Abba - The Album [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Abba - The Album [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
Without a doubt, 1978's The Album is the Swedish pop demigods' finest moment. (Forgive them the film.) From the opening stanzas of the visionary "Eagle" (a "Born Free" for the late '70s) to the pure joyous rush of "Take a Chance on Me" (has a cappella ever sounded so irresistible?) to the drop-dead perfect chorus on "The Name of the Game," not a heartstring is left untouched. The melodies are matchless, the production virtually defining the era. The final three tracks, subtitled "Three Scenes from a Mini-Musical"--the celebratory and often copied "Thank You for the Music," "I Wonder," and the self-deprecating "I'm a Marionette"--merely confirmed what ABBA's fans knew all along: this was pure showtime and Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Frida were masters of the form. --Everett True

Product Description
Exclusive import limited edition digipak is remastered, has extensive liner notes and lyrics, and includes one bonus song, 'Thank You For The Music'(Doris Day Version)'. 10 tracks in all.

Abba - The Album [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Abba - The Album,ABBA,Polydor / Pgd,Dance-Pop,Euro-Dance,Euro-Pop,Pop,Pop Vocals,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock/Pop,Swedish Pop/Rock


Abba - The Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good album...but bad re-mastering
  • Abba's Glorious Achievement.
  • A True Pop Gem
  • ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums.
  • Pretty Good
Abba - The Album
ABBA
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Euro DanceEuro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Arrival
  2. Voulez-Vous
  3. Super Trouper
  4. ABBA
  5. Ring Ring

ASIN: B00005CDNH
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

  1. Eagle
  2. Take A Chance On Me
  3. One Man, One Woman
  4. The Name Of The Game
  5. Move On
  6. Hole In Your Soul
  7. 'The Girl With The Golden Hair' 3 Scenes From A Mini Musical: Thank You For The Music
  8. 'The Girl With The Golden Hair' 3 Scenes From A Mini Musical: I Wonder (Departure)
  9. 'The Girl With The Golden Hair' 3 Scenes From A Mini Musical: I'm A Marionette
  10. Thank You For The Music (Doris Day Version)

Amazon.com essential recording

Without a doubt, 1978's The Album is the Swedish pop demigods' finest moment. (Forgive them the film.) From the opening stanzas of the visionary "Eagle" (a "Born Free" for the late '70s) to the pure joyous rush of "Take a Chance on Me" (has a cappella ever sounded so irresistible?) to the drop-dead perfect chorus on "The Name of the Game," not a heartstring is left untouched. The melodies are matchless, the production virtually defining the era. The final three tracks, subtitled "Three Scenes from a Mini-Musical"--the celebratory and often copied "Thank You for the Music," "I Wonder," and the self-deprecating "I'm a Marionette"--merely confirmed what ABBA's fans knew all along: this was pure showtime and Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Frida were masters of the form. --Everett True

Amazon.com

The Album's closing trilogy, "The Girl with the Golden Hair: 3 Scenes from a Mini Musical," was Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus's most ambitious work yet. But despite "Thank You for the Music," a more humble "I Write the Songs," and the barely veiled complaint "I'm a Marionette," it wasn't the 1977 LP's best stuff. That came in two great singles: "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Name of the Game," which continued the two Abba couples' string of growing-up-in-public heartache songs. ("Knowing Me, Knowing You," from the previous Arrival, inaugurated the tradition.) "The Girl," though, hinted that the Bjorn-and-Benny writing team was bent on storming the musical stage, as it did by the mid-'80s with Chess. --Rickey Wright

Album Description

Exclusive import limited edition digipak is remastered, has extensive liner notes and lyrics, and includes one bonus song, 'Thank You For The Music'(Doris Day Version)'. 10 tracks in all.

Album Details

24-bit digital remaster with new liner notes, complete lyrics and a bonus track: 'Thank You for the Music' (Doris Day Mix).

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Good album...but bad re-mastering.......2007-04-30

I agree with John (from N.Y.), these 24-bit re-masters of the Abba catalogue were a big letdown. In a side by side comparison, the original discs sounded much better than these. The originals were brighter and plenty full; just like the original album sounded.

