This song hit me at the best time. Here in the United States, it was a Friday in October on a glorious fall day. I was driving and in a great mood. I remember seeing it on Spotify as a release and said, 'oh wow...another new song from Abba, I have to listen to it". I wasted a full tank of gas driving through the country side replaying this song. Driving on a clear sunny day, blue skies and this heavenly song playing had to be one of the happiest afternoons for me. Peace.
I find the newest version of Just a Notion much superior to the earlier ones, its a much fuller, rounder and melodic sound. Mind you, l'd still be happy listening to them on a wind up gramophone. I treated myself to a trip to the Voyage concert last June, never to be forgotten. I stood in the arena with tears rolling down my face. I'd waited 47 years to walk where ABBA had walked. The concert was absolutely incredible, the Avatars, lighting and special effects were unbelievable. Hallowed ground indeed.
It really proves how timeless ABBA are,Benny can tweak a 45 year old song and bring it together seamlessly on a new album with new songs .VOYAGE is a classic masterpiece that will never age or date ,the music like ABBA is eternal.
Personally I think that by not making their music political about issues of the day they avoided making their music era specific to the time they were recorded. One track (lovely tho' it is) that does fix itself in time is Happy New Year because it mentions "89". Necessary for the rhyme, but having done so does fix it in time.
@@socialite1283 Björn has recently said he regrets that mention of '89. As you may know, the Spanish version, "Felicidad," doesn't mention any specific year.
@@daveandrew6864 I quite like the way it rhymed and it's easy enough to substitute most other decades into the words, and it's such a masterfully crafted track.. :)
Voyage should have included Just Like That, a song that I didn't know existed until a month ago when I found it on TH-cam. Just like that, it's sublime, rhythmic, it calms my anxiety... Those harmonies are heavenly.
Usually I don't care a lot for studio outtakes by any other act, but to listen to "ABBA Undeleted" and the whole "Thank You ..."-Box in 1994 was a very emotional experience. "Just A Notion" was always one of my favorites of "Undeleted" and I'm happy we finally got a fully fleshed out version of it. Hope one day we can say this also about "Just Like That".:)
Ok! it's like you opening again a spritual box of cherished memories or smth and everything beautiful and missed, took life and shape in front of me..I ended wet eyed.I also got absorbed by your special way of narrating.
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It's probably one of my favorite ABBA songs right now! And the CD single design is gorgeous! I owned all four of them!
I agree, the vocals near the end have to be from today. My own personal interpretation is that throughout the majority of the song, it’s the younger ABBA voices from 1978 who are singing about having a notion that we, the fans, are out there waiting for them. We will be walking up to them in a while and will be smiling and dancing through the night at the Voyage concert like back in the day. So, in a way, it’s the ABBAtars who are talking to us. They know we’ve been waiting for 40 years, dreaming about the moment we will all gather to see them perform. But then, near the end of the song, the present day ABBA voices respond that it’s really more than a notion because in a moment, our dream is about to come true. It’s an invitation to the Voyage show!
Wow, I love that perspective and personal explanation, and this is exactly what I felt from the beginning when I listened to that 3rd and final single, so close to the release of "Voyage"! They invited us indeed, those lyrics fit in perfectly to the rest of the song, yet it was such an astonishing surprise at the end. A turn in the song I didn't expect at all. Genius!
I know there were some 'fans' that were annoyed that ABBA released this as a single but I loved it, I can't imagine being a fan of ABBA and being unhappy or annoyed that they released new music after 40 years, it was quite ungrateful behaviour. I loved the new mix of the song and for ABBA it must have felt great to finally nail a mix of this song that they have tried for decades to do. I wonder if they will ever go back to Summer Night City, I remember Benny saying that they are still unhappy with the released version and quite honestly it's one of my favourite ABBA songs and I really love the long version with that melancholic intro then bang it's disco time
You can always be critical, own an opinion, even if it's not positive, if that's how you genuinely feel. But what I read from those "reviews" you are refering to, those reactions, was very disrespectful and mostly without substance. Similar reactions were shared about "Little Things". It seemed to have been one of those modern cases of forcing to have an "extreme opinion", without balance. I couldn't relate to *any* of those negative feelings, mostly ungrounded, and it was an utter shame. You got a wonderful observation in your comment here, that it must have been fulfilling for ABBA themselves. That's empathy, that's a balanced assessment of things. I always felt for ABBA and their own estimation with "Voyage" and the entire project, and I thought that they wouldn't do any of it if *they* weren't convinced. If they were, I was. That's how it always was, that's ABBA for me. *Especially* with a project they are doing for them, for us, after 40 years.
@@bobbysbrother137 it seems like we have both seen the same reviews, there were some really negative ones on Discogs too, I often wonder how much of a fan of ABBA they are because throughout ABBA’s career they always included a fun and cute song on an album. I think when the criticisms start to descend into personal attacks on ABBA and their talents then it’s clear these people can’t possibly be fans of a group that gave such long standing iconic music and I’m using iconic in the real sense and not the throwaway social media use.
@@bobbysbrother137 I am sorry if you were offended that was not the intention I love all of your videos and enjoy your knowledge of ABBA please don't feel bad again I apologise if the way I typed my response came across as negative
@@ColinsCity Even on their final album (for 40 years) they included a "fun and cute song" in the shape of "Two For The Price Of One", which is often misunderstood I feel. They actually mix into it some of those mesmerizing melancholical vibes, especially with the tone of the chorus, and the serious meaning of its lyrics. But that's just me feeling a lot of love for this song. I always have, and was surprised when I found out that it wasn't generally a big favorit.
I was so glad that they decided to re-work Just A Notion for the ‘Voyage’ album! It has now had new life breathed into it, and I really feel quite emotional every time I listen to it, with the seamless blending of 1978 and 2021 ABBA! For me the original 1994 mix was too heavily reverberated, so much so that the vocals were lost in the mix and I found it very hard to distinguish quite what the lyrics were, Björn also seems to be very forward in the original mix with Agnetha and Frida’s vocals pushed to the back. Further, I think the original mix was too dependent on synthesisers, and I understand that Benny was being taken in a new musical direction with synthesisers by this time, but the faux strings, starve the track of any kind of direction. Now in the 2021 mix, there is a wonderful mix of old boogie-woogie music, 1978 pop-synth music and 2021 electronic music with the use of e-guitar (which I love most on ‘When You Danced With Me’). It truly shows the power of ABBA’s music that they can take a song that was previously unliked by some fans and now turn it into one that will soon be considered an ABBA classic!
I could not have said it better myself - I can see this one and the other "Voyage" songs being played 40 years from now, alongside their classic catalogue!
“Just A Notion” was my most played song on Spotify for 2021. I think the uplifting feel must have been what I needed after living in the world’s most locked down city, Melbourne! Looking forward to more of these videos exploring studio outtakes revisited!
I remember when I heard the Voyage mix for the first time I couldn’t stop smiling! I listened to the song over and over again, and even now it never fails to bring a smile to my face and swing to my step❤
Yes indeed I think it’s More than a notion that these vocals are 💯 new and added to the 78 recording BB 😉🙌 Just a notion was a fantastic surprise in Voyage and I think you have summed it up perfectly 🎉❤😉
Your insights may have changed my mind about this song. I had actually deleted it from my Voyage playlist because I thought it was not particularly different from the snippet we’ve had for decades. Thank you for such careful examination and celebration!
