What a skillful,sparkling detailed construction and how much hard work is hidden behind!Thank you for the great analysis and the very interesting deconstruction.
I love when AGNETHA says “ You let me be “ It’s like a double meaning … I am the city you let me be ( It’s what you let the city be ) Or I am the city , you let me be ( The city is saying , just leave me alone and let me by myself ) lol , maybe I’m reading into it too much 🥳 but … I love the song 🌃 💙
Here is the singing using the example of the first verse (the other verses are the same pattern): Coming through a cloud you're looking at me from above - Frida And I'm a revelation spreading out before your eyes - Frida and Agnetha And you find me beautiful and irresistible - Frida A kind of creature that forever seems to grow in size - Frida and Agnetha And you feel a strange attraction - Agnetha Uuhuuhuuhuu uuhuuhuuhuu - Frida The air is vibrant and electrified - Agnetha Welcome to me here I am, my arms are open wide - Frida and Agnetha
Thanks again for a really fun presentation. And so well thought out! Me, I *totally love* these late yet somewhat obscure ABBA songs like I Am The City, You Owe Me One, Should I Love Or Cry or especially Cassandra. Shame ABBA took a break right after that. All the goodness that could have been... Yet to me Voyage *is* the (delayed) perfect continuation of exactly that style. Keep An Eye On Dan, No Doubt About and even Don't Shut Me Down slot right in there.
Thank you so much! I actually reacted to all those songs in my ABBA visitors deluxe playlist th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ. I look forward to voyage too!
🤔 2:38 and your reaction is the same (and you, in general) - there is no secret to why Abba is so good - the 'secret' is that they tried to be perfectionists in everything, they didn't waste time and they weren't lazy, because they did what what they love most and what they are also most talented for (but despite their immense talent - they invested 100% of themselves in every detail: that's why they were and still are the best in their work) - and your work in your videos is detailed, based on clear and precise foundations, reviewed, entertaining.. so I drew a parallel between your work and Abba's work (other reactors may have more subscribers and views, but the quality of your analyzes is incomparable ) I'm Miroslav (Miro, from Bosnia, ex Yugoslavia), a humble Abba fan from Europe, my English is weak And I support everyone who loves Abba and who tries to live in accordance with that love (and in general - in accordance with that philosophy of life) that they promoted to the whole world through their songs (perhaps there is a hidden reason for many attack on them, of hidden the enemy from the dark centers of power; and why did all this contribute to the fact that they divorced each other and then withdrew from the scene so early - because it suits many powerful people that exactly the opposite things are being promoted in the world, and all this on disguised, stealth mode) greetings, and - I will not analyze this song in particular (I must say that I am impressed by the vocals of these two girls otherwise - and also in this song; unfortunately: very underrated their last album from 1981, and especially this last, unfinished album of theirs, which should to be completed in 1982, but..) because I'm too verbose like this and with my English like this.. sorry❤
Nice to meet you, Miro! Basia wow! Thank you for the kind words. I greatly appreciate it. I am still learning how to make videos, but I do try to put a lot of effort into my videos. I actually do relate to that about ABBA. If I can get half as good as ABBA is at making music, I’ll be happy! Btw I did all the 80s music from The visitors on. Here’s the playlist. th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ
Another fun and interesting video, Io .. I've always had a liking for this lesser known ABBA number .. It's so quirkily futuristic, and the melody line goes in lots of unexpected places .. It's one of just a small number of ABBA songs that uses that electronic voice effect on the girls' vocals, and it suits the theme and feel of this song very well .. Keep 'em coming !👍 .. Wayne
Hey Wayne, sorry I never saw this! I hope you’re having a good holiday season ! Yes, most of these 80s songs are really vibrant and colorful! I would’ve loved a full album of this kind of material!
@@popcornphilosopher No problem, Io .. You have hundreds of posts to keep track of, so I don't expect you to see all of them, let alone respond .. And yes, I think if ABBA had been able to hold it together a bit longer instead of breaking up when they did, their next album would probably have included more stuff like this one .. Would be wonderful to know !
