ABBA, Fernando - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@beautifulhand1011]

I'm a massive Rock/Metal fan, I love AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd etc.... however it is my firm belief that if you don't like ABBA, you don't like music, yes that is a hill I am prepared to die on ...

[@stormy8207]

Agreed

[@wolfpack9958]

I couldn't agree more. ABBA were a big part of the soundtrack of my youth along with all the artists you mentioned.

[@fernandobarreto1418]

Same here!

[@paulhagger3895]

😂😂😂

[@peteradrian9466]

This song would be the perfect soundtrack to dying on that hill! JK, I completely agree.

[@fernandobarreto1418]

My song! My mom used to sing it for me. It's a girl, it's about the Mexican civil war where many women fought. Thank you so much for this. You really should do an ABBA series, they have lots of great songs. And this comes from a heavy metal guitar player. Best wishes from Rio to you and your beautiful family 🌹

[@Great-Documentaries]

"And this comes from a heavy metal guitar player." And you think that matters why?

[@Uncle_T]

Anni-Frid and Agnetha have such distinct individual voices yet they blend SO seamlessly together it feels like they're using a cheat code.

[@danbike9]

Frida had the versatility, technical proficiency and a keen ear. Agnetha did not have Frida's skills nor confidence.

[@annatraustadottir4387]

ABBA is often written off for being just a lightweight pop band but there is so much more to it. Their songs are so well crafted and the melodies are so beautiful, the voices beautiful and the harmonizing so good.

[@kanalnamn]

...on top of that they had great studio musicians (used in a broad sense) (Rutger Gunnarsson, Mike Watson, Janne Schaffer and others)... and ON TOP OF THAT they had one of the greatest sound technicians in Michael B. Tretow. There were so many greats in and around that group.

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

@@kanalnamn Haven't they started the famous Swedish music fame, where every Song coming from Sweden is a Hit?

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@kanalnamn A dream team to click the perfect puzzle.Btw M.Tretow had confessed that what he felt while working with these exceptional 4 was such a special life experience, he never ever had while working with other acts.One of the saddest memories of his was the time they recorded the very last Abba song in August 1982 'The Day before you came'.The dark devastating feeling that Abba was over the end was profoundly everywhere, impacting everyone in the studio.

[@martinhumble]

​@@biankakoettlitz6979The first one was Björn Skifs with Hooked on a feeling

[@emmitstewart1921]

Because they came in the era dominated by disco, and because one of their greatest songs was Dancing Queen, they got lumped in with the disco crowd, but if you listen to their music, there is nothing artificial or mechanically produced about them.

[@just_passing_through]

No matter how many times I hear this song (and it’s literally been thousands of times) Frida’s voice still takes me by surprise. Her performance on this track is nothing short of mesmerising.

[@Martin-jd3oc]

This is actually Anni-Frid leading this song asopposed to Agnetha leading in Happy New Year and The Winner Takes it All. Anni-Frid is mezzo soprano and Agneta is soprano.

[@mightyV444]

Before I saw your comment, I had nearly corrected Amy by telling her that it was actually Agnetha's voice she's fallen in love with! And I'm usually quite good with discerning between their voices, but I'd really thought it also was Agnetha singing 'Fernando'! 😅 Which would've been weird though, seeing that Frida had already sung on the original version 🙂

[@DHall-xz7ke]

Yes it was first released as a solo single by Anni-Frid and later as an ABBA track with both voices.

[@darrenbertram7289]

@@mightyV444 Agnetha sings the lower harmony on the verse, whereas she usually sings above Frida's line, which is why it can be confusing for those who are not used to their voices

[@carcarjinks1430]

in 'hole in your soul,' agnetha hits a note that doesn't sound humanly possible.

[@mightyV444]

@carcarjinks1430 - Geddy may have also been able to, in his younger years! 😄 😉

[@birchleaf]

The music was inspired by Andean folk music, like El Condor Pasa, with pan flutes and Spanish guitars. They picked up the name Fernando from a bartender, and felt the song should have a hispanic flavour to match the name. The story is, according to Björn, more a generic war setting, but with the Hispanic notes and the mention of Rio Grande people tend to place it in the Mexican revolution. This song was a monster hit in Australia, but also did really well in Latin America, which lead to them later recording another Hispanic themed song, Chiquitita, which was an enormous success throughout the Spanish speaking world. So much that they decided to release an entire album in which they sang in Spanish, with Fernando and Chiquitita of course the most prominent songs. And there have been female soldiers fighting in many wars. Especially in revolutions.

This is the comment I was looking for.

Try out Genesis suppers ready if you like long progressive rock pieces.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Birch! I can feel that inspiration.. beautiful!

[@marcusfridh8489]

Quiquita is even more Andian inspired than this and has been adopted into the repertoar of many "Inca bands"

[@mooghead]

SOS by ABBA is one of the finest pieces of music ever written. It is a sensational pop song.

