ABBA Voyage: General Discussion 2022 May - Aug

I'm a little puzzled, too, Clumsy Clown (although that's not saying much these days).
I think others likened Hole in Your Soul to No Doubt About It, and I can kinda see that.
Maybe that's what @darinjulian23 meant?

That part of Hole In Your Soul is itself based on Get on the Carousel isn’t it?

Yes that part of 'Hole In Your Soul' is from 'Get On The Carousel' the part 'The roundabout is just beginning'

Was it Pop Justice Site'? Maybe it's just a line in the Song, not the actual Title?, l hope not anyway. Its painful! subtlety it's not. How about, It knocked me off my feet' at Waterloo Station..

The Sun Rag, has jumped on the fact Voyage Tickets are not Selling well for the Second Quarter, and maybe discounts,Two for the Price of One!?

I Thought there would be More Promotion, especially seeing its also the 50th Anniversary Year Time to brush the cobwebs off and roll out the Girls.

That's my understanding too. Apparently Benny played it to her.  It was someone on Facebook who stated it was recorded in 2019.

^^^^Do you think he’s taking the P**s....
Ok I haven’t invested, but a friend of mine has, and CMP has his money for how long now !!!!
By 2023, it will have been two years, since Voyage, ( depending on release dates) Doe CP know something we don’t ?

So if true come on Carl, I know your a great fan etc, but your taking a bit of a Liberty....

I too am hoping CMP has some inside information. Considering that the recording of 'Voyage' spanned more than four years, I think there is a possibility that the basis for a follow-up album exists (not just two unfinished tracks as stated by Benny).
The Bernard Lohr interview from late last year (preceding the release of 'Voyage') indicated that there were at least a few recorded songs not included on the album (I can't remember the exact quote but it seemed like more than two). He stated that three versions of "Ode To Freedom" were recorded so perhaps time was spent on alternate versions of other released album tracks and maybe I'm reading too much into this possibility, but I strongly suspect that the groundwork for another album was laid prior to the September 2021 announcement of 'Voyage'.
Considering that the original recording concept was simply two songs ("I Still Have Faith In You" and "Don't Shut Me Down") for concert inclusion and that the project evolved piece by piece as their collective enthusiasm grew (with added Covid-related delays/interruptions), it is conceivable that a lot more work was done than we realise. I accept that Benny and Bjorn don't write at the pace they did during their heyday but I wouldn't be surprised if other songs were written/demoed during the last few years.
There has been a suggestion (from fans) that the recording of "Just A Notion" was a last minute decision to augment the track-listing for 'Voyage' but I tend to think it may have been to salvage other new compositions that have been stashed away for future release.
Something tells me that if the desire is still there for ABBA to continue (despite Benny's and Bjorn's comments from late last year), pursuing one last album (the all important number 10) is a distinct possibility - maybe with a firmer schedule, devoid of interruptions, which would allow for a more cohesive, thematic album (not the pseudo 'best of' retro-fest that Voyage became). Frida clearly is keen; Agnetha seems cautious but optimistic; Bjorn appears open to the possibility (though he concurred with Benny's statement of not continuing beyond 'Voyage') and even Benny commented that the girls could "twist his arm" so who knows? I would even suggest that Bjorn's creative muse might have been reawakened in the aftermath of his pending divorce but I also concede that the separation may have occurred some time ago (despite the recent announcement).
In any case, I suspect CMP knows something we don't but obviously can't disclose anything at this stage. At the very least, he seems to have inside information regarding the recording of 'Voyage' (which will likely form a passage of his upcoming book) but given that he will likely want this to be a complete and up-to-date account of ABBA's activities, it could include details of their yet to be released final album (possibly due in 2023). I'm still astounded that those 'in the know' didn't confirm the recording of 'Voyage' prior to last year's announcement so this camp of trusted insiders truly adhere to the code of confidentiality. We shall see what transpires in the fullness of time.

Yes, Mr Incarnate. I have posted similarly about the pretty strong likelihood of more Abba songs. Why?
1. The group managed to write and record an album under very little pressure, seemingly coming together every few months when they felt tike it. So why not continue doing this going forward if they enjoy it, and whilst they have their health and singing/songwriting abilities?
2. Agnetha and Frida succeeded in their aim of avoiding any of the promotional duties that typically go with releasing a new album (all I heard of was the Zoe Ball interview with Frida which she was clearly happy to do).
3. The album was very well received (for Abba). Hasn't won any specific critical awards (although received a couple of nominations) but scored over 70% on Meta Critic which is good
4. Commercially, it has probably done a lot better than they or the record company expected (even if the Voyage concerts don't revive sales further) and will surely have covered all the associated costs and made a fair amount on top. 
I'd still say the chances of a new album are under 50% but perhaps not far under. 
And I reckon there is a much greater chance of hearing those two extra songs.
Here's hoping!

To lighten the mood (!), No Doubt About It was playing in the gay club at the end of EastEnders tonight, just as Ben mistakenly beat up his husband outside.

Oops, thanks abbafanie. I thought it was Callum. Let’s hope Peter remembers and is able to link it to Ben.

I think I only heard No Doubt About It once when it was playlisted on Radio 2. Little Things a few times, but Just A Notion quite a lot. Don’t Shut Me Down the most, though rarely heard I Still Have Faith In You. All seems quite a long time ago now. We really do need an all-new single, so the optimistic posts on here today are very welcome!

I heard 'I Can Be That Woman' & 'When You Danced With Me' in a few episodes earlier in the year 

I agree with that about No Doubt About it. It is "typical ABBA" but not the best track on Voyage. No, that isn't a contradiction.

We're probably getting carried away a bit here... But it's not bad to dream 

I definitely agree with evilincarnate that there are bound to be alternate versions of other tracks on Voyage. It would be fascinating to know what went on in the studio. It seems like an appendix for CMP's "Complete Recording Sessions" rather than "On The Record." Maybe? The idea that the groundwork for a tenth album has been laid is tantalising. Depending on how many workable melodies Benny has stashed away, Bjorn could already be tapping away at lyrics. The women need only be drafted in when the backing tracks have been assembled.

The next album (if such a thing could happen) would most likely get a more muted response. The magic of the comeback has been spent on the massive success of the Voyage album. A follow-up album might not enjoy the same rapturous reception; the chart performance might be slightly dimmer. Unless, of course, they have a new classic or two up their sleeves. We can only cross our fingers.