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Post by swededreamz on Nov 7, 2021 20:58:23 GMT
No Don’t About It is the highlight for me.
Can imagine it being belted out on the dance floor. The chorus is a real ear worm.
The album improves with every listen.
When You Danced With Me is a real grower for me. It shouldn’t work but it does. And John Carpenter, the man behind Halloween and The Thing loves it, so I’m not going to argue!
Some of the so called critics have been a bit sniffy but the majority I’ve seen are positive. Two more great ones today in The Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday.
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Post by madonnabba on Nov 7, 2021 21:07:35 GMT
With its celtic influence that should go down well with Irish and Scottish Americans.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2021 21:07:48 GMT
They were great reviews eddie and HOMETIME. I'm rather ashamed of mine now, in its note-form. I was wondering... if "Little Things" isn't to become a Christmas single (and I don't think many of us want it to be), what would be the best choice as next single, if there is to be one? I think it may depend on when it's going to be released. I don't think they could release the rather dark "I Can Be That Woman" or "Keep An Eye On Dan" in the lead-up to Christmas. I guess "When You Danced With Me" could work as a single around Christmas or at any time of the year, but is it single material? I want Little Things as a christmas song!!!! Many others as well!!!!! |
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Post by thetowerbridgefox on Nov 7, 2021 21:33:12 GMT
I'm back after being incommunicado during the album's release. I have a lot of catching up to do. I have submitted a review of the album in the thread "Voyage - official reviews (and your predictions)" containing my track-by-track opinions, formed without knowing anybody else's opinions. It will now be interesting to discover whether I agree with the consensus or go against the grain. But I'll say here and now that I am very happy with this album (except for the inclusion of "Little Things"). I don't think we could have realistically hoped for better. EDIT: My review is now deleted from the above named thread and moved to a bit further down this thread. Little things is a very very nice classical sounding melody, I love the flute trills in the background, I think if it was used in a film every one would say they loved it. the christmas theme made me think of when I would play a vinyl record I got for christmas on christmas day I never got an ABBA record for christmas but I did get The flight of the condor. which leads me to Bumble be I love the Peruvian sounding flute introduction. I also love the rhythmic orchestral chords and snair drum, a bit like let the music speak. the lyrics are actually very apocalyptic apparently if bees dye out whole of live on earth will dye out. so underneath the beauty is a very chilling message. the rest of the album contais song which are not just gold they are actualy ABBA platnum. the Ode to freedom being my overall faverout. |
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Post by Alan on Nov 7, 2021 21:40:37 GMT
I was wondering... if "Little Things" isn't to become a Christmas single (and I don't think many of us want it to be)… I want Little Things as a christmas song!!!! Many others as well!!!!! The leak that was revealed on PopJustice in September stated that the album campaign ends in December. Björn jokingly stated they want to “own” Christmas. They make a big deal of mentioning a Christmas song on the album. If it’s not a single then what is the point of it? Now that the album is out, there is zero possibility of having a chart hit, but they can have a radio hit (or specifically a Radio 2 hit). I’d put money on it being Little Things. It would be a wasted opportunity if it wasn’t. One of those globe things could be converted to a Christmas tree bauble for the single artwork. |
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Post by madonnabba on Nov 7, 2021 21:48:00 GMT
Yeah. Bumblebee is such a beautiful song tackling climate change and the loss of species. There has been a decline in bees. Small they may be but we need them for pollination. The loss of any species is a loss to us all. Such a sweet song contrasts with the dark subject matter. Notice the use of the drums where the warning comes, like impending doom. The loss of one species could trigger a house of cards. And those vocals and harmonies...just perfect.
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Post by Alan on Nov 7, 2021 22:29:26 GMT
I don't have a record player too and I have ordered all coloured variations of the vinyl... Haven't received any of them yet though, even if I got a dispatch confirmation for the yellow and white ones and the picture discs too. Hopefully they will arrive this week. Your post nearly had me reaching for the Amazon app with that lovely clear orange vinyl. As the only one that isn’t a solid colour, it’s got me even more interested. I also love the blue one. I’m resisting both for now… |
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Post by gamleman on Nov 7, 2021 23:04:17 GMT
On "ABBA's Official Fan Group" on Facebook, a poll has been conducted today asking people to vote for their favourite song on the album (one vote per person). As it currently stands, the votes are: 1. DSMD 587 2. ISHFIY 165 3. KAEOD 117 4. OTF 113 5. ICBTW 111 6. NDAI 60 7. WYDWM 54 8. JAN 52 9. BB 21 10. LT 17 I don't find the way this list has panned out very surprising. LT is at the bottom although this doesn't mean that people don't like it. I still think they are on shaky ground if they release it as a single though, but then I was wrong about "I Have A Dream"  Based on this, it seems that KAEOD would be the obvious choice for the next single. However, I cannot see this song being released as a single before Christmas - it's too dark. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2021 0:18:08 GMT
Thanks Gamleman. Your review of " Voyage " was very good too. Do you know ICBTW and B have reduced me to a quivering wreck. The songs seem to improve every time you hear them. This collection of stunning songs is turning into an outstanding new album.