What a new and interesting video you made, dear young friend. the album "Voyage" came to surprise the world of music, comfort the loyalty of ABBA fans and give ABBA himself his well-deserved tribute their songs have already entered history, and many of them are altering our historical ranking of ABBA songs "Just a Notion" is no exception. It's the most upbeat and catchy song on "Voyage," and it's almost as addictive as "Take a chance on me" is on "The Album." I celebrate your reconsideration and the new ending, with the new voices incorporated and I would like to be included in the new 'ABBA Voyage' concerts in my new ABBA Top songs: "Just a notion" is Top20 "I still have faith in you" is Top10 "Don't shut me down" is Top5 I see you in the next video My best regards from Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷 South America
Thank you for your celebratory comment. I always enjoy your perspectives, and I thought the connection to "Take A Chance On Me is interesting. I was also really hoping for "Just A Notion" to be included in the "Voyage" show. Not even "Take A Chance On Me" is. There, another connection, lol. I agree with your top 20, and would also add "Little Things" on my list. Looking forward to your input next time. Be blessed! Many greetings to Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America, from BB.
I like both version of Just a Notion. Like you had mentioned, yes the ladies voices has changed a bit and that's why I like both version. I love how they can still sing and how theirs voices are still beautiful and magical💃💃💃💕💕💕💕💕 ABBA's music well always be a timeless and precious gem for me and for everyone for a very long time. As for Frida's and Angetha's voices, the same thing. No one can come close to them nor be better then them💕💕💕💕 How this made sense 👌
Thank you for your nice comment. Yes, I think the new vocals of A&F at the end blend in gorgeously with the rest of the song. A masterful achievement. Even those new lyrics fit to the tone of the rest, and makes the song at the end really exciting. The timelessness of ABBA's music is proven with this track. Someone else here made this observation. It's amazing how they can take a 40-year old song and make it work as part of their new album.
Hey Bobby's Brother, Just a notion is a terrific upbeat uptempo song that is quite simple..it's ABBA all over..quite brilliant 👏 the isolation of the vocals just proves that the combo of the 2 ladies voices go together like 'strawberry 🍓 & cream 🙂 there has never been 2 voices when put together sounds sooo damn good 👍 the new backing track & altogether revamp of the song has made it a classic ABBA sound & it just proves what perfectionist Byorn & Benny are in production of there songs 🎵 😀. Excellent as always BB 👌.. 😀
It's also one of the few ABBA songs that doesn't have any melancholic undertones to it. It's pure vibrant joy from start to finish. I couldn't imagine a better choice for the single right before that album release. The isolated vocals bring goosebumps. Such a tight combination between A&F, a superb 3rd voice here. Unbelievable that they put quality stuff like this aside, but then again it seems they always had a soft spot for this outtake. Thanks for your personal feedback!
This is my first response to your site. THANK YOU for your ALWAYS outstanding, honest and refreshingly enthusiastic reviews and informational insights on ABBA!!! You seem to have the same excitement and joyous experience I always had when I would listen to a new album of theirs from the 1970s!!! I'm so appreciative of listening to someone who seems like they were there when ABBA was active!! Such a tribute to ABBA that you have that wonderful feeling for their songs, just as if you were listening to them back then!!! Keep up the great work!! Greetings from Liverpool, New York, USA!!!😊
Hej, many thanks for your very first comment here. I'm very happy you can identify with those mutual feelings. I discovered ABBA and their music in 2004, so I'm into it for almost 20 years now. The "Voyage" experience was something I never even dared to think was possible. Yet here they are, getting together one more time, showing themselves with pride, recording an *entire album* . It's my first ever experience, of course, the release of a new ABBA album, and now I really got the idea of how it must have been back in the days, in the 70s and early 80s, and how you all felt. This experience literally brings all of us generations together in heart and soul. You understand and feel the aim of my videos, and I am really grateful for that. Thank you! Best greetings to Liverpool, NY, USA, from BB.
@@bobbysbrother137 WOW!! Thanks for the thoughtful response!! Getting a response from you is as cool as getting one from Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny or Frida!!😊
Can't wait to hear your investigation and thoughts on 'I Am the City'. The production of the vocals is absolutely incredible. So many layers and effects and counterpoints going on. Real magic in the studio and endless work to produce all those vocal ticks that sound like the traffic and hum and buzz of city streets..... And a huge change of direction after all of the other songs they'd done in that part of their career which feature only one definite lead vocal and singer. Suddenly, they were back to 'The Name of the Game' shared leads territory...but with a hundred other harmony parts going on. Magic.
What you describe, those hard and complex efforts in the studio, isn't it even more amazing that they just put those gems of songs aside for so long? This was some wonderful input you gave for one of my favorite songs of ABBA's deep cuts, "I Am The City". Thank you!
I for one absolutely love "I am the city "it's pace is spot on it's pure ABBA magic it must have taken the boys an age to knit the song together the girls voices are pure brilliance. Perhaps this should have been a double A side with the visitors on the reverse. By the way Bobby's brother silly to say your own voice is beautiful thank you for being you .
@@denplummer1067 I agree with that, "I Am The City" would have been an amazing single release in 1982. Thanks for giving me feedback on my voice, it's not a silly remark, but an encouraging note that I really appreciate. Cheers, BB.
I’m glad they rediscovered this song! The vocals are really amazing. I can see why it was put on ice as I wasn’t a fan of the demo, but the reworked version with a vamped up backing track is great.
For me, the giveaway that this coda is new is in the "more" in "more than a notion". Their voices sound much more nasal, like loving grandmas singing you a lullaby before bed. Also, Agnetha's vocals in the second line of the coda ("Even more than your dream...") almost sound like a falsetto, much more softer and less intense than younger Agnetha's input. Still, the coda is my favourite thing about this song, as I always unconsciously start singing it whenever it comes up. It just sounds so wholesome and warm, once again like a grandma singing to you.
Your descriptions remind me very much of "Little Things", which also has a lyrical reference to A&F being grandmothers. I had goosebumps when I listened to that line on my 1st listening experience of "Voyage", it was and is so touching. And I completely feel your assesment regarding their new vocals on "Just A Notion", which gives it that warm and tender finale, an invitation to say "Here we are". Thanks for your very nice analysis.
@@bobbysbrother137 Yes! Personally, the coda feels so special because it feels just like a retrospective, 40 years later. You have this whole love story unravelling during the song and then, like a narrator saying "many years later", you have the protagonist thinking to herself "Yeah, it definitely was more than a notion".
Yes I totally agree with you , to me a giveaway that the end vocals are new was hearing Agnetha's vocals (Even More Than Your Dreams...) Does sound like falsetto I noticed that right away and a much softer sound, as you said . Your the first person that I heard mention that Thanks because to me that was obvious Regards from New Youk
I agree, fom the first few times I heard the song I wondered if the coda featured new vocals especially as Agnetha's high part sounded much softer and muffled compared to the rest of the song. I love the contrast between the old and new vocals :)
Absolutely love it!!! I can't stop playing it, over and over, again and again! I think this was the time it was meant for. It's spot on! I thank you for this!
It's odd because I'd heard Just a Notion ( just like every other fan ) a million times on ABBA undeleted. However when I play the VOYAGE album for anyone ( and I do ) Just a Notion is the big favorite. ❤
I remember seeing photos of the music archive when the rumoured '77 tracks were to be released in conjunction with the Wembley lp's. Ladybird was the track pictured. I guess Ludvig was going through the tapes then. I assumed the new vocals at the end of the new Just a Notion were directed at us fans about how our dream was about to come true in November 2021.