On the other hand, these 24-bit discs sound slightly muddy and the high end (which includes acoustic guitars and cymbals) are flat or dead sounding thanks to the no-noise solution. My advice, is to save your money and keep your old discs.

5 out of 5 stars Abba's Glorious Achievement........2007-02-28

For me in the Seventies, Abba were always a guilty pleasure. I loved SOS, Fernando, Dancing Queen and obscure album tracks like Tropical Loveland, That's Me, Intermezzo #1 and others. They had too much synthesizer and an unreal plastic look, but thirty years on their songs have become pop standards. This album is definitely their peak. They were never more daring and it is a shame they never topped it with their subsequent albums. It is interesting to note that one of the co-writers on some of the songs, Stig Anderson never collaborated with them in writing songs after this album and I think the rest of their albums suffered because of this.

1. EAGLE (5.51): I was wowed by this song when I first heard it and it is still very inventive today. An epic song which probably should have closed the album. It does conjure up images of soaring high in the skies. The production is amazing. Great shared vocals, great guitar work and the synthesizers are used to wondrous effect. Very atmospheric.

2. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (4.04): Very popular and deservedly so. Great pop song. Enough said!

3. ONE MAN ONE WOMAN (4.31): Frida sings this song with a depressing start but ultimately ends in reconciliation. This would be a rather maudlin song but her vocals do sound full of vulnerability and then joy.

4. THE NAME OF THE GAME (4.54): Probably my favourite single ever released by Abba. This is the full length version of the song with the second verse included. It is a long way from WATERLOO and RING RING. Very complex issues dealt with here but the sharing of vocals by Agnetha and Frida works very well and the chorus is sublime with all the members contributing exquisite harmnonies. Still one of my favourite songs from the Seventies and I am mainly a rock fan!

5. MOVE ON (4.41). Not a bad song but the spoken intro by Bjorn is not necessary. Catchy chorus but the la la las in the chorus could also have benn left out.

6. HOLE IN YOUR SOUL (3.39). More of a rocker. Lyrics are a little cliched but it is nice hear them belt it out. Again the chorus is very catchy.

7. THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (3.50). The first of three songs from the mini-musical THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN HAIR. One of my least favourite Abba songs. I really wish it was on another album of theirs. I know it was part of a musical but the lyrics are self indulgent and self glorifying. Have to admit I really hate this song. Technically I should only give this album 4 stars because of this song but I do enjoy the other eight tracks very much.

9. I WONDER (DEPARTURE) (4.32). Sometimes we tend to miss the lyrics of their songs because the melodies are so memorable. I moved from Ireland to the USA in 1988 and this song does capture the mood I felt leaving a lot of familiar things behind for a new daunting life. Again Frida does a great job on vocal.

9. I'M A MARIONETTE (4.03). A great way to end the album. It is a fast rocker with bitter, jaded lyrics but they pull it off very well. Includes a great guitar solo and great string arrangement. Powerful stuff!!

I know personal issues started to seep into the band at this time. It was predictable that this would take its toll on the members. They did go on to record some great songs like THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL, LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME, THE VISITORS and SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS. But there were too many songs that were just sub-standard. The album VOULEZ VOUS has no brilliance to it at all and was just a second rate disco album. SUPER TROUPER was a hit and miss affair and the album THE VISITORS was an aural picture of four band members fed up with each other just waiting to go their separate ways ("And now they've come to take me, come to break me and yet it isn't unexpected"). ABBA-THE ALBUM showed their vocal, melodic and musical arrangement capabilities at their best.

5 out of 5 stars A True Pop Gem.......2006-11-14

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!

5 out of 5 stars ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums........2006-10-14

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.


