ABBA Voyage Series - Part 10: "Ode To Freedom" | History & Review

[@kingmarshmusic]

Another thoughtful reflection on such a remarkable song from what has become one of my favourite Abba albums. I hadn’t made the connection of the two final tracks on this album to previous albums but it makes perfect sense and makes you realise the care and thought they Abba put into their later albums. The 5 second gap is so significant. I have the cd in my car playing constantly and the flow from one track to the next is perfect, even the return to track 1 after Ode to Freedom. Abba Gold continues to sell by the bucket loads and that’s great, but for me, the true magic of Abba is in their albums, their deep cuts and their diversity. Voyage is the perfect example of what Abba is all about - beautiful melodies and harmonies, interesting and varied arrangements/instrumentation, incredible vocals, thoughtful and ambiguous lyrics that are open to interpretation AND heart and soul. Do they have it in them?? You bet they do!!!

[@bobbysbrother137]

That's it. This is what it's all about for me. I'm so happy you singled it out. I feel that "Voyage" has brought ABBA and their album concept into the perception of the general audience, and up to the youngest folks. They're all talking about *an album* , and that's just brilliant. It's probably the greatest thing about "Voyage" after all. We are so blessed they actually decided for one more album, for all the reasons you mentioned. Thanks for that!

[@michaelsnaidero1671]

It is so true ,you don't really know or feel ABBA and their pure beauty UNLESS you listen to their Albums and follow their evolution and lifestory through their relationships and experiences through time and events they have endured with us along the way.Only then can you be as one with them and fly wing to wing high in the sky of life and love with them and bring perfection into what can be a sad and depressing world filled with negativity and hate ,they are a necessary positive for our lives that brings balance to our life experience.

[@tomlafontaine715]

Plĺ

[@laurentlim3033]

Define the Full Cycle of Essence of Heavenly Souls.

[@michel2075]

Un grand groupe, de réelle complicité entre eux.

[@stevejamesofficiel]

I would like to think that freedom is more than just a word

[@frankly-he1kf]

this song is simply magnificent....its like floating towards heaven....bjorn has written the best lyrics of his career. ode to freedom will be played in a thousand years ......what a swansong from the greatest group the world has ever witnessed....it moves me to tears every time,kinda like "when the waves roll out to sea "..ABBA,thank you for the joy you've given to the world all these years.....bb,much appreciation for the brilliant work you have put into this fascinating series....viva ABBA...viva UKRAINE 🇺🇦.❤🇮🇪 Ireland

[@bobbysbrother137]

Great! I love the connection to "When The Waves Roll Out To Sea". Oh, it's unbelievable this tune was never released just as the piano demo we know. What other artists would give for melodies like these, and Benny just locks them away...!!

[@frankly-he1kf]

@@bobbysbrother137 the piano demo is something special and the Elaine paige,lyrics version, though poor sound quality is up there with one of their best compositions ever....amazing that this masterpiece was never fully finished and released....benny could have,at least included it on his "piano" album.

[@erikskifte8862]

ABBA IS THE BIGGEST ODE TO MUSIC. AND CONGRATULATIONS ABBA, ON ASTONISHING CONSECUTIVE 20 YEARS, ON UK CHART WITH ABBA GOLD 🥰😍😍🥰

[@birgittelangoy1990]

Gratulerer med 50år til ABBA 🎉jeg vil aldrig slutte å elske dette unike og fantastiske bandet, og høre på dem,jeg blir alltid i så godt humør av å høre på dem🎉❤

[@joaking456]

I loved your video. Personally, think Ode to Freedom it’s a masterpiece, with time it will find the recognition that it deserves

[@joewhite6421]

The greatest Music group on Earth with the best singers ,writers and production.

[@debs4672]

ABBA’s final farewell seems to employ their widest vocal range, from Frida’s heavy earthiness to Agnatha’s weightless, fleeting airiness. As if this majestic ode to freedom was trying to reach as many people as possible, especially those who must consider freedom an abstract concept. A magnificent and lofty composition that promptly denies its splendor and grandeur, leaving us with ABBA’s most enduring legacy: their humanity.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Now this is a brilliant comment. Many thanks, Debs, I love these connections and analogies!

[@kayt9576]

Fantastic, the last is the first. 😅

[@viennacat1]

This is my absolute favourite on Voyage, there’s something so emotional about it that it really gets to me every time I hear it, but I struggle to pinpoint why that is.

[@luciahelenagomes784]

Beijos pra vcs, Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, Frida ❤❤❤❤Deus está com vocês eu também

[@josetellado9270]

OTRA MARAVILLOSA CANCION DE ABBA QUE SE ALZA COMO UN HIMNO PARA LA HUMANIDAD... PUESTO QUE NO EXISTE NADA MAS GRANDE PARA EL SER HUMANO QUE LA DIGNIDAD DE SER LIBRE Y LA LIBERTAD

[@andrewmcdonald6987]

I had school Fobia ( yes it was). I then though about freedom. Even though about leaving school, but was still not any freedom, as you need to go to work. Now I work for myself, I am as free as can be. I loved ABBA and they helped me when I was a mixed up kid with school nightmares. When I heard 'od to freedom' I cried and still do. I love Abba so much more now.