Great analysis and an interesting discussion about this song. Having heard your discussion, I've improved my rating of it, and especially if the coda does indeed comprise more contemporary vocals.
Just A Notion is the happy ABBA song from Voyage and I'm happy they used it as I love that small sample from Thank You For The Music. I love the harmonies of the girls and when they sing all together, it's bright energy. For me, it was clear from the beginning that the last vocals are from this era. This song is my friend Julie's favourite one from the album. 💕
For me, "Just A Notion" works just superb within the context of the "Voyage" album, linking side A and B together. You know my take on that. And the fact that we have all four vocals in such a grandiose blend here is beautiful. It's also one of those rare ABBA songs that doesn't have any melancholic undertones to it. It's pure joy, blissful and exciting. They certainly got the party started for me with this song, that's for sure.
Yes BB this is definitely the one with all the drive, an ubeat Masterpiece! I Love Just A Notion, it has all the great qualities and lyrics and plus, a dancing good beat. And, those Beautiful upbeat sexy harmonies of Frida and Agnetha just knock it out of the Park. My Fav of the Voyage album.👍❤️ Thanks BB for all your fantastic history and imput of ABBA's great genial works!!
The famous aha's, the magic of benny's piano work....this song is made for the dancefloor....imagine throwing this song aside back in 78....any other group would have killed for a song like this....love your work bb....Ireland 🇮🇪
Now that you mention the ahas, it got me thinking of "Voulez-Vous" (song), and..."Angeleyes" again. It's true. Just listening to those isolated, shimmering vocals of A&F, the tight combination and masterful 3rd voice here, it's unbelievable they put recordings like this aside.
I absolutely love the Voyage version over the Undeleted snippet. It is much fuller with beautiful vocal harmonies & just bounces with ‘ridiculous happiness’, to quote a famous band member. They made it fresh & blended it into the album in such a brilliant way. It always cheers me up & is their amazing gift of something old, something new. So glad they put the effort into making this song fully happen for all of us🥰
If ABBA wrote and performed it, it’s a classic! As for this particular song, I feel that it has become one of my, if not my absolute favourites by my favourite group. It’s possible that Bjorn hit the nail on the head by stating that, “it’s a ridiculously happy song”. Having it appear on the Voyage album after dealing with so many global negatives was simply to good to be true. Think I’ll give it a spin right now,actually! 😀
I will regard as two separate songs, although the 1978 version was not entirely published. I feel different listening to them: the 2021 one is like a new ABBA song and the 1978 short version always reveals its genuine beauty.
I wish that the original third voice mix had been retained for the Voyage album. I find the decision to 'lower' Frida's vocal on that track intriguing, and wonder if that had been done before. On the other hand, I would say that Frida's is the dominant voice on Voyage so perhaps it was done because of that. Anyway, it's all so, so good.
Great video. It was obvious to me the first time I listened to "Just A Notion" from Voyage that the voices at the end were recent performed. They were raspier and matched the lower register of both singers who both sound lower and more alike these days than in the past.
What a great insight. They have teased us over the years and this time, they got it right. I do believe that the current aged ABBA are on this recording as well. Although the new songs are great, Just A Notion is my favourite track on Voyage. It is just a perfect pop song and is 100% ABBA. Thank you for posting.
To think that this was originally written during the Voulez-Vous era is incredible, given the quality of the material that did make it on the album. They were really on a roll ! Personally, I think it's a highlight on the "Voyage" album. The melody, the intricate harmonies, the arrangements, the energy... Classic ABBA all the way.
I feel that the new mix is just perfect glad they went back and finished it now they could only do that with just like that all versions I have heard online the song seams while finish to me but Benny doesn't think so don't think they would have to do a lot to make it releasable if there is a follow-up to voyage I would call it voyagers and include just like that the fans really want that song officially released
..i think it's more than a notion'...my God that ending is so heavenly!Sounds like angeIs echoing from a nearby paradise or something.I put that on repeat.Should have been left twice in the song.I wonder if it's a new recording or not cause in the '94 box set we only got a small sample of JAN,so we can never be sure unless one of the members tells us.
Well, maybe I'll say some useless things... there's no reason to prefer one or another version, as I love both so much. But surely, your very good explaination to the story of this "outtake" is great and so cool, and - the truth! - make me continue to love both the versions of "Just a Notion". Thank you very very very much!
That tribute band, "Arrival".............I saw them live a few years back, at the VMA in Providence, Rhode Island. The house was packed, and they played a great show. The first song to open their show.............they played "Bara Du Slog En Signal". 👍😉
The moment I heard the original JAN on the CD box set I immediately thought "sister to Angel Eyes". I disliked the 50s "Duanne Eddy" sound and I think it was dumped because it sounded dated. 2021 version sounded fresher but still somewhat out of place on Voyage. The vocal from 78 differed to 2021 in that Agnetha was pushed up, the 78 version is more 50/50. On hearing yes 1st play of the new version I said immediately that the end lyrics were new and I still think that. Link to my 1st listen here: th-cam.com/video/_-1P7Cfvhn0/w-d-xo.html
ABBA are their own biggest critics, and honestly, I had a bit of a hard time with this song at first, maybe for some of the reasons they themselves had shelved it for such a very long time. I totally agree that 'Angel Eyes' was the one to go with in the '70's what a song that is! Now, when I hear 'Just A Notion' it really lifts me, but had taken awhile for the honky tonk sound and high pitch vocals to grow on me, now it's gold!
With much respect to ABBA, I am a sentimentalist at heart, and I prefer the older version (1978). I grew up with ABBA, during all of my adolescent years, which were their glorious "hey-day".
"Just a Notion" is not one of my favorite songs on "Voyage." That said, I love the new "Voyage" album. Abba remains highly successful here in terms of the character and quality of their music.
I feel that there is one other "clue" about the mix of pre-existing and new vocals on JaN whic comes on the album from the previous song on the Voyage album. I've always that Don't Shut Me Down foreshadows this song on the album when Agnetha and Frida sing in unison "I'm now, and then combined" - this they certainly are in JaN!
What a great review of the workings on the remix of this track, it’s one I love with its honky tonk feel though as others have mentioned here, I wish the same treatment was given to Just Like That, the holy grail of unreleased tracks. It’s in my top 5. Abba released ‘You Owe Me One’ ‘Crazy World’ ‘Should I Laugh Or Cry’ which didn’t quite work for them but released. As the day of single b-sides has gone, having Just Like That even as a b-side has gone. I have a 4.50 full saxophone version so it’s a completed track. I hope Benny & Bjorn will release it for the fans in the future, also considering Agnetha once commented it was one of her favourites & hoped it will be released. Thanks for a great insight video BB, look forward to the next one..
Agnetha really gave her blessing for "Just Like That", so it's a shame we can't "officially" listen to what is one of her favorite songs. Thanks for your kind comment and feedback. Looking forward to your input next time!
@@bobbysbrother137 Thanks BB. Do you have anymore insight into this unreleased track? Would love your thoughts. Apologies if you’ve previously dealt with it & I’ve missed it. Greetings from Australia.
@@clay9185 No worries, thanks for asking. I haven't really talked about "Just Like That" yet, so you didn't miss anything. But I hope we'll get to it. Greetings to Australia! BB.
