One of the most complex pop songs you'll ever hear. Just take a look how much is going on: - verses: Agnetha and Frida. Soulful and subdued - pre-chorus: Agnetha solo, and the song opens up - chorus: Agnetha and Frida, with additional backup harmonies later on. The song is at full energy. - post-chrous: Frida solo. The song gets calmer again. Then Agnetha joins and it transitions into a bridge, leading to the 2nd verse or back to the chorus. And the song was a hit as well. It's one thing to write a complex song, but to make it catchy too, that takes exceptional skill.
This song has been a grower for me. It’s gotten better with every listen until I appreciated it for the masterpiece it is. There are so many layers, so many goosebump moments in it.
This is a great example of how they mastered this thing of matching a fantastic melody with a perfect counter melody or two..and then make the whole thing stand out in a totally natural form. Mixed on analog equipment, keeping the crystal clear sound and still large dynamics between the lowest/highest parts. This is part of the much talked about "Abba magic". (Not to mention the vocals in this, which is astounding, with even a capella sections).
Spot on. Couldn’t have said it any better. They just have a magic behind and in their mix . Always makes me want to cry and be happy at the same time. Just emotional . Abba does that
one of my many favorites. Very complex structure (for a popsong!) with very different but evenly catchy parts brilliantly blend together. Never gets bored
This song has been in my ear for 45 years. A sweet torture. It's in my DNA. The harmonies are as good as it gets but the solo parts perhaps stand out even more, Agnetha never quite tops this fantastic performance in my opinion, and Frida's sultry, velvety 'tell me please...' segment is the highlight of the song. And don't get me started on the production. Needless to say I quite like it. Number 1 in UK for four weeks in November 1977.
@marvinquezada7203 a-ha!Well i can't t disagree with your perception.Yes indeed.Actually there are countless no1 songs in the USA chart(and also non-USA) that have finally sold far less than top-20 songs.A no1 song usually show out the 'rush' of the record buying public and not always the 'final decision' as we usually deceptively think.Another example was Frida's solo 'I know there's something going on.'USA top 15(n0 13 i think) but top 20 in the year end official main Billboard charts there since it sold more copies than other top hits that charted higher but remained less weeks in the chart.
how nice to see you at the weekend and with an extraordinary song by ABBA, which has many peculiarities: 1) I think it's the first in which each of the girls sings a verse as lead voice Agnetha in the pre chorus and Frida in the post chorus 2) the official video was recorded at the blonde Agnetha & blonde Björn's home, because Agnetha was very late in her second pregnancy (that's why maybe she's sitting and cared for in the picture) 3) "The name of the game" was released in October 1977, two month before "ABBA The Album" and the movie "ABBA The Movie" It was a bold gamble from ABBA, it opened their horizons and spread beyond pop. I think that "The name of the game" (1977) have some vibs of influences of BEATLES songs like "Penny Lane" or "Fool on the hill" (1967) curiosly, "The name of the game" was #1 in UK (4 weeks) and replaced in the #1 for "Mull of Kintyre" by Paul McCartney (ex BEATLES member) it was the lead single of ABBA The Album, followed by Take a chance on me in the next year another curiosity The name of the game was #1 only in UK "The name of the game" is in my opinion a Masterpiece and maybe the most complex song of ABBA one of the Seven Wonders of ABBA (in chronological order): Waterloo S.O.S Dancing Queen The name of the game Chiquitita The winner takes it all Don't shut me down You have fantastic songs in "The Album" (1977) , ABBA's most versatile album: "Eagle" almost 6 minutes amazing "Take a chance on me" (the banger hit) "One man one woman" (beauty ballad) "The name of the game" (the most complex) but there are most surprise in the nexts songs "Move on" "Hole in your soul" included a mini musical from 1977 Tour: "Thank you for the music" "I wonder" "I'm a marionette" (I didn't comment about the next songs, because I wish that you enjoy without spoil) I hope to see you in next ABBA videos of your fantastic ABBA Journey A big hug from Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 South America PS: at the time of the recording and official video (1977) the blonde singer Agnetha and the guitarist Björn was married since 1971, with one child in 1973 and in pregnancy of their second child (the only official video with Her pregnant) the brunette singer Frida and the bearded keyboardist Benny was engaged and living together since 1969 and married next year 1978
This is one of at least 20 bangers (my view) of ABBA, out of which five come from this album. And again, there is a very nice official video to this musical masterpiece.
