ABBA - The Name Of The Game (1977) | REACTION

Part 3 of our Saturday Triple Play was originally the lead single from ABBA: The Album.
#abbareaction
#abba
#agnethafältskog
#70spop
#swedishpop
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[@christianoazzuro6711]

In a recent music documentary there's a part titled 'The Stockholm syndrome'.A lady that is also a vocalist in Max Martins team explained how this song was an astonishing example to teach them some great,inspiring policies in terms of complicated vocal arrangements and songwritting/recording technics.Remember it was just 1977!Still sounds new and not outdated at all!Genius Abba.

[@andrewmcdonald6987]

One of the most complex songs ever.Abba are gods.

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

A masterpiece. So complex, yet effortlessly put together. Their harmonies, and Frida's acapella sections, OMG, love everything about it.

[@jules5807]

Agreed. This song overwhelms me with its sheer beauty. Those harmonies , wow.

[@matsholmgren8105]

Just those lines: if I trust in you, would you let me down, would you laugh at me if I said I care... it sums up all the insecurity and anticipation in the beginning of a relationship

[@flemmingkristoffersen1896]

My favourite ABBA song - along with Knowing Me, Knowing You and Eagle! All songs so well written, produced and sung - and so complex and yet so catchy! ABBA are the best Pop group ever!

[@eduardooscar309]

how nice to see you at the end of the week! with an extraordinary song by ABBA, which has many peculiarities The name of the game (1977) 1) I think it's the first in which each of the girls sings a verse as lead voice 2) the official video was recorded at the blonde Agnetha and blonde Björn's home, because Agnetha was very late in her second pregnancy (that's why maybe she's sitting and cared for in the picture) 3) "The name of the game" was released in October 1977, two month before "ABBA The Album" and the movie "ABBA The Movie" It was a bold gamble from ABBA, it opened their horizons and spread beyond pop. I think that "The name of the game" (1977) have some vibs of influences of BEATLES songs like "Penny Lane" (1967) curiosly, "The name of the game" in October/November 1977 was #1 in UK (4 weeks) and replaced in the #1 for "Mull of Kintyre" by Paul McCartney (ex songwriter of The BEATLES) "The name of the game" is in my opinion a masterpiece one of the Seven Wonders of ABBA (in chronological order): Waterloo S.O.S Dancing Queen The name of the game Chiquitita The winner takes it all Don't shut me down "The Album" (1977) is my favourite ABBA album, the most versatile, each song is different and brilliant: Eagle Take a chance on me One man one woman The name of the game "Move on "Hole in your soul Thank you for the music I wonder (departure) I'm a marionette I hope to see you in more ABBA videos A big hug from Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 South America

[@staalmannen2522]

One of their very best! Sophisticated. ❣️

[@niklasherneryd4754]

Best of the best… This is the best of all ABBA-songs, even if it is at least 100 more great songs from this amazing group.

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

Thank you for taking the time going through this amazing song. I love both of those gorgeous voices. Agnetha has a brighter tone, Frida has warmth and very powerful, too. The magic happens when you combine them as the sound of Abba. All stars were aligned when these four people met and formed a group called Abba. Simply the best pop group ever.

[@alexioverdo5225]

'all stars were aligned when these 4 people met and formed a group called Abba'..I was trying for ages to find the right words to express this but failed.Thanx!You so well said.As another fan once wrote 'Abba's co-existence was a cosmic thing'.

[@bahmananvari9354]

Absolute genius

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Definitely one of my top ABBA favs ! ...I was 15 yrs young when this hit came out and I was so mesmerized by the composition and arrangement of both music and vocals.....my first song to deeply recognize and have such a major appreciation for recording arrangements, impeccable ! Yes, a genius masterpiece that is timeless. Bravo ABBA ! (funny memory during this time I had my first heavy steady girlfriend and she despised ABBA and the fact I loved this hit song, partially because she was jealous of the two girls beauty, thinking I was fixating on them, and also she thought I should be listening to KISS, Blue Oyster Cult, etc... LOL )

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

Lol, yeah it definitely wasn’t cool to like ABBA back then, with all the classic rock going on. But all these years later, it’s clear where the real action was - with Agnetha and Frida!