Great video! I love what they did with the backing track of the new version - the only thing I didn't like is that Frida's vocals became somewhat less prominent in the mix (the 3rd voice was more present on the original, in the new version Agnetha's voice is loudee). The coda definitely sounds like new vocals, I actually wondered that after listening to the new song a few time (the give away for me was that Agnethas's high vocals are softer/more muffled compared to the rest of the song). I love the mix of old and new!
One unreleased and unfinished opus known as Hamlet or Autumn Leaves is one I'd like to see finished. The tune did get worked into a folk Lottis Schottish. I doubt it'll ever be done.
My wife and I are travelling from Australia to London next August and have tickets to Voyage. My most heartfelt hope is that 'Just a Notion' will be part of the show. I don't think it is in the program at this point.
🖐🏻 another fascinating analysis, thanks Bobby's B. The new version is definitely my favourite, the vocals (both old and new) shimmer infectiously and are underpinned by a pleasant driving boogie woogie accompaniment.
I completely agree that the coda is new. Another give-away is that Frida's 's' now occasionally has more of a 'sh' sound to it, and it's very prevalent on the "is" of 'In a moment the dream is about to come true." Which I think proves that those lines can't be from 1978. I also seem to remember Benny & Björn saying that one of the reasons they couldn't mix it to their satisfaction back in 1978 was because the song's structure: they couldn't come up with an ending - it just went round in a loop. So the coda has finally provided a way of solving that problem.
Was Charlie from the ABBA magazine? I remember him mentioning it in the ABBA mag after he'd had a trip to meet ABBA. Frank Purcell was there also. And Agnetha started singing Paris in the Springtime. Agnetha and Frida then went out for a meal with Charley (???). And said when the girls eat, they really eat. I'm going back using my memory as every single ABBA mag is sealed away to keep them safe
I was listening from the beginning... almost everything from the early days were and are awesome... like most people I thought some of their song material from those days was better than others. The quality of their vocals however has always been some of the best of all time... Imho The Seekers" was the only other group that mixed both high and low talent as well... Sadly, Judith passed on very recently...
I prefer the original 1978 version. I love the twangy guitar in it and the magical mixing skill of Michael Tretow in it. I really hope they release it in full one day. I was disappointed in the new 'dansband' treatment it got on the Voyage album.
Я просила Бенни и Бьорна сделать то же самое с песней Just like that, и вот в новом альбоме появится эта песня!Just a notion песня , которая и есть сама АББА, АББА -жаю ( обожаю).Скучаю по той Аббе.
This song is amazing then and now! I really do not think it is about the vocals but about the song itself and what it gives to the listener. I ha efou d this sou done of my go too songs when I need a pick me up!
Thank you for analyzing here and all other songs in your Series. I agree with you that this is much better version than the original. Maybe also at that time 1978, they just finished before it was ready. Someone has done a remix of the original version, the whole song th-cam.com/video/0nZe0OoLgOg/w-d-xo.html. With the ending that we hear in Undeleted. I am quite sure that it's the voices of Agnetha and Frida of today in the ending. First, it's another ending than what is done in the original - other tunes. Than there is a change of the voices, somewhat deeper - as you say about Frida. But also Agnethas high tunes have not that "sharpness" than in the original version - and during rest of the song. In I still have faith in you, she sings very high, just a note under the highest part of Just a Notion. I am sure that she could manage that even now at high age. Then - I am also curious, the backing chorus during the whole song, is more rich than the original. It wouldn't surprise me if they also make this chorus at this new recording, as it is much more rich through the whole way. A question that is open, maybe can be analyzed by listening to the separate channels, that I cannot. Maybe one day we know for sure..... :)
If there's one flaw Benny and Bjorn have it's not realizing the songs they write are for us, the fans, not themselves. we don't care about the little flaws they may have nor would we even notice. We just crave them. They have scrapped so many wonderful gems over the years and could easily have made 2 more wonderful albums plus added one or 2 songs on each of their other albums. So many artists best songs can't even touch many of the songs that ABBA scrapped.
This video is sort of a tease to buy their new album which I'm sure is great. Benny is a master at arranging songs, so I feel no reason to overanalyze it. Nice to see they still get together to make music.
When you listen to Benny's interviews, he always makes it clear that he thinks in terms of finished recordings rather than songs. This is incidentally why I'm not really supportive of people's attempts to digitally separate and remix Dancing Queen etc. to make it "sound better". It sounds exactly how they wanted it to sound, and they spent much effort in achieving just that. As for Just A Notion and the whole album really, I have no doubt that they made full use of the technology available today and may e.g. have pitch shifted some high background parts that Agnetha can no longer comfortably do. I do not have the least problem with that.
Yes, me too. It would benefit from some visualization, as many of "Voyage"'s songs would ("Bumblebee"!). I also wish it was included in the "Voyage" concert.
As far as comparing versions, I actually like certain elements of the earlier version better. The guitar sounds silly in the new version, for example, whereas the older version sounded a bit more rock n' roll. I also like the simple beginning of the old version, though it certainly sounded unfinished. I also like the mix of the old harmonies better.
I prefer the original mix of the voices, with more of an even blend of vocals with Agnetha and Frida. For me, personally, they pushed Agnetha’s vocal too much on the Voyage version, to where the famous ‘third voice’ isn’t present. However, I do think they did the same, but with Frida’s vocal as the prominent voice, for Little Things. Perhaps they were just trying to experiment with the classic ABBA sound?
This song hit me at the best time. Here in the United States, it was a Friday in October on a glorious fall day. I was driving and in a great mood. I remember seeing it on Spotify as a release and said, 'oh wow...another new song from Abba, I have to listen to it". I wasted a full tank of gas driving through the country side replaying this song. Driving on a clear sunny day, blue skies and this heavenly song playing had to be one of the happiest afternoons for me. Peace.
I had a similar reaction in Toronto....I played it at least 5 times in a row.
I find the newest version of Just a Notion much superior to the earlier ones, its a much fuller, rounder and melodic sound. Mind you, l'd still be happy listening to them on a wind up gramophone. I treated myself to a trip to the Voyage concert last June, never to be forgotten. I stood in the arena with tears rolling down my face. I'd waited 47 years to walk where ABBA had walked. The concert was absolutely incredible, the Avatars, lighting and special effects were
unbelievable.
Hallowed ground indeed.
It really proves how timeless ABBA are,Benny can tweak a 45 year old song and bring it together seamlessly on a new album with new songs .VOYAGE is a classic masterpiece that will never age or date ,the music like ABBA is eternal.
Personally I think that by not making their music political about issues of the day they avoided making their music era specific to the time they were recorded. One track (lovely tho' it is) that does fix itself in time is Happy New Year because it mentions "89". Necessary for the rhyme, but having done so does fix it in time.
@@socialite1283 ahhh but in 57 years time in 2080 Happy New Year will be timely and relevant once again ,see a timeless song from ABBA.
@@michaelsnaidero1671 Perhaps as timeless as Gilbert and Sullivan is today.
@@socialite1283 Björn has recently said he regrets that mention of '89. As you may know, the Spanish version, "Felicidad," doesn't mention any specific year.
@@daveandrew6864 I quite like the way it rhymed and it's easy enough to substitute most other decades into the words, and it's such a masterfully crafted track.. :)
Voyage should have included Just Like That, a song that I didn't know existed until a month ago when I found it on TH-cam. Just like that, it's sublime, rhythmic, it calms my anxiety... Those harmonies are heavenly.
