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Post by Liebezeit on Mar 5, 2017 22:59:58 GMT
Came across two versions of ABBA's 'Honey Honey': The Mamma Mia [movie] casts (I meant Amanda Seyfried – you're not surprised aren't you?) and Sweet Dreams (notable enough because they've been in the UK charts) and I wanted to make a poll about which versions seems to be nice to your ears – personally I prefer the ABBA original, as always.  If it's in the wrong category, then whoops – but since Benny, Stig, and Björn wrote the song itself, I don't think I might have any problem with starting my first poll. In my opinion, ABBA's version is superior over Sweet Dreams' because it's more mellow and very sensual, while at the same time it's spiritual and playful. Sweet Dreams' seems like either a British soul/Motown ripoff (The Miracles style, I believe). I don't like that semitone increase at the very middle of the passage – The only thing I liked in Sweet Dreams' version is the drums (tight and punchy if listened closely, sounding reminiscent of a typical drummer at a 1970s Elvis Presley concert), which was unfortunately spoiled by the dirty and weak music production with excessive reverb. |
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Post by abbafan456 on Mar 5, 2017 23:18:33 GMT
I voted for the original ABBA version since I dunno why but I have this weird aversion to a lot of song covers and tribute bands.  I'm crazy that way. |
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Post by gary on Mar 6, 2017 9:39:50 GMT
I must admit that the Sweet Dreams version is the very first ABBA-related product I ever bought, even though I had no idea of that at the time (1974?). I thought it was a great song. But the ABBA original, which I heard later, is superior in every way. I have a feeling I know which version will win this poll!
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Post by Zeebee on Mar 6, 2017 21:40:08 GMT
I've never heard the Sweet Dreams version. I'll have to see if it's on YouTube.
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Post by Liebezeit on Mar 7, 2017 0:02:04 GMT
I've never heard the Sweet Dreams version. I'll have to see if it's on YouTube. It is, without a doubt – How did the Sweet Dreams version turn out for you, Mike? |
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Post by Zeebee on Mar 9, 2017 21:52:10 GMT
^^I still haven't heard it.
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Post by angela on Mar 9, 2017 22:47:49 GMT
^^ I don't think anyone could sing Honey Honey as good as ABBA did.
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Post by gary on Mar 11, 2017 9:16:27 GMT
That's odd. Everyone has voted for ABBA!
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Post by shoshin on Mar 12, 2017 17:08:59 GMT
Late entrant? Sweet voice and interesting guitar arrangement, though it's baffling that a musician capable of such a subtle and understated accompaniment would also think that a bit of tuneless whistling would add a little something to the bridge  |
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Post by Liebezeit on Mar 12, 2017 17:33:43 GMT
Late entrant? Sweet voice and interesting guitar arrangement, though it's baffling that a musician capable of such a subtle and understated accompaniment would also think that a bit of tuneless whistling would add a little something to the bridge Never too late for non-notable entries that aren't for the polls. It's only the beginning since you've brought in the other versions of 'Honey Honey' that aren't as famous as the two other entries were.. with 15 minutes of fame. Sounds rather a bit like an acoustic recital  I'm more used to the 'doo-wop' backing vocals in 'Honey Honey' as opposed to the straight-edged 'doo doo doo doo'. Nonetheless the girl's vocals balanced it out between the distinctly breathy but sweet without being squeaky voice of A&A and Seyfried's rather quick enunciation style. Yeah, the whistling caught me off-guard, so I would agree with you on that. |
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Post by Zeebee on Mar 13, 2017 20:56:05 GMT
I've never heard the Sweet Dreams version. I'll have to see if it's on YouTube. It is, without a doubt – How did the Sweet Dreams version turn out for you, Mike? I finally have heard it. It's not bad, but of course I like ABBA's version better. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2017 23:16:08 GMT
ABBA were very angry, at Epic Records, when Sweet Dreams had a UK No.10 Hit, with 'Honey Honey' in 1974.
It was No.10 in the 'Official' UK Charts - complied by BMRB at the time, and used by the BBC & 'Music Week'.
BMRB stood for the British Market Research Bureau.
ABBA had considered making their original version the follow-up to 'Waterloo', but Epic Records insisted
that they knew best, what would sell in the UK, & they put 'Ring Ring' out instead - after it had already
been total UK flop in October 1973.
To their dismay, ABBA had to watch the re-issued, (& remixed), 'Ring Ring' get no higher than No.32, whilst the
Sweet Dreams Hit was a Top 10 success.
The Sweet Dreams version did even better in the 'Melody Maker', (No.6), & 'New Musical Express' Charts, (No.9).
After 'Waterloo', (No.1 in 1974), ABBA did not reach the UK Top 10 again, until 'SOS' reached No.6 in October 1975.
In several Countries, both versions of 'Honey Honey' were released, and each time the ABBA version was the bigger
Hit. ABBA reached No.27 in the USA Hot 100, but Sweet Dreams stalled at No.68. In Germany, ABBA's version was a
huge Hit. It went to No.2 for 5 Weeks and spent 18 Weeks in the German Top 10. Only 'Fernando' gave ABBA more
Weeks in the Top 10 there - 22. The Sweet Dreams version spent just 1 Week in the German Top 100 - No.42.
I bought the Sweet Dreams version of 'Honey Honey' in 1974. I really liked it.
Honey Honey -- Sweet Dreams
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If it's in the wrong category, then whoops – but since Benny, Stig, and Björn wrote the song itself, I don't think I might have any problem with starting my first poll.
I'm crazy that way.
I'm more used to the 'doo-wop' backing vocals in 'Honey Honey' as opposed to the straight-edged 'doo doo doo doo'. Nonetheless the girl's vocals balanced it out between the distinctly breathy but sweet without being squeaky voice of A&A and Seyfried's rather quick enunciation style. Yeah, the whistling caught me off-guard, so I would agree with you on that.