All About ABBA

All About ABBA

ABBA, formed in 1972, is known as the most successful Swedish pop musical group of all time. During the 70s and early 80s, the quartet made up of two couples created eight pop-disco albums. They also produced many hit songs that changed culture.

The group has shown they are timeless. They have 40.9 million monthly listeners. They are currently the 120th most listened to artist on Spotify.

Their success began in April 1974. The group won Eurovision with their first hit single, "Waterloo." This song reached number one in many countries. They then changed their group name to the iconic acronym we all know them by today.

Self-Titled

In 1975, their third album, which was self-titled, brought them more success after Eurovision. It included hits like “Mamma Mia” and “SOS.” The following year, 1976, brought the world Arrival which outdid the previous album and reached #1 on the charts in seven countries. This record featured well-known hits including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen.”

In 1977, a feature film titled ABBA-The Movie was set into motion as long as another successful album. ABBA: The Album released in early 1978 was once again a hit and produced the popular track “Take a Chance on Me”. This track did well in the U.S. and the group toured the country on a promotional campaign following its release.

Quits

In 1979, one couple, Björn and Agnetha, ended their relationship. Despite this, the group kept making music together. Next came popular single “Chiquitita” and a new album titled Voulez-Vous later that year.

During their tour of Europe, the United States, and Canada, another hit single “Gimme! Gimme! “Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” was released.

The next spring, in 1980, the group toured Japan. This was their last set of live concerts.

After the tour came the release of Super Trouper. The year after the 1981 release, the group's second couple announced their divorce. Even though this happened again, the group kept working together. Their eighth album titled The Visitors released having a less care-free feeling with “One of Us” topping the charts off this record.

Return

Music released after 1981 consisted of compilation albums and ultimately resulted in an announced break in 1982. In 1990, the group experienced a revival when their music became popular again in the entertainment industry. In 1992 a compilation of the quartet’s best songs was released (ABBA Gold), selling around 33 million copies.

The band is well-known for their big role in Mamma Mia. They contributed to the soundtrack of this famous musical.

It first appeared on Broadway in 2001. Later, it became a film with Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried in 2008. Many people still enjoy their work today.