4 out of 5 stars Pretty Good.......2006-06-24

I bought this album and it's not bad. My favorite song would have to be "Hole In Your Soul." The Album had a lot of hits like "the Name of the Game" and "Eagle," "Take a Chance on Me."
Overall, the Album is pretty good.
The Album
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Wait for the 30th anniversdary release in 2008
  • This CD looks like a CDR.
The Album
ABBA
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Euro DanceEuro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
PopPop | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Waterloo

ASIN: B00005KKC5
Release Date: 2001-07-02

Tracks:

  1. Eagle
  2. Take A Chance On Me
  3. One Man, One Woman
  4. The Name Of The Game
  5. Move On
  6. Hole In Your Soul
  7. Thank You For The Music
  8. I Wonder (Departure)
  9. I'm A Marionette
  10. Thank You For The Music (Doris Day Version)

Album Details

24bit Digital Remaster with New Liner Notes, Complete Lyrics and Bonus Track: 'thank You for the Music (Doris Day Mix)'.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Wait for the 30th anniversdary release in 2008.......2007-06-24

A disappointing product. Rumor has it, plans are to release a cd/dvd set in 2008 in the manner as the "Arrival" release. It is quite incredible. Overall, "The Album" is a much better piece of music as a whole. Side one is ABBA at their most flawless.

3 out of 5 stars This CD looks like a CDR........2003-11-03

This CD looks like a CDR due to the exceptionally poor artwork on the silk screen. All it is a harshly painted copyright label and silver color the rest of it. The label got the nerve to produce something like this title. CD sounds OK.
The Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good album...but bad re-mastering
  • Abba's Glorious Achievement.
  • A True Pop Gem
  • ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums.
  • Pretty Good
The Album
ABBA
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Euro DanceEuro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Arrival
  2. Voulez-Vous
  3. Super Trouper
  4. ABBA
  5. Ring Ring

ASIN: B000002GMY
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

  1. Eagle
  2. Take A Chance On Me
  3. One Man, One Woman
  4. The Name Of The Game
  5. Move On
  6. Hole In Your Soul
  7. Thank You For The Music
  8. I Wonder (Departure)
  9. I'm A Marionette

Amazon.com essential recording

Without a doubt, 1978's The Album is the Swedish pop demigods' finest moment. (Forgive them the film.) From the opening stanzas of the visionary "Eagle" (a "Born Free" for the late '70s) to the pure joyous rush of "Take a Chance on Me" (has a cappella ever sounded so irresistible?) to the drop-dead perfect chorus on "The Name of the Game," not a heartstring is left untouched. The melodies are matchless, the production virtually defining the era. The final three tracks, subtitled "Three Scenes from a Mini-Musical"--the celebratory and often copied "Thank You for the Music," "I Wonder," and the self-deprecating "I'm a Marionette"--merely confirmed what ABBA's fans knew all along: this was pure showtime and Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Frida were masters of the form. --Everett True

Amazon.com

The Album's closing trilogy, "The Girl with the Golden Hair: 3 Scenes from a Mini Musical," was Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus's most ambitious work yet. But despite "Thank You for the Music," a more humble "I Write the Songs," and the barely veiled complaint "I'm a Marionette," it wasn't the 1977 LP's best stuff. That came in two great singles: "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Name of the Game," which continued the two Abba couples' string of growing-up-in-public heartache songs. ("Knowing Me, Knowing You," from the previous Arrival, inaugurated the tradition.) "The Girl," though, hinted that the Bjorn-and-Benny writing team was bent on storming the musical stage, as it did by the mid-'80s with Chess. --Rickey Wright

Album Description

Exclusive import limited edition digipak is remastered, has extensive liner notes and lyrics, and includes one bonus song, 'Thank You For The Music'(Doris Day Version)'. 10 tracks in all.

Album Details

24-bit digital remaster with new liner notes, complete lyrics and a bonus track: 'Thank You for the Music' (Doris Day Mix).

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Good album...but bad re-mastering.......2007-04-30

I agree with John (from N.Y.), these 24-bit re-masters of the Abba catalogue were a big letdown. In a side by side comparison, the original discs sounded much better than these. The originals were brighter and plenty full; just like the original album sounded.

On the other hand, these 24-bit discs sound slightly muddy and the high end (which includes acoustic guitars and cymbals) are flat or dead sounding thanks to the no-noise solution. My advice, is to save your money and keep your old discs.

