read stories are now both ABBA.
I have a feeling they could do really well in next week's chart, especially having CD/Vinyls.
I hope they will get some playlist support, like NMF.
Posted by: Qween 2nd September 2021, 05:39 PM
I really like both of the new songs, I wasnt expecting essentially a Frida solo from I Still Have Faith In You but when it gets going it’s gorgeous and the vocals are very good.
Don’t Shut Me Down is more what I expected and yet somehow less enjoyable, but it’s still got all the classic ingredients.
New album 'Voyage' out November 5th - it's finally happening!!
01. I Still Have Faith In You 02. When You Danced With Me 03. Little Things 04. Don't Shut Me Down 05. Just A Notion 06. I Can Be That Woman 07. Keep An Eye On Dan 08. Bumblebee 09. No Doubt About It 10. Ode To Freedom
OMG! I'm SO buying this!!
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 05:44 PM
Their webstore has totally crashed - everyone trying to snatch up all the formats
Posted by: lewistgreen 2nd September 2021, 05:47 PM
QUOTE(___∆___ @ Sep 2 2021, 06:44 PM)
Their webstore has totally crashed - everyone trying to snatch up all the formats
Thought it was my WiFi but no it's the same for me
Posted by: ThePensmith 2nd September 2021, 05:48 PM
Oh 😍😍😍😍
I just listened to both now. Just pure class. Those harmonies, that brightness and warmth to the ears... I've got goosebumps listening to this.
If you don't love ABBA then you have no soul. That's it. That's the statement.
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 05:49 PM
If anyone is going to try for show tickets you can apply to access the pre-sale here - https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/abba-voyage/register
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 05:51 PM
QUOTE(Bré @ Sep 2 2021, 06:22 PM)
Lmao so they really have just been sitting on this song for over 3 years
They have been waiting for the hologram tour to be a goer which was presumably due last year.
Posted by: gooddelta 2nd September 2021, 06:04 PM
How hugely exciting!
Love the two new songs <3 Especially I Still Have Faith In You, which is so gorgeous and reflective, and I absolutely love the build to the big, triumphant "We Do Have It In Us..." part. I can hear the same sounds in this from Bjorn and Benny that were in that fantastic Avicii collab they did, We Write The Story, which was my favourite song of 2013.
Don't Shut Me Down sounds like a classic schlager/disco ABBA song, complete with the Dancing Queen style piano followed by a similar sound to that used in I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do and then the cod reggae beat at 0:38 onwards. So many sonic nods to their heydey in this track.
Agnetha's voice barely sounds a day older on these songs!
Posted by: Qween 2nd September 2021, 06:08 PM
QUOTE(gooddelta @ Sep 2 2021, 07:04 PM)
Love the two new songs <3 Especially I Still Have Faith In You, which is so gorgeous and reflective, and I absolutely love the build to the big, triumphant "We Do Have It In Us..." part. I can hear the same sounds in this from Bjorn and Benny that were in that fantastic Avicii collab they did, We Write The Story, which was my favourite song of 2013.
Yes! There's some production flourishes later on which sound nearly identical, but as it was the template I had in mind for what was to come that is very definitely a compliment. It's got that classic ABBA thing of sounding like something you've always known, but also sounding fresh and unique.
Posted by: J00prstar 2nd September 2021, 06:16 PM
Wow! Both new songs are great. I suspect they might have used a body double for Agnetha for the video for Faith though!
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 06:22 PM
Formats so far -
Abba Voyage
Black Vinyl Yellow Vinyl (HMV Exclusive) Blue Vinyl (Indie Stores) Picture Disc #1 Picture Disc #2 Orange Vinyl (Amazon) White Vinyl Green Vinyl
Standard CD Alternative Artwork CD (HMV Exclusive) CD Boxset
Cassette - Individual Members x4 Cassette - Band x2
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 06:31 PM
#2 and #5 on iTunes
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 06:42 PM
QUOTE(___∆___ @ Sep 2 2021, 07:31 PM)
#2 and #5 on iTunes
To be fair they're always going to well on itunes and physical, the question is whether the streaming generations are on board which they really need to be.
On a broader point if ABBA can get to No 1 with a ballad do we think we could see ballads finally coming back into fashion and a gentle move away from rap. dance and faux rock?
Posted by: Popchartfreak 2nd September 2021, 06:44 PM
I've not heard them, I WILL love them, I WILL buy the album, and I will try and get tickets to the tour. 47 years since I fell in love with them and I've bought everything studio-recorded that have ever been released. Genuinely never thought I'd see the day, in the same way I never thought The Beatles would ever get together with new material (they did too, sort of). I'm 16 again.....
Posted by: Voodoo 2nd September 2021, 06:46 PM
QUOTE(WhoOdyssey @ Sep 2 2021, 08:21 PM)
Could someone change the thread title? x
Voyager? Why the extra R?
Posted by: Sour Candy 2nd September 2021, 06:56 PM
QUOTE(chartfridays @ Sep 2 2021, 07:42 PM)
To be fair they're always going to well on itunes and physical, the question is whether the streaming generations are on board which they really need to be.
On a broader point if ABBA can get to No 1 with a ballad do we think we could see ballads finally coming back into fashion and a gentle move away from rap. dance and faux rock?
Uhm Drivers License is a ballad.
Posted by: chartfridays 2nd September 2021, 06:59 PM
QUOTE(Sour Candy @ Sep 2 2021, 07:56 PM)
Uhm Drivers License is a ballad.
Driver's Licenses falls well and truly into faux rock though.
Posted by: Jαsє 2nd September 2021, 07:06 PM
Don't Shut Me Down deserves to be #01 for 14 weeks
Posted by: common sense 2nd September 2021, 07:15 PM
QUOTE(Jαsє @ Sep 2 2021, 08:06 PM)
Don't Shut Me Down deserves to be #01 for 14 weeks
Great song and best of the two.
Posted by: WoW73 2nd September 2021, 07:22 PM
Don't Shut Me Down is an ABBA greatest hits Cd in one song (plus Felicita by Al Bano and Romina Power thrown in, too)
LOVE both songs
Posted by: Sean. 2nd September 2021, 07:42 PM
Going to sounds crazy but I’ve never really liked any Abba song but these are great! Pop perfection!
Posted by: Chez Wombat 2nd September 2021, 07:44 PM
Both songs are sounding pretty nice, nothing amazing, but very impressive for a band releasing their first new music in almost forty years, the voices don't even sound that strained! Don't Shut Me Down is very typical of their sound, but that's definitely not a bad thing as it's a sound I love and I like the build on I Still Have Faith In You as well.
I'm curious how they'll do in the charts, this does feel like the most significant musical event in quite some time (or at least one worthy of being front page of BBC News), it's honestly something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime!
Posted by: HausofWillow 2nd September 2021, 07:44 PM
Both tracks are great. A comeback if ever I saw one!