One of their best songs, and the official video, is so simple and so good! The girls swapping as the lead vocals... Delicious!😍😍 Take care, Matt (& Lucca) ❤🇨🇱👍
This is the song that in one evening made me a lifelong ABBA fan. I heard it late at night in the dark listening to the radio as a teen. I was so transfixed that I waited 3 or 4 hours until they played it again. The next day I drove 60 miles to buy the album, and a week or so later I bought everything they had ever done. By far, this group made me love what pop music can do if it's taken seriously enough to do it.
Ha, I love that! Talk about dedication to seek out good music. And seriously, I'm still in the process of experiencing their material, but I'm amazed by what I've already heard. Thanks again for the comment!
I love how it happened for you....I've loved them since s.o.s.....I was lucky enough to see them in Dublin on their last ever concert in 79....I travelled to London last year to see the amazing "voyage"....
One of those rare songs where both the girls sang the lead solo in a song, Agnetha first then Frida. The electric guitar sounds real good, probably by Lasse Wellander.
Another great reaction from you! To a real masterpiece of pop! As I have mentioned earlier, this song has so many layers and different emotions! I LOVE IT!!!! Did you know, that the first artist to be allowed by ABBA to sample one of their songs, was The Fugees, who used the funky bass line on The Name of The Game on their hit Rumble in the Jungle!? The other artist who got permission to sample ABBA was Madonna, who used the synth riff on ABBA´s Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, on her monster hit Hung Up! Look forward to your next ABBA reactions! ❤
The subtle influence of soul/r&b on Abba, already seen on Dancing Queen and set to become more overt on the next album. Miles away from stuff like Tropical Loveland, sophisticated songwriting, both musically and lyrically, enhanced by the magical vocals and vocal arrangements. Amazing.
A rare example in their songwriting, the director of ABBA The Movie told Björn about a scene he was writing for the film and needed a song to go with it. This was the result. It’s a woman talking to her psychiatrist! Often assumed it was just a coincidence for the lyrics/Movie scene, but revealed many years later it was written especially for it.
Yes!Thank you Gareth i wanted to say this too.Didn't know this until i recently saw a video with Bjorn,Benny and director Lassse Hallstrom talking to Carl Magnuss Palm Abba's biographer about it.
This is only 1 of 2 songs that ABBA have allowed to be sampled by other Artists. This was used in the Fugees “Rumble in the Jungle” The other song was Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight) that Madonna used on her hit “Hung Up”. I often think that this single is overlooked and forgotten even though it was a UK number 1.
It's more 'adult-themed and sound' compared to some of their other super catchy,ear candy tunes that have a more 'solid-shiny pop' accessibilty and i do get this.But ithat's the way Abba 'perfected pop music to an art form' as another fan so greatly commented recently.
I still remember when i first heard ABBA. Christmas of 1980. Been hooked ever since, and they're who sparked my love of dance music. Currently working on my 2nd remix of an ABBA song :P
Oh hell yeah, are your tracks on your channel? Also I love the middle part of your TH-cam name, Karate Kid was one of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater and really enjoying.
I post most here on YT, but not all. When you get bored feel free to give ‘em a listen! but my Soundcloud has all my remixes & originals (just search for Sweep The Leg, Johnny! there). My mixes are on mixcloud, but havent done a new mix in moooonths (too busy writing & attempting to transition into a Neurofunk/Drum & Bass Live P.A. with a friend).
An ABBA classic. Before this listen, if someone told me there were trumpets in this song, I would have said they were mad. Why did my ears only pick up on them today?! 🤭I think I was always trying to sing along and sound like the ABBA girls (no chance!! 😆) and not paying attention to the music.
Same here! After concentrating on the vocals all these years, I noticed the guitar flourish in this video...and then Matt mentioned it. And just as I heard the brass...Matt commented on that, too.
