New compilation: ABBA The Singles - The First 50 Years

I forgot Eagle!

Hmmmm, the plot thickens....or does it?

What were the alternative track lists? ABBA wanted no new songs suggests they had a say in this compilation which is just a regurgitation of similiar compilations. They are happy to re-sell basically the same old compilation with very minor changes..

ABBA didn't want new songs on this compilation...but on another? Actually I suspect not.

I cannot imagine that any more releases of new material is about to happen. This compilation is clearly demonstrating that the 2 unreleased songs will not be published. Because if they would plan to publish them (e.g. in a Voyage Deluxe Set) it would in any way be in a single format, also for promotion purpose.
Universal will not release an updated The Singles compilation, knowing there may be new single releases ahead in the near future.

It was tempting to read too much into the use of the second “this” in the above, but I agree now that a release of anything new is unlikely - ever.

HOMETIME used the word “posthumous” - Benny has probably had it written into his will that nothing else will get released after he’s gone. Any hope that he might have privately said to his family that they can do what they like is pie-in-the-sky, I’m afraid.

I wasn’t going to buy this anyway but now the possibility exists that it could, at one point, have had previously unreleased stuff on it has made me even more determined to shun it.

Have to feel a bit sorry for the ABBA team at Universal. They’re having to pedal this and say “ooh, look, it’s got some unseen photos” because there’s nothing else to say. Very sad.

I'm definitely not buying this either.

1. There's nothing new
2. It's really ugly - both the Definitive and Essential collections had classy covers. This ond looks like a low budget compilation from the mid 90s.

The irony is that I was prepared to spend A LOT on ABBA this year. Well, I'll buy the 30th anniversary of Crash! Boom! Bang! instead - more than 20 bonus tracks and an upscaled CBB concert on DVD - that's the way to treat the fans

I don't think so. A compilation (or anthology, if we speak of a "spectacular" release) doesn't need singles, especially in the age of streaming. I Am The City was not released as a single when More ABBA Gold came out. The Thank You For The Music box had no singles to promote it, except for that four track promo, which was not for sale. And as I said before, even if there were any singles planned, I don't think Universal would be much bothered - they can release a similar compilation in five years' time again.

^
I've also counted on Janne...

On 29th September, the new BAO Album will be released, all songs written by Benny and Björn ^^

I didn't mean to give the impression that further releases were possible or on cards. I think bar a gold atmos perhaps this is most likely "it".

Alan , I know that Janne is surely not to blame. For me his hint was one of the strongest indications that something would happen this year. Along with Björn's comment that they must do something more than another boring reissue, Agnetha's "you never know with ABBA" and even Benny's shocking confession that Just Like That is actually not that bad. Even the suggestion that something was planned and Benny vetoed it seems strange to me. Don't the other three have a say in the matters at all? Remember the talks about twisting Benny's arm after the release of Voyage? I'm sure if all three wanted to release something, they could persuade him, even if there is the rule "when one of us says no, it's no". As it is, the most exciting moment of this year was the Order of Vasa ceremony. And to be fair, I enjoyed the Q&A before the anniversary Voyage performance. However, it's too little for an anniversary of this importance.

Michal, I’m taking the “when one of us says no, it’s no” to primarily mean Benny in this case. He was the creative powerhouse of the Voyage album. Björn was reduced to “just” writing the lyrics and contributing backing vocals. He didn’t co-produce it with Benny (as he had in the past) or even play guitar. I don’t want to belittle his involvement but the more control Benny has, the more say he has. Officially equal, but some are more equal than others! Agnetha and Frida were always treated as merely the singers that only came in to do their bits.

I want to be harsh and say he’s become a grumpy old man but I think he always was. It might be more obvious now, and I know the language barrier doesn’t help, but I think as people get older, their eccentricities intensify. Look at Morrissey (though I’m in no way comparing Benny to him). They’re aware they’re not immortal and therefore decide that, within reason, they can do what they want. I’ve seen this with, say, Kate Bush. For decades I’d defend her but in recent years it’s become clear that she just can’t be arsed! Like ABBA, she’d rather re-sell her back catalogue over and over again in new variants.

I saw something on a social about a new BAO album. That’s clearly where Benny’s heart lies. He is in full control there, no media whore Björn to compete with, no internationally-recognised female singers that steel the show and everyone adores.

And the whole “they owe us nothing” thing I used to believe and fundamentally still do but it’s over-used now. People say it to shame others into making themselves feel ungrateful (I’ll be honest and say I’ve used it like that in the past, even to Colin on here. I wouldn’t anymore, and I apologise to him and any others I directed it at). Everyone has the right to feel aggrieved and not be derided for it.

Absolutely agree Alan. In fact I was discussing this very point with my abba friend not 5 minutes ago! For " when one of us says no", read that Benny has 100 votes to their 1.

Unfortunately we will have to accept there will never be more abba in certainly my lifetime.

After receiving the royal award Benny said: now we are done. This release proves just that. Nothing new on it. It's over boys and girls.

I've never really expected anything after we got the Voyage album and the show to be honest. For me, 2022 was the 50 year anniversary, the Eurovision anniversary has never meant that much to me. The only thing that maybe got me thinking that we could get another single was Janne's comment, Benny's comment re the two unreleased tracks, although unwise maybe, never made me think we would get them as, well, it was Benny after all saying it lol!! If only everyone would just say 'no' or nothing (Janne)!!, then would we all be wondering if there's more??! Pre 2018, I never expected any more, so I feel blessed as it is. I do get people feeling let down to a certain degree, but there's plenty of ABBA tracks to listen to and other artists that are great. In fact, was listening to TACOM this morning, it's soooo good!!

Maybe the 'First 50 years', could mean we get "Years 51 - 53 - Voyage Atmos" with the two new songs added next year!!? Sorry!!!!

I'm always the optimist Alan!! 😀