Posted by: Ne Plus Ultra 2nd September 2021, 07:47 PM
Love both songs, already sound like classics
Posted by: -Jay- 2nd September 2021, 07:49 PM
They've got it just right with those songs, so lovely and nostalgic.
Their official store crashing (which made all the other Universal artist stores crash too), wow! I can't wait to see what the sales will be like for this one. Feels like such a massive moment.
I have never actually heard any ABBA studio albums, I essentially just know ABBA Gold and a bit of More ABBA Gold... for that reason I'm not feeling driven to order any formats, however I fully intend to listen to their studio albums and educate myself.
Posted by: Sour Candy 2nd September 2021, 07:52 PM
The Visitors and Arrival are the best albums.
Posted by: common sense 2nd September 2021, 08:03 PM
QUOTE(Sour Candy @ Sep 2 2021, 08:52 PM)
The Visitors and Arrival are the best albums.
I'd add Super Trouper to those.
Posted by: Mullo 2nd September 2021, 08:43 PM
Website has crashed due to massive demand
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 08:44 PM
QUOTE(Mullo @ Sep 2 2021, 09:43 PM)
Website has crashed due to massive demand
They crashed the whole of the Universal Records network for several hours earlier
Posted by: ___∆___ 2nd September 2021, 08:53 PM
Both vinyl picture discs have sold out from their website and the CD Boxset on Amazon has also sold out
Posted by: Qween 2nd September 2021, 08:58 PM
I’m quite glad I went on and ordered during the B&B chat earlier! Got everything I wanted (Vinyl bundle, CD/Cassette bundle, all the singles). Plus the yellow vinyl and deluxe box from HMV. Loon up.
Posted by: Smint 2nd September 2021, 09:19 PM
I cant imagine these being long lasting streaming hits - the first better then the second but both sound dated.
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 2nd September 2021, 09:21 PM
It's quite interesting to hear a song so faithful to the original ABBA sound (right down to the glissando from 'Dancing Queen') with some modern production quirks thrown in! (Don't Shut Me Down)
'I Still Have Faith in You' is nice, it felt quite emotional and fitting at the time it was screened during the livestream.
Posted by: Voodoo 2nd September 2021, 09:29 PM
It seems ABBA have taken inspiration from Steps & the Power Rangers.
Posted by: gooddelta 2nd September 2021, 10:14 PM
QUOTE(Voodoo @ Sep 2 2021, 10:29 PM)
It seems ABBA have taken inspiration from Steps & the Power Rangers.
Steps influencing ABBA would be quite a turn up for the books! I was trying to think of the amount of ABBA/B&B songs Steps had sung or covered, and it's a rather high amount:
Lay All Your Love On Me (for ABBAmania) I Know Him So Well (single in 2001) Dancing Queen (on its own for The Ultimate Collection and as part of the BRITs medley single in 1999 with Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me and Thank You For The Music) Story Of A Heart (single in 2017)
Plus H & Claire covered Another You, Another Me, and the trio of One For Sorrow, After The Love Has Gone and H & Claire's All Out Of Love are all basically cut from the same cloth as A Winner Takes It All.
Posted by: PAJ 3rd September 2021, 12:31 AM
Songs at #1 & #3 on iTunes Australia currently. Though I know it won't lead to much.
Posted by: myxxd 3rd September 2021, 01:29 AM
Both songs are for their older fans but the best release of the day among the pop groups is Don't Shut Me Down.
Posted by: spiceboy 3rd September 2021, 09:17 AM
QUOTE(common sense @ Sep 2 2021, 09:03 PM)
I'd add Super Trouper to those.
Me too
Posted by: J00prstar 3rd September 2021, 09:25 AM
QUOTE(Voodoo @ Sep 2 2021, 10:29 PM)
It seems ABBA have taken inspiration from Steps & the Power Rangers.
I'm seeing Black Eyed Peas!
Posted by: Iz 💀 3rd September 2021, 09:42 AM
QUOTE(Tawdry Hepburn @ Sep 2 2021, 09:21 PM)
It's quite interesting to hear a song so faithful to the original ABBA sound (right down to the glissando from 'Dancing Queen') with some modern production quirks thrown in! (Don't Shut Me Down)
'I Still Have Faith in You' is nice, it felt quite emotional and fitting at the time it was screened during the livestream.
Quite, makes me wonder what might have surfaced if they'd been releasing songs as ABBA at least intermittently in the interim.
Both of these are really lovely additions to the ABBA canon, really refreshing to hear songs in this style again now.
Posted by: spiceboy 3rd September 2021, 09:45 AM
QUOTE(J00prstar @ Sep 3 2021, 10:25 AM)
I'm seeing Black Eyed Peas!
This!
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 3rd September 2021, 09:52 AM
QUOTE(J00prstar @ Sep 3 2021, 10:25 AM)
I'm seeing Black Eyed Peas!
I'm seeing Laser Quest.
Posted by: ___∆___ 3rd September 2021, 09:58 AM
First indication of how it’s selling -
Amazon Vinyl Chart -
#1 - Amazon Exclusive Vinyl #2 - Standard Vinyl
Amazon Overall Chart -
#1 - Standard CD #2 - Amazon Exclusive Vinyl #3 - Standard Vinyl #4 - CD Boxset
Posted by: dannjohn 3rd September 2021, 09:59 AM
is Abba Gold the best selling album ever? Swear its not left the charts since 1992.
Posted by: common sense 3rd September 2021, 10:02 AM
QUOTE(dannjohn @ Sep 3 2021, 10:59 AM)
is Abba Gold the best selling album ever? Swear its not left the charts since 1992.
No, Queen's GH is but I think Gold may overtake that soon.
Posted by: chartfridays 3rd September 2021, 10:06 AM
QUOTE(dannjohn @ Sep 3 2021, 10:59 AM)
is Abba Gold the best selling album ever? Swear its not left the charts since 1992.
Internationally, it's Thriller isn't it?
Posted by: Jade 3rd September 2021, 10:13 AM
I'm satisfied with both songs, especially 'Don't Shut Me Down', it's like they just picked up where they left off! Very faithfully ABBA in terms of melody, production, lyrics etc.
Posted by: Popchartfreak 3rd September 2021, 10:23 AM
Heard them now, both are fab - they are as good as I'd hoped they'd be, and much better than I expected they would be. It sounds like they've taken up where The Visitors left off. To anyone not having heard the studio albums, well worth a delve from Abba onwards. The first 2 have their charms but aren't so essential, it's more a case of honing the pop before the sophistication kicks in.
Posted by: gooddelta 3rd September 2021, 10:30 AM
I really love both songs and have bought both (after midnight so it counts towards this week's chart). Don't Shut Me Down really does feel like classic ABBA - maybe not like a big single but certainly a strong album track/fan favourite. It's really very good indeed. Love the production, sound effects, Agnetha's unique storytelling and vocal, and some of the chord progressions throughout.
And I Still Have Faith In You is just beautiful, Frida sounds so grand on it. It feels so regal but without coming across as overblown.
