It seems as if every 10 years or so a new generation discovers ABBA. They were one of the best selling groups in the world in the 70's, although revisionist historians would suggest they were much bigger in the states than they really were (They only had four top 10 hits here, one of those climbing to the top). The first wave of nostalgia towards the group occurred shortly after their last album in the early 80's. The latest one, which corresponded with the stage production and movie "Mamma Mia", continues the trend that has allowed the group steady sales although they have not released anything new and has made it clear that reunions were not an option.
Three of the four members of the group, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Agnetha Faltskog, were stars in their native country of Sweden during the late 60's. Anni-Frid Lyngstad was up and coming as well, but not as well known as the others. As Benny and Bjorn began to work together as a songwriting team, both men showed great interest in producing. They both had a desire to make a sound that was reminiscent of Phil Spector. Although the music would steer away from that as time went on, their first massive world-wide hit shows this deep influence.
"Waterloo" reached #6 here in the states and would be their biggest hit stateside until "Dancing Queen" reached the top over two and a half years later.
Three of the four members of the group, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Agnetha Faltskog, were stars in their native country of Sweden during the late 60's. Anni-Frid Lyngstad was up and coming as well, but not as well known as the others. As Benny and Bjorn began to work together as a songwriting team, both men showed great interest in producing. They both had a desire to make a sound that was reminiscent of Phil Spector. Although the music would steer away from that as time went on, their first massive world-wide hit shows this deep influence.
"Waterloo" reached #6 here in the states and would be their biggest hit stateside until "Dancing Queen" reached the top over two and a half years later.