[@birchleaf]

@@mooghead When both John Lennon and Pete Townshend at some point have said that SOS is the best pop song ever written, it clearly must have some quality to it. That Rod Stewart considered Dancing Queen the ultimate disco hit is less of a surprise but still high praise.

[@michelemercier2286]

@@birchleaf There's a video from a BBC show with Bono singing SOS (with the edge playing guitar). I don't like covers, especially of my favourite group's songs, but I have to say - it's actually really pretty cool.

[@Michael-mm3fm]

Yes! My favourite, out of loads of brilliant songs. I’m with Lennon.

[@stevengoode7194]

In concerts in 1975 in Sweden, Frida sings the 2nd solo part not Agnetha

[@pjscardoso1972]

More ABBA PLEASE!

[@markwatson6579]

It’s the voices of these 2 wonderful female vocalist that always take centre stage in ABBA songs .

[@rasvanniekerk6297]

Thank you! You can't stop now! Perfect example of "the third voice" when the girls sing together. Pure magic! I'd love for you to recognize and appreciate both girls voices as you fall into the ABBA "rabbit-hole".

[@ashleyrussell-inhouse9541]

Some of the best pop music analysis on youtube - love your insights and precise/informed but intuitive commentary

[@SirWussiePants]

Punk Rocker here that absolutely loves ABBA. I think most musicians would admit to being ABBA fans if they are being honest. The writing and skillful performances are just amazing.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Sid Vicious Glen Matlock and esp.John Lydon ended being Abba fans.JL even sang live 'Fernando' a couple of years ago before a live audience in order to praise those Swedes.Video's in utube btw.

[@frankman90210]

@@christianoazzuro6711 Yup, and Steve Jones is on record saying the Pretty Vacant opening lick is a straight up ABBA lift.

[@bicho5393]

If you love good music…It’s impossible at the very least you don’t recognize the spectacular composition skills and the outstanding voices in most of the Abba songs…I’m a hardcore Rock fan and I’ve been always mesmerized for Abbas music

[@milesparker557]

I think the only people who don't appreciate ABBA are those who have never given them a proper listen and write them off as just another disco band from long ago.

[@gcn9]

Angelic harmonies between the two ladies. ABBA is such a great quartet of talent.

[@MattOGormanSmith]

Both parts are Frida on this one, AFAICT

[@jorgenfrinell5369]

And the perfect song with third voice, agnetha and Frida together is their masterpiece ”Dancing Queen”

[@piggly-wiggly]

It should be noted that this is Frida singing, whereas Agnetha sang lead in The Winner Takes It All. Two great voices, amazing together and individually.

[@jmd2006]

So pleased that you’re doing more ABBA, so many great songs you could do.

[@alexioverdo5225]

I feel she might love their classical music vibed track from "The Visitors" album that is "I Let The Music Speak".Both music and the haunting poetic lyrics.

[@bluesmandingo]

No

[@kennethkarlsson3251]

I'm a Swedish man, and i love your reaction,it feels like high class,i love that, you goes very deep in music, and i like that very much.

[@andreasbauer7285]

@@alexioverdo5225 In interviews Agnetha often said The Winner Takes It All is her favorite ABBA song, and in these same interviews Frida often mentioned that I Let The Music Speak is her favorite ABBA song. So it would be very fitting if this song would also get covered at one point.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@andreasbauer7285 Yes I know.She loves both songs.'That's Me" from her earlier leads from Abba's discography as she had also stated in a mid '70s interview(must have been 1976) but also loves 'The Winner..."(one of her best perfomances) from later on..There's also a ''That's Me" album, one of her 'Best of" collections released in 1998 with the Abba song also included amongst her English recorded tracks.

[@wawa2]

ABBA simply were so good at what they did.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, VR.. ABBA is such a great group.. this is a very evocative song... reminds me of a Central American "revolution"... the young, idealistic people - "though we never thought that we could lose, there's no regret..." seems like a young woman caught up in admiration for a revolutionary leader... appreciate your reaction, as always..

[@mvuorsalo82]

The river and name takes the "story" to the Mexican war for independence in the 1810s to 1820s, and I've always understood it to be from the point of view of a female freedom fighter, who is also the romantic partner of Fernando... Finding Love and Hope in the midst of conflict...

[@jerrycote659]

Same

[@jafquist27]

Same

[@KeithGreer-d7k]

Hmmm, always thought it was during the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

[@Ki11erAce]

My thought was the Mexican-American war of 1846, but as a Canadian, I'm sure my knowledge of early Mexican American relations and conflicts is pretty lacking.

[@Lisa-M]

@@KeithGreer-d7k You're right.

[@jeffin8127]

I'm 58 yrs old and still get teary-eyed when I hear this song. No idea why, unless my 10-year-old self was going through a traumatic time when I likely first heard the song in 1976/77. At that time my favorite Abba song was Knowing Me, Knowing You, but now it's hard for me to pick a favorite, as I've since discovered they have so many good ones. Probably get some comments on this, but I think The Visitors is very under-appreciated and is my favorite album.

