ABBA: four letters; four unique talents. Collectively, Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad are known for creating some of the most vital pop music in the world; individually, however, they were just as creative.
Their solo albums may sometimes remain best-kept secrets for ABBA’s long-term fans, but, taken together, they see the four individual members explore a range of styles, from the understated folk-rock leanings of Björn and Benny’s 1970 outing, Lycka, to the contemporary pop-rock of Anni-Frid’s 1982 album Something’s Going On, which was produced by none other than Phil Collins and went on to become the first English-language solo album by an ABBA member – and the best-selling ABBA solo album to date.
In 1985, Agnetha Fältskog enjoyed similar success with the globe-trotting Eyes Of A Woman (it featured contributions from seasoned British musicians, among them The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward, and was produced by 10cc’s Eric Stewart), which comfortably became a hit around the world, entering the Top 40 in the U.K., the Top 20 in Norway, and peaking at Number 2 in her Swedish homeland.
Which, for ABBA, of course, is where it all began. The low-key, Swedish-language Lycka might be credited to Björn and Benny, but Agnetha and Anni-Frid lent their vocal talents to the hit single Hej, gamle man! (Hey, Old Man!). Topping the Swedish Svensktoppen chart for 15 weeks in 1970, the song holds a special place in history, as it marks the first time that all four ABBA members sang together on record.
With original artwork pressed on 180g vinyl, these reissues are essential for all fans of ABBA’s music.
Björn Ulvaeus And Benny Andersson: Lycka (1970)
Side One
Lycka
Nånting är på väg
Kära gamla sol
Det där med kärlek
Välkommen in i gänget
Lilla du, lilla vän
Side Two
Hej, gamle man!
Liselott
Kalles visa
Ge oss en chans
Livet går sin gång
Frida: Ensam (1975)
Side One
Fernando
Jag är mej själv nu
Som en sparv
Vill du låna en man
Liv på mars
Syrtaki
Side Two
Aldrig mej
Guld och gröna ängar
Ett liv i solen
Skulle de’ va’ skönt
Var är min clown
Frida: Something’s Going On (1982)
Side One
Tell Me It’s Over
I See Red
I Got Something
Strangers
To Turn The Stone
Side Two
I Know There’s Something Going On
Threnody
Baby Don’t You Cry No More
The Way You Do
You Know What I Mean
Here We’ll Stay
Frida: Shine (1984)
Side One
Shine
One Little Lie
The Face
Twist In The Dark
Slowly
Side Two
Heart Of The Country
Come To Me (I Am Woman)
Chemistry Tonight
Don’t Do It
Comfort Me
Agnetha Fältskog: Wrap Your Arms Around Me (1983)
Side One
The Heat Is On
Can’t Shake Loose
Shame
Stay
Once Burned, Twice Shy
Mr. Persuasion
Side Two
Wrap Your Arms Around Me
To Love
I Wish Tonight Could Last Forever
Man
Take Good Care Of Your Children
Stand By My Side
Agnetha Fältskog: Eyes Of A Woman (1985)
Side One
One Way Love
Eyes Of A Woman
Just One Heart
I Won’t Let You Go
The Angels Cry
Click Track
Side Two
We Should Be Together
I Won’t Be Leaving You
Save Me (Why Don’t Ya)
I Keep Turning Off Lights
We Move As One
