STOCKHOLM: Swedish supergroup ABBA released their first studio album in 40 years on Friday, but fans hoping for more music in the future will be disappointed to hear this might be the last new venture by one the biggest-selling bands of all time.
"I think the other three will say 'this was the last time'," Bjorn Ulvaeus, one half of the band's song-writing duo who, with Benny Andersson, was responsible mega-hits like "Dancing Queen", "Waterloo" and "Money, Money, Money," said.
"I'm not saying never. There is always some open door somewhere. I hate to say this is it ... I'm just saying I don't think we will record any more."
Formed by two married couples in 1972, ABBA have sold more than 385 million albums since their first hit "Waterloo," topping the charts across the world until their break-up in the early 1980s.
ABBA Gold, a compilation of greatest hits originally released in 1992, recently passed its 1000th week on the UK Album Chart.
"Voyage" is the first album with fresh songs since "The Visitors" in 1981, released just before the band split and coinciding with the break-up of Bjorn's marriage to singer Agnetha Faltskog and Benny's to Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
Rumours swirled for years that ABBA would get back together to perform. But the members turned down many offers, including one reported $1 billion package to tour again.
"In that case, it was for health reasons ... for reasons beyond money, just for well-being," Ulvaeus told Reuters in an interview prior to the release of "Voyage".
"To do a circus like that would take years out of our lives, just because of the stress. We were comfortably well-off at that time, we didn't need it."
The new album was born from a project to launch a new ABBA concert show - also called Voyage - featuring digital representations of the four band members created by motion-capture technology.
"It was the avatars that made it. It was kind of a natural thing to do to give these people something new to sing," Ulvaeus said.
"So we recorded 3-4 songs and then we thought why not record a couple more? And suddenly we had, you know, an album on the horizon."
"Voyage" contains 10 songs, all previously unpublished material apart from "Just a Notion," which was first recorded in 1978.
Ulvaeus said he and Benny had not tried to bring the music up to date and that the album would probably appeal mostly to old ABBA fans.
"You can certainly feel that it's 40 years on. I think there is a depth in the voices, and the music, and the lyrics," he said.
"There is an element of something that comes with age, I think, in the whole album. Not that it sounds like four, tired geriatrics. There is a lot of energy in it."
The band has not lost it's golden touch with the two new comeback singles released so far - "Don't Shut Me Down" and "I Still Have Faith in You" - top 10 hits on the European digital charts, according to Billboard Media.
And the secret of song-writing success?
"It's just a matter of writing a good enough melody and a good enough lyric," Ulvaeus said.
"It's not easy, but it's simple. Whether it works on not, it's up to the audience. We have done our best as we are now."
From May next year, fans will be able to catch the four ABBA-tars - accompanied by a live band - singing a selection of old hits and songs from the new album at a purpose-built ABBA Arena in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
While the digital show could run and run, ABBA themselves - all now in their 70s - may call it a day.
"What we would like to leave with is a good album, some new, good music. I hope that's what we leave with," Ulvaeus said.
"The avatars are taking over now."
Reuters
Fri Nov 05 2021
Formed by two married couples in 1972, ABBA have sold more than 385 million albums since their first hit "Waterloo," topping the charts across the world until their break-up in the early 1980s. - ETX Studio
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.