[@tconnolly9820]

The Visitors in my opinion is almost their best album. The one thing that has annoyed the hell out of me even since I was 12 years old is Two For The Price Of One in the middle of side 2 of the album. It's a very good song in its own right and Bjorn trying to put his humorous equivalent of When I'm 64 into the mix. But it was completely the wrong song for the overall tone and soundscape of side 2 and the overall album. It's the wrong song in the wrong place and ruins the soundscape of the whole album. Especially when they were working on several other songs at the time that could have been much better to fill in that space. But The Visitors is still my favourite ABBA despite that along with The Album. Although that one has Bjorn inserting himself into the mix and bringing down the overall quality again with Move On.

[@daniellllll45419]

"Thank you for the music" is another masterpiece from them

[@1mcshandy]

Thanks so much. I have loved Abba for over 40 yeats years - yet you brought more thoughts to me. Super you x

[@Lisa-M]

For you as a classical musician it's definitely a must to react to ABBA's 'I Let The Music Speak'.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Agree!

[@alexioverdo5225]

Hmm!I'm also curious about this.I suggested this one here too.

[@tconnolly9820]

@@Lisa-M that would be leaping too far ahead. They've already begun at the latter stages of ABBA's short 10 year career. Not counting the final album Voyage 40 years after The Visitors.

[@Lisa-M]

@@tconnolly9820 TWTIA and HNY are songs from their 7th album. ILTMS is from the 8th album, so I don't think it's leaping too far ahead. Otherwise she should have begun with their first album and going on in chronological order.

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

An excellent idea!

[@SpaceCattttt]

Yasss!!!! Spoil us with ABBA! Hell, why not do an ABBA 50 series? I've a feeling you'll enjoy them even more than Queen. Give "Chiquitita" a spin and see how you get on with that!

[@fderblzer5222]

ABBA is another level, their sound and voices are amazing, full of magic!

[@ViddyWellBrother]

I always took the song to be a woman singing to her fellow freedom fighter, who she went on to marry sometime after the failed uprising, or revolución, they both participated in. It could have been set in any South American country in my mind, but mention of the Rio Grande places it in Mexico of course. In any case, yet another masterpiece from the Swedish songsmiths and the beautifully layered voices of Anni-Frid (on lead vocal in this song) and Agnetha. The sense of melody, lyric and wordplay (especially for non-native English speakers), production, arrangements, and just the sheer quality of ABBA's songs is all just astounding. They're a masterclass in songwriting - most of their verses are far stronger than today's choruses! - and they're one of the best-selling groups of all-time for a reason.

[@YozhikvTumane]

ABBA's music is always so well produced, perfect balans between all instruments, including the vocals - and to top it off the tight harmonisation between Agneta and Anni- Frid and their perfect mix of timbre. Wasn't a great fan of ABBA "back then", but now I love it.

[@michelemercier2286]

I see that some have already pointed out that Frida (Anni-frid) is the lead vocalist for this song, while Agnetha was the lead for Happy New Year and The Winner Takes it All. Not to worry, it takes awhile to distinguish between them at first because their voices have similarities. I love harmonies and when the voices of the two ladies of ABBA come together, it is the best. It's what has made them my favourite group since I was quite young. I saw your face change the first moment their voices joined together on "There was something in the air that night..." and thought - aha - that caught her attention. But I think it was more the rousing chorus. In any event, fans refer to this harmonizing as the group's "third voice". Some may prefer Agnetha while others prefer Frida, but I think it is universally acknowledged that the third voice is what makes the group particularly special. "Knowing Me, Knowing You" is a song that more distinctly features Frida's voice. If you want to hear Frida's voice more distinctly and also get an idea of the versatility of this group, I would actually recommend "Money, Money, Money". For a full on song with the "third voice" you could check out "Mamma Mia" or "Take a Chance on Me" or the biggest hit of them all, "Dancing Queen".

[@Alan-lv9rw]

The video of this song is incredible showing these two beautiful women at their best.

[@michaele7880]

Agnetha has a soprano voice. Frida mezzo soprano. Frida sings lead on this song. Together they blend perfectly to create the third voice.

[@joergen11111]

from 1973 to 1982 maximal success......and in 2021 after almost 40 a sensational comeback album....all members 75 plus in age.....listen to JUST A NOTION - BUMBLEBEE - I STILL HAVE FAITH IN YOU - .....and from the older songs listen to DANCING QUEEN - SUPER TROUPER - THE DAY BEFORE YOU CAME - I HAVE A DREAM......you will always be glad ....best band ever in harmonies and vocals with fantastic lyrics

[@bighenry6633]

Please do "The Day Before You Came" next. The difference between the words sung and the emotions of the music are amazing. It was the last song they recorded before their 40 year breakup, returning with a new album last year.

