ABBA's Most Underrated Songs #20-16. Continues tomorrow.

Caffé Latté presents

50 UNDERRATED

ABBA

TRACKS

We are all familiar with the Swedish group’s biggest hits like “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Fernando” and “Waterloo”. This countdown delves deeper into the ABBA catalogue to offer 50 other songs that also deserve attention. With the recent announcement of new ABBA songs coming after a wait of over 3 decades and the impending sequel to the  ‘Mamma Mia’ film, Caffé Latté celebrates the music of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad…

o o o o

20

SO LONG

The closing track on the group's eponymous album was "So Long". Here, ABBA rock out, with both female vocalists belting out the lyrics. It was one of the first fruits of the recording sessions which began in late August 1974. This song was selected as the first single lifted off 'ABBA'. Following its release, the group became a pop phenonemon via the next singles from the same LP: "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do", "Mamma Mia" and "S.O.S.".

19

ANGELEYES

ABBA began recording "Angeleyes" in October 1978. The track was included on the 'Voulez-Vous' album and used as the B-side when the title track was issued as a single. Both Agnetha and Frida share lead vocal duties. While the track incorporated the traditional ABBA sound, it was made fresh and contemporary by the use of a disco beat.

18

SOLDIERS

An ominous shadow that is rare on ABBA tracks powers "Soldiers". The group commenced recording the song in mid-October 1981. Agnetha sings the lyrics which reflected Bjorn's fears that fascism would soon rear its ugly head. The song is found on 'The Visitors' album, which was recorded at the Polar Music studios in Stockholm.

17

YOU OWE ME ONE

"You Owe Me One" featured both women on lead vocals. The track was used as a B-side for one of ABBA's last single releases, "Under Attack". Benny takes centre stage on synthesizer. It was completed during sessions in 1982 which were intended to spawn the next ABBA album. Sadly, the band never completed that project. 

16

I WONDER (DEPARTURE)

"I Wonder (Departure)" features one of Frida's greatest vocal performances. Benny and Bjorn co-wrote this with ABBA manager Stig Anderson. It formed part of the musical "The Girl With The Golden Hair" and wound up on 'ABBA- The Album'. Frida's delivery no doubt drew from the singer's own life experience, leaving her husband and children in a small town to pursue her musical goals.