Back in March 1977, ABBA performed their only concerts in Melbourne. Now in 2024, Bjorn Again – the world’s Number One ABBA Tribute Show endorsed by ABBA, will take to the very same stage this coming weekend to recreate the magic that happened 47 years ago.
ABBA have always been known for their catchy tunes and their honest yet personal lyrics, as if all composed from the heart. With worldwide appreciation and love for their music spanning generations, thanks to the 2008 Hollywood movie and the ongoing stage musical Mamma Mia, In celebration of ABBA and Bjorn Again’s upcoming concert, here’s a list of Our Top 10 Favourite ABBA Songs of All Time.
10. ‘Chiquitita’
Okay, so we’re not sure why there’s a giant snowman behind the band in the music video but this song has always been exquisitely gorgeous and optimistically uplifting, it’s hard not to love.
9. ‘Fernando’
Whether it’s the comfort of seeing ABBA serenade you by a warm cosy bonfire or hearing the most beautiful iconic lyrics “There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando”, this song, one of ABBA’s best, fittingly makes our list.
8. ‘Waterloo’
This legendary song isn’t necessarily about war but instead uses it as a metaphor to describe the feeling of being completely arrested by love. It is also the song that helped Sweden win the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.
7. ‘Super Trouper’
There’s just something so touching about an artist performing and the moment being special to them because a loved one is in the audience. It’s a moment that many of us can relate to, is the reason why this song makes our list, it has a gorgeous vocal opening, and it’s personally one of our favourites.
6. ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’
I love how the music video displays ABBA hard at work in the studio. I wish more music videos showed the creation of music in this way. The synth line alone in ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ is a masterpiece.
5. ‘Money, Money, Money’
You know this song is playing the moment you hear the first opening notes played by Benny Andersson on the keyboard, before the ABBA members even start singing. ‘Money, Money, Money’ is direct, bold and yet so very truthful.
4. ‘The Winner Takes It All’
The ultimate ABBA song of heartache. Agnetha Fältskog wears her heart on her sleeve and sings with so much emotion in ‘The Winner Takes It All’, it’s hard not to feel moved. Arguably one of ABBA’s best written songs, this song is timeless.
3. ‘Take a Chance On Me’
If this isn’t the ultimate romantic ABBA song then I don’t know what is. Whether it be the original ABBA tune with its Brady Bunch looking music video, or the hilarious version where Julie Walters’ Rosie woos an initially reluctant Stellan Skarsgård’s Bill in the Mamma Mia musical movie, ‘Take a Chance On Me’ is the ultimate declaration of love (in song form) and it is brilliant.
2. ‘Mamma Mia’
I remember I first fell in love with this song through the 1994 Australian classic film, The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp. ‘Mamma Mia’ is hands down one of ABBA’s most iconic songs and so fittingly the title for ABBA’s movie and stage production franchises.
1. ‘Dancing Queen’
An undisputable gay anthem and party anthem, this iconic number, which always ignites joy when played, is at the pinnacle of our ABBA list.
Did you like our list? Do you agree with it or would you have had a different order and different songs included? Let us know! Until then, we can’t wait to see Bjorn Again live in concert this weekend.
Proudly presented by The Music Group and part of this year’s 2024 Moomba Festival, BJORN AGAIN – Reliving ABBA At The Bowl in 1977 will take place in Melbourne on Saturday March 9th at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.bjornagain.com.au
https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2024/contemporary-music/bjorn-again
Cover photo of Bjorn Again supplied.