[@martinhumble]

A fantastic song

[@birchleaf]

This is Frida (or Anni-Frid) singing the lead vocals. In the other two ABBA songs you covered it was Agnetha. They both have tremendous voices, but Agnetha is more of a crystal clear soprano whereas Frida is a warmer mezzo-soprano. And when they sing together it’s even better!

[@GryLi]

It is my favorit ABBA song

[@FionaEm]

ABBA had an incredible ability to write a complete story, musically and lyrically, with every song. Complex arrangements, gorgeous voices, and memorable choruses. One of the best bands of all time ❤

[@dylanmcdermott1110]

Along with "Dancing Queen" this is one of the best pop songs I've ever heard.

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

You keep saying HER voice. The two songs you previously listened to had lead vocals by Agnetha. This is led by Anna-Frid :)

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

🙂😄 We Scandinavians (Seeds and Norwegians) love our ABBA and of course know their history.

[@MiscellanyTop]

True!

[@yinoveryang4246]

To be fair, they have very similar sounding voices, I think they have different vocal ranges. I can always tell whether it's McCartney or Lennon singing, but with these two, it's a tough one, very slight differences.

[@tconnolly9820]

​@@yinoveryang4246oh no! Frida has a a lower more operatic mezzo soprano voice and Agnetha has a higher soprano voice. If you are familiar with them you know the difference instantly. Of course the two women could sing in perfect harmony and they created what was called the "third voice" together.

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@biankakoettlitz6979 I'm Swedish. I'm not a "seed". Not unless you're referring to the time of conception when we were all seeds...

[@neilfleming2787]

ABBA was my first real band that I couldn't get enough of...of course we were all in love with Agnetha. There is so much in the ABBA catalogue that people never listen to....B sides on singles are amazing. "Happy New Year" is so late in their careers though, this is just pure ABBA lyrics and melding of voices and music

[@ijoxi]

Such a joy watching you listening to ABBA. I love the way you manage to open up the music you listen to for all of us, bringing possibly new facets of these gems a light, a true explorer

[@KJ-4321]

Well said!

[@joeskorbinhorbinchuk3286]

So happy you've found ABBA....they are really the pinnacle of blending pop and classical/orchestral music. The musicians and studio techniques used at the time are SECOND TO NONE. Stellar production.

[@SpaceCattttt]

They are still second to none. They perfected pop music and studio recording long before digital came around, and what they did has never been bettered. The Beatles came first, but they were limited in what they could achieve in the studio. ABBA didn't have those limitations and were therefore able to create the finest pop music in the world.

[@toniskelder7237]

One of the best examples of Frida singing would be "Andante andante" in my opinion. I recommend it, as well as "I Let The Music speak"

[@Avocadoz10]

One timeless song!! ANNI-FRID (FRIDA) recorded it in Swedish a year prior to ABBA. FYI (FRIDA) was one of the leading voices of ABBA. Amazing sultry voice. 😊

[@greendale634]

YES! Absolutely the singer being female here is so fascinating, given it is written in the 70s.

[@veryamateurcomposer8526]

Such a legendary song, I cant wait to hear your reaction. I always remember my childhood when I listen it.

[@just_passing_through]

I remember when this song was released,and the Australian TV music show ‘Countdown’ used to play the number one single at the end of each weekly episode. The producers decided after 12 weeks that enough was enough, and they explained that they were breaking with tradition, and played an alternate music video. The switchboard of the ABC went into meltdown after thousands of viewers called in to complain.. the next week, they played Fernando again. That was in fact the last week as after 14 weeks it slipped out of the number one spot. If only they had just waited two more weeks, it would never have become an issue.

[@magentadawn5660]

There is definitely a romantic connotation here. Two lovers, turned freedom fighters, fighting for their country and their liberty. The ever present danger of a bloody death fuelling the intensity of their love for each other. The visceral experience of love and war powerfully seared into the singer’s memory.

[@geofffield7603]

Awesome ABBA ❤️

[@sandradittrich6706]

Hör mehr ABBA es gibt noch soviel tolle Lieder.

[@tbutters41]

You rule, Amy. This is such a wonderful place to relax and unwind. You're wonderful. Keep it up.

[@GetBackJoe1969]

ABBA has 2 female singers. Agnetha is a soprano. Ani-Frid (Frida) is a mezzo soprano. Because one is a little bit higher and one is a little bit lower, when they sing together it’s a unique sound that only ABBA can produce.

[@WeeFlyMan]

The harmonies are easy to replicate, but what makes ABBA unique is the quirky intonation of the words due to the Swedish accents.

[@coyote4237]

Please continue with more ABBA songs. So many more hits they had. "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme", etc., etc.

[@ono1dij]

I love ABBA, and Fernando (my name, hahahaha), is so special for me... Love your analysis as always, you catch every detail that makes the whole piece... And please, you got to listen The Name Of The Game, one of ABBA's finest and more creative songs!!!

