200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS: #18. Continues later this week.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#18

ARRIVAL: ABBA  

 [1976] 

Each ABBA album released prior to 'Arrival' reflected a gradual progression in production, recording technique and songcraft. By 1976, the Swedish band had perfected its sound. On 'Arrival', we find a group at its prime. ABBA struck gold with a number of songs that embody perfect pop. This album hosts the group's best known track, the popular favourite "Dancing Queen". This song was a smash hit everywhere, including at the top of the US chart. 'Arrival' was also home to the bubbly classic "Money, Money, Money". This blogger, being in Australia, had the album version that included the ballad "Fernando". This soon became the longest running #1 single on the chart here; a record ABBA still holds 40 years later. "Knowing Me, Knowing You" was a hint of the lyrical maturity Bjorn Ulvaeus' songwriting was achieving. Somehow, the group manage to evoke a darker side within the confines of Euro-pop. This is precisely what set ABBA apart from its contemporaries. On the surface the songs sounded deceptively simple and at times cheesy. Closer examination revealed layers of intricate harmonies and melodic structures. This was mostly due to the skill and vision of the other songwriter, Benny Andersson. Manager Stig Anderson contributed to the compositions, with a clever ear for whart would appeal to the public. Again, the vocals on 'Arrival' are first rate. Frida Lyngstad is engaging on "Fernando" and injects fun into "Money. Money, Money" and heartache on "Knowing Me, Knowing You". On the other hand, Agnetha Faltskog once again delivers drama to tracks such as "My Love, My Life" but lets loose on the frothy "That's Me".  Both singers excel in unison on "Dancing Queen". The upbeat merriment continues on aural treats such as "When I Kissed The Teacher", "Tiger" and "Why Did It Have To Be Me".

Highlight tracks:

* Dancing Queen

* Money, Money, Money

* That's Me

* Knowing Me, Knowing You

* My Love, My Life