5 out of 5 stars Abba's Glorious Achievement........2007-02-28

For me in the Seventies, Abba were always a guilty pleasure. I loved SOS, Fernando, Dancing Queen and obscure album tracks like Tropical Loveland, That's Me, Intermezzo #1 and others. They had too much synthesizer and an unreal plastic look, but thirty years on their songs have become pop standards. This album is definitely their peak. They were never more daring and it is a shame they never topped it with their subsequent albums. It is interesting to note that one of the co-writers on some of the songs, Stig Anderson never collaborated with them in writing songs after this album and I think the rest of their albums suffered because of this.

1. EAGLE (5.51): I was wowed by this song when I first heard it and it is still very inventive today. An epic song which probably should have closed the album. It does conjure up images of soaring high in the skies. The production is amazing. Great shared vocals, great guitar work and the synthesizers are used to wondrous effect. Very atmospheric.

2. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (4.04): Very popular and deservedly so. Great pop song. Enough said!

3. ONE MAN ONE WOMAN (4.31): Frida sings this song with a depressing start but ultimately ends in reconciliation. This would be a rather maudlin song but her vocals do sound full of vulnerability and then joy.

4. THE NAME OF THE GAME (4.54): Probably my favourite single ever released by Abba. This is the full length version of the song with the second verse included. It is a long way from WATERLOO and RING RING. Very complex issues dealt with here but the sharing of vocals by Agnetha and Frida works very well and the chorus is sublime with all the members contributing exquisite harmnonies. Still one of my favourite songs from the Seventies and I am mainly a rock fan!

5. MOVE ON (4.41). Not a bad song but the spoken intro by Bjorn is not necessary. Catchy chorus but the la la las in the chorus could also have benn left out.

6. HOLE IN YOUR SOUL (3.39). More of a rocker. Lyrics are a little cliched but it is nice hear them belt it out. Again the chorus is very catchy.

7. THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (3.50). The first of three songs from the mini-musical THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN HAIR. One of my least favourite Abba songs. I really wish it was on another album of theirs. I know it was part of a musical but the lyrics are self indulgent and self glorifying. Have to admit I really hate this song. Technically I should only give this album 4 stars because of this song but I do enjoy the other eight tracks very much.

9. I WONDER (DEPARTURE) (4.32). Sometimes we tend to miss the lyrics of their songs because the melodies are so memorable. I moved from Ireland to the USA in 1988 and this song does capture the mood I felt leaving a lot of familiar things behind for a new daunting life. Again Frida does a great job on vocal.

9. I'M A MARIONETTE (4.03). A great way to end the album. It is a fast rocker with bitter, jaded lyrics but they pull it off very well. Includes a great guitar solo and great string arrangement. Powerful stuff!!

I know personal issues started to seep into the band at this time. It was predictable that this would take its toll on the members. They did go on to record some great songs like THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL, LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME, THE VISITORS and SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS. But there were too many songs that were just sub-standard. The album VOULEZ VOUS has no brilliance to it at all and was just a second rate disco album. SUPER TROUPER was a hit and miss affair and the album THE VISITORS was an aural picture of four band members fed up with each other just waiting to go their separate ways ("And now they've come to take me, come to break me and yet it isn't unexpected"). ABBA-THE ALBUM showed their vocal, melodic and musical arrangement capabilities at their best.

5 out of 5 stars A True Pop Gem.......2006-11-14

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!

5 out of 5 stars ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums........2006-10-14

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.


4 out of 5 stars Pretty Good.......2006-06-24

I bought this album and it's not bad. My favorite song would have to be "Hole In Your Soul." The Album had a lot of hits like "the Name of the Game" and "Eagle," "Take a Chance on Me."
Overall, the Album is pretty good.
30th Anniversary Original Album Box
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • for hardcore Abba fans only .much material is in Japanese
  • ABBA The ultimate box set
  • Don't Buy It!
30th Anniversary Original Album Box
ABBA
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

SwedenSweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music
RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000657KIO
Release Date: 2004-12-27

Tracks:

  1. Ring Ring
  2. Another Town, Another Train
  3. Disillusion
  4. People Need Love
  5. I Saw It In The Mirror
  6. Nina, Pretty Ballerina
  7. Love Isn't Easy (But It Sure Is Hard Enough)
  8. Me & Bobby & Bobby's Brother
  9. He Is Your Brother
  10. Rin, Ring (Engelsk Version)
  11. I Am Just A Girl
  12. Rock 'N Roll Band
  13. Waterloo
  14. Sitting In The Palmtree
  15. King Kong Song
  16. Hasta Manana
  17. My Mama Said
  18. Dance (While The Music Still Goes On)
  19. Honey, Honey
  20. Watch Out
  21. What About Livingstone
  22. Gonna Sing You My Lovesong
  23. Suzy-Hang-Around
  24. Ring Ring
  25. Mamma Mia
  26. Hey, Hey Helen
  27. Tropical Loveland
  28. Sos
  29. Man In The Middle
  30. Bang A Boomerang
  31. I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
  32. Rock Me
  33. Intermezzo No. 1
  34. I've Been Waiting For You
  35. So Long
  36. When I Kissed The Teacher
  37. Dancing Queen
  38. My Love, My Life
  39. Dum Dum Diddle
  40. Knowing Me, Knowing You
  41. Money, Money, Money
  42. That's Me
  43. Why Did It Have To Be Me
  44. Tiger
  45. Arrival
  46. Eagle
  47. Take A Chance On Me
  48. One Man, One Woman
  49. The Name Of The Game
  50. Move On
  51. Hole In Your Soul
  52. "The Girl With The Golden Hair"
  53. Thank You For The Music
  54. I Wonder
  55. I'ma Marionette
  56. As Good As New
  57. Voulez-Vous
  58. I Have A Dream
  59. Angel Eyes
  60. King Has Lost His Crown
  61. Does Your Mother Know
  62. If It Wasn't For The Nights
  63. Chiquitta
  64. Lovers (Live A Little Longer)
  65. Kisses Of Fire
  66. Super Trouper
  67. Winner Takes It All
  68. On And On And On
  69. Andante, Andante
  70. Me And I
  71. Happy New Year
  72. Our Last Summer
  73. Piper
  74. Lay All Your Love On Me
  75. Way Old Friends Do
  76. Visitors
  77. Head Over Heels
  78. When All Is Said And Done
  79. Soldiers
  80. I Let The Music Speak
  81. Two For The Price Of One
  82. Slipping Through My Fingers
  83. Like An Angel Passing Through My Room
  84. Ah, Vilka Tider
  85. Ring Ring (German Version)
  86. Wer Im Wartesaal Der Liebe Steht ("Another Town, Another Train" German Version)
  87. Waterloo (French Version)
  88. Lovelight (West Germany Single Edit)
  89. Waterloo (German Version)
  90. Eagle (Single Edit)
  91. I Am The City
  92. I Wonder (Departure) (Live Version)
  93. You Owe Me One

Album Description

Japan exclusive limited edition nine CD box set includes eight original albums and one exclusive bonus CD. All nine discs are packaged in miniature LP sleeves. UM. 2004.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Limited Edition Nine CD Box Set featuring Japanese Editions of all Eight of the Pop Group's Studio Albums (Bonus Tracks Included) in the LP Sleeve Replica Format. The Ninth Disc Included is a Bonus Disc with Many Non-album Tracks, Some Previously Never Released.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars for hardcore Abba fans only .much material is in Japanese.......2005-03-21

This a very impressive box set meant for hardcore Abba fans or hardcore collectors.

It was relased in Japan earlier than it was in the US. It sells for 21,000 yen in Japan (about $200) I assume the reason for the higher price in the US is bulk import costs. I am uncertain if there is any difference with the US release but the Japanese release has a lot of materials.

Each disc is in a polyethelyne dust jacket inside a slip case with the original album art and a booklet nearly identical to the ones in the 2001 US release. The bonus disc has no booklet but the set itself includes a large 80 page booklet with album info and lyrics. About 95% of the booklet is in Japanese. There are also facsimilies from the Japanese releases of LP singles of, Hasta Manana/Honey Honey, Fernando/Tropical Loveland, Dancing Queen/Tiger, SOS/I do I do I do..., and The Winner Takes it All/Elaine.