I am a lifelong fan for more than 4 decades and i still dig out new things that exist in their multi-complicated recordings.I recently heard the backing track and isolated backing vocals to 'One Man One Woman' and melted.Chills.And imagine that we were laughed and kinda bulled at school from some older ones for our supporting Abba back then.How right we were!I got the last laugh now.
@Marvin MQZ (Wayne's wife: Sorry, I forgot to write that it's me and not my husband commenting...) I am a singer, but not a musician. That's probably why I tend to focus on vocals. I do notice the arrangements, though. Even more so the older I get. It also depends on how I'm listening...working out, background music while doing other things, with headphones or without, actively studying the music, or simply laying down with eyes closed doing nothing but listening.
The song tells the story of a woman seeing her feelings grow for her therapist. It's written when Agnetha and Björn went to see a marriage counselor and thus inspired on this. Very clever writing and ofcourse amazing music writing. One of ABBA's highlights.
Those 'too-too-too' harmonies!aaahh When Frida's and Agnetha's voices melt into one.Just Divine! And here's that marvelous "dream sequence' video from The Movie' Heavenly.(And I'm so jealous of that guy.) th-cam.com/video/C8WtfkglV4s/w-d-xo.html
There are so many interesting and satisfying production elements in this song. It’s like a mini musical condensed into one song. The lyrics for this song from a very underrated BJORN is great also. Perfection from ABBA once again PS I don’t know how much coffee or tea is in your mug, but I’m always afraid Luca is about to take a bath. lol 😂 Thanks Matt 👍
I'm a newcomer to Your reactions - and starting to like them more and more, despite their sort of "naked" framing; only the sound track, (not very HiFi either - intentionally?). But still the immense Quality of the ABBA Compositions shines through and grippes You! I'm looking forward to You reacting to ABBA Live including on Video. Please tell me that they are coming! Well - maybe I'm a bit biased since I'm Swedish and actually saw ABBA Live 1975 in my hometown Umeå in the North of Sweden, just as they started to break internationally. Wow! You mentioned the small elegant guitar licks - they were played by Lasse Wellander who sadly and suddenly passed away only some weeks ago at 70 Years. I knew him slightly from when he played in the blues rock group "Nature", just before joining ABBA as their main guitarist. Such a nice person and what an inventive musician lifting the already genious ABBA compositions to an even higher level - as in "Eagle", that's Lasse Wellander Soaring High and Sliding along the fretboard. So Please - once again give us some Live Video reactions! You really deserve SEEING the ABBA energy oozing along the stage and into the audience! Those concerts always, Always bring tears to my eyes.
Hey there! Cheers for commenting. First, the sound is not lo-fi intentionally, but it's live/room audio, not direct-line audio. I'm hoping to be able to re-do my setup and perhaps get a better camera/audio combo, but for the time being, this is the format (for better or worse). But I hear you, I wish the audio quality was better. And it's the same for video; I want to expand to videos eventually (though my plan was to go through most group's audio-catalog first), but I'm not currently equipped to react to them yet. But at some point down the line, I will hopefully do that too. Lastly, yes, a few other ABBA fans informed me of Wellander's recent passing (and explained his significance in the process), so RIP to him, and it's a good time to celebrate ABBA and his contributions in that regard.
Hi Matt. Will you ever play the video clips to the songs. Watching the clips you get better understanding of the song. If you watch the video to the winner takes it all you will see wot I mean. Thanks. Mike.
One of the most complex pop songs you'll ever hear. Just take a look how much is going on:
- verses: Agnetha and Frida. Soulful and subdued
- pre-chorus: Agnetha solo, and the song opens up
- chorus: Agnetha and Frida, with additional backup harmonies later on. The song is at full energy.
- post-chrous: Frida solo. The song gets calmer again. Then Agnetha joins and it transitions into a bridge, leading to the 2nd verse or back to the chorus.
And the song was a hit as well. It's one thing to write a complex song, but to make it catchy too, that takes exceptional skill.
What a song. What has long grabbed me about this track is its supreme confidence. Pop for adults.
One of the most complex songs ever. Pure magic at work - has to be ABBA.