Usually I don't care a lot for studio outtakes by any other act, but to listen to "ABBA Undeleted" and the whole "Thank You ..."-Box in 1994 was a very emotional experience. "Just A Notion" was always one of my favorites of "Undeleted" and I'm happy we finally got a fully fleshed out version of it. Hope one day we can say this also about "Just Like That".:)
Just like that is a great song. Please get that one out
Love JLT. But I gather we have to settle for the bootleg
Benny and Bjourn simply don't know how to write a bad tune.
Ok! it's like you opening again a spritual box of cherished memories or smth and everything beautiful and missed, took life and shape in front of me..I ended wet eyed.I also got absorbed by your special way of narrating.
It's probably one of my favorite ABBA songs right now! And the CD single design is gorgeous! I owned all four of them!
BOBBY QUESTA E UNA DELLE CANZONI che preferisco le due voci favolose e mi da gioia ascoltarla. Grazie
I agree, the vocals near the end have to be from today. My own personal interpretation is that throughout the majority of the song, it’s the younger ABBA voices from 1978 who are singing about having a notion that we, the fans, are out there waiting for them. We will be walking up to them in a while and will be smiling and dancing through the night at the Voyage concert like back in the day. So, in a way, it’s the ABBAtars who are talking to us. They know we’ve been waiting for 40 years, dreaming about the moment we will all gather to see them perform. But then, near the end of the song, the present day ABBA voices respond that it’s really more than a notion because in a moment, our dream is about to come true. It’s an invitation to the Voyage show!
Wow, I love that perspective and personal explanation, and this is exactly what I felt from the beginning when I listened to that 3rd and final single, so close to the release of "Voyage"! They invited us indeed, those lyrics fit in perfectly to the rest of the song, yet it was such an astonishing surprise at the end. A turn in the song I didn't expect at all. Genius!
I know there were some 'fans' that were annoyed that ABBA released this as a single but I loved it, I can't imagine being a fan of ABBA and being unhappy or annoyed that they released new music after 40 years, it was quite ungrateful behaviour. I loved the new mix of the song and for ABBA it must have felt great to finally nail a mix of this song that they have tried for decades to do. I wonder if they will ever go back to Summer Night City, I remember Benny saying that they are still unhappy with the released version and quite honestly it's one of my favourite ABBA songs and I really love the long version with that melancholic intro then bang it's disco time
'Just A Notion' is my favourite song from the Voyage album and I am delighted it finally got released in full it also fits perfectly on Voulez Vous.
You can always be critical, own an opinion, even if it's not positive, if that's how you genuinely feel. But what I read from those "reviews" you are refering to, those reactions, was very disrespectful and mostly without substance. Similar reactions were shared about "Little Things". It seemed to have been one of those modern cases of forcing to have an "extreme opinion", without balance. I couldn't relate to *any* of those negative feelings, mostly ungrounded, and it was an utter shame. You got a wonderful observation in your comment here, that it must have been fulfilling for ABBA themselves. That's empathy, that's a balanced assessment of things. I always felt for ABBA and their own estimation with "Voyage" and the entire project, and I thought that they wouldn't do any of it if *they* weren't convinced. If they were, I was. That's how it always was, that's ABBA for me. *Especially* with a project they are doing for them, for us, after 40 years.
@@bobbysbrother137 it seems like we have both seen the same reviews, there were some really negative ones on Discogs too, I often wonder how much of a fan of ABBA they are because throughout ABBA’s career they always included a fun and cute song on an album. I think when the criticisms start to descend into personal attacks on ABBA and their talents then it’s clear these people can’t possibly be fans of a group that gave such long standing iconic music and I’m using iconic in the real sense and not the throwaway social media use.
@@bobbysbrother137 I am sorry if you were offended that was not the intention I love all of your videos and enjoy your knowledge of ABBA please don't feel bad again I apologise if the way I typed my response came across as negative
@@ColinsCity Even on their final album (for 40 years) they included a "fun and cute song" in the shape of "Two For The Price Of One", which is often misunderstood I feel. They actually mix into it some of those mesmerizing melancholical vibes, especially with the tone of the chorus, and the serious meaning of its lyrics. But that's just me feeling a lot of love for this song. I always have, and was surprised when I found out that it wasn't generally a big favorit.
I was so glad that they decided to re-work Just A Notion for the ‘Voyage’ album! It has now had new life breathed into it, and I really feel quite emotional every time I listen to it, with the seamless blending of 1978 and 2021 ABBA! For me the original 1994 mix was too heavily reverberated, so much so that the vocals were lost in the mix and I found it very hard to distinguish quite what the lyrics were, Björn also seems to be very forward in the original mix with Agnetha and Frida’s vocals pushed to the back. Further, I think the original mix was too dependent on synthesisers, and I understand that Benny was being taken in a new musical direction with synthesisers by this time, but the faux strings, starve the track of any kind of direction. Now in the 2021 mix, there is a wonderful mix of old boogie-woogie music, 1978 pop-synth music and 2021 electronic music with the use of e-guitar (which I love most on ‘When You Danced With Me’). It truly shows the power of ABBA’s music that they can take a song that was previously unliked by some fans and now turn it into one that will soon be considered an ABBA classic!
I could not have said it better myself - I can see this one and the other "Voyage" songs being played 40 years from now, alongside their classic catalogue!
YOU MADE ME TEAR UP 😢 BUT ITS GORGEOUS STUNNING THANK YOU XXX
Thank you Booby's Brother another great video!
“Just A Notion” was my most played song on Spotify for 2021. I think the uplifting feel must have been what I needed after living in the world’s most locked down city, Melbourne! Looking forward to more of these videos exploring studio outtakes revisited!
I remember when I heard the Voyage mix for the first time I couldn’t stop smiling! I listened to the song over and over again, and even now it never fails to bring a smile to my face and swing to my step❤
Yes indeed I think it’s More than a notion that these vocals are 💯 new and added to the 78 recording BB 😉🙌 Just a notion was a fantastic surprise in Voyage and I think you have summed it up perfectly 🎉❤😉
Your insights may have changed my mind about this song. I had actually deleted it from my Voyage playlist because I thought it was not particularly different from the snippet we’ve had for decades. Thank you for such careful examination and celebration!
What a new and interesting video you made, dear young friend.
the album "Voyage" came to surprise the world of music, comfort the loyalty of ABBA fans and give ABBA himself his well-deserved tribute
their songs have already entered history, and many of them are altering our historical ranking of ABBA songs
"Just a Notion" is no exception. It's the most upbeat and catchy song on "Voyage," and it's almost as addictive as "Take a chance on me" is on "The Album."
I celebrate your reconsideration and the new ending, with the new voices incorporated
and I would like to be included in the new 'ABBA Voyage' concerts
in my new ABBA Top songs:
"Just a notion" is Top20
"I still have faith in you" is Top10
"Don't shut me down" is Top5
I see you in the next video
My best regards from
Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷
South America
Thank you for your celebratory comment. I always enjoy your perspectives, and I thought the connection to "Take A Chance On Me is interesting. I was also really hoping for "Just A Notion" to be included in the "Voyage" show. Not even "Take A Chance On Me" is. There, another connection, lol. I agree with your top 20, and would also add "Little Things" on my list. Looking forward to your input next time. Be blessed! Many greetings to Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America, from BB.