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Post by madonnabba on Nov 8, 2021 0:32:22 GMT
They have not played safe. They have tackled some difficult subjects on this album...alcoholism, climate change , parent separation. The vocals are just beautiful....Bumblebee and Ode stand out for me.
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Post by steverw on Nov 8, 2021 0:41:23 GMT
What do ABBA fans know? Lol! (That was sarcasm by the way) because I agree that Little Things wouldn't make a good single. Yet, outside in the world where people are not ABBA fans in the way we are, they seem to adore it! One person even suggested that if an animated video was created to support it, with Christmas imagery, it could do very well! I'm not convinced though, the world has changed since the days of I Have a dream. We have an ageist radio station in Radio 1 that pretty much decides what should or shouldn't be in the charts and if Don't shut Me down had continuous play on R1, it most definitely would have been number 1.
Little Things won't be able to compete with Ed Sheeran and Elton John because R1 won't play ABBA but will play Elton John because he will be singing with Ed. I have complained to radio 1 several times about its ageist attitude and some executive basically told me I was the wrong age group to listen to it and that I should tune in to R2. My point wasn't that i wanted to listen to it, but that every artist, regardless of age, had the right to be represented on the station that influences the chart. Because the way the charts work now is totally manipulated. Just a Notion was apparently due to enter the charts at 14 on the wednesday before the 29th October. Yet on the day the chart was updated it only made 59. that in itself suggests that the singles charts is not even worth bothering about in the UK because it is obviously influenced by what record producers want in it and not what the public actually like.
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Post by madonnabba on Nov 8, 2021 1:09:58 GMT
Well if you apply 3 score and 10 more both Ed and Adele are approaching middle age. Surely not suitable ages for Radio one or is it a pick and mix? Can't imagine any happening young person wanting to listen to moan a lyroc Adele.
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Post by Michel on Nov 8, 2021 9:13:44 GMT
Your post nearly had me reaching for the Amazon app with that lovely clear orange vinyl. As the only one that isn’t a solid colour, it’s got me even more interested. Which vinyl versions of Voyage did you get thus far? Although I don't have a record player either at this point, I did get the orange vinyl. I don't want to tempt you any further but I think it does look great. Out of all the coloured vinyls, I think the orange vinyl fits best with the colour scheme of the album cover. It is listed as 'currently unavailable' on Amazon at the moment so I don't know if it's sold out already. I also ordered the yellow vinyl with the alternate cover which is out for delivery today. I'm still tempted by the white vinyl, although that has sold out in most places already. |
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Post by justabba on Nov 8, 2021 9:33:55 GMT
I got the orange vinyl for the same reason!
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Post by onlyabba4meagain on Nov 8, 2021 10:44:34 GMT
Steverw -- 'Just A Notion' was not 'cheated' out of a No.14 UK Chart Entry.
It Entered at No.14 in the 'First Look' UK Chart of Sunday 24th October. (That is for UK Sales
on Friday and Saturday).
Then its Streams started to collapse. It fell to No.26 in the Mid Week Chart of Monday 25th October.
Then it fell to No.40 in the Mid Week Chart of Wednesday 27th October.
Finally, it had fallen to No.59, in the Weekly Chart of Friday 29th October. (Dated W/E Thursday November 4th).
It had ran out of Physical and Download Sales, and its Streams had totally plummeted. Hence No.59.
BBC Radio 1 has nowhere near the 'Chart Power' that you think. BBC Radio 2 has a bigger Audience,
and ABBA get loads of Radio 2 Air Play. As People point out, (to me), there are lots of Tracks, that get
much Radio 1 Air Play, that do not make the Charts. The same with some Radio 2 Tracks. Air Play does
not guarantee a Hit. As always, (these Days), you need huge Streams to achieve Big Hit Singles. It took
a massive effort, for 'DSMD' to reach No.9, and 'ISHFIY' to reach No.14. Such an effort, that they were
never going to achieve it. for more than 1 Week.
The UK Charts Company, allows Radio 1, to Broadcast the UK Charts. That's their only connection.
If it felt like it, the UK Charts Company, could make a 'Deal', for Radio 2 to Broadcast those Charts,
once the current Radio 1 'Deal', ends. If that happened, we'd at least be sure, that any ABBA Hits,
would be Played, in the Chart Countdowns. Radio 1 try to pretend that ABBA don't exist.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2021 11:17:50 GMT
Silly reasons "fans" give for not liking Voyage
1. It is too short. No about the same as ABBA's vinyl albums. Waterloo was under 3 minutes. SOS exactly 3 minutes. Leave 'em asking for more
2. Some tracks you don't like. This is ALWAYS the case in any album. Personally there's only two tracks I don't like...and 8 I do.