[@teddtarr]

To hear Frida at her vocal best, I recommend the relatively little-known track off of the Super Trouper ('80) album, "Andante, Andante". Even though I've listened to it hundreds of times over the decades, I still get goosebumps hearing her final extended note; could not be improved upon. The actress, Lily James, sang a good cover of it in the "Mama Mia" sequel, but there's only one Frida. Fortunately, while her voice has now, w/age, lowered to more of a contralto register, it has retained the overall warmth she had years ago. This can be heard in Abba's relatively recent recording of "I Still Have Faith In You", the video of which displays a great montage of them, both back in their 'glory' years, & as they appear in their holographic forms in their highly- touted show currently playing in London.

[@Lisa-M]

As she is a classical musician she should absolutely react to ABBA's 'I Let The Music Speak'.

[@michelemercier2286]

@@Lisa-M For pure - here's Frida's amazing voice, another good one is "Like an Angel Passing Through My Room". Stunning.

[@eizeoosting843]

For me, ‘I wonder (departure)’ is one of her best performances.

[@michelemercier2286]

@@eizeoosting843 Lots of good choices. :)

[@hansgjerstad8895]

Two great singers but it's actually the blend of their voices that made the special abba-sound.

[@foxdenham]

Great review Amy. Abba tell great stories, they are masters of atmosphere and arrangement. A classic popular song that has and will continue to, stand the test of time.

[@nocturne7371]

Fun fact, I grew up in Sweden in the 70s, and I never heard this song in English until the ABBA GOLD album came out. On the radio in Sweden they always played the Swedish language version. To this day. I know the Swedish lyrics better than the English ones."Länge länge lever kärleken, den kärleken Fernando"

[@nocturne7371]

@@Krauseminze I'm so happy you liked it. I agree with you that the lyrics fit the music better. I also just think it sounds better. Ring Ring, Honey Honey and Waterloo also have Swedish versions.

[@michelemercier2286]

I've listened to that version for a long time and while I can't really sing along as I read the lyrics you've written, I can totally "hear" it. Music is strange, in a wonderful way. This version will always be special to me as it is the song that made me fall in love with the group, but on a sonic level, rather than an emotional one, I think the Swedish version is better.

[@fromchomleystreet]

Is the basic subject matter the same? I didn’t even know Benny and Bjorn wrote alternative versions of their songs in the two languages. I thought they just wrote them in English to maximise an international audience, and that they just assumed that most Swedes can speak English anyway.

[@nocturne7371]

@@fromchomleystreet In Fernando no, the Swedish version is "cheering" up a sad Fernando and assuring him of the power of love. The other songs are basically the same, just translated. The Swedish songs all have defferent backstories on why they did a Swedish version of them. To increase sales they also did Fernando in Spanish also. As a matter of dact, they exually did a whole album in Spanish. To boost sales in Sounth America.

[@martinhumble]

There is a Swedish versions of SOS too

[@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge]

This is Frida singing the first voice here !

[@Upe-f9c]

A beautiful song. Benny Andersson is truly a gifted composer and he often uses a kind of "wall of sound" quality.

[@tellurian2263]

ABBA has many intriguing songs with complex melodies, so it’s great to see Amy starting to have a look at them, even if not strictly rock. There are many ABBA fans out there, including metal heads. My top list of songs to analyse include, in order of preference: 1) “The Day Before You Came” - interesting storytelling and intriguing use of ascending/descending phrases with key changes. Monotonic, dull - and amazing. 2) “Slipping Through My Fingers” - beautiful song about Mother’s regret about her daughter growing up too quickly and the limited time that gives their relationship. Will strike a chord with any parent. 3) “The Visitors” - new use of synthesisers, producing an interesting new sound. Tells a story about Soviet dissidents. 4) “SOS” - catchy tune with surprisingly complex composition, by many (allegedly including John Lennon) called the greatest pop song of all time. 5) “Arrival” - instrumental song with no lyrics, popular bagpipe tune! 6) “Does Your Mother Know” - one of the more rocky ABBA tunes (in particular their live performance), notable for Björn being lead vocalist 7) “Dancing Queen” - ABBA’s arguably most successful hit song and only US Billboard #1. 8) “Money, Money, Money” - intriguing piano arrangements in the spirit of Rachmaninov 9) “Don’t Shut Me Down” - particularly notable for being released after a 40-year gap 10) “Chiquitita” - prominent harmonies, striking piano riff. 100% of royalties go to UNICEF, so far 5 M$ 11) Disco-bangers: “Voulez-Vous”, “Lay All Your Love on Me”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, “Take A Chance On Me”, “Mamma Mia!”, “Ring Ring”. Can’t go wrong with these on the dance floor. 12) Some other favourites: “Angeleyes”, “Super Trouper”, “Summer Night City”, “Eagle”, “When All Is Said And Done”

[@alexioverdo5225]

..."and metal heads" damn fine 'n proudly true!I love that u entered "SHUT"(2021's) in your list.