I like both version of Just a Notion. Like you had mentioned, yes the ladies voices has changed a bit and that's why I like both version. I love how they can still sing and how theirs voices are still beautiful and magical💃💃💃💕💕💕💕💕 ABBA's music well always be a timeless and precious gem for me and for everyone for a very long time. As for Frida's and Angetha's voices, the same thing. No one can come close to them nor be better then them💕💕💕💕 How this made sense 👌
Thank you for your nice comment. Yes, I think the new vocals of A&F at the end blend in gorgeously with the rest of the song. A masterful achievement. Even those new lyrics fit to the tone of the rest, and makes the song at the end really exciting. The timelessness of ABBA's music is proven with this track. Someone else here made this observation. It's amazing how they can take a 40-year old song and make it work as part of their new album.
Hey Bobby's Brother, Just a notion is a terrific upbeat uptempo song that is quite simple..it's ABBA all over..quite brilliant 👏 the isolation of the vocals just proves that the combo of the 2 ladies voices go together like 'strawberry 🍓 & cream 🙂 there has never been 2 voices when put together sounds sooo damn good 👍 the new backing track & altogether revamp of the song has made it a classic ABBA sound & it just proves what perfectionist Byorn & Benny are in production of there songs 🎵 😀. Excellent as always BB 👌.. 😀
It's also one of the few ABBA songs that doesn't have any melancholic undertones to it. It's pure vibrant joy from start to finish. I couldn't imagine a better choice for the single right before that album release. The isolated vocals bring goosebumps. Such a tight combination between A&F, a superb 3rd voice here. Unbelievable that they put quality stuff like this aside, but then again it seems they always had a soft spot for this outtake. Thanks for your personal feedback!
This is my first response to your site. THANK YOU for your ALWAYS outstanding, honest and refreshingly enthusiastic reviews and informational insights on ABBA!!! You seem to have the same excitement and joyous experience I always had when I would listen to a new album of theirs from the 1970s!!! I'm so appreciative of listening to someone who seems like they were there when ABBA was active!! Such a tribute to ABBA that you have that wonderful feeling for their songs, just as if you were listening to them back then!!! Keep up the great work!! Greetings from Liverpool, New York, USA!!!😊
Hej, many thanks for your very first comment here. I'm very happy you can identify with those mutual feelings. I discovered ABBA and their music in 2004, so I'm into it for almost 20 years now. The "Voyage" experience was something I never even dared to think was possible. Yet here they are, getting together one more time, showing themselves with pride, recording an *entire album* . It's my first ever experience, of course, the release of a new ABBA album, and now I really got the idea of how it must have been back in the days, in the 70s and early 80s, and how you all felt. This experience literally brings all of us generations together in heart and soul. You understand and feel the aim of my videos, and I am really grateful for that. Thank you! Best greetings to Liverpool, NY, USA, from BB.
@@bobbysbrother137 WOW!! Thanks for the thoughtful response!! Getting a response from you is as cool as getting one from Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny or Frida!!😊
@@jimhoppe8317 lol, you saying that is as cool. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts in upcoming videos. Cheers!
I love how rapidly this channel is growing! Congratulations!
Can't wait to hear your investigation and thoughts on 'I Am the City'. The production of the vocals is absolutely incredible. So many layers and effects and counterpoints going on. Real magic in the studio and endless work to produce all those vocal ticks that sound like the traffic and hum and buzz of city streets..... And a huge change of direction after all of the other songs they'd done in that part of their career which feature only one definite lead vocal and singer. Suddenly, they were back to 'The Name of the Game' shared leads territory...but with a hundred other harmony parts going on. Magic.
What you describe, those hard and complex efforts in the studio, isn't it even more amazing that they just put those gems of songs aside for so long? This was some wonderful input you gave for one of my favorite songs of ABBA's deep cuts, "I Am The City". Thank you!
I for one absolutely love "I am the city "it's pace is spot on it's pure ABBA magic it must have taken the boys an age to knit the song together the girls voices are pure brilliance. Perhaps this should have been a double A side with the visitors on the reverse. By the way Bobby's brother silly to say your own voice is beautiful thank you for being you .
@@denplummer1067 I agree with that, "I Am The City" would have been an amazing single release in 1982. Thanks for giving me feedback on my voice, it's not a silly remark, but an encouraging note that I really appreciate. Cheers, BB.
This is one of my favorite songs from voyage. I love just a notion it is so catchy and such a classic
Thanks a lot for this extraordinary document.
Another excellent report! Gets me teary eyed. And you are quite clever at your photography skills in blending at 4:20 I caught that! 😀
Their new version is truly magnificent! Oh, how I love these people!
I’m glad they rediscovered this song! The vocals are really amazing. I can see why it was put on ice as I wasn’t a fan of the demo, but the reworked version with a vamped up backing track is great.
For me, the giveaway that this coda is new is in the "more" in "more than a notion". Their voices sound much more nasal, like loving grandmas singing you a lullaby before bed.
Also, Agnetha's vocals in the second line of the coda ("Even more than your dream...") almost sound like a falsetto, much more softer and less intense than younger Agnetha's input.
Still, the coda is my favourite thing about this song, as I always unconsciously start singing it whenever it comes up. It just sounds so wholesome and warm, once again like a grandma singing to you.
Your descriptions remind me very much of "Little Things", which also has a lyrical reference to A&F being grandmothers. I had goosebumps when I listened to that line on my 1st listening experience of "Voyage", it was and is so touching. And I completely feel your assesment regarding their new vocals on "Just A Notion", which gives it that warm and tender finale, an invitation to say "Here we are". Thanks for your very nice analysis.
@@bobbysbrother137
Yes!
Personally, the coda feels so special because it feels just like a retrospective, 40 years later.
You have this whole love story unravelling during the song and then, like a narrator saying "many years later", you have the protagonist thinking to herself "Yeah, it definitely was more than a notion".
@@LudiusQuassas I love this!
Yes I totally agree with you , to me a giveaway that the end vocals are new was hearing Agnetha's vocals (Even More Than Your Dreams...) Does sound like falsetto I noticed that right away and a much softer sound, as you said . Your the first person that I heard mention that Thanks because to me that was obvious Regards from New Youk
I agree, fom the first few times I heard the song I wondered if the coda featured new vocals especially as Agnetha's high part sounded much softer and muffled compared to the rest of the song.
I love the contrast between the old and new vocals :)
Absolutely love it!!! I can't stop playing it, over and over, again and again! I think this was the time it was meant for. It's spot on! I thank you for this!
It's odd because I'd heard Just a Notion ( just like every other fan ) a million times on ABBA undeleted. However when I play the VOYAGE album for anyone
( and I do )
Just a Notion is the big favorite.
❤
Love love love it and them!
I LOVE this song so much! What a banger! It fills me with so much joy and hope!
I remember seeing photos of the music archive when the rumoured '77 tracks were to be released in conjunction with the Wembley lp's. Ladybird was the track pictured. I guess Ludvig was going through the tapes then. I assumed the new vocals at the end of the new Just a Notion were directed at us fans about how our dream was about to come true in November 2021.
Great analysis and an interesting discussion about this song. Having heard your discussion, I've improved my rating of it, and especially if the coda does indeed comprise more contemporary vocals.
Thanks for your appreciation. I'm happy my take on the song somewhat improved your own rating!
Just A Notion is the happy ABBA song from Voyage and I'm happy they used it as I love that small sample from Thank You For The Music. I love the harmonies of the girls and when they sing all together, it's bright energy.