[@chelseacharger]

One of my top three ABBA songs. Absolutely brilliant. Reactors should really always choose the full album versions. Those edited ones miss out so much stunning sections.

[@DC-vv5ii]

I always say that ABBA does to my ears what Rembrandt does to my eyes.

[@dorojessy6932]

John Lennon said “SOS” by ABBA was one of his favorite songs. Paul McCartney said “They deserve all the success they have had, and a lot more besides. It is far from easy for a foreign group to make it big in the States. But I am quite confident that ABBA will be successful.”

[@eduardooscar309]

Your predictions about ABBA on your channel are coming true Congratulations! With your three new ABBA reactions he will surely be the most watched artist on your channel Exactly one week after your three reactions, the video for "The name of the game" is already in 11th place! fantastic It adds to the previous videos of S.O.S. (2nd!) & "Knowing me knowing you" (6th) among the most viewed on your channel (also "Super Trouper" is 22th and "I have a dream" is 26th almost the 5 ABBA songs in your Top25 nearly to pick at 5.000 views in all)

[@christianoazzuro6711]

it might seem as a 'harmless' love song.But it's really deep and complicated both musically and lyricwise.Lyrics deal with sentimental insecurities and fears of being exposed and get hurt if not some hints of agoraphobia.'I have no friends,no one to see and i am never invited'.The video clip featured in ABBA The Movie 'symbolically' shows Agnetha laying in a sofa talking to her phychiatrist.Soundscape is more American and ifluenced from the Californian sound.This one was sampled by Hip hopers THE FUGEES' (rumble in the jungle' 1996).

[@Mingus8]

I totally agree with you here.. Only a bit of a shame that you chose the edited short version, and not the original album version ;) This is prime example of when something happens, three different melodies come together, perfectly matched. And Abba magic occur. (If you ever consider listen to "Eagle" from the same album, be sure to pick the original longer version)

[@seanb6259]

Good to see you Americans appreciating Abba, great review! My fave too along with Knowing Me Knowing You.

[@kenperkins7921]

Those 70s guys were the best! without a doubt

[@andersgranstrom7128]

Fantastic melodies on this one, in all sections... True pop a la carté!! Great reaction, sir - greetings from Sweden! 🙂

[@DaveTweedy-vv2tp]

This version was edited and appeared on some compilations but was not the original version and suffered from the removal of Agnetha's second verse. Amazing song and my favourite one from the moment I heard it as a youngster in !977. Thanks for your review.

[@alexioverdo5225]

oh yes i also realised it lasted less.Both 'Eagle' and this one have edited versions here n there but their ultimate versions are the ones saved in ABBA THE ALBUM.Both glorious.

[@dard683]

love the show!! That song is a masterclass in songwriting, so many levels. Try Eagle, if u like this you will like that😂

[@rdwulf6289]

That was the edited version. Second verse missing. Agree with every word you said.

[@jerrycote659]

It’s too bad you didn’t choose to play the full version rather than the single edit. The break with Agnetha singing “I have no friends, no one to see, and I am never invited” adds an extra layer of emotion which gives an added depth to the song overall. While I definitely agree with the effusive praise you give Agnetha’s vocals on this track, I have to say I think Frida’s vocals give this song the warmth and emotional depth which elevates the song to a level it wouldn’t necessarily attain if not for her solo portions. And of course, when Frida and Agnetha are singing the chorus together, we’ll, as all ABBA fans know, there is nothing which compares, it’s musical magic. This is my #3 favorite ABBA song just behind my #1 “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and my #2 “The Visitors (Crackin’ Uo)”.

[@rbe5579]

I can't believe you hadn't heard these tracks before, or that you so badly underestimated ABBA as recording artists....They were geniuses, as were their super-talented session musicians...Together they produced masterpieces. You need to listen through headphones to hear everything going on in the track - you will miss a lot otherwise....

[@guyinnyc1]

Wonderful review, i had the same feelings when I bought that album in '78. I was completely blown away by each cut.

[@popcult]

Your almost manic delivery concerning ABBA’s pop genius is justifiable. It is a miracle or rather a mistake how the mostly US press labeled them first years unfairly. However, their Voyage project in London convinced even the most doubtful critics that ABBA is indeed timeless. Thank you for your comments on the Swedish Fab Four ! Would you consider to explore The Visitors album especially the title song “ The Visitors”?