I was bracing myself for these songs to be a letdown but for me they're not at all.
Posted by: JulianT 3rd September 2021, 11:31 AM
ABBA was the first music my mum introduced me to when I was about 4 at the end of the 80s. They were always this mythical group that had never existed in my lifetime, and no other pop I ever listened to seemed quite as good. So the fact that I’m alive and ABBA exists is quite a surreal moment!
And also think the two new songs are lovely - however they do the project will be a winner for me anyway.
Posted by: Smint 3rd September 2021, 12:49 PM
QUOTE(dannjohn @ Sep 3 2021, 10:59 AM)
is Abba Gold the best selling album ever? Swear its not left the charts since 1992.
Feels like that but was out of the top 100 as recently as July 2017 but now I don't think it ever will leave the top 100 because of streaming rules (not a good thing either). On initial release it "only" charted for 33 weeks before falling out of the top 75.
Posted by: Last Dreamer 3rd September 2021, 01:14 PM
"Ring Ring" is the one from the most underrated albums in music history.
My top 2 ABBA albums : "Ring Ring" and "Arrival".
Posted by: common sense 3rd September 2021, 03:23 PM
QUOTE(chartfridays @ Sep 3 2021, 11:06 AM)
Internationally, it's Thriller isn't it?
Yes, around 60 million.
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 3rd September 2021, 07:04 PM
QUOTE(dannjohn @ Sep 3 2021, 10:59 AM)
is Abba Gold the best selling album ever? Swear its not left the charts since 1992.
To my knowledge its sold over 6 million in the UK and is the 2nd biggest selling of all time in the UK with Queens Greatest Hits first.
Posted by: Suedehead2 3rd September 2021, 07:49 PM
QUOTE(JulianT @ Sep 3 2021, 12:31 PM)
ABBA was the first music my mum introduced me to when I was about 4 at the end of the 80s. They were always this mythical group that had never existed in my lifetime, and no other pop I ever listened to seemed quite as good. So the fact that I’m alive and ABBA exists is quite a surreal moment!
And also think the two new songs are lovely - however they do the project will be a winner for me anyway.
That's rather sweet
Posted by: spiceboy 4th September 2021, 11:14 PM
QUOTE(JulianT @ Sep 3 2021, 12:31 PM)
ABBA was the first music my mum introduced me to when I was about 4 at the end of the 80s. They were always this mythical group that had never existed in my lifetime, and no other pop I ever listened to seemed quite as good. So the fact that I’m alive and ABBA exists is quite a surreal moment!
And also think the two new songs are lovely - however they do the project will be a winner for me anyway.
That is so lovely!
Posted by: ___∆___ 6th September 2021, 07:57 AM
Love the snippets of info we got from the OCC report.
Great to see the physical selling - it was the best move from Universal to make physicals immediately available.
QUOTE
I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down are both available physically, the former leading on the format thanks to strong CD and vinyl sales.
Very strong opening week incoming too!
QUOTE
ABBA will release their first Christmas song Little Things on the collection, which was reported to have accumulated 40,000 UK pre-orders in less than 24 hours of availability.
Posted by: chartfridays 6th September 2021, 08:47 AM
QUOTE(___∆___ @ Sep 6 2021, 08:57 AM)
Love the snippets of info we got from the OCC report.
Great to see the physical selling - it was the best move from Universal to make physicals immediately available.
Very strong opening week incoming too!
The physicals are unlikely to lose their value between first look and Friday in the same way that high-powered streaming artist might do so as well so that could bode really well for them getting high entries.
Posted by: Bré 6th September 2021, 10:54 AM
QUOTE(chartfridays @ Sep 6 2021, 09:47 AM)
The physicals are unlikely to lose their value between first look and Friday in the same way that high-powered streaming artist might do so as well so that could bode really well for them getting high entries.
? Streaming holds up far better over the week than physical sales lol (see the physical releases for recent Kylie singles putting her in the First Look top 20 and her ending up well short of the top 40 each time)
Posted by: Bjork 6th September 2021, 10:59 AM
good they released vinyls cos the itunes sales are kinda lukewarm to say the least, I was expecting them to be doing a Ladbaby on itunes but they're barely doing double relative to Bad Habits, meaning 1000 copies a day and thats even on release day last Friday
Posted by: Tafty³³³ 6th September 2021, 11:42 AM
Not feeling any of this much at all rn. 'I Still Have Faith In You' especially isn't doing it for me (I can't not hear TaraElla for some reason - seriously HELP because I can't help it lmao) I think I will definitely come around to 'Don't Shut Me Down' with more plays, but I'm not sure (at this point) if it'll be "love".
But happy to see them absolutely smash everything. They're pioneers in pop so them doing as well as they are so many years after is great to see. Semi-serious question, do you all think 'Mamma Mia' the movie helped relaunch ABBA to this new generation? Like, do you think they would've hit 40k on pre-orders after the first day had that movie (literal) phenomenon existed or do you think it would've been more "25k" or whatever (which is still huge ofc)?
Posted by: Monzo 6th September 2021, 04:59 PM
How many ISHFIY and DSMD sales from this week's sales chart at no 9 and no 11? I'm curious about how much Abba sold in last few hours of chart week.
Posted by: chartfridays 6th September 2021, 05:06 PM
QUOTE(Tafty³³³ @ Sep 6 2021, 12:42 PM)
Not feeling any of this much at all rn. 'I Still Have Faith In You' especially isn't doing it for me (I can't not hear TaraElla for some reason - seriously HELP because I can't help it lmao) I think I will definitely come around to 'Don't Shut Me Down' with more plays, but I'm not sure (at this point) if it'll be "love".
But happy to see them absolutely smash everything. They're pioneers in pop so them doing as well as they are so many years after is great to see. Semi-serious question, do you all think 'Mamma Mia' the movie helped relaunch ABBA to this new generation? Like, do you think they would've hit 40k on pre-orders after the first day had that movie (literal) phenomenon existed or do you think it would've been more "25k" or whatever (which is still huge ofc)?
I don't think they'd be doing quite as well without the Mamma Mia film - in fact I don't think they'd have done quite as well even if Mamma Mia had been made but Here We Go Again hadn't.
Posted by: chartfridays 6th September 2021, 05:07 PM
QUOTE(Monzo @ Sep 6 2021, 05:59 PM)
How many ISHFIY and DSMD sales from this week's sales chart at no 9 and no 11? I'm curious about how much Abba sold in last few hours of chart week.
Presumably a hell of a lot - they were 9 and 11 on the Sales Chart for last week from 6 hours of sales.
Posted by: GraceAJX 6th September 2021, 05:53 PM
Just popping in to say I am ADORING the new songs (especially "Don't Shut Me Down") and have managed to secure my tour tickets for June!!!
Posted by: Herbs 6th September 2021, 06:00 PM
I am completely in love with I Still Have Faith In You
It is such a beautiful, signature Abba sounding song.