By the way, I also agree this song doesn't always have the 'fullness' of other ABBA songs, but that's what also makes it really cool. It magnificently displays Agnetha's vocal abilities by not embellishing them with too much background.
Well.... it can no longer be said that 'I am the city' does not have a video... 🤔😅 That was really good👌, really fun... Congratulations⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! Please, more 🅰️🅱️🅱️🅰️! Next?... 🤔 maybe ABBA Live! Love ❤️ from Chile 🇨🇱🤗😘👍
Dare I say it, but 'I Am The City' sounds more modern than any of the songs on 'Voyage,' and any artist producing music today should be jealous of the futuristic nature of its production. 'I Am The City' is ahead of its time, and ahead of our time as well!
I Am The City & Just Like That were both planned to be on their next studio album, more widely known as 'Opus 10' that may have been a working title. Anyway, these two songs and The Day Before You Came and Under Attack (and probably Cassandra & You Owe Me One) were also to be part of the 10th album's playlist. Sadly, though, it never happened. At least in this timeline.
Maybe in another dimension they continue making music through the 80s and 90s haha! I actually reacted to all of those songs. It’s in a playlist th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ
@@popcornphilosopher I had replied before but it seems to have gotten eaten up. But yes, I have watched and you present all those tracks very well, and I love those songs as much as you!
All 6 tracks were recorded for Abba's follow up album at the time,right after 'The Visitors" but they went to an almost 4 decades of hiatus.The very last ABBA song recorded was ;The day before You came" August 1982....until 2017 that came "Faith" and 'Shut" that got anounced 2018 and released 2021....and we were still here for them, open hearted.
@@alexioverdo5225 They did a few Chess demos around that time, and Agnetha happened to show up at one of their playing around with different melodies they were experimenting with and that's where we get the demo recording of 'Every Good Man'. I think that was actually after the 6 finished songs I mentioned above.
Yes this is a hidden ABBA gem ! Excellent review and analysis. This has given even much more appreciation, respect, and enjoyment from this song. ABBA are truly musical genius. Thanks Popcorn Philosopher !
This is one of my favourite up-tempo ABBA songs, I'm sure it must have been released as a single instead of some of their last singles that didn't work well in the charts, as this song sounds more modern and energetic in tune with the other hits than sounded on the radio. I love the melody, Benny's amazing synthesizers and the girls' vocals taking different parts as solo. The last part of the song with those intricate choruses is just amazing.
"I am the city" released in the recopilation album "More ABBA Gold" (1995) 13 years after the unofficial ABBA breakup I honestly think that "I am the city" is an excellent song, that deserved to be taken into account in its time to be an A-side single, what Agnetha and Frida do vocally is absolutely fascinating and the synths are amazing I agree with you that is Another great song, in the style of "Under attack" & "You owe me one" I think that in addition to the personal circumstances that the members of ABBA were going through, it is probable that the low ranking of "Head over heals" as a single in the UK affected and disappointed Them, and this was later confirmed with the successive last two singles "The day before you came" & "Under attack" It is that, despite their humility, ABBA was not used to positions 32 or 25 on the charts, good numbers for any artist or group, but low for ABBA's level of self-demand. But that's how it was, unfortunately at that time They couldn't get out of that situation, and those songs were relegated And they are all very good, also there's another song, "Just like that" is still in high demand by fans, Thank GOD, for Themselves, life brought them together in the studio after 35 years, and with Voyage (album and concerts) They gave us the Golden Brooch to their extraordinary career Have a nice week My best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina South America P.S.: as I said before in your pool I hope a special video to ABBA The Album & ABBA The Movie (1977) with ABBA at Their highest level
I really enjoyed these later 80s singles! I’m so glad that they’ve grown in appreciation by fans. They really deserved it. Just like that was that the one that went into chess ? Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful week too!