There are also the slips often seen on Japanese releases of albums originally released outside of Japan. The box itself is a weighted slipcase.

5 out of 5 stars ABBA The ultimate box set.......2005-03-20

This has to be the ultimate for ant ABBA fan. This box set from Japan is all of Abba's 8 album's re-mastered and re-released again, just in time for their 30th anniversary.
The bonus cd is everything a true ABBA fan would want. This includes remixes and tracks never before released.
I recommend this as a keeper. This box set is a limited edition from Japan. You won't be disappointed.

1 out of 5 stars Don't Buy It!.......2005-01-28

$320 ??? Why? All of these songs are already available on all of their other CD's... Nothing new here...moving right along.
ABBA: The Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good album...but bad re-mastering
  • Abba's Glorious Achievement.
  • A True Pop Gem
  • ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums.
  • Pretty Good
ABBA: The Album
ABBA
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Euro DanceEuro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Arrival
  2. Voulez-Vous
  3. Super Trouper
  4. ABBA
  5. Ring Ring

ASIN: B000007687
Release Date: 1999-03-16

Tracks:

  1. Eagle
  2. Take A Chance On Me
  3. One Man, One Woman
  4. The Name Of The Game
  5. Move On
  6. Hole In Your Soul
  7. Thank You For The Music
  8. I Wonder (Departure)
  9. I'm A Marionette

Amazon.com essential recording

Without a doubt, 1978's The Album is the Swedish pop demigods' finest moment. (Forgive them the film.) From the opening stanzas of the visionary "Eagle" (a "Born Free" for the late '70s) to the pure joyous rush of "Take a Chance on Me" (has a cappella ever sounded so irresistible?) to the drop-dead perfect chorus on "The Name of the Game," not a heartstring is left untouched. The melodies are matchless, the production virtually defining the era. The final three tracks, subtitled "Three Scenes from a Mini-Musical"--the celebratory and often copied "Thank You for the Music," "I Wonder," and the self-deprecating "I'm a Marionette"--merely confirmed what ABBA's fans knew all along: this was pure showtime and Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Frida were masters of the form. --Everett True

Amazon.com

The Album's closing trilogy, "The Girl with the Golden Hair: 3 Scenes from a Mini Musical," was Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus's most ambitious work yet. But despite "Thank You for the Music," a more humble "I Write the Songs," and the barely veiled complaint "I'm a Marionette," it wasn't the 1977 LP's best stuff. That came in two great singles: "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Name of the Game," which continued the two Abba couples' string of growing-up-in-public heartache songs. ("Knowing Me, Knowing You," from the previous Arrival, inaugurated the tradition.) "The Girl," though, hinted that the Bjorn-and-Benny writing team was bent on storming the musical stage, as it did by the mid-'80s with Chess. --Rickey Wright

Album Description

24 bit digitally remastered reissue of the Swedish pop group's top 20 1977 album, featuring the #3 smash 'Take A Chance On Me' & the #12 hit 'The Name Of The Game'. Nine tracks total. 1997 Polydor release.

Album Details

24-bit digital remaster with new liner notes, complete lyrics and a bonus track: 'Thank You for the Music' (Doris Day Mix).

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Good album...but bad re-mastering.......2007-04-30

I agree with John (from N.Y.), these 24-bit re-masters of the Abba catalogue were a big letdown. In a side by side comparison, the original discs sounded much better than these. The originals were brighter and plenty full; just like the original album sounded.

On the other hand, these 24-bit discs sound slightly muddy and the high end (which includes acoustic guitars and cymbals) are flat or dead sounding thanks to the no-noise solution. My advice, is to save your money and keep your old discs.

5 out of 5 stars Abba's Glorious Achievement........2007-02-28

For me in the Seventies, Abba were always a guilty pleasure. I loved SOS, Fernando, Dancing Queen and obscure album tracks like Tropical Loveland, That's Me, Intermezzo #1 and others. They had too much synthesizer and an unreal plastic look, but thirty years on their songs have become pop standards. This album is definitely their peak. They were never more daring and it is a shame they never topped it with their subsequent albums. It is interesting to note that one of the co-writers on some of the songs, Stig Anderson never collaborated with them in writing songs after this album and I think the rest of their albums suffered because of this.