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 6th September 2021, 07:18 PM
I'm really enjoying the new stuff. The album pre sale orders are brilliant, the album will at worst go gold on its debut week and all going well it will have no problems going at least platinum overall so they are guaranteed to have a hit album before it's even released.
Posted by: Voodoo 6th September 2021, 07:38 PM
Both singles are absolutely fantastic. They sound like they were recorded in the late 70's, which is a good thing.
I still have faith in ABBA.
80k UK preorders so far is MASSIVE.
Posted by: PAJ 7th September 2021, 05:10 AM
80,000 in pre orders already is fantastic. Really hoping this can debut at #1 in the UK & Australia.
Posted by: Monzo 7th September 2021, 06:44 AM
QUOTE(chartfridays @ Sep 6 2021, 07:07 PM)
Presumably a hell of a lot - they were 9 and 11 on the Sales Chart for last week from 6 hours of sales.
Maybe 3500 sales is a hell of a lot?!? Many people in the UK call themselves die-hard Abba fans, but only a few thousands are so excited that they download new songs immediately...
Posted by: ___∆___ 7th September 2021, 08:24 AM
Link to the MW article - https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/abba-break-universal-music-uk-album-pre-order-record/084082
And people in the main forum were predicting they would struggle to shift 100k in opening week
Posted by: Monzo 7th September 2021, 09:05 AM
I've been talking about the first few hours in last weeks' chart and not the new chart week. Maybe die-hard fans waited with downloads until Friday for new chart week, but are there really so many fans out there who care about chart positions?
Posted by: chartfridays 7th September 2021, 09:25 AM
QUOTE(Monzo @ Sep 7 2021, 10:05 AM)
I've been talking about the first few hours in last weeks' chart and not the new chart week. Maybe die-hard fans waited with downloads until Friday for new chart week, but are there really so many fans out there who care about chart positions?
You get ISHFIY and DSMD straight away if you buy the album digitally don't you, so there wasn't really any reason to buy the singles unless you were buying it physically and how many people still buy physical singles?
We need a break down of how many pre-orders are physical vs digital tbh.
Posted by: JulianT 7th September 2021, 10:56 PM
QUOTE(Monzo @ Sep 6 2021, 05:59 PM)
How many ISHFIY and DSMD sales from this week's sales chart at no 9 and no 11? I'm curious about how much Abba sold in last few hours of chart week.
About 1,000 to 1,500 sales each.
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 7th September 2021, 11:52 PM
The pre orders are prob closer to 100k now and it's possible at 150k up to its release. I'd love to see it open on 200k plus. This and Ed Sheeran will give album sales a much needed boost.
Posted by: Mack. 8th September 2021, 10:53 AM
'I Still Have Faith With You' is nice. I hope more will come. The age gave new colour to their voices.
Posted by: Voodoo 8th September 2021, 11:32 AM
'I Still Have Faith In You' is like 'The Winner Takes It All' meets 'Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)'.
Posted by: Dinno 9th September 2021, 03:56 PM
I hope ABBA manages to go top 10 this week and make history. If only all 4 especially the ladies bothered to come to the uk to promote the single with live performances just to give it that extra boost and massive publicity it would garner as well.
Posted by: Voodoo 9th September 2021, 04:15 PM
QUOTE(Dinno @ Sep 9 2021, 06:56 PM)
If only all 4 especially the ladies bothered to come to the uk to promote the single with live performances just to give it that extra boost and massive publicity it would garner as well.
It's not about "bothering coming to the UK". They just don't perform live anymore. This is why they created the ABBAtars for.
Posted by: Dinno 9th September 2021, 06:40 PM
Yeah I know about the Abbatars but i still wish that wasnt the case. 1 final farewell tour for the fans would have been fantastic. But I understand if Agnetha and Frida doesnt want to do it.
I just wish things was different though. Some oldies act/band still tour but I respect their wishes.
Posted by: PAJ 11th September 2021, 07:12 AM
Don’t Shut Me Down debuts at #27 in .Australia. I Still Have Faith In You debuts at #39 in Australia.
Both pretty decent I’d say.
Posted by: ThePensmith 11th September 2021, 07:32 AM
It fills me up with such warmth to see them back in the top 10 and top 20 this week. Still love both songs a week on and I look forward to the album being released ☺️
Posted by: spiceboy 11th September 2021, 09:23 AM
Such a shame that both couldn't hold onto the top 10. But this makes Abba one of only 11 bands ever to achieve 20 or more top 10 singles which is a fabulous achievement.
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 11th September 2021, 09:44 AM
So surreal seeing them actually get a top 10 single. Well done!
Posted by: Dinno 11th September 2021, 11:08 AM
I believe they have a Christmas single coming as well.Lets hope it gives them another top 10 hit when the album drops.
Posted by: JulianT 12th September 2021, 08:53 PM
What a fantastic achievement to get a Top 10 and a Top 20 in the streaming age! I don’t think it can be overstated how hard that is for a veteran act. So pleased and can’t wait for what comes next.
Posted by: tommie 13th September 2021, 02:31 AM
Don't Shut Me Down is such an ear worm.
Posted by: Sour Candy 2nd November 2021, 01:12 PM
Wonder if they push the Christmas song (Little Things) to streaming right away.
Posted by: Eduardo 2nd November 2021, 05:59 PM
Three months ago I had no idea that I would be so excited about a new album release like this. I've never paid much attention to their music, I was just a casual listener only familiar with the most well-known songs from the Gold Album.
Don't Shut Me Down blew me away.
I'm so glad that after Voyage I'll still have a full discography to venture into.
Posted by: Sour Candy 4th November 2021, 04:04 PM
So, I heard the stream for reviewing purposes and it's pretty much what you expect based on the 3 singles. I don't think there will be any additional album seller songs on the album. Little Things doesn't really work imo, but it might get some playlisting as a Christmas song and that's their best bet for a fourth chart hit.
Posted by: Qween 4th November 2021, 04:52 PM
I’m going in with the mindset that it’s a “greatest hits reworked” style experience, which the 3 singles suggest we’re going to get. I fully expect it’s going to be more of a cherry pick affair than a cohesive album.
However, as others have said, I am BLOWN AWAY by the 2 lead singles which more than justify them entire endeavour.
Posted by: Sour Candy 4th November 2021, 05:42 PM
They are the best songs on the album I think
Posted by: Qween 5th November 2021, 08:45 AM
I Still Have Faith In You - Still utterly majestic, I know everyone else has picked Don't Shut Me Down as ''the'' track from the album, but this is it for me. It sounds like classic ABBA, updated perfectly and I love the anthemic chorus.
When You Danced With Me - I feel like this one might take a few listens, synth bagpipes (or any bagpipes) are NOT FOR ME. It's giving me Highland vibes and I like the sentiment. It's giving me WAISAD vibes.