@@popcornphilosopher "Just like that" I believe tha the duo Gemini performed it years later even with Björn collaborating on the chorus but nothing compared to the ABBA pre-recordings incredible that they didn't release it with ABBA it's a magnificent piece P.S: I don't say before, but your video is wonderful, great as always .. Congratulations !!!
I love this song so much. I discovered it maybe back in the mid-90s. It was right after this song that Benny and Bjorn began work on CHESS. Chess is such a masterpiece. In fact, they were toying with some of the songs that became CHESS during this last recording session. Here's a version of Heaven Help My Heart, one of the songs from CHESS sung by Elaine Page in the musical, but they tested it out with Agnetha first. th-cam.com/video/J4XbH2PIzEc/w-d-xo.html
Yes, and it’s really an intesting change for ABBA these last 80’s songs. Thanks for the link’ I’ll save it for when Icover Chess. I’ve been really wanting to do that
I wish ABBA hadn’t taken “ the break”, they would’ve possibly been rejuvenated because of the MTV era, from a band that revolutionized music videos years before MTV…these songs would’ve been cool on MTV .
It stil has a demo sound to me. I think they still could do some effort to produce it on a level that is expected from them. The song itself is great enough but a great production makes it really good.
I thought it didn’t sound as full to me too, but I realize it’s kind of a stylistic choice. It kind of makes sense for the arrangement once i broke it down
@@popcornphilosopher I think they never finish this one. it sounds rough and unpolished. No album track of them (except in the early 3 albums) sounds that way. They are real perfectionists! ABBA was in their last days back then, and I guess they decided to leave it as it is.
To me the 1982 songs all seem catchy. But they lack personal emotions. The Visitors songs from 1981 are full of emotions and personal/poetic lyrics The big exception is the gloomy and mysterious and wonderful The Day Before You Came. I also really like the unreleased na na na version of Just Like That. Should have been released. It is a beautiful and sophisticated melody.
These songs certainly do havd more of a fun vibe. But I actually really like the lyrics of this one. I think there’s some hidden depth here. I definitely need to check out just like that people have been saying it’s a really good song.
I think if Just Like That & I Am the City were released in place of The Day Before You Came & Under Attack they would've had more chart success, but at that point in 1982 they were tired & the boys wanted to write a musical. Still sounding great, one of my favourites ..
ABBA The Visitors (DELUXE) Deep Dive is FINALLY complete!
th-cam.com/play/PLVaDWMlhe6SFVvRlOzeXt-TPgz0Cmtf3W.html
What a skillful,sparkling detailed construction and how much hard work is hidden behind!Thank you for the great analysis and the very interesting deconstruction.
Thank you and sorry for the late reply. I was trying out a new format! I’d might do more like this
Such creative talents are only born once in a century
Yes!
That synth siren is such a hook, Benny Andersson once said, "A pop song should have something you don't expect it to have."
Ooh I never heard that quote that’s really good songwriting advice!
He did say that?!lol!him adorable wise teddy bear.
You always present the genius of Abba in such an engaging way. Cheers for your fine work PP- it always puts me in a better mood.
Oh thank you that’s the best compliment! That’s exactly what I hope for!
You'll never go wrong with ABBA
So true!
I love when AGNETHA says “ You let me be “
It’s like a double meaning …
I am the city you let me be ( It’s what you let the city be )
Or
I am the city , you let me be ( The city is saying , just leave me alone and let me by myself )
lol , maybe I’m reading into it too much 🥳 but …
I love the song 🌃 💙
I love it too! I like her delivery too. It’s adorable. And I never thought of the double meeting.
Thanks, great!
Glad you liked it!
Here is the singing using the example of the first verse (the other verses are the same pattern):
Coming through a cloud you're looking at me from above - Frida
And I'm a revelation spreading out before your eyes - Frida and Agnetha
And you find me beautiful and irresistible - Frida
A kind of creature that forever seems to grow in size - Frida and Agnetha
And you feel a strange attraction - Agnetha
Uuhuuhuuhuu uuhuuhuuhuu - Frida
The air is vibrant and electrified - Agnetha
Welcome to me here I am, my arms are open wide - Frida and Agnetha
Thanks thats amazing . I’m listening to it now with different ears!