1. EAGLE (5.51): I was wowed by this song when I first heard it and it is still very inventive today. An epic song which probably should have closed the album. It does conjure up images of soaring high in the skies. The production is amazing. Great shared vocals, great guitar work and the synthesizers are used to wondrous effect. Very atmospheric.

2. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (4.04): Very popular and deservedly so. Great pop song. Enough said!

3. ONE MAN ONE WOMAN (4.31): Frida sings this song with a depressing start but ultimately ends in reconciliation. This would be a rather maudlin song but her vocals do sound full of vulnerability and then joy.

4. THE NAME OF THE GAME (4.54): Probably my favourite single ever released by Abba. This is the full length version of the song with the second verse included. It is a long way from WATERLOO and RING RING. Very complex issues dealt with here but the sharing of vocals by Agnetha and Frida works very well and the chorus is sublime with all the members contributing exquisite harmnonies. Still one of my favourite songs from the Seventies and I am mainly a rock fan!

5. MOVE ON (4.41). Not a bad song but the spoken intro by Bjorn is not necessary. Catchy chorus but the la la las in the chorus could also have benn left out.

6. HOLE IN YOUR SOUL (3.39). More of a rocker. Lyrics are a little cliched but it is nice hear them belt it out. Again the chorus is very catchy.

7. THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (3.50). The first of three songs from the mini-musical THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN HAIR. One of my least favourite Abba songs. I really wish it was on another album of theirs. I know it was part of a musical but the lyrics are self indulgent and self glorifying. Have to admit I really hate this song. Technically I should only give this album 4 stars because of this song but I do enjoy the other eight tracks very much.

9. I WONDER (DEPARTURE) (4.32). Sometimes we tend to miss the lyrics of their songs because the melodies are so memorable. I moved from Ireland to the USA in 1988 and this song does capture the mood I felt leaving a lot of familiar things behind for a new daunting life. Again Frida does a great job on vocal.

9. I'M A MARIONETTE (4.03). A great way to end the album. It is a fast rocker with bitter, jaded lyrics but they pull it off very well. Includes a great guitar solo and great string arrangement. Powerful stuff!!

I know personal issues started to seep into the band at this time. It was predictable that this would take its toll on the members. They did go on to record some great songs like THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL, LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME, THE VISITORS and SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS. But there were too many songs that were just sub-standard. The album VOULEZ VOUS has no brilliance to it at all and was just a second rate disco album. SUPER TROUPER was a hit and miss affair and the album THE VISITORS was an aural picture of four band members fed up with each other just waiting to go their separate ways ("And now they've come to take me, come to break me and yet it isn't unexpected"). ABBA-THE ALBUM showed their vocal, melodic and musical arrangement capabilities at their best.

5 out of 5 stars A True Pop Gem.......2006-11-14

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!

5 out of 5 stars ABBA on Top of Their Form. One of Their Best Studio Albums........2006-10-14

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.


4 out of 5 stars Pretty Good.......2006-06-24

I bought this album and it's not bad. My favorite song would have to be "Hole In Your Soul." The Album had a lot of hits like "the Name of the Game" and "Eagle," "Take a Chance on Me."
Overall, the Album is pretty good.
Album/Voulez-Vous
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Album/Voulez-Vous
    Abba
    Manufacturer: Universal
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    ASIN: B000MV92U6
    Release Date: 2007-04-02
    30th Anniversary Original Album Box
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      30th Anniversary Original Album Box
      ABBA
      Manufacturer: Universal
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      SwedenSweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      Swedish PopSwedish Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B0007W22ES

      Tracks:

      1. Ring Ring
      2. Another Town Another Train
      3. Disillusion
      4. People Need Love
      5. I Saw It In The Mirror
      6. Nina Pretty Ballerina
      7. Love Isn't Easy
      8. Me & Bobby & Bobby's Brother
      9. He Is Your Brother
      10. Ring Ring (English Version)
      11. I Am Just A Girl
      12. Rock'n Roll Band
      13. Merry-Go Round
      14. Santa Rosa
      15. Ring Ring
      16. Waterloo (English Version)
      17. Sitting In The Palmtree
      18. King Kong Song
      19. Hasta Manana
      20. My Mama Said
      21. Dance
      22. Honey Honey
      23. Watch Out
      24. What About Livingstone
      25. Gonna Sing You My Lovesong
      26. Suzy-Hang-Around
      27. Ring Ring
      28. Waterloo
      29. Honey Honey (Svensk Version)
      30. Mamma Mia
      31. Hey Hey Helen
      32. Tropical Loveland
      33. Sos
      34. Man In The Middle
      35. Bang-A-Boomerang
      36. I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do
      37. Rock Me
      38. Intermezzo No 1
      39. I've Been Waiting For You
      40. So Long
      41. Crazy World
      42. Medley: Pick A Bale Of Cotton
      43. Top Of Old Smokey
      44. Midnight Special
      45. When I Kissed The Teacher
      46. Dancing Queen
      47. My Love My Life
      48. Dum Dum Diddle
      49. Knowing Me Knowing You
      50. Money Money Money
      51. That's Me
      52. Why Did It Have To Be Me
      53. Tiger
      54. Arrival
      55. Fernando
      56. Happy Hawaii
      57. Eagle
      58. Take A Chance On Me
      59. One Man One Woman
      60. Name Of The Game
      61. Move On
      62. Hole In Your Soul
      63. Girl With The Golden Hair/Thank You For The Music/I Wonder/I'm A Marionette
      64. Thank You For The Music (Doris Day Version)
      65. As Good As New
      66. Voulez-Vous
      67. I Have A Dream
      68. Angel Eyes
      69. King Has Lost His Crown
      70. Does Your Mother Know
      71. If It Wasn't For The Nights
      72. Chiquitita
      73. Lovers
      74. Kisses Of Fire
      75. Summer Night City
      76. Lovelight
      77. Gimme Gimme Gimme
      78. Super Trouper
      79. Winner Takes It All
      80. On & On & On
      81. Andante Andante
      82. Me & I
      83. Happy New Year
      84. Our Last Summer
      85. Piper
      86. Lay All Your Love On Me
      87. Way Old Friends Do
      88. Elaine
      89. Put On Your White Sombrero
      90. Visitors
      91. Head Over Heels
      92. When All Is Said & Done
      93. I Let The Music Speak
      94. One Of Us
      95. One Of Us
      96. Two For The Price Of One
      97. Slipping Through My Fingers
      98. Like An Angel Passing Through My
      99. Should I Laugh Or Cry
      100. Day Before You Came
      101. Cassandra
      102. Under Attack
      103. Ah Vilka Tider
      104. Ring Ring (German Version)
      105. Wer Im Wartesaal Der Liebe Steht (Another Town Another Train)
      106. Waterloo (French Version)
      107. Lovelight (West German Single Edit)
      108. Waterloo (German Version)
      109. Eagle (Single Edit)
      110. I Am The City
      111. I Wonder (Live Version)
      112. You Owe Me One

      Meditation Music:

      1. Accordion Italiano
      2. America's Greatest Hero
      3. B*Witched [Enhanced]
      4. Beautiful [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
      5. Best of: Live & Electric [Import]
      6. Billboard Top Hits: 1977
      7. Brian Wilson (Dlx) [Original recording remastered]
      8. Casino Royale [Soundtrack]
      9. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Other Coconutty Songs
      10. Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

      Meditation Music

      meditation music

      Meditation Music

      Best of Penetration [Import]

      Las Cantigas de Alfonso El Sabio

      Hansgeorg Schmeiser plays music for Solo Flute

      Music: Techno & House Latino [Import]

      Hardhouse Anthems 2001 [Limited Edition] [Import]

      Future Trance, Vol. 28 [Import]

      Grande Liquidacao [Import]

      Iron [Import]

      Hits You Remember: Live [Live]

      God Bless the USA: Kids Sing Songs for America

      Jazz Meeting in Holland

      Cuban All Stars: The Best from the Heart of Cuba [Import]

      Fajardo Y Sus Estrellas

      Never Turn Back

      The Doctor