[@CharlyDS]

ABBA is irresistible. The lyrics are perfect and ambiguous enough to be universal, love, youth and fighting for freedom. I know harcodore punks and tough metalheads who love ABBA, it's the joy of music, you cannot let go :)

[@johntousseau9380]

Yes more ABBA! Their entire discography is amazing. I think you will like everything they do. If you ever go to Stockholm, visit the ABBA museum.

[@dagfinnsigridsonskoglund563]

Wow! I love this show and your style! Please go on!

[@davidleatherneck]

LOL. Well, as long as we are being imaginative, it could be that Fernando is loved by 2 Gals. Not unheard of. But, the lead swings back and forth between the 2 gals singing. Thanks for your insight into this song. Have a Happy New Year. Dave.

[@nilsfearon1]

I love that you didn't assume it was a love song. So many people did and still do. It's a beautiful tribute to survivors of war and friendship

[@abbagus1]

It talks about the US invasion to Mexico where Mexico lost 60% of its territory . That’s why she sings “we never thought that we could lose there’s no regret if I had to do the same I would my friend “ . After the US took the territory many Mexicans crossed the Rio Grande ( Rio Bravo for the mexicans) to move to the Mexican part cos they didn’t want to stay in the “then already “ American acquisition. That’s why also they song about crossing the Rio Grande . 1847 where the Irish army joined the Mexicans to help out and were punished by the Americans , they’re remembered as heroes and their batallion name is written with golden letters at the Mexican congress alongside all Mexican heroes . The movie of this Irish heroes is called Saint Parrick’s Batallion.

[@Rollin_L]

That setting is pure speculation on your part, and your description of that war is extremely one-sided and incomplete. It was not without provocation from Mexico that this war was waged. There was no "Irish Army," as Ireland was not an independent nation at the time, being occupied and thoroughly dominated by the British. The Irish soldiers you speak of were, in many cases, deserters from the U.S. Army. You can call them "heroes" if you want. Mexico proactively recruited Catholics to fight for them, offered land grants and other financial incentives. That the bulk of that group was Irish was due to many being in that region already, but it had nothing to do with Ireland itself.

[@abbagus1]

@ you should watch the historic movie Saint Patrick’s Batallion . Certainly they were hired by the US, the situation because of the British was not good there, and certainly after seeing the atrocities made to Mexicans they decided to fight for Mexico, yes, the US invaders considered them deserters , tortured and murdered as such , in Mexico City there’s a huge monument , if you don’t want to see the movie, there are condensed historic stories or even a song called saint Patrick’s batallion , that’s history, it’s in books , I watched a US KZbinr reacting to this , and he said, that part is not taught at schools at all, as in the future the story of Palestine will be other , the story is written for those who win

[@Rollin_L]

@@abbagus1 To start, I don't want to further sidetrack the topic of this video by arguing history that is wholly unrelated. This is my final post on the topic. If you want to talk about atrocities, you need go no further than what Santa Anna did to Tejas in 1836, a wholesale execution of hundreds, even of prisoners who dared surrender rather than be killed in fighting for their freedom. Did they teach YOU about that in school? Did they tell you how Dictator Santa Anna revoked the Mexican Constitution, reneged on promises made for regional authority and centralized all power in Mexico City, thus inciting his Tejas citizens to seek independence? It was largely Santa Anna's intent to reclaim Tejas that sparked the war with the United States, which in part is why Tejas had joined the union after nearly ten years as an independent republic. Your opinion that the song in question was about the Mexican-American War is, as I said, mere speculation and not fact. But you and I are not going to be in agreement on any part of the history, so let's just stop debating it here and let this video discussion stay on the topic of the song Fernando and the band ABBA.

[@abbagus1]

@ well this is also my last statement , I replied cos you said I was wrong, but we agree on one thing , Santa Anna was a traitor and a coward he gave the territory to save his skin .

[@Rollin_L]

@@abbagus1 Fair enough. Let's finish with where we can agree. Peace to you, sir.

[@lisar6510]

❤ love your reaction Amy always look forward to seeing your reactions on the weekends

[@nkirwin72]

'The Name of the Game' is one of my favourites by them ❤

[@martinhumble]

Agree, and especially the guys in the back

[@andrewjenkinson7052]

Thank you. I look forward to more of your ABBA reactions. There seems a small confusion as to which one is singing. I suggest if you watch any ABBA video (not necessarily for KZbin) all should become clear. I love your reactions. The ABBA rabbit hole is extensive, rich and fascinating. I honestly have not found a mediocre ABBA song. As for separate instruments, Benny's piano is a feature on many songs and Björn even has the lead on songs like "Does Your Mother Know?" Welcome to ABBA, you have much to look forward to.

[@lynntalafuse9935]

In Germany we had one radio station and so we listened to ABBA

[@nationaltrails9585]

A Special Shout-out to Call Me Caroline who announced today that she is leaving KZbin. Her work and analysis of The Beatles album and singles catalogue was certainly an involving landmark in also appreciating and educating many about The Beatles. :)

[@seanmcmichael2551]

@nationaltrails9585 Spot on. Sad, but great that Cazza gave us closure. I listen to Amy's reviewing of the Beatles albums with an ear memory of Call Me Caroline (and Crystal Shannon). All such different styles of reviewing, but all rivetting. Looking forward to Amy enjoying the upcoming more mature and eclectic final Beatles albums.