So true 😎
This song has been a grower for me. It’s gotten better with every listen until I appreciated it for the masterpiece it is. There are so many layers, so many goosebump moments in it.
Same
This is a great example of how they mastered this thing of matching a fantastic melody with a perfect counter melody or two..and then make the whole thing stand out in a totally natural form. Mixed on analog equipment, keeping the crystal clear sound and still large dynamics between the lowest/highest parts. This is part of the much talked about "Abba magic". (Not to mention the vocals in this, which is astounding, with even a capella sections).
Spot on. Couldn’t have said it any better. They just have a magic behind and in their mix . Always makes me want to cry and be happy at the same time. Just emotional . Abba does that
@@marksharmanmusic1Thank you Mark.
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Just amazing on all fronts. Only ABBA could pull this off.
An absolute masterpiece.
One of their best. The whole Album is a 10 out of 10. One of the best ever made.
Such a freaking vibe ohmygoodness❤❤❤
one of my many favorites. Very complex structure (for a popsong!) with very different but evenly catchy parts brilliantly blend together. Never gets bored
This song has been in my ear for 45 years. A sweet torture. It's in my DNA. The harmonies are as good as it gets but the solo parts perhaps stand out even more, Agnetha never quite tops this fantastic performance in my opinion, and Frida's sultry, velvety 'tell me please...' segment is the highlight of the song. And don't get me started on the production. Needless to say I quite like it. Number 1 in UK for four weeks in November 1977.
And nearly a top 10 hit in the USA.I think it peaked at No12. there What a shame.Deserved far more than this.
@marvinquezada7203 a-ha!Well i can't t disagree with your perception.Yes indeed.Actually there are countless no1 songs in the USA chart(and also non-USA) that have finally sold far less than top-20 songs.A no1 song usually show out the 'rush' of the record buying public and not always the 'final decision' as we usually deceptively think.Another example was Frida's solo 'I know there's something going on.'USA top 15(n0 13 i think) but top 20 in the year end official main Billboard charts there since it sold more copies than other top hits that charted higher but remained less weeks in the chart.
Sheer joy this song. All those elements meld into something brilliant. Probably my favourite ABBA song!
Love this song one of my favourites of theirs 👌
how nice to see you at the weekend
and with an extraordinary song by ABBA, which has many peculiarities:
1) I think it's the first in which each of the girls sings a verse as lead voice
Agnetha in the pre chorus and Frida in the post chorus
2) the official video was recorded at the blonde Agnetha & blonde Björn's home,
because Agnetha was very late in her second pregnancy
(that's why maybe she's sitting and cared for in the picture)
3) "The name of the game" was released in October 1977,
two month before "ABBA The Album" and the movie "ABBA The Movie"
It was a bold gamble from ABBA, it opened their horizons and spread beyond pop.
I think that "The name of the game" (1977)
have some vibs of influences of BEATLES songs like "Penny Lane" or "Fool on the hill" (1967)
curiosly, "The name of the game" was #1 in UK (4 weeks)
and replaced in the #1 for "Mull of Kintyre" by Paul McCartney (ex BEATLES member)
it was the lead single of ABBA The Album,
followed by Take a chance on me in the next year
another curiosity
The name of the game was #1 only in UK
"The name of the game"
is in my opinion a Masterpiece
and maybe the most complex song of ABBA
one of the Seven Wonders of ABBA (in chronological order):
Waterloo
S.O.S
Dancing Queen
The name of the game
Chiquitita
The winner takes it all
Don't shut me down
You have fantastic songs in "The Album" (1977) , ABBA's most versatile album:
"Eagle" almost 6 minutes amazing
"Take a chance on me" (the banger hit)
"One man one woman" (beauty ballad)
"The name of the game" (the most complex)
but there are most surprise in the nexts songs
"Move on"
"Hole in your soul"
included a mini musical from 1977 Tour:
"Thank you for the music"
"I wonder"
"I'm a marionette"
(I didn't comment about the next songs, because I wish that you enjoy without spoil)
I hope to see you in next ABBA videos of your fantastic ABBA Journey
A big hug from
Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷
South America
PS: at the time of the recording and official video (1977)
the blonde singer Agnetha and the guitarist Björn was married since 1971,
with one child in 1973 and in pregnancy of their second child
(the only official video with Her pregnant)
the brunette singer Frida and the bearded keyboardist Benny was engaged
and living together since 1969 and married next year 1978
Any songwriter would have made at least three great songs out of this.. But these guys just had infinite musical creativity so they made one 😵💫
This is one of at least 20 bangers (my view) of ABBA, out of which five come from this album. And again, there is a very nice official video to this musical masterpiece.