For me, it was clear from the beginning that the last vocals are from this era. This song is my friend Julie's favourite one from the album. 💕
For me, "Just A Notion" works just superb within the context of the "Voyage" album, linking side A and B together. You know my take on that. And the fact that we have all four vocals in such a grandiose blend here is beautiful. It's also one of those rare ABBA songs that doesn't have any melancholic undertones to it. It's pure joy, blissful and exciting. They certainly got the party started for me with this song, that's for sure.
Thank you Bobby´s Brother for your great job,very interesting video ( as usual )👍
Yes BB this is definitely the one with all the drive, an ubeat Masterpiece! I Love Just A Notion, it has all the great qualities and lyrics and plus, a dancing good beat. And, those Beautiful upbeat sexy harmonies of Frida and Agnetha just knock it out of the Park.
My Fav of the Voyage album.👍❤️
Thanks BB for all your fantastic history and imput of ABBA's great genial works!!
Wow those isolated vocals are third voice to the max!
The famous aha's, the magic of benny's piano work....this song is made for the dancefloor....imagine throwing this song aside back in 78....any other group would have killed for a song like this....love your work bb....Ireland 🇮🇪
Now that you mention the ahas, it got me thinking of "Voulez-Vous" (song), and..."Angeleyes" again. It's true. Just listening to those isolated, shimmering vocals of A&F, the tight combination and masterful 3rd voice here, it's unbelievable they put recordings like this aside.
@@bobbysbrother137 I'm tempted to,one day when I've got time to count the number of ABBA songs with aha in them🤭....there's quite a lot....
@@frankly-he1kf Save your effort, and look on TH-cam for "ABBA songs with Aha" from a great channel called BeckyFan456. There you go!
I absolutely love the Voyage version over the Undeleted snippet. It is much fuller with beautiful vocal harmonies & just bounces with ‘ridiculous happiness’, to quote a famous band member. They made it fresh & blended it into the album in such a brilliant way. It always cheers me up & is their amazing gift of something old, something new. So glad they put the effort into making this song fully happen for all of us🥰
Both Agnetha and Frida recorded a new line at the end. Both voices are sounding different than the rest of the recording
If ABBA wrote and performed it, it’s a classic! As for this particular song, I feel that it has become one of my, if not my absolute favourites by my favourite group. It’s possible that Bjorn hit the nail on the head by stating that, “it’s a ridiculously happy song”. Having it appear on the Voyage album after dealing with so many global negatives was simply to good to be true. Think I’ll give it a spin right now,actually! 😀
I will regard as two separate songs, although the 1978 version was not entirely published. I feel different listening to them: the 2021 one is like a new ABBA song and the 1978 short version always reveals its genuine beauty.
Thank you....I really enjoy learning what went on to make the songs.....
I wish that the original third voice mix had been retained for the Voyage album. I find the decision to 'lower' Frida's vocal on that track intriguing, and wonder if that had been done before. On the other hand, I would say that Frida's is the dominant voice on Voyage so perhaps it was done because of that. Anyway, it's all so, so good.
Frida had true beauty
Love "Just a notion". One of my favourite ABBA songs.
excellent video like all your work
I looooooooooooove this song new version !!!
Great video. It was obvious to me the first time I listened to "Just A Notion" from Voyage that the voices at the end were recent performed. They were raspier and matched the lower register of both singers who both sound lower and more alike these days than in the past.
such a fascinating video, so happy i found your channel!!!
What a great insight. They have teased us over the years and this time, they got it right. I do believe that the current aged ABBA are on this recording as well. Although the new songs are great, Just A Notion is my favourite track on Voyage. It is just a perfect pop song and is 100% ABBA. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for your nice comment. Lovely to read your appreciative opinion on "Just A Notion" and its inclusion on "Voyage".
My favourite track from the album 😍
Nice to read such positive feedback for this song. You're not the only one naming it as a big or *the* big favourite from the album!
*******ABBA ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
FROM THE START********
To think that this was originally written during the Voulez-Vous era is incredible, given the quality of the material that did make it on the album. They were really on a roll ! Personally, I think it's a highlight on the "Voyage" album. The melody, the intricate harmonies, the arrangements, the energy... Classic ABBA all the way.
It has become my favorite ABBA song!
I feel that the new mix is just perfect glad they went back and finished it now they could only do that with just like that all versions I have heard online the song seams while finish to me but Benny doesn't think so don't think they would have to do a lot to make it releasable if there is a follow-up to voyage I would call it voyagers and include just like that the fans really want that song officially released
The 1994 version of "Just Like That" is amazing and I desperately hope we get to hear the full song someday! Oh, why did Benny throw it away!
..i think it's more than a notion'...my God that ending is so heavenly!Sounds like angeIs echoing from a nearby paradise or something.I put that on repeat.Should have been left twice in the song.I wonder if it's a new recording or not cause in the '94 box set we only got a small sample of JAN,so we can never be sure unless one of the members tells us.
Love them both.
Well, maybe I'll say some useless things... there's no reason to prefer one or another version, as I love both so much. But surely, your very good explaination to the story of this "outtake" is great and so cool, and - the truth! - make me continue to love both the versions of "Just a Notion". Thank you very very very much!
More great work by Bobby's Brother.
Many thanks! I'm glad you appreciate it.
That tribute band, "Arrival".............I saw them live a few years back, at the VMA in Providence, Rhode Island. The house was packed, and they played a great show. The first song to open their show.............they played "Bara Du Slog En Signal". 👍😉
The moment I heard the original JAN on the CD box set I immediately thought "sister to Angel Eyes". I disliked the 50s "Duanne Eddy" sound and I think it was dumped because it sounded dated. 2021 version sounded fresher but still somewhat out of place on Voyage. The vocal from 78 differed to 2021 in that Agnetha was pushed up, the 78 version is more 50/50. On hearing yes 1st play of the new version I said immediately that the end lyrics were new and I still think that. Link to my 1st listen here: th-cam.com/video/_-1P7Cfvhn0/w-d-xo.html
ABBA are their own biggest critics, and honestly, I had a bit of a hard time with this song at first, maybe for some of the reasons they themselves had shelved it for such a very long time. I totally agree that 'Angel Eyes' was the one to go with in the '70's what a song that is! Now, when I hear 'Just A Notion' it really lifts me, but had taken awhile for the honky tonk sound and high pitch vocals to grow on me, now it's gold!
♥️♥️♥️ A ♥️ The 🌹Greats 👑ABBA 👑 LEGENDS 👑♥️♥️♥️
♥️♥️♥️ Bobby ♥️ 🙏 for your presentation ♥️♥️♥️
With much respect to ABBA, I am a sentimentalist at heart, and I prefer the older version (1978). I grew up with ABBA, during all of my adolescent years, which were their glorious "hey-day".
"Just a Notion" is not one of my favorite songs on "Voyage." That said, I love the new "Voyage" album. Abba remains highly successful here in terms of the character and quality of their music.
I feel that there is one other "clue" about the mix of pre-existing and new vocals on JaN whic comes on the album from the previous song on the Voyage album. I've always that Don't Shut Me Down foreshadows this song on the album when Agnetha and Frida sing in unison "I'm now, and then combined" - this they certainly are in JaN!