Little Things - I'm torn on this. Childrens choirs are, as a rule, horrific and should be banned by law. On the other hand I like the simplicity of it, the sentiment and the vocal. I also love the link to Don't Shut Me Down ''I listen a song my Grandma sang'' cut to Agnetha.
Don't Shut Me Down - Great, obviously. The perfect mix of ABBA's quirky lyricism, melancholy and Agnetha's reading of the lyrics makes for a classic in waiting.
Just A Notion - Still a little jarring hearing the original vocals, especially in context of the album, but it does make sense without the context - this is ABBA looking back at where they were, looking forward to where they are going (i.e. THIS IS IT) and it makes sense. I like it.
I Can Be That Woman - LOVE this. It's very ''standard'', it doesn't do anything you don't expect it to. It sounds very classic ABBA and Ag's vocal is just glorious. It's probably the best vocal on the album.
Keep An Eye On Dan - The synth line on this is GLORIOUS. It's got that slightly OFF vocal vibe that much of The Visitors did (in the best way).
Bumblebee - Frida's time to shine and boy does she shine. It's a little TWEE lyrically, but given I was expecting a Bang-a-Boomerang style number I am very pleased. It's stately and elegant and I rather like the lyrics, even if the central conceit is a LITTLE strained.
No Doubt About It - Did they just lift this directly from Shine? Frida 37 years ahead of the game! I love it, but it should be about 5 minutes long. That's actually a bit of theme here, lots of songs should be longer. Just A Notion, this, When You Danced With Me and...
Ode To Freedom - The instrumental is gorgeous. The vocal is gorgeous. The perfect swan song. Except, it should be twice as long with an extended instrumental and build into a final chorus.
10 I Still Have Faith In You 07 When You Danced With Me 06 Little Things 10 Don't Shut Me Down 08 Just A Notion 09 I Can Be That Woman 09 Keep an Eye on Dan 08 Bumblebee 09 No Doubt About It 08 Ode To Freedom
Ultimately it's a GIFT FROM THE GODS that it even exists at all. That it's good, almost great, is more than we deserve. I can definitely nit pick and I'm sure, in time, once it settles I will have some gripes about the production choices, vocal processing etc, but for now I am THRILLED.
(I also now feel justified in buying one copy of every version of the album)
Posted by: Sour Candy 5th November 2021, 09:11 AM
QUOTE(Qween @ Nov 5 2021, 10:45 AM)
When You Danced With Me - I feel like this one might take a few listens, synth bagpipes (or any bagpipes) are NOT FOR ME. It's giving me Highland vibes and I like the sentiment. It's giving me WAISAD vibes.
Little Things - I'm torn on this. Childrens choirs are, as a rule, horrific and should be banned by law. On the other hand I like the simplicity of it, the sentiment and the vocal. I also love the link to Don't Shut Me Down ''I listen a song my Grandma sang'' cut to Agnetha.
YES and YES
What a bizarre choice of NMF single
Posted by: gooddelta 5th November 2021, 09:21 AM
I had one listen to this bleary eyed and it sounded great on the first listen overall - much better than I could have ever expected and much less of a leftover demos feel that I was half expecting after hearing Just A Notion. But I'll buy the CD later and listen to it properly.
I completely agree on the Highland comparison on When You Danced With Me, that jumped out at me too. Interesting to see that as 'the chosen one' by Spotify - track 2 on New Music Friday UK!
Posted by: JulianT 5th November 2021, 09:38 AM
Really pleased from my first listen. Still pinching myself that I’ve lived to see this moment really!
Posted by: Iz 💀 5th November 2021, 10:04 AM
Enjoyable album, the latter half especially is beautiful outside of the already released singles. I'm glad we got this in the end. I think "Keep An Eye On Dan" and "I Can Be That Woman" are joining the first two as faves at the very least.
Posted by: Sour Candy 5th November 2021, 10:10 AM
QUOTE(Iz 💀 @ Nov 5 2021, 12:04 PM)
Enjoyable album, the latter half especially is beautiful outside of the already released singles. I'm glad we got this in the end. I think "Keep An Eye On Dan" and "I Can Be That Woman" are joining the first two as faves at the very least.
The taste!
Posted by: Qween 5th November 2021, 10:10 AM
There’s also echoes of Roxette - Listen To Your Heart in I Can Be Your Woman too.
Posted by: gooddelta 5th November 2021, 11:34 AM
My early scores and very brief thoughts after two listens are:
10 I Still Have Faith In You (song of the year contender, so beautiful)
09 When You Danced With Me (I love this sort of thing, anything Celtic meets Scandi sounding <3)
08 Little Things (it's very twee and cloying but sweet, I do have a soft spot for it although the line about grandma is maybe a touch too much)
10 Don't Shut Me Down (another song of the year contender, the way that they managed to distill everything that's great about them into the comeback single <3)
08 Just A Notion (grown on me so much since the first listen, it does stick out but it's so catchy)
09 I Can Be That Woman (So good to see Bjorn hasn't lost his ability to tell a gripping story in a song - some questionable lyrics aside - and Agnetha is so fantastic on this. Can hear Listen To Your Heart here too)
09 Keep an Eye on Dan (the chorus, the production, the synths! So good, and the SOS outro *.*)
07 Bumblebee (the only song not fully clicking with me so far, although Frida sounds lovely on it)
09 No Doubt About It (So jaunty and classic ABBA, Frida sounds so good on this, I too wish it was longer though)
09 Ode To Freedom (for me this is similar to what Sweden were peddling in mid-90s Melodifestivalen, like Den Vilda, or Det Vackraste. I didn't really expect two sonic nods to One More Time on this album but I guess they're all family so why not)
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 5th November 2021, 11:57 AM
I'm pleasantly surprised by how high the quality is overall, I was expecting it to be mostly cobbled together reworked bits from the cutting room floor (like 'Just a Notion' was) but it's a really solid, enjoyable album with lots of classic ABBA moments.
I loove 'When You Danced With Me', and 'Keep An Eye On Dan' is GLORIOUS. I like it when they used to go a bit out there, and this is quite wacky. 'I Can Be That Woman' is also gorgeous
I'm expecting they'll probably push the Christmas Carol during the festive season?
Posted by: Qween 5th November 2021, 12:20 PM
About 8 listens later and I’m ready to upgrade When You Danced With Me to a TRIUMPH.
Posted by: Last Dreamer 5th November 2021, 12:28 PM
"Little Things" is very underrated, this track reminds me of favourite vintage Xmas songs like "Must Be Santa" and "Christmas Cards".
Posted by: N-S 5th November 2021, 01:55 PM
Listening to album felt like I was hugging a friend I hadn't seen in ages.
Posted by: dj_tim_e 7th November 2021, 01:54 PM
Some ramblings after (finally) playing it through...
I was apprehensive after reading so many disappointing reviews on here. I tried not to read too many of them thoroughly though and I'm glad I didn't. Overall, the album is just spot on! It doesn't necessarily feel like a progression from The Visitors, nor does it quite feel like a forced melange of career highlights with new lyrics, to pander to the ABBA Gold-level listener, more a cross between the two to keep all levels of ABBA fan happy enough with what they've invested in. It's more than I ever could have expected just a few months ago.