One of their best songs, and the official video, is so simple and so good!
The girls swapping as the lead vocals... Delicious!😍😍
Take care, Matt (& Lucca)
❤🇨🇱👍
This is the song that in one evening made me a lifelong ABBA fan. I heard it late at night in the dark listening to the radio as a teen. I was so transfixed that I waited 3 or 4 hours until they played it again. The next day I drove 60 miles to buy the album, and a week or so later I bought everything they had ever done. By far, this group made me love what pop music can do if it's taken seriously enough to do it.
Ha, I love that! Talk about dedication to seek out good music. And seriously, I'm still in the process of experiencing their material, but I'm amazed by what I've already heard. Thanks again for the comment!
I love how it happened for you....I've loved them since s.o.s.....I was lucky enough to see them in Dublin on their last ever concert in 79....I travelled to London last year to see the amazing "voyage"....
One of those rare songs where both the girls sang the lead solo in a song, Agnetha first then Frida. The electric guitar sounds real good, probably by Lasse Wellander.
Another great reaction from you! To a real masterpiece of pop! As I have mentioned earlier, this song has so many layers and different emotions! I LOVE IT!!!! Did you know, that the first artist to be allowed by ABBA to sample one of their songs, was The Fugees, who used the funky bass line on The Name of The Game on their hit Rumble in the Jungle!? The other artist who got permission to sample ABBA was Madonna, who used the synth riff on ABBA´s Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, on her monster hit Hung Up! Look forward to your next ABBA reactions! ❤
The subtle influence of soul/r&b on Abba, already seen on Dancing Queen and set to become more overt on the next album. Miles away from stuff like Tropical Loveland, sophisticated songwriting, both musically and lyrically, enhanced by the magical vocals and vocal arrangements. Amazing.
Also kudos to yor dedication 🙌🙌 really truly appreciate it ❤
A rare example in their songwriting, the director of ABBA The Movie told Björn about a scene he was writing for the film and needed a song to go with it. This was the result. It’s a woman talking to her psychiatrist! Often assumed it was just a coincidence for the lyrics/Movie scene, but revealed many years later it was written especially for it.
Yes!Thank you Gareth i wanted to say this too.Didn't know this until i recently saw a video with Bjorn,Benny and director Lassse Hallstrom talking to Carl Magnuss Palm Abba's biographer about it.
PERFECTION.
This is only 1 of 2 songs that ABBA have allowed to be sampled by other Artists. This was used in the Fugees “Rumble in the Jungle” The other song was Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight) that Madonna used on her hit “Hung Up”. I often think that this single is overlooked and forgotten even though it was a UK number 1.
It's more 'adult-themed and sound' compared to some of their other super catchy,ear candy tunes that have a more 'solid-shiny pop' accessibilty and i do get this.But ithat's the way Abba 'perfected pop music to an art form' as another fan so greatly commented recently.
I still remember when i first heard ABBA. Christmas of 1980. Been hooked ever since, and they're who sparked my love of dance music. Currently working on my 2nd remix of an ABBA song :P
Oh hell yeah, are your tracks on your channel? Also I love the middle part of your TH-cam name, Karate Kid was one of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater and really enjoying.
I post most here on YT, but not all. When you get bored feel free to give ‘em a listen! but my Soundcloud has all my remixes & originals (just search for Sweep The Leg, Johnny! there). My mixes are on mixcloud, but havent done a new mix in moooonths (too busy writing & attempting to transition into a Neurofunk/Drum & Bass Live P.A. with a friend).