[@alexioverdo5225]

In the 70s, no one would admit that they liked Abba. Now it's fine. It's so kitsch. Kitsch is an excuse to defend the fact that they feel a common emotion. If it is kitsch. you put a sort of frame around something - to suggest you are being ironic. Actually, you aren't. You are really enjoying it. I like Abba. I did then and I didn't admit it. The snobbery of the time wouldn't allow it. I did admit it when I heard 'Fernando'; I COULD NOT BEAR to keep the secret to myself anymore /Swedish (people) are so restrained emotionally. When they get sentimental it's rather sweet and charming. What we really got me with "Fernando" was what the lower singer (FRIDA) was doing/It's so obscure what she's doing and very hard to sing. And then from being a sceptic I went over the top in the other direction. I really fell for them." BRIAN ENO , source The Guardian

[@brucedillinger9448]

If they're good enough for Brian they should be good enough for the likes of us. ☺

[@michelemercier2286]

It wasn't cool to like them at that time in North America either. I liked being a bit "different" so I always admitted they were (are) my favourite group. Even now, that's what people remember about my musical likes (I do like other music, really). I didn't mind that they weren't (admittedly) popular because that kind of made them "mine". I was actually a bit bothered when it became okay to admit liking them because so many did they didn't feel like "mine" anymore. But I soon got over that, since their resurgence allowed me to replace my scratchy albums and unwinding cassettes with CDs, see the intriguingly put together Mamma Mia and then find myself listening to a brand new album. So I don't mind sharing after all. :)

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@michelemercier2286 "(admitedly) popular"/....Well observed.At the time there were no internet,socials but music mags/press, radio.tv.What famous critical voices expressed through the medias could manipulate people's minds and kinda spread some sense that it was them who were right and us Abba fans wrong.Plus the speed of information was reserved and slow.People could express different opinions and disagree usually through letters to some music mags that got published in a restricted way....But then i was wondering,'am i the only Abba fan in this world?!" 'who the heck is buying all these phenomenal amounts of alnbums/singles" that were no1 in the charts?Seems that the closet fans who listened to Abba behind closed doors were some squillions.Btw problem was mostly in US,UK,Sweden not that much elsewhere.Abba was such a guilty super pleasure.

[@alexioverdo5225]

weren't (admitedly) popular"/....Well observed.At the time there were no internet,socials but music mags/press, radio.tv.What famous critical voices negatively expressed about ABBA through the medias could manipulate people's minds and kinda spread some sense that it was them who were right and us Abba fans wrong.Plus the speed of information was reserved and slow.People could express different opinions and disagree usually by posting letters to some music mags that got published in a small number in very restricted pages and under the publisher's control.....It came a time where i was wondering,'am i the only Abba fan in this world?!" ' Then who the heck is buying all these phenomenal amounts of alnbums/singles" that were no1 in the charts?Seems that the closet fans who listened to Abba behind closed doors were some squillions.Btw problem was mostly in US,UK,Sweden not that much elsewhere.Abba was such a guilty super pleasure.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@michelemercier2286 (admitedly) popular"/....Well observed.At the time there were no internet,socials but music mags/press, radio.tv.What famous critical voices expressed through the medias could manipulate people's minds and kinda spread some sense that it was them who were right and us Abba fans wrong.Plus the speed of information was reserved and slow.People could express different opinions and disagree usually through letters to some music mags that got published in a restricted way....But then i was wondering,'am i the only Abba fan in this world?!" 'who the heck is buying all these phenomenal amounts of alnbums/singles" that were no1 in the charts?Seems that the closet fans who listened to Abba behind closed doors were some squillions.Btw problem was mostly in US,UK,Sweden not that much elsewhere.Abba was such a guilty super pleasure.

[@shampoocampus]

As much as I love to hear your take on the lyrics (and I do), I love even more when you use your musical expertise to examine melody, chord structure, and music theory of a given piece. Been a fan since early days, glad you're seeing so much success Amy!

[@ardanard-jh5fg]

I need her to explain the lyrics too since English is not my mother tongue and I don't always understand them.

[@michelemercier2286]

@@ardanard-jh5fg English isn't the mother tongue of anyone in this group either. Because of that, some of their earlier songs had the lyrics that were a bit - hmm. Even this one, which is my favourite of their songs has the lyric "Since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand" and that is awkward English. But it sounds good, so no matter. :) As time went on they got better, which is why a song like the one she reacted to yesterday, "The Winner Takes it All" is so amazing.

[@ShannonHostager]

A pleasure, as always!

[@TheGarrymoore]

Benny Anderson is a master of arrangement.

