Do you like ABBA?

karaokeman

The moment of truth *drumroll*.

We always hear the saying "Everyone loves ABBA" and now I am prepared to test it with a poll.

One of the best pop groups ever, and one with great musicians I vote yes.

Rigsby

While I would not call myself a big fan, I can certainly see/hear how well their music was crafted. It also seems to have stood the test of time. So yes, I do like ABBA.

Birneybau

Who doesn't?

karaokeman

Rigsby wrote: »

While I would not call myself a big fan, I can certainly see/hear how well their music was crafted. It also seems to have stood the test of time. So yes, I do like ABBA.

I wouldn't call myself a big fan either as I only own their greatest hits (not sure if I should check out their other stuff, maybe someone else could recommend it here). I do however hear a song by them every now and then, taking note of the production and just telling myself that this is good pop music.

Rigsby

karaokeman wrote: »

I wouldn't call myself a big fan either as I only own their greatest hits (not sure if I should check out their other stuff, maybe someone else could recommend it here). I do however hear a song by them every now and then, taking note of the production and just telling myself that this is good pop music.

I dont possess any of their records, nor could I envisage myself doing so. However if a song of theirs comes on the radio, I cant help but admire the writing and musicianship. I am assuming that this means I like them.

mike65

A-ha!

Matt_Trakker

I change the channel when they come on.
They just weren't very good, lyrically they were the inequivalent of retarded squirrels that had gained the skill of writing. Musically they were catchy but so what, anyone using a mix of major and minor chords can sound catchy. I see them as the Scandinavian Smokey, but at least Smokey could party.

biko

I do I do I do

Latchy

The great thing about the diversity in music is that not only can we appreciate artists and groups from any decade but also any genre of music to and the productions and arrangements that went into making some of ABBA's records are up there with anything Phil Sector or Brian Wilson did in the studio so I would say yes, I'm a fan of ABBA .I also like A-HA

wilson10

Thank you for the music

karaokeman

Tbh I wasn't expecting nor wanted this poll to only have 'yes' votes.

I'm kinda glad to see there's one 'no', debate and difference in opinion is always good for forums.

Whilst its true an average person can write a catchy few lines and maybe music if they know their major and minor chords, you can't compare the average catchy tune to an ABBA song.

The difference is that ABBA were studio perfectionists, and they wouldnt release a track until it was finished, arranged well and produced well. I'd be hard pressed to name a modern pop act whose stuff is equivalent to ABBA in these respects.

Da Shins Kelly

I think ABBA were excellent. Brilliantly crafted pop songs and all-round perfectly blended musicians. A possibly controversial opinion, but I think, as different as the two groups are, they were as good as the Beatles were in terms of sheer musicianship.

periodictable

the one that got away

lewisdhead

Dancing Queen is possibly one of the best songs ever written.

Latchy

The Arrival album is one of the great albums of the 1970's and I played it all the time when I first got it on cassette .The overdubbing on vocals ,the production ,instruments and harmonies on tracks like ' When I Kissed The Teacher 'are just brilliant and Dancing Queen ,from that screeching piano opening and synth is pure class.

It's the same with other songs from their vast collection like ' Knowing Me, Knowing You, What's The Name Of The Game ,The Winner Take's It All , Under Attack , Head Over Heels ,One Of Us, Angel Eyes ( great farting bass on those last two) ...superb vocals and all the ingredients in there to make perfect pop songs

Below from the ABBA website .....

Arrival was the album where ABBA pushed their classic, direct pop style to the limit. The album could be classified as the group’s “exam paper” in the school of International Pop. On Arrival, almost every track could have been a hit single.

Irish Aris

Few years ago I bought the boxset with practically everything there is of ABBA (9 CDs, 2 DVD's).

The thing with ABBA for me is they weren't good all the time, but if you have the patience to listen to their complete discography, it's unbelievable how diverse they were in the way they were writing and orchestrating. So much more than just what you get to listen in Mamma Mia.
Having said that, some of their hit songs are among the finest example of pop music - and this was back in the 70's.

Just brilliant!!!

TAlderson

I would rather stick a rusty screwdriver in my ears than listen to ABBA. Their seemingly universal appeal baffles me.

-Tyler

Sinfonia

Meh. Wouldn't think to put them on, wouldn't rush to turn them off.

Rothko

Yeah, I do. I have a compilation of theirs that I enjoy.

BunShopVoyeur

They'll always be my guilty iTunes pleasure.

I even *ahem* really enjoyed that Mamma Mia movie too.

Malice

I like Agnetha Fältskog. Does that count?

wilson10

Malice wrote: »

I like Agnetha Fältskog. Does that count?

Join the queue, even still.

Stavro Mueller

Yes, apart from Dancing Queen. If I never see another bunch of drunken women dancing around their handbags to this in a pub or at a wedding I'll die happy.

AnnyHallsal

The Winner Takes It All is a classic break-up song. Perfectly crafted pop. I also particularly like Supertrooper.

The Swordsman

Malice wrote: »

I like Agnetha Fältskog. Does that count?

She's the reason I dislike Abba.

The two guys are very accomplished songwriters. The other girl is an excellent singer. However, when Aggie joins in (usually in the chorus), it creates a sound similar to two drunken howyas singing at a Karaoke.

I must admit, though, that she was a bit of a cracker. Isn't she now living as a hermit or something?

Latchy

The thing also to remember about ABBA is that Bjorn and Benny hired the best studio musicians available to them in Sweden at the time and there's lots going on their records other than just the two girls singing .The drumming on Dancing Queen for instance is top class .

nlgbbbblth

Latchy wrote: »

The Arrival album is one of the great albums of the 1970's and I played it all the time when I first got it on cassette .The overdubbing on vocals ,the production ,instruments and harmonies on tracks like ' When I Kissed The Teacher 'are just brilliant and Dancing Queen ,from that screeching piano opening and synth is pure class.

It's the same with other songs from their vast collection like ' Knowing Me, Knowing You, What's The Name Of The Game ,The Winner Take's It All , Under Attack , Head Over Heels ,One Of Us, Angel Eyes ( great farting bass on those last two) ...superb vocals and all the ingredients in there to make perfect pop songs

Below from the ABBA website .....

Arrival was the album where ABBA pushed their classic, direct pop style to the limit. The album could be classified as the group’s “exam paper” in the school of International Pop. On Arrival, almost every track could have been a hit single.

Arrival is great - especially the title track.

My favourite Abba LP is The Visitors. Great way to finish off.

flyswatter

Matt_Trakker wrote: »

I change the channel when they come on.
They just weren't very good, lyrically they were the inequivalent of retarded squirrels that had gained the skill of writing. Musically they were catchy but so what, anyone using a mix of major and minor chords can sound catchy. I see them as the Scandinavian Smokey, but at least Smokey could party.

There's so much wrong with that post. Abba were Pop genius and I've come to appreciate that.