Love the lyrics!
Great reaction. Thanks 🤩
Thank you so much!
Great deep-dive! Thanks!
So glad you liked it!
Thanks again for a really fun presentation. And so well thought out!
Me, I *totally love* these late yet somewhat obscure ABBA songs like I Am The City, You Owe Me One, Should I Love Or Cry or especially Cassandra. Shame ABBA took a break right after that. All the goodness that could have been...
Yet to me Voyage *is* the (delayed) perfect continuation of exactly that style. Keep An Eye On Dan, No Doubt About and even Don't Shut Me Down slot right in there.
Thank you so much! I actually reacted to all those songs in my ABBA visitors deluxe playlist th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ. I look forward to voyage too!
🤔 2:38 and your reaction is the same (and you, in general) - there is no secret to why Abba is so good - the 'secret' is that they tried to be perfectionists in everything, they didn't waste time and they weren't lazy, because they did what what they love most and what they are also most talented for (but despite their immense talent - they invested 100% of themselves in every detail: that's why they were and still are the best in their work) - and your work in your videos is detailed, based on clear and precise foundations, reviewed, entertaining.. so I drew a parallel between your work and Abba's work (other reactors may have more subscribers and views, but the quality of your analyzes is incomparable )
I'm Miroslav (Miro, from Bosnia, ex Yugoslavia), a humble Abba fan from Europe, my English is weak
And I support everyone who loves Abba and who tries to live in accordance with that love (and in general - in accordance with that philosophy of life) that they promoted to the whole world through their songs (perhaps there is a hidden reason for many attack on them, of hidden the enemy from the dark centers of power; and why did all this contribute to the fact that they divorced each other and then withdrew from the scene so early - because it suits many powerful people that exactly the opposite things are being promoted in the world, and all this on disguised, stealth mode)
greetings, and - I will not analyze this song in particular (I must say that I am impressed by the vocals of these two girls otherwise - and also in this song; unfortunately: very underrated their last album from 1981, and especially this last, unfinished album of theirs, which should to be completed in 1982, but..) because I'm too verbose like this and with my English like this.. sorry❤
Nice to meet you, Miro! Basia wow! Thank you for the kind words. I greatly appreciate it. I am still learning how to make videos, but I do try to put a lot of effort into my videos. I actually do relate to that about ABBA. If I can get half as good as ABBA is at making music, I’ll be happy! Btw I did all the 80s music from The visitors on. Here’s the playlist. th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ
Back then many of us we used to say "As good as an Abba song". when we wanted to describe something really as good as perfect.
underrated ABBA gem! ♥
So true!
Another fun and interesting video, Io .. I've always had a liking for this lesser known ABBA number .. It's so quirkily futuristic, and the melody line goes in lots of unexpected places .. It's one of just a small number of ABBA songs that uses that electronic voice effect on the girls' vocals, and it suits the theme and feel of this song very well .. Keep 'em coming !👍 .. Wayne
Hey Wayne, sorry I never saw this! I hope you’re having a good holiday season ! Yes, most of these 80s songs are really vibrant and colorful! I would’ve loved a full album of this kind of material!
@@popcornphilosopher No problem, Io .. You have hundreds of posts to keep track of, so I don't expect you to see all of them, let alone respond .. And yes, I think if ABBA had been able to hold it together a bit longer instead of breaking up when they did, their next album would probably have included more stuff like this one .. Would be wonderful to know !
By the way, I also agree this song doesn't always have the 'fullness' of other ABBA songs, but that's what also makes it really cool. It magnificently displays Agnetha's vocal abilities by not embellishing them with too much background.
Yes, I stared realizing that as I was breaking down the arrangement that it was more of a stylistic choice!
One of my favorite Abba's track! And the one I still know how to play in the piano... I played it this week, actually!
Wow, I’m trying to envision a piano version of this song. that’s amazing.
💓💓💓💓
Cute!