After one listen, this is my current order of preference from best to 10th best (I can't say worst): 1 Don't Shut Me Down 2 Just A Notion 3 I Still Have Faith In You 4 I Can Be That Woman (B&B should be careful, Tammy Wynette's gross widower will be after them for royalties) 5 No Doubt About It (I felt like I was listening to a track from "Shine". Probably the least ABBA song on the album- a great surprise!) 6 When You Danced With Me (maybe, this is a thank you from ABBA to Westlife for taking "I Have a Dream" to number 1 (does a scampy Frida grin at camera)) 7 Little Things (I think it's sweet and can't see what all the grumbling is for) 8 Keep An Eye On Dan (the obligatory ABBA album track with iffy lyrics...I'd have liked more of a disco sound and I'm surprised it isn't more discoey given the synths that replace traditional instruments throughout the rest of the album.) 9 Ode To Freedom (Jury's out on this one. Nice instrumentation. Unsure about the key it's in as this is lowwwww for Frida. If this is the real swansong I expected something more majestic to be honest.) OK, one song I think is meh v v v v v v 10 Bumblebee (like a bee, it flew over my head a bit.)
With Tretow at the helm I think this great album could have had more sheen. But, this is a collection of ABBA songs nobody expected, so to me this is just a huge bonus, made better by the fact this is good enough to be treated just like any of their albums from first time round
Posted by: pippa 8th November 2021, 01:38 AM
Voyage is highly enjoyable. Just a Notion is brilliant it feels like putting on an old comfy jumper.
Posted by: Popchartfreak 8th November 2021, 02:57 PM
Just bought my first new Abba studio album since 1981. That was on vinyl and I trudged through snow to buy it, the biting cold warping the album vinyl for a while when I got home.
Voyager
I Still Have Faith In You - a heart-warming gentle anthem that celebrates they are all still here and friends, despite of, and because of, everything they went through together. Loved it the moment I heard it. Still do. Frida's voice is warm honey, always has been.
When You Danced With Me - Celtic pipes and highland upbeat mood. Frida again on lead, and more of less-of-a-jig then The fab The Piper was (off Supertrouper). Short and sweet and catchy.
Little Things - Agnetha on a sweet, gentle, classical-esque Christmas song. This makes the companion piece to Happy New Year so you can have Abba over the entire festive season now. I like kids choirs singing, and it's a very short bit, so it's not remotely cloying as it ends. I'd rather hear this than all of the annual chart Xmas regulars, at least for a few years hearing some less-played stuff!
Don't Shut Me Down - classic-Abba styled-pop, a hint of Dancing Queen rhythm, a snatch of If It wasn't For The Nights, and a sort of sad Agnetha spin on a more upbeat pop plea with a great hook. Agnetha's last solo album (with gary barlow and others) had a good vibe like this to some of the tracks.
Just A Notion - 50's rock'n'pop throwback, not entirely unlike some of their early album stuff like Why Did It Have To Me, jaunty singalong old fashioned romp from both girls, and delightful for it. I can see why it didn't fit on the later albums, and it was too good to be a B side extra.
so a generally upbeat Side 1 if you buy the vinyl version. Side 2:
I Can Be That Woman - Agnetha in sad reflective mood on past failed relationships, and I've read some newspaper reviews commenting as if Agnetha is lyrically confessing. Just to be clear, Blorn, the ex-hubby, is the one that writes the lyrics. It's downbeat.
Keep An Eye On Dan - Abba back in ominous mood, and a hint of the theatre about it - it wouldn't be out of place in Chess or next to I'm A Marionette on The Album. It's pretty good, though I might have changed the title/hook. production is closer to The Visitors-era, and that's not a bad thing, either. And a little SOS frill to end on.
Bumblebee - Frida on lead on another gentle, Celtic-flavoured message-song. Frida is still in fine voice, and I really like this one - seems to be not the most--popular track generally on itunes, but it's just lovely. Intricate and clear and melodic, sadly sweet.
No Doubt About It - Not the Hot Chocolate UFO song, for those of us around in 1980, upbeat, bouncy in chorus parts, verses less-memorable, but a sort of OK extra track to The Album as much as anything, bar the vocals sounding more matured.
Ode To Freedom - name that classical tune, almost, with added vocal chorus. Classy. Not long enough, both the track and the album, but then I'm being greedy - after 40 years with just bits and bobs released in box sets for completion sake, I never thought there would be another new album: and yet holding back Just a Notion from the box set might seem to suggest it might always be available for some project or other....
Is it the best Abba album? No. Is it the least good? No. Is it good enough? YES.
Posted by: dannjohn 8th November 2021, 03:59 PM
Just a Notion is fab
Posted by: Better Man 8th November 2021, 07:58 PM
Yes!
Just a notice... It's a beautiful and great album.
For me ABBA's music has been always a drug against bad feelings and darkness. In my opinion when our World is not in the best form and music scene is slightly degrading it's just in time to get such drug from the best pop band in a history. I really hope they will stay in youth minds not only during this week...
Posted by: Envoirment 8th November 2021, 08:24 PM
Listened to the album for the first time earlier. Such a lovely album. It has a very warm, nostalgic feel to it. I can see it doing very well over the Xmas period, not just in its first week. Some really great songs.
I think "No Doubt About It" is fast becoming my favourite from the album. Love the singles already released and "When You Danced With Me".
Posted by: Qween 10th November 2021, 10:40 AM
Ode To Freedom and Bumblebee have both been clicking with me in a BIG WAY the last few listens. Obviously this is all I am listening to right now given I have about 20 copies to work may way through.
11 I Still Have Faith In You 09 When You Danced With Me 06 Little Things 10 Don't Shut Me Down 08 Just A Notion 07 I Can Be That Woman 09 Keep an Eye on Dan 08 Bumblebee 10 No Doubt About It 09 Ode To Freedom
Posted by: Liam.k. 10th November 2021, 10:53 AM
Posted by: tommie 11th November 2021, 05:15 PM
Posted by: common sense 11th November 2021, 05:44 PM
QUOTE(Liam.k. @ Nov 10 2021, 10:53 AM)
Heard Frida and they played Bumblebee and her choice of Abba song, a non-single, I Let The Music Speak.
Posted by: Envoirment 11th November 2021, 09:03 PM
QUOTE(tommie @ Nov 11 2021, 05:15 PM)
Glad to see them get that Alexa promo.
I didn't get the fuss about "Keep An Eye On Dan" when I first heard it, but it's been stuck in my head all day today. The production is such an ear worm.
Posted by: ___∆___ 12th November 2021, 08:26 AM
QUOTE(common sense @ Nov 11 2021, 05:44 PM)
Heard Frida and they played Bumblebee and her choice of Abba song, a non-single, I Let The Music Speak.