[@Merseyrock]

I thought it was about WWI, but since Frida and Agnetha sing about the Rio Grande, I am now thinking that they are referring to the Mexican-American war, back in the 1800s...

[@Baiko]

I'm thinking the Mexican revolution of 1910s.

[@jenscee7679]

Great to hear a song with Frida singing. Her voice is more full and lower than Agnetha’s. I love both of their voices, but together they blend so really well. So many great songs.

[@Mark-zu6oz]

She also had a solo hit "Something's Going On" that did rather well.

[@steveberkery6128]

Bjorn and Benny were extraordinary composers and arrangers… Then they went out and got two of the greatest voices in the world… ABBA is extraordinary…

[@dbriddie9525]

The music was fantastic, but you need to see the whole package with the videos, the looks, and style with the two ladies etc

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

Come on:it was the 70'th. But the stage presence was great with Agnetha blond and Annifred dark haired, that's. Frida for short. And I think, you must remember that they were Swedish.

[@MiroslavGačević]

'My love, my life' by ABBA - next please it is one of their most touching love ballads.. and Bjorn said that in that song Agnetha's soprano came out the best So please

[@s.k.angyal3768]

I remember when it came out as their new song 1976 and my first thought was; this is special!

[@nickbarber2080]

Credit to Rutger Gunnarsson who always keeps the tune rolling along in any ABBA song he played in.

[@kevinferrin5695]

All of their personal name songs are quite intriguing.

[@garypriestley3886]

When I was about 5 or 6, my parents had a mixed collection of records, I remember listening to Queen and ABBA many times in my childhood, I must've listened to Queen's greatest hits thousands of times, I grew up with an ecclectic taste in music but ABBA and Queen have special memories for me, Bohemian Rhapsody is still my all-time favourite song, and I know it off by heart!

[@lloydy68]

'Summer night city' is a really good ABBA song, but there are lots.

[@sionadamson1842]

Wonderful Reaction & Asessment🍀 please try ABBA's "Knowing Me, Knowing You" - another lead vocal by Anni-frid (known as Frida) & "Chiquitita" - lead vocal by Agnetha (who also sang "The Winner Takes It All" & "Happy New Year")

[@martinkraenzmer3234]

Michael B. Tretow, sound engineer, was the person behind the Abba sound. If I remember correctly it had to do with the mixing of Agnetha’s and Frida’s voices and blending them together with some kind of delay in multiple layers.

[@meofnz2320]

“a sprinkling of fairy dust…”

[@jimclarke1108]

Amazing voices

[@jovana_r]

I love you've loved ABBA! It's refreshing hearing them on the channel. 🖤

[@dreasbn]

a very private recommandation, not suited for the videos, is Benny Andersson's Piano album where you could track his developement as a composer. 21 tracks only 6 or 7 are ABBA related and the rest is musical and filmscores and more. Just on piano by himself. A treasure and the reason why i think Benny is one of the most wonderful composers of the 20th century.

[@jamesbottomley2596]

Like a little opera. It has that epic quality that makes a song great and Abba were so good at creating.

[@eizeoosting843]

If you want to hear the 2 ladies clearly different, I can recommend to listen to the must-listen-for-parents “Slipping through my fingers” (Agneta) and “Like an angel passing through my room” (Anni-Frid). Both are on the Visitors album. Other Anni-Frid mastervoice would be “I wonder (departure)” or “I have a dream” or “I let the music speak” and for Agneta “The day before you came” or “Happy New Year” or “SOS” For both of them the well known “Dancing Queen” … and so many others 😅

[@WakingUpToday213]

Amy you do this so well :)

[@theresenydahl9531]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrishaas2376]

Amy I hope you will review "I let the Music Speak". It is at the same time, a poem to music lovers, and also shows the evolution of ABBA as they became more classical in their composition, and finally an incredible performance by Frida. How these two women with two incredible voices ended up in the same band is just extremely lucky for all of us. Benny with most of the music composition and Bjorn with most of the lyrics flushed out the foursome, in my opinion a great composer and a great lyricist.

[@thehollyrocker69]

"ECHOES" LIVE IN POMPEII... You won't regret it..

[@bwcbiz]

People call Michael Jackson the King of Pop, but ABBA is a whole royal family (or 2 of them?) of pop.

[@MicahBell_1860]

I always thought Anni-Frid was the woman, caught in the middle of the Spanish-American war, who was the lover of the soldier she is singing too. Women go grey too. I was 6 years old when this came out, & was obsessed with ABBA like almost the whole of Australia was.

[@edwhite517]

So pleased you are doing this one. This must have been very hard for Frida to sing, look up her childhood. Dancing Queen next please luscious teenage light relief.

[@thehoogard]

Of the three songs you've reacted to so far, this is the first one where Frida takes the lead. She did backing vocal and harmonies on the other two. Frida has a lower register and a more 'sultry' character to her voice. Agnetha, has a more crisp crystal clear voice, and a slightly higher register. Together the create what many dub 'the third voice'.