What a great review of the workings on the remix of this track, it’s one I love with its honky tonk feel though as others have mentioned here, I wish the same treatment was given to Just Like That, the holy grail of unreleased tracks. It’s in my top 5. Abba released ‘You Owe Me One’ ‘Crazy World’ ‘Should I Laugh Or Cry’ which didn’t quite work for them but released. As the day of single b-sides has gone, having Just Like That even as a b-side has gone. I have a 4.50 full saxophone version so it’s a completed track. I hope Benny & Bjorn will release it for the fans in the future, also considering Agnetha once commented it was one of her favourites & hoped it will be released. Thanks for a great insight video BB, look forward to the next one..
Agnetha really gave her blessing for "Just Like That", so it's a shame we can't "officially" listen to what is one of her favorite songs. Thanks for your kind comment and feedback. Looking forward to your input next time!
@@bobbysbrother137 Thanks BB. Do you have anymore insight into this unreleased track? Would love your thoughts. Apologies if you’ve previously dealt with it & I’ve missed it. Greetings from Australia.
@@clay9185 No worries, thanks for asking. I haven't really talked about "Just Like That" yet, so you didn't miss anything. But I hope we'll get to it. Greetings to Australia! BB.
its one of my top 10 fav songs of abbas
Great video!
I love what they did with the backing track of the new version - the only thing I didn't like is that Frida's vocals became somewhat less prominent in the mix (the 3rd voice was more present on the original, in the new version Agnetha's voice is loudee).
The coda definitely sounds like new vocals, I actually wondered that after listening to the new song a few time (the give away for me was that Agnethas's high vocals are softer/more muffled compared to the rest of the song). I love the mix of old and new!
Wow the fact that they sang part of just a notion recently made me cry
Definitely a pick you up song. I love it.
One unreleased and unfinished opus known as Hamlet or Autumn Leaves is one I'd like to see finished. The tune did get worked into a folk Lottis Schottish. I doubt it'll ever be done.
Just like that... Great song.
My wife and I are travelling from Australia to London next August and have tickets to Voyage. My most heartfelt hope is that 'Just a Notion' will be part of the show. I don't think it is in the program at this point.
There's plenty to immerse yourself into with "Voyage". Let us know in a follow-up what you thought of it!
This song was playing at the supermarket today and it sounds brilliant on big speakers
I now want to hear a finished version of hamlet 3
🖐🏻 another fascinating analysis, thanks Bobby's B. The new version is definitely my favourite, the vocals (both old and new) shimmer infectiously and are underpinned by a pleasant driving boogie woogie accompaniment.
Beautifully said!
I completely agree that the coda is new. Another give-away is that Frida's 's' now occasionally has more of a 'sh' sound to it, and it's very prevalent on the "is" of 'In a moment the dream is about to come true." Which I think proves that those lines can't be from 1978.
I also seem to remember Benny & Björn saying that one of the reasons they couldn't mix it to their satisfaction back in 1978 was because the song's structure: they couldn't come up with an ending - it just went round in a loop. So the coda has finally provided a way of solving that problem.
I love this song, because it reminds me of their glamourus songs after "Waterloo". 🙃 ABBA will always be the best Pop-Band of all times. ❤
Will you ever do a video about put on your white sombrero which I find great
ABBA GOOD!!!
Was Charlie from the ABBA magazine? I remember him mentioning it in the ABBA mag after he'd had a trip to meet ABBA. Frank Purcell was there also. And Agnetha started singing Paris in the Springtime. Agnetha and Frida then went out for a meal with Charley (???). And said when the girls eat, they really eat.
I'm going back using my memory as every single ABBA mag is sealed away to keep them safe
Gänsehaut!!!!🥰☺️
I was listening from the beginning... almost everything from the early days were and are awesome... like most people I thought some of their song material from those days was better than others. The quality of their vocals however has always been some of the best of all time... Imho The Seekers" was the only other group that mixed both high and low talent as well... Sadly, Judith passed on very recently...
I prefer the original 1978 version. I love the twangy guitar in it and the magical mixing skill of Michael Tretow in it. I really hope they release it in full one day. I was disappointed in the new 'dansband' treatment it got on the Voyage album.
Я просила Бенни и Бьорна сделать то же самое с песней Just like that, и вот в новом альбоме появится эта песня!Just a notion песня , которая и есть сама АББА, АББА -жаю ( обожаю).Скучаю по той Аббе.
This song is amazing then and now! I really do not think it is about the vocals but about the song itself and what it gives to the listener. I ha efou d this sou done of my go too songs when I need a pick me up!
Ich finde beide Aufnahmen sehr gelungen. Sowas schaffen nur Agnetha Björn Benny und Annifrid.
Thank you for analyzing here and all other songs in your Series.
I agree with you that this is much better version than the original. Maybe also at that time 1978, they just finished before it was ready.
Someone has done a remix of the original version, the whole song th-cam.com/video/0nZe0OoLgOg/w-d-xo.html. With the ending that we hear in Undeleted.
I am quite sure that it's the voices of Agnetha and Frida of today in the ending.
First, it's another ending than what is done in the original - other tunes.
Than there is a change of the voices, somewhat deeper - as you say about Frida.
But also Agnethas high tunes have not that "sharpness" than in the original version - and during rest of the song.
In I still have faith in you, she sings very high, just a note under the highest part of Just a Notion. I am sure that she could manage that even now at high age.
Then - I am also curious, the backing chorus during the whole song, is more rich than the original. It wouldn't surprise me if they also make this chorus at this new recording, as it is much more rich through the whole way. A question that is open, maybe can be analyzed by listening to the separate channels, that I cannot.
Maybe one day we know for sure..... :)
If there's one flaw Benny and Bjorn have it's not realizing the songs they write are for us, the fans, not themselves. we don't care about the little flaws they may have nor would we even notice. We just crave them. They have scrapped so many wonderful gems over the years and could easily have made 2 more wonderful albums plus added one or 2 songs on each of their other albums. So many artists best songs can't even touch many of the songs that ABBA scrapped.
This video is sort of a tease to buy their new album which I'm sure is great. Benny is a master at arranging songs, so I feel no reason to overanalyze it. Nice to see they still get together to make music.
I'm just so glad they did Angeleyes. Fantastic song.
When you listen to Benny's interviews, he always makes it clear that he thinks in terms of finished recordings rather than songs. This is incidentally why I'm not really supportive of people's attempts to digitally separate and remix Dancing Queen etc. to make it "sound better". It sounds exactly how they wanted it to sound, and they spent much effort in achieving just that. As for Just A Notion and the whole album really, I have no doubt that they made full use of the technology available today and may e.g. have pitch shifted some high background parts that Agnetha can no longer comfortably do. I do not have the least problem with that.
I hope they rediscover many more "outtakes".
Yes, let's hope so. Their demos and early versions have an immense quality to them.
Thanks for the history. For me Benny's the star on this one. Wish there was some video of it.
Yes, me too. It would benefit from some visualization, as many of "Voyage"'s songs would ("Bumblebee"!). I also wish it was included in the "Voyage" concert.
As far as comparing versions, I actually like certain elements of the earlier version better. The guitar sounds silly in the new version, for example, whereas the older version sounded a bit more rock n' roll. I also like the simple beginning of the old version, though it certainly sounded unfinished. I also like the mix of the old harmonies better.
I prefer the original mix of the voices, with more of an even blend of vocals with Agnetha and Frida. For me, personally, they pushed Agnetha’s vocal too much on the Voyage version, to where the famous ‘third voice’ isn’t present. However, I do think they did the same, but with Frida’s vocal as the prominent voice, for Little Things. Perhaps they were just trying to experiment with the classic ABBA sound?