3. Not enough Mamma Mia type songs. ABBA are in their 70s. They were never going to re-create their uptempo, higher pitched songs. In anycase there are a few uptempo -but nit bubblegum tracks
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Post by richard on Nov 8, 2021 12:31:58 GMT
Many thanks to gamleman,Tony (Home Time), and Eddie for your great reviews of the Voyage songs. I couldn't do that - and not having the patience - to marshall my opinions about each track with such clarity and insight; and it has helped me to get a bit closer to what I feel about the songs. I appreciate the time and trouble it must have taken.
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Post by AdamDawson2003 on Nov 8, 2021 13:27:43 GMT
I am 31 and I have been an ABBA fan since 2003 at the age of 13, I owe them so much as their music came into my life at a time when I was struggling mentally with being bullied as well as having Aspergers Sydrome and dealing with being autistic, I love ABBA's music so much my favourite song is 'Dream World' and my favourite ABBA album is 'Ring Ring' I was in an extremely dark place mentally at that time and I found a copy of ABBA Gold in my nan's CD collection, I had been aware of who ABBA were and knew of about 3 songs so on a nice sunny Spring Saturday afternoon in April 2003 I lay on my bed and listened to ABBA Gold and I was hooked straight away the songs transported me into their musical dream world and it helped me through the tough times in life ever since and I still have that copy of ABBA Gold on CD.
I first discovered 'Dream World' a few weeks later during a music lesson in school as the teacher had a copy of the 'Thank You For The Music' box set so I listened to discs 3 & 4 during my lunch break over 2 days and as soon as I heard 'Dream World' I knew there and then that was my favourite ABBA song it was just incredible so I then got their albums and compilations over the next 5 years with every Birthday and Christmas and then I discovered the solo albums and that is a whole different story.
I was in work when the live stream for Voyage went out so while I was waiting for my taxi home (I don't drive so rely on public transport) I listened to 'I Still Have Faith In You' & 'Don't Shut Me Down' outside the hotel I work in and a huge smile came across my face when I heard those songs for the very first time then I found out about the Voyage album I was thrilled at finally getting the chance to experience a new ABBA album which is something I cannot describe in words at how much its means to me.
'Voyage' is amazing and I love the entire album especially 'When You Danced With Me', 'Little Things', 'Just A Notion', 'I Can Be That Woman', 'Bumblebee', 'Keep An Eye On Dan' and 'No Doubt About It', I do like 'Ode To Freedom' but it needs to grow on me alot more as its the only song I haven't given multiple listens to.
Having spent the past 18 years as an ABBA fan its been the best time of my life having their music in my life I couldn't have gotten through the 3 UK Lockdowns without ABBA's music and all the other artists that I listen to my anxiety was through the roof as I wasn't able to work due to being in hospitality industry.
'Voyage' means alot to me but even more to the longtime ABBA fans who have waited 38 years since ABBA took a break in 1983 for new songs so to all of you enjoy this magnificent album and thank you for welcoming me into the fandom, I get told constantly that due to being born in 1990 I am too young to be an ABBA fan.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2021 14:32:11 GMT
After a few days playing the album over and over, this is my rating, top to bottom (currently)!
1. Don't Shut Me Down
2. When You Danced With Me
3. No Doubt About It
4. I Still Have Faith In You
5. Ode To Freedom
6. Bumblebee
7. I Can Be That Woman
8. Just A Notion
9. Keep An Eye On Dan
10. Little Things
I always wanted a Christmas song from ABBA, so really tried/wanted to like LT, but with repeat listens, this just doesn't connect with me and I doubt it is going to in the future. It's done now and I'm sure it will have it's fans, but I would have preferred a few songs to have been longer and this left off the album if I'm honest. On reflection, I don't really want ABBA on the Christmas charts every year, they are so much more than that, it's bad enough having the Mamma Mia films lol! (for fans of the films, I do acknowledge their part in the continuation of ABBA's popularity so it's not all bad)!! But, on the bright side, 9 out of 10 is brilliant! Totally happy and overwhelmed with this comeback. Well done ABBA, you nailed it and are masters of your craft!
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Post by richard on Nov 8, 2021 14:33:49 GMT
The most moving song for me on Voyage, even a bit more than ISHFIY, is Ode To Freedom. Love the beautiful strings for a start. Yes, I admit I would have preferred that Benny had not, inadvertently or deliberately, quoted that 4-note phrase from the waltz from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Benny could no doubt have altered that whilst retaining the rest of his (Benny's) great melody. So maybe it was an intentional quote from Tchaikovsky
But when all four start singing together, and throughout, it brings tears to my eyes. What a great, wonderful group. If this is it for ABBA, what a lovely closing track.