An ABBA classic. Before this listen, if someone told me there were trumpets in this song, I would have said they were mad. Why did my ears only pick up on them today?! 🤭I think I was always trying to sing along and sound like the ABBA girls (no chance!! 😆) and not paying attention to the music.
Same here! After concentrating on the vocals all these years, I noticed the guitar flourish in this video...and then Matt mentioned it. And just as I heard the brass...Matt commented on that, too.
I am a lifelong fan for more than 4 decades and i still dig out new things that exist in their multi-complicated recordings.I recently heard the backing track and isolated backing vocals to 'One Man One Woman' and melted.Chills.And imagine that we were laughed and kinda bulled at school from some older ones for our supporting Abba back then.How right we were!I got the last laugh now.
@Marvin MQZ (Wayne's wife: Sorry, I forgot to write that it's me and not my husband commenting...) I am a singer, but not a musician. That's probably why I tend to focus on vocals. I do notice the arrangements, though. Even more so the older I get. It also depends on how I'm listening...working out, background music while doing other things, with headphones or without, actively studying the music, or simply laying down with eyes closed doing nothing but listening.
@Marvin MQZ (Wayne's wife:) 👍
My fav ABBA track!
The song tells the story of a woman seeing her feelings grow for her therapist. It's written when Agnetha and Björn went to see a marriage counselor and thus inspired on this. Very clever writing and ofcourse amazing music writing. One of ABBA's highlights.
Those 'too-too-too' harmonies!aaahh When Frida's and Agnetha's voices melt into one.Just Divine!
And here's that marvelous "dream sequence' video from The Movie'
Heavenly.(And I'm so jealous of that guy.)
th-cam.com/video/C8WtfkglV4s/w-d-xo.html
There are so many interesting and satisfying production elements in this song. It’s like a mini musical condensed into one song. The lyrics for this song from a very underrated BJORN is great also. Perfection from ABBA once again
PS I don’t know how much coffee or tea is in your mug, but I’m always afraid Luca is about to take a bath. lol 😂 Thanks Matt 👍
Frida’s best look
I'm a newcomer to Your reactions - and starting to like them more and more, despite their sort of "naked" framing; only the sound track, (not very HiFi either - intentionally?). But still the immense Quality of the ABBA Compositions shines through and grippes You! I'm looking forward to You reacting to ABBA Live including on Video. Please tell me that they are coming!
Well - maybe I'm a bit biased since I'm Swedish and actually saw ABBA Live 1975 in my hometown Umeå in the North of Sweden, just as they started to break internationally. Wow!
You mentioned the small elegant guitar licks - they were played by Lasse Wellander who sadly and suddenly passed away only some weeks ago at 70 Years. I knew him slightly from when he played in the blues rock group "Nature", just before joining ABBA as their main guitarist. Such a nice person and what an inventive musician lifting the already genious ABBA compositions to an even higher level - as in "Eagle", that's Lasse Wellander Soaring High and Sliding along the fretboard.
So Please - once again give us some Live Video reactions! You really deserve SEEING the ABBA energy oozing along the stage and into the audience! Those concerts always, Always bring tears to my eyes.
Hey there! Cheers for commenting. First, the sound is not lo-fi intentionally, but it's live/room audio, not direct-line audio. I'm hoping to be able to re-do my setup and perhaps get a better camera/audio combo, but for the time being, this is the format (for better or worse). But I hear you, I wish the audio quality was better.
And it's the same for video; I want to expand to videos eventually (though my plan was to go through most group's audio-catalog first), but I'm not currently equipped to react to them yet. But at some point down the line, I will hopefully do that too.
Lastly, yes, a few other ABBA fans informed me of Wellander's recent passing (and explained his significance in the process), so RIP to him, and it's a good time to celebrate ABBA and his contributions in that regard.
I'd love to hear your top 10 favourite ABBA songs at some point
Frida❤Agnehta
Hi Matt. Will you ever play the video clips to the songs. Watching the clips you get better understanding of the song. If you watch the video to the winner takes it all you will see wot I mean. Thanks. Mike.
Very contemporary and a move away from their early songs similar to when the Beatles moved from their early songs to Rubber Soul.
It's ABBA's most Beatle-esque song.