[@DaveTweedy-vv2tp]

hey man you missed the second section from Agnetha!!

[@DaveTweedy-vv2tp]

love your review and agree with you on each point. The section that was edited is gorgeous and continues to showcase the beauty of Agnetha's voice. It completes the song.

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

Hey Dave, thanks for letting me know this! It hadn’t occurred to me that I’ve been playing the shorter single version. I’m going to track down the full-length album version, and will probably do a new video for the song at that time. Thanks again!

[@DaveTweedy-vv2tp]

@@timelesspoprocksoul hey dude, you r'e welcome. Its so much better, not a whole lot more time wise but so enriching. Your'e gonna love it buddy

[@hansandresen4392]

I think you might appreciate Summer Night City

[@nickchristoforou7850]

Have a listen to "Move On", "Gonna Sing You My Lovesong", "So Long", "That's Me", "I've Been Waiting For You", "If It Wasn't For The Nights", "Our Last Summer", "Soldiers" "Another Town, Another Train" and "Hole In Your Soul". These 10 songs are among their best, but somehow get overlooked. Most are deep cuts, not even released as singles.

[@helenpeterson]

Totally agree

[@alexioverdo5225]

....'I was an impossible case,noone ever could reach me/but i think i can see it your face,there's a lot you can teach me/and you make me talk,and you make me Feel and you make me show what i'm trying to conceal/if i trust in you,woould you let me down?,would you laugh at me?'.... i mean ,c'm on this is so disarming!I didn't value this gem they way it should when i had first heard this-in my pre-teens- since it was more 'adult' and sophisticated for my age at the time, until many years far later on.I'm so proud people do recognize its exceptional importance that stood the test of time.

[@abbagus1]

Sad you mischose the shortened version of the song maybe from The Magic of ABBA LO or the 1999 version of the ABBA Gold CD , great comments as always

[@hansandresen4392]

Thank you for your cool reaction!

[@rbe5579]

By the way, her name is Anne-Yetta not Agg-Netta

[@Anna-Gunilla1792]

😊👍

[@6549Marci]

Great reaction; even though you played the shorter version of the song, the original recording includes the second verse. Yes, it's a wonderfully structured song with gorgeous vocals and harmonies from both girls, the magic of the third voice. Many people love more Agnetha's crystal clear, pop voice, but I've always loved Frida's.

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

Hi Marci, thanks for watching and commenting. I can’t believe I’ve only been playing the single version. As I mentioned to another viewer, I will track down the album version asap, and I will probably do a new video when I get it.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@timelesspoprocksoul i think that the official video clip also features the unedited version..

[@6549Marci]

@@timelesspoprocksoul What was your source for this song? Many compilations usually include a shortened version, such as ABBA Gold CD. You can listen to the original version on ABBA - The Album. I don't like these edited versions because they ruin the song. We also must not forget to give massive credit to Michael B.Tretow, their sound engineer. He experimented with different recording techniques and played an essential part in creating the "ABBA sound." One tip: if you decide to react to Eagle or Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! one day, check out the full audio versions, as they were also edited.

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

@@6549Marci I got the song from the old ABBA Gold cd. I agree with you - I generally dislike edited/single versions of my favorite songs and I can’t believe I missed out on a whole 2nd verse from Agnetha on this song. Grateful to you and others who brought this to my attention.

[@6549Marci]

@@timelesspoprocksoul Yeah, I thought it was the Gold CD. For your Agnetha pleasure, go and watch this. You won't regret it 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3ucYY2nfZWDjas

[@standersson6420]

I think you will find this interesting. It is a recent, long, interview with Björn and Benny where they talk a lot about how they worked in the studio. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hom7dWeDmtSqf9U

[@halldorra]

I know thw feeling,since 1974 ;- )

[@halldorra]

They were accused of having some formula,but as Bjorn said,ther was not any formula,just listen to the albums,they redeem them selfs

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

I think they have a unique sound, a signature style of their own, but their musical vocabulary spans so many styles of music, and it's not a formula.