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Post by Alan on Nov 8, 2021 14:35:58 GMT
Which vinyl versions of Voyage did you get thus far? Although I don't have a record player either at this point, I did get the orange vinyl. I don't want to tempt you any further but I think it does look great. Out of all the coloured vinyls, I think the orange vinyl fits best with the colour scheme of the album cover. I ordered the green one on the night of the live stream on 2 September, which hasn’t been despatched yet. A day or so later I ordered the ABBA Tars picture disc. That one has arrived but it’s a birthday present so I’ve not seen it yet. Likewise, the artwork picture disc will be a birthday present and was ordered by the sender. I bought the yellow vinyl from HMV on Friday. Along with two versions of the CD (deluxe box and alternate artwork) that will be six altogether (half standard artwork and the other half alternate). The white one I’m not too bothered about, though it’s sold out on the official store anyway (like the others, it’s vanished altogether on there). I’m not interested in the standard black either. It’s therefore just the orange and blue I might be tempted by. Amazon have gone out of stock of the orange so many times then had it back in again. It’s currently in stock at £27.06. It will be interesting to see which ones rise in value and are more sought-after in future. I’ve never experienced this before with an album (though I know ABBA aren’t the first). It’s quite fun. Plus I own their other albums so many times over (though mostly only twice on vinyl) so it’s not like Voyage will be alone. |
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Post by sikejsudjek on Nov 8, 2021 15:32:53 GMT
I found the mix on the Amazon mp3 downloads a little bit dull sounding. So I bought a 96khz 24bit FLAC off HDTracks which sounded better to my ears once I'd figured out how to play it out of my pc with that resolution! I might have a go at downmixing that for the car which only plays mp3's. I agree that Tretow would have made the vocals stand out a bit more. That said it might just be my 55 year old ears playing up !
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Post by madonnabba on Nov 8, 2021 16:20:40 GMT
My preference top to bottom.
1 DSMD
2 Ode
3 BB
4 ISHFIY
5 JAN
6 ICBTW
7 NDA
8 KAEOD
9 WIDWY
10 LT
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Post by steverw on Nov 8, 2021 16:31:30 GMT
I found the mix on the Amazon mp3 downloads a little bit dull sounding. So I bought a 96khz 24bit FLAC off HDTracks which sounded better to my ears once I'd figured out how to play it out of my pc with that resolution! I might have a go at downmixing that for the car which only plays mp3's. I agree that Tretow would have made the vocals stand out a bit more. That said it might just be my 55 year old ears playing up ! I actually am surprised that they didn't dedicate the album to Stig, Michael and Ola Brunkert. They didn't even get a mention. |
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Post by johnb on Nov 8, 2021 16:51:57 GMT
I actually am surprised that they didn't dedicate the album to Stig, Michael and Ola Brunkert. They didn't even get a mention. ... and Rutger |
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Post by steverw on Nov 8, 2021 16:55:47 GMT
I actually am surprised that they didn't dedicate the album to Stig, Michael and Ola Brunkert. They didn't even get a mention. ... and Rutger Of course. Rutger Gunnersson a name that featured on pretty much everything ABBA! |
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Post by bennybjorn on Nov 8, 2021 17:03:01 GMT
Not sure if this news has been posted yet. Apols if it has...
"By George Griffiths
ABBA are setting course for dominance this week as Voyage sails straight towards Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart.
Currently outselling the rest of the Top 40 combined with 118,000 chart sales over the weekend, Voyage will be ABBA’s 10th UK Number 1 album, and their first studio album to top the UK charts in 40 years.
Voyage is on its way to being the fastest-selling album of the year so far, already scooping the fastest-selling physical release and biggest first-week pure sales (physical and digital) of 2021 so far. If the collection manages to eclipse the first-week sales of Ed Sheeran’s latest offering Equals (139,000), ABBA’s Voyage will become the biggest opening week for an album in over four years.
ABBA’s last stint at Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart came in 2008 when Gold returned to the top for two weeks – but it has been 40 years since their last studio album The Visitors made a Number 1 debut in December 1981."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2021 17:06:19 GMT
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Post by AdamDawson2003 on Nov 8, 2021 17:17:29 GMT
I know The Visitors album topped the charts in 1981 but didn't 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' also reach Number 1 in 1982.
Today (8th November 2021) marks 39 years since 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' was released.
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Post by gazman on Nov 8, 2021 17:21:54 GMT
I know The Visitors album topped the charts in 1981 but didn't 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' also reach Number 1 in 1982. Today (8th November 2021) marks 39 years since 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' was released. Yes it did, but the author was specifically referring to studio albums.... |
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Based on this, it seems that KAEOD would be the obvious choice for the next single. However, I cannot see this song being released as a single before Christmas - it's too dark.