@@popcornphilosopher Thank you for making the day feel a bit lighter
Well.... it can no longer be said that 'I am the city' does not have a video... 🤔😅
That was really good👌, really fun...
Congratulations⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
Please, more 🅰️🅱️🅱️🅰️!
Next?... 🤔 maybe ABBA Live!
Love ❤️ from Chile 🇨🇱🤗😘👍
Thank you so much! This song was so much fun to create visuals for:)
When was ABBA live from ?
@popcornphilosopher
My favorite is 'Summer Night City'
from Wembley Arena 1979...🙏🙏🙏
❤️🇨🇱🤗😘👍
Dare I say it, but 'I Am The City' sounds more modern than any of the songs on 'Voyage,' and any artist producing music today should be jealous of the futuristic nature of its production. 'I Am The City' is ahead of its time, and ahead of our time as well!
Oh interesting I wonder if I’ll feel the same when I hear Voyage…
I love the visuals!
Sank you berry much!
I Am The City & Just Like That were both planned to be on their next studio album, more widely known as 'Opus 10' that may have been a working title. Anyway, these two songs and The Day Before You Came and Under Attack (and probably Cassandra & You Owe Me One) were also to be part of the 10th album's playlist. Sadly, though, it never happened. At least in this timeline.
Maybe in another dimension they continue making music through the 80s and 90s haha! I actually reacted to all of those songs. It’s in a playlist th-cam.com/video/Ra6HuGzL5Zs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R5cOYufHU3K8BieZ
@@popcornphilosopher I had replied before but it seems to have gotten eaten up. But yes, I have watched and you present all those tracks very well, and I love those songs as much as you!
All 6 tracks were recorded for Abba's follow up album at the time,right after 'The Visitors" but they went to an almost 4 decades of hiatus.The very last ABBA song recorded was ;The day before You came" August 1982....until 2017 that came "Faith" and 'Shut" that got anounced 2018 and released 2021....and we were still here for them, open hearted.
@@alexioverdo5225 They did a few Chess demos around that time, and Agnetha happened to show up at one of their playing around with different melodies they were experimenting with and that's where we get the demo recording of 'Every Good Man'. I think that was actually after the 6 finished songs I mentioned above.
Yes this is a hidden ABBA gem ! Excellent review and analysis. This has given even much more appreciation, respect, and enjoyment from this song.
ABBA are truly musical genius. Thanks Popcorn Philosopher !
Much appreciated! I’m so glad!
This is one of my favourite up-tempo ABBA songs, I'm sure it must have been released as a single instead of some of their last singles that didn't work well in the charts, as this song sounds more modern and energetic in tune with the other hits than sounded on the radio. I love the melody, Benny's amazing synthesizers and the girls' vocals taking different parts as solo. The last part of the song with those intricate choruses is just amazing.
Yes, I love those that intricate swirling vocal arrangement at the end! That’s one of my favorite parts!
Maybe for your next deep dive, try Voyage! See what happened to ABBA, their music and their style after 40 years!
Definitely been wanting to do that album!
The day before you came is all synthesizers
Oh yes, that’s true I forgot. I reacted to that one too.
'I Am The City' was recorded in May 1982 during sessions for their unfinished 9th album it was never part of The Visitors sessions.
I actually talked about that another video, but this was specifically for the visitors deluxe edition where this song appeared.
"I am the city"
released in the recopilation album "More ABBA Gold" (1995)
13 years after the unofficial ABBA breakup
I honestly think that "I am the city" is an excellent song,
that deserved to be taken into account in its time to be an A-side single,
what Agnetha and Frida do vocally is absolutely fascinating
and the synths are amazing
I agree with you that is Another great song, in the style of
"Under attack" & "You owe me one"
I think that in addition to the personal circumstances that the members of ABBA were going through,
it is probable that the low ranking of "Head over heals" as a single in the UK
affected and disappointed Them,
and this was later confirmed with the successive last two singles
"The day before you came" & "Under attack"
It is that, despite their humility, ABBA was not used to positions 32 or 25 on the charts,
good numbers for any artist or group, but low for ABBA's level of self-demand.
