Your Attitude to ABBA Now

Although I prefer more Beatles songs than ABBA's, I don't consider myself biased because, despite both groups' qualities, I actually prefer other artists quite often. It can certainly depend on my mood as to what I appreciate at any given time. And it think a lot of it is down to stylistic preference: I don't look for rocky or bluesy influences in ABBA's pop; and don't expect the wonderful quality of vocals of Agnetha and Frida - and the incredible layering of such vocals - from The Beatles. Even so, The Beatles could produce some beautiful harmonies - they were by no means slouches in that department; and the underlying harmonic structure of many Beatles songs are certainly not less sophisticated than ABBA's. I felt l should point that out.

For me, it's the girls' vocals, above all else, that make ABBA a delight to listen to.

Thank you, Mike. And I've now deleted that bit in capitals from my OP that you quoted because it's no longer relevant.

Ah! Mamma Mia! I'd forgotten about that. The one blip on ABBA's legacy. I truly believe this. To me, it does ABBA's memory no favours. I know people love it but I think it's appalling. It's the one thing I can't get my head around. I don't include Agnetha and Frida in this (although I understand Frida is or was an investor in it?) but I definitely get the impression it is mostly BennyBjörn's "fault". I don't like to think it was about money- I'm sure the intention was to keep the music alive and all that and I know it's been phenomenally successful but it just isn't my cup of tea. I'm talking about the films, not the stage show.

Oh well. We can't all like and agree on everything.

I suspect the level of fame and wealth some of the ABBA members have achieved has inevitably made them detach somewhat from the reality of life for every day people. That's the impression I get anyway. I suppose that's only to be suspected when money isn't a problem. I can't locate the quote but I do recall Frida making a statement at one point that revealed quite clearly how her privileged position as a result of her wealth and success showed her to be. How naive she was concerning the things most normal people can't afford. I wish I could recall the quote! There was no malice of course-she's a lovely woman, but it kind of left me feeling something along the lines of, "We don't/can't all afford to go skiing every year, Frida!" That isn't it- like I say, I've forgotten the gist of it, but it revealed how out of touch some famous/rich people can become, even when they come from humble backgrounds. Still, in all probability it was probably an off the cuff, thoughtless remark and if it was in English. .well, it's not her native tongue so allowances have to be made.

I still think they're all the bees knees! As Richard pointed out, they're the epitome of class, etc.

I love ABBA as much now as I ever did. I appreciate their music in a much more nuanced way than I did as a teenager. While the instant appeal of a song indicates its strength, it would be fair to say I wasn't objective because, from Summer Night City onwards I bought every new release without having heard it. Some of the songs that were favourites back then have been overtaken by songs that were slowburners. I no longer indulge in the breathless teenybop kind of fandom that demands EVERY song or album is to be adored. 

I love a wide range of music but ABBA is the one constant that never disappears from playlists, and the CDs are guaranteed regular plays (sometimes even without skipping anything!). I still don't have any time for musical "sacred cows," and still haven't completely warmed to some of the acts or "legends" that I'm supposed to revere (with the maturity my age should have given me).

I like and admire the four members for what they bring to the table. Each one of them has qualities I really, really admire. Equally, each one of them has qualities that sometimes grate. They're only human, after all. I like that they have retained a level of inaccessibility and mystique - proper dignified star power - even if it sometimes frustrates that they seem to be speaking coyly through a filter. I have ideas of what they might be like as people but realise those notions could be completely blown out of the water if I was ever lucky enough to spend any time with them. I still know who I want to meet most - not that it will ever happen.

I have had to recognise that, alongside the art they have given us, ABBA remains a business. The little "registered trademark" symbol beside their name/logo underlines that quite starkly. The four members are - quite rightly - fiercely protective of that business. It contains so much of what they invested: their creativity,  their money, their time, their individuality, their anonymity, their relationships, their personal security. They run that business on their terms. It's not a franchise or co-op run by fans. But that business has given me some of the most life enhancing products. Incredible entertainment through music and videos and books and a movie. The bits of their life stories that they've chosen to share has satisfied some of my prurience.  

I still get pleasure from a lot of what they/their business representatives choose to release - picture discs, box sets, books. I'm looking forward to the new songs but, if I'm honest, I'm nervously ready for them to be not all that. 

I don't think I'll be disappointed by the new songs but never say never. Just the sound of Agnetha and Frida singing together is enough to lift my spirits so I think that'll be enough. After this truly horrendous start to 2020 a little light in the darkness is what is needed. ABBA's songs, if released this year, would provide this.

I'm actually rather surprised we haven't heard from Björn and/or Benny? A little video upload? Still, I imagine they're self-isolating, understandably.