When did you first get into ABBA?

Which brings me to the question why was it so " uncool " to like Abba in the mid to late eighties ? Surely Stock Aitken and Waterman weren't considered better than ABBA by the public back then. That was and is a travesty. I am glad that acts such as Erasure, Roxette and U2 started the ABBA revival in the nineties with the launch of the best-selling and mega successful compilation " ABBA Gold ". ABBA are now greatly acknowledged as one of the world's greatest pop groups of all time. Thank you Lamont for your previous post. I finally watched Agnetha's interview on Terry Wogan in 1988 and the Swedish pop special " A Is For Agnetha " in 1985. I was completely captivated by her beauty. Simply gorgeous. Actually I do like her English solo albums very much. " A " is my favourite Agnetha album. Going back to 1985 I can remember browsing through the shelves in HMV and finding Agnetha's " Eyes Of A Woman " and Frida's " Shine ". I purchased both records immediately and couldn't wait to get home to listen to them. I played them over and over. Many great songs on both. A special thank you to Alan and Joseph for posting the You Tube footage.

Towards the end of their rein on the charts in the 1980's ABBA composed and recorded very mature and accomplished songs. I read some very interesting articles about some of their iconic hits. Bjorn admitted that " Chiquitita " was one of the hardest songs to record. The track was initially recorded as " In The Arms Of Rosalita " and featured Frida on lead vocals. He confirmed that they spent a long time in the studio altering the track to " Chiquitita " with Agnetha as lead singer. The combined harmonies are to die for. Simply beautiful. The song has a melancholy feel but at the same time uplifts the listener and Benny's terrific piano outro is one of the best. On the other hand Bjorn's inspiration for " The Winner Takes It All " ( originally under the working title of " The Story Of My Life " ) came about from a phase of feeling low and a stiff glass of whisky. He confessed the words just flowed from his head onto paper. The song was completed in a matter of days. To write and record a classic and honest portrayal of heartbreak in a beautiful yet devastating song is pure genius. Agnetha really shines throughout and that towering climax at the end leaves the listener over-wrought with emotion. " " One Of Us " is yet another of ABBA's finest moments again focusing on a broken relationship but with a more positive outcome. Beautifully sung. Frida delivers an outstanding performance of " When All Is Said And Done ". Another iconic classic in the same vein as earlier with " Knowing Me Knowing You " ( a great epitome of foreboding lost love and desolation - a perfect pop song in every sense ). And a swansong to end all swansongs " The Day Before You Came " is pure melodrama with an eerie and haunting ambience. Agnetha's wonderful narrative delivery and Frida's heartfelt lamenting backing vocals make one's hair stand on end after hearing this powerful ode to lost love leaving you to draw your own conclusions. " Slipping Through My Fingers " is a tearjerker from start to finish touching on fleeting childhood featuring a very moving performance from Agnetha. When Frida joins in the heartfelt and rousing chorus it is a time to grab a tissue and sob your heart out. I don't understand how anyone could deem ABBA uncool. The beautiful melodies, diversity of songs touching on many personal themes people can relate to, Agnetha and Frida's poignant story-telling vocals and Benny and Bjorn's sheer songwriting prowess all add to the group's enduring appeal. I am glad that ABBA are back with yet more classic and accomplished anthems. At long last their outstanding contribution to pop music of great quality and timelessness is becoming greatly acclaimed and appreciated.

Not one particular time. They have always just been ‘there’.

I was far too young to appreciate them when they were an active band but I was aware of their songs and knew that they were a huge deal. We even had a few of their records in our house.

In my 80s childhood and 90s youth I was more into contemporary bands around that time. But in the last 15 years or so I suddenly realised how much I love ABBA. And of course we now have easy access to their music, their videos, their tv clips.

When I watched ‘The Movie’ at my local cinema last weekend, I couldn’t help but feel slightly jealous of all those Aussies who got to see peak-ABBA live.