‘I Let The Music Speak’ in the iTunes Top 200 - the Frida impact
Posted by: Monzo 12th November 2021, 05:31 PM
In Germany Voyage sold more than 200.000 units, that's more than the rest of the top 100 combined.
Posted by: ___∆___ 12th November 2021, 05:42 PM
Nearly 30,000 copies shifted on vinyl - massive!
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 12th November 2021, 06:55 PM
The sales are great, im so happy with the result, looks like they will have no trouble going platinum.
Posted by: gooddelta 13th November 2021, 09:35 AM
I think after many listens, my rank of the album based on how much I’ve been playing them all is:
Amazing
1. Don’t Shut Me Down 2. I Still Have Faith In You 3. Keep An Eye On Dan 4. I Can Be That Woman
Great
5. When You Danced With Me 6. Little Things 7. Just A Notion
Very good
8. No Doubt About It 9. Ode To Freedom
Good
10. Bumblebee
The top four will definitely all make my end of year chart, all so great. Obviously Little Things is twee but it’s charming and instantly nostalgic and has been stuck in my head a lot more than some of the others. While I like it a lot, I feel like No Doubt About It should be five places higher based on my usual taste but there’s something not quite making me hit replay as much as I am with the others. Bumblebee is growing but still the only one one I wouldn’t be sad to lose.
Posted by: JulianT 13th November 2021, 10:15 PM
I’m absolutely delighted with this album now. It’s not the most immediate but it’s definitely worth the effort to really get to know. The storytelling and musicality throughout is just exquisite.
As for gooddelta’s least favourites, Bumblebee started to make much for sense for me after the Radio 2 interview with Frida. It’s definitely one where you need to connect with the lyrics I think. Ode to Freedom I think is absolutely glorious and would definitely come in my top half. I love the orchestration and the fact that it almost feels like a classical piece.
Separately I was wondering what the male lyrics towards the end of Keep an Eye on Dan are and I found out today:
“Seven on Sunday to get him She must have lost some weight She looks better than ever Funny how quickly it take me right back to our first date Have I lost her forever?
I’ll keep an eye on my Dan I’m a loving man You know that I’ll never upset him I’ll keep an eye on my Dan And I won’t forget you’ll be here on Sunday to get him”
So the mum and dad are still in love with each other - isn’t that beautiful and tragic!
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 14th November 2021, 02:00 AM
I'm really enjoying the album it just gives that warm, happy comfortable feeling when listening to it.
Posted by: The Company Man 15th November 2021, 12:40 PM
QUOTE(Monzo @ Nov 12 2021, 06:31 PM)
In Germany Voyage sold more than 200.000 units, that's more than the rest of the top 100 combined.
Here's a press article in German where exactly this is stated: https://www.rollingstone.de/album-charts-abba-voyage-2378459/
200,000 sales for the Top 100 (except for the number 1)? OMG - how low are sales today!
Posted by: spiceboy 15th November 2021, 01:17 PM
#2 in the USA apparently, which is their highest charting album ever over there. Their other highest charting one was ABBA: The Album which got to #14.
Amazingly Gold had been certified at 6x platinum for 6 million copies in the US despite only ever charting at #25!!
Also to consider they never had a top 10 album prior to Voyage they still have over 10 million US album sales to their name and that is not including all the Mama Mia spin off releases. Pretty incredible really.
Posted by: gooddelta 15th November 2021, 01:22 PM
The German figures are pretty mad, curious to know what Helene Fischer and Ed sold there but they don’t usually release figures.
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 15th November 2021, 02:22 PM
Thats brilliant for them in America, delighted its done well for them there aswell. With UK sales of Gold, to my knowledge Gold hasn't had multiple different releases, Queens greatest hits has, if it was based on just the original release no re releases etc would Gold be the best selling album ever in the UK.
Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th November 2021, 05:10 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Nov 15 2021, 01:17 PM)
#2 in the USA apparently, which is their highest charting album ever over there. Their other highest charting one was ABBA: The Album which got to #14.
Amazingly Gold had been certified at 6x platinum for 6 million copies in the US despite only ever charting at #25!! Also to consider they never had a top 10 album prior to Voyage they still have over 10 million US album sales to their name and that is not including all the Mama Mia spin off releases. Pretty incredible really.
Yes, during the Abba years they were never widely-loved in the USA to the same degree, what with pop being a Bad Thing according to critics - so their albums never sold in huge quantities like, say The Eagles sold in millions of bucketloads (yawn). Anything remotely suspiciously a bit gay-seeming didn't break through to the Rock-dominated (plus a bit of disco) albums charts to the same degree - and Greatest Hits tend not to sell big/chart high when released either - bar The Eagles Greatest Hits which sold zillions. More steady sellers.
All I'm saying is...not seeing the same scale of interest in The Eagles get-together after Hell Froze Over and they reunited (and I do rate Don Henley & Glen Frey) so being big in the long run (of time) is better than being big with The Long Run. Eagles gag there for older music fans.....
Posted by: -Jay- 17th November 2021, 05:36 PM
QUOTE(Feel_The_Fever @ Nov 15 2021, 02:22 PM)
With UK sales of Gold, to my knowledge Gold hasn't had multiple different releases, Queens greatest hits has, if it was based on just the original release no re releases etc would Gold be the best selling album ever in the UK.
Gold has had quite a few reissues - notably in 1999, 2002, 2004 with CDs. There’s been some vinyl reissues in more recent years too.
Posted by: ___∆___ 17th November 2021, 06:17 PM
‘Little Things’ CD single now available on Amazon - interesting they are making it more accessible rather than selling it via the website only. However it’s £4.99 for a 1 track CD
Posted by: Dot Branning 17th November 2021, 07:17 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Nov 15 2021, 01:17 PM)
#2 in the USA apparently, which is their highest charting album ever over there. Their other highest charting one was ABBA: The Album which got to #14.
Amazingly Gold had been certified at 6x platinum for 6 million copies in the US despite only ever charting at #25!! Also to consider they never had a top 10 album prior to Voyage they still have over 10 million US album sales to their name and that is not including all the Mama Mia spin off releases. Pretty incredible really.
Wish they had got to US #1!
Posted by: UltraSourRed 23rd November 2021, 05:58 PM
They just got their first ever grammy nom in Record of the Year for I still have faith in you!!!
Posted by: spiceboy 23rd November 2021, 06:07 PM
QUOTE(Dot Branning @ Nov 17 2021, 07:17 PM)
Wish they had got to US #1!
Me too, as the biggest mixed gender band of all time they deserve to have a US number one album. There are not many bands I would put as being more successful than them in terms of legacy The Beatles and Queen are the only two really.
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 23rd November 2021, 06:11 PM
I'm still in shock that it was their first top 10 album in the US!