But that's how it was,
unfortunately at that time They couldn't get out of that situation,
and those songs were relegated
And they are all very good,
also there's another song, "Just like that"
is still in high demand by fans,
Thank GOD, for Themselves,
life brought them together in the studio after 35 years,
and with Voyage (album and concerts)
They gave us the Golden Brooch to their extraordinary career
Have a nice week
My best regards from
Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America
P.S.: as I said before in your pool
I hope a special video to
ABBA The Album & ABBA The Movie (1977)
with ABBA at Their highest level
I really enjoyed these later 80s singles! I’m so glad that they’ve grown in appreciation by fans. They really deserved it. Just like that was that the one that went into chess ? Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful week too!
@@popcornphilosopher
"Just like that"
I believe tha the duo Gemini performed it years later
even with Björn collaborating on the chorus
but nothing compared to the ABBA pre-recordings
incredible that they didn't release it with ABBA
it's a magnificent piece
P.S: I don't say before, but your video is wonderful, great as always .. Congratulations !!!
the VOYAGE album analysis and reaction please and all the "project" making off around that incredible album. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE
It’s definitely a fantastic reunification story! I definitely want to get to it. I’m so curious what it sounds like.
I love this song so much. I discovered it maybe back in the mid-90s. It was right after this song that Benny and Bjorn began work on CHESS. Chess is such a masterpiece. In fact, they were toying with some of the songs that became CHESS during this last recording session. Here's a version of Heaven Help My Heart, one of the songs from CHESS sung by Elaine Page in the musical, but they tested it out with Agnetha first. th-cam.com/video/J4XbH2PIzEc/w-d-xo.html
Yes, and it’s really an intesting change for ABBA these last 80’s songs. Thanks for the link’ I’ll save it for when Icover Chess. I’ve been really wanting to do that
I wish ABBA hadn’t taken “ the break”, they would’ve possibly been rejuvenated because of the MTV era, from a band that revolutionized music videos years before MTV…these songs would’ve been cool on MTV .
Oh, I never thought of that. For a band who had some of the first produced thematic videos. They mostly missed a lot of music video’s heyday
I think it's time to react to the Super Trouper album. You will get a lot of synths there. 😉
That’s definitely on the list!
Excellent album!Synths and lots of lyricism.In my top 3 ABBA albums.Honey for the bees.
It stil has a demo sound to me. I think they still could do some effort to produce it on a level that is expected from them. The song itself is great enough but a great production makes it really good.
I thought it didn’t sound as full to me too, but I realize it’s kind of a stylistic choice. It kind of makes sense for the arrangement once i broke it down
@@popcornphilosopher I think they never finish this one. it sounds rough and unpolished. No album track of them (except in the early 3 albums) sounds that way. They are real perfectionists! ABBA was in their last days back then, and I guess they decided to leave it as it is.
To me the 1982 songs all seem catchy. But they lack personal emotions. The Visitors songs from 1981 are full of emotions and personal/poetic lyrics The big exception is the gloomy and mysterious and wonderful The Day Before You Came. I also really like the unreleased na na na version of Just Like That. Should have been released. It is a beautiful and sophisticated melody.
These songs certainly do havd more of a fun vibe. But I actually really like the lyrics of this one. I think there’s some hidden depth here. I definitely need to check out just like that people have been saying it’s a really good song.
There are different versions. The Na Na Na one is by far the best one (Agnetha sings Na na na)
Ur top is so Betsey Johnson.
I was going for Frida in the head over heels video kinda look haha
I think if Just Like That & I Am the City were released in place of The Day Before You Came & Under Attack they would've had more chart success, but at that point in 1982 they were tired & the boys wanted to write a musical. Still sounding great, one of my favourites ..
Hmm yes ..It’s so interesting that artists have to be so strategic about their single releases!
underrated gem.... sonically? way ahead of anything from the 80s
So True!