Posted by: Dot Branning 23rd November 2021, 06:19 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Nov 23 2021, 06:07 PM)
Me too, as the biggest mixed gender band of all time they deserve to have a US number one album. There are not many bands I would put as being more successful than them in terms of legacy The Beatles and Queen are the only two really.
Agreed, they deserve to have a US #1 to their name!
Posted by: spiceboy 24th November 2021, 10:26 AM
QUOTE(Dot Branning @ Nov 23 2021, 06:19 PM)
Agreed, they deserve to have a US #1 to their name!
To be fair they do have a US #1, they have Dancing Queen on the singles chart jut not on the albums chart.
I hope they win the grammy
Posted by: Envoirment 24th November 2021, 03:03 PM
QUOTE(UltraSourRed @ Nov 23 2021, 05:58 PM)
They just got their first ever grammy nom in Record of the Year for I still have faith in you!!!
So happy for them! I hope that means the album will get a few nods at the 2023 Grammy awards
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 24th November 2021, 03:06 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Nov 23 2021, 06:07 PM)
Me too, as the biggest mixed gender band of all time they deserve to have a US number one album. There are not many bands I would put as being more successful than them in terms of legacy The Beatles and Queen are the only two really.
Fleetwood Mac potentially? (and they're also mixed gender) and The Rolling Stones perhaps.
Posted by: Liam.k. 2nd December 2021, 01:26 PM
Video for 'Little Things' coming tomorrow:
Hope they make an appearance in the video.
Posted by: spiceboy 2nd December 2021, 02:14 PM
QUOTE(WhoOdyssey @ Nov 24 2021, 03:06 PM)
Fleetwood Mac potentially? (and they're also mixed gender) and The Rolling Stones perhaps.
Two excellent choices... on a worldwide scale I'd agree, on a UK scale I wouldn't. Pink Floyd are certainly up there too, perhaps Genesis but I think Abba are much more universal than both of them in fact than possible every band ever.
Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 3rd December 2021, 02:42 AM
Voyage should be in or around 400k by the end of year, that in itself is good but hopefully double platinum at some point.
Posted by: tommie 3rd December 2021, 05:35 AM
QUOTE(Feel_The_Fever @ Dec 3 2021, 03:42 AM)
Voyage should be in or around 400k by the end of year, that in itself is good but hopefully double platinum at some point.
If it goes double-platinum it should be their biggest selling studio album in the UK (though I think pre-1979 are based on monetary revenue rather than sales).
Posted by: JulianT 3rd December 2021, 08:23 AM
Great to see Voyage already platinum and having done it the hard way on pure sales.
Presumably Little Things won’t make any impact on the chart, but do we think it might get some decent airplay?
Posted by: tommie 3rd December 2021, 08:40 AM
Posted by: Last Dreamer 21st December 2021, 08:13 AM
Little Boots says Abba's new live band is 'badass cool'
Twelve years ago, Little Boots duetted with Abba's Benny Andersson on an episode of Jonathan Ross's chat show.
"I was in the green room with Sandra Bullock and Hermione from Harry Potter - Emma Watson - and we sang Thank You For The Music," she recalls.
"I was just like, 'Is this my life now? This is insane!'"
At the time, the singer-songwriter, whose real name is Victoria Hesketh, was one of the UK's most hotly-tipped new pop stars.
After winning the BBC's Sound of 2009, her debut album Hands had entered the charts at number five, and she was on Ross's show to perform Remedy, a single she'd written with Lady Gaga's producer Red One.
But that encounter with Andersson was portentous - because, in parallel to her pop career, Little Boots is about to make her debut in Abba's live band.
Starting next May, she'll be singing and playing keyboards on hits like Dancing Queen and Waterloo nine times a week at the "immersive" Abba Voyage concerts in East London.
"If it was any other band, I wouldn't have done it - but the combination of this band, me being such a huge Abba fan and this completely revolutionary show was just a triple threat. There was no way I could turn it down."
And after sitting on the secret for the last two years, she's relieved that she can finally share the excitement with the world.
"It's just so nice for everybody. When it was announced, people were like, 'Wow, Abba are back to save us from the worst two years in history.' And it really does feel like that."
Full : https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58649415
Posted by: J00prstar 21st December 2021, 01:40 PM
QUOTE(Dot Branning @ Nov 23 2021, 06:19 PM)
Agreed, they deserve to have a US #1 to their name!
They prob will get one when one of them dies
Posted by: Nina West 21st December 2021, 04:40 PM
QUOTE(J00prstar @ Dec 21 2021, 01:40 PM)
They prob will get one when one of them dies
Guys are you forgetting that they did have a US #1 hit with 'Dancing Queen', so by that standards they do have a US chart topper to their name.
Posted by: spiceboy 23rd December 2021, 04:18 PM
QUOTE(Nina West @ Dec 21 2021, 04:40 PM)
Guys are you forgetting that they did have a US #1 hit with 'Dancing Queen', so by that standards they do have a US chart topper to their name.
I think people were referring to the albums not the singles.
Posted by: slowdown73 24th December 2021, 12:44 AM
Does anyone think we might get a deluxe reissue of voyage at some point?
Posted by: WhoOdyssey 24th December 2021, 01:11 AM
It’s unlikely I’d say
Posted by: pippa 30th December 2021, 12:26 AM
Up to now Voyage has managed a steady Top 3 run but I sense it will drop fast in the next couple of weeks. That said, 400,000 sales in today's climate is a huge success.
Posted by: pippa 30th December 2021, 12:26 AM
Up to now Voyage has managed a steady Top 3 run but I sense it will drop fast in the next couple of weeks. That said, 400,000 sales in today's climate is a huge success.
Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 30th December 2021, 08:46 AM
QUOTE(slowdown73 @ Dec 24 2021, 12:44 AM)
Does anyone think we might get a deluxe reissue of voyage at some point?
Consisting of what? I can't imagine they've recorded anything else and they don't really tend to commission official remixes.
Posted by: Jule Log 31st December 2021, 09:11 AM
There’s a lot of speculation from fans about whether they’ll ever release “Just Like That”. They recorded it in 1982 but felt that the verses and choruses don’t match. The chorus is a real ear-worm though.
Universal keep getting it removed from YouTube but there’s one there at the moment:
Posted by: GTH 31st December 2021, 01:17 PM
QUOTE(pippa @ Dec 30 2021, 12:26 AM)
Up to now Voyage has managed a steady Top 3 run but I sense it will drop fast in the next couple of weeks. That said, 400,000 sales in today's climate is a huge success.
There was talk of a 5th single from the album in the New Year. Obviously won’t do anything chart wise, but if it gets radio support, I don’t see no reason it can’t keep the album selling over the next few months.
I can't wait to hear the songs, it would be amazing if they did a full studio album but I won't get my hopes up.
I suspect that are shorter than they were 24 hours ago.
Hopefully the stuff will be really good though...
- seriously HELP because I can't help it lmao) I think I will definitely come around to 'Don't Shut Me Down' with more plays, but I'm not sure (at this point) if it'll be "love".