[@cehamecki7106]

Für mich ein atemberaubendes Lied. Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Annifrid. Danke für die schöne Melodie und der Gesang ist einfach nur "Hammer ".

[@79BlackRose]

When I first heard this song, I was stunned. It is sublime. I am stunned every time, and it makes me cry every time. I cannot even articulate why. You have, once again, produced a superlative video in exploring this song. When you started this series, this was the track I eagerly awaited more than any other. And you have not disappointed - as if you could haha! Your videos are very, very precious to me. Thank you for everything you have done and are doing to give us fans a place to come together and rejoice in this Voyage.

[@alexioverdo5225]

These videos are accurate,valueable documents.And i'sure "very,very precious" to most of us.I feel so grateful.

[@bobbysbrother137]

I feel grateful for so much appreciation, you guys. I'm honestly too happy, I'm over the moon that so many folks are interested in the depths of ABBA, their music and legacy. There is hope after all!

[@kyleday5026]

​@Bobby‘s Brother what songs are your favorites from voyage album and how many times have u been to the abba arena

[@kayt9576]

The careers of perfection, 60 YEARS OF ABBAs GREAT MUSIC!!

[@aletheia333]

All I can say music is coming from another dimension. It's elusive and it's hard to hold. It's a fleeting thing. Quoting the lyrics.

[@mindyk-j450]

I don’t want to say goodbye to ABBA! I never had a chance to say hello to them!😢

[@uknewslink]

Beautiful ❤

[@michaelsnaidero1671]

The ultimate ending for an ultimate album ,asking the ultimate question, FREEDOM ,freedom for all in our own minds and hearts and for each other and to each other to surround us with love and empathy,a world of contentment and shared happiness and joy.This song is timeless it can be sung forever and be forever relevant, see how it fits now with the Ukraine conflict ,yet the song was conceived and written 25 years ago and it can be interpreted on more personal levels and other community issues ,this is ABBA sending a message to each and every soul on this planet ,a message for all that lack freedom in any way and to those that seek to enslave others and deprive them of freedom .this song is a diamond with many different facets that give different dimensions that give different interpretations a special gift for all to sing for what they experience and believe in,a song to unite and inspire us.

[@Melb1]

This to me, is the most ABBA song on the album. Todays it still gives me chills the second it starts. It does what all great ABBA songs do, it fills your heart with emotion. No other musical act do what ABBA do when it comes to writing and performing music that make you feel what you are hearing.

[@nickmorrell3559]

I love don't shut me down best ..but this song really moves me ...it's intriguing to know it wasn't meant for Abba ...just sublime

[@updatesolar]

The truth is that wen people have unfinish bussness,the will always come together to finalize it,cos tho they may be far away or thinking is is over no way,that peace must be established for them to find that freedom and be happy tho sometimes it might be emotional but it worth it,it is a completion,it is a filling of that emptiness in your heart,it is a feeling of fulfillment,i remember each time agnatha was asked about abba,she will answer half way but now she could beat her chest and and answer fully in happiness and joy.i am so glad to be fully involved in abba reunion,cos i have waited so long for it.this is the second reunion that i have experience in my life that gave me fulfilments, Abba and that of my lost lover Chris,it took us 20year to renunite ,that feeling of emptines was gone,i felt so complete , him too but then ijust seven months he died ,i cried out my heart but then i still have faith in him like he always said to me wen we enuited , he,tot that chance has gone i came and save the best for last and he has be looking for completion not knowing that he find it in our deepest friendship the one he cherished all his life.like he said our love was not just love but a deepest friendship i have ever had with anyone in my life tho it was short live but then he gave me what no man can give me for twenty year just for a period of seven month,i did this same to him,tho it is so emotional,and i cried sometimes but it is that sadness that come with joy.like i said tho we are in a world apart,i still have faith in him and believe that wen done with this world he will be the first to ursher me in that other world of only God knows better .I use to be afraid of death but his exit made me to realize that love is stronger than death and gratitude is stronger than love.love is not enough to keep friendship cos sometimes it is termpered just as Agnatha said in an interview,love comes and go,the only way out is gratitude for the beauty they all got from abba tho they all tried in their solo but it was the unity,the love ,the understanding,the shocase to the world that made people to love Abba.people want them to come back not just for music alone but to radiate and stabilize that love in thier music that is a joy and healing to the heart of a man kind ,Agnatha has the key,she is the hearts of ABBA,She is a goddess of love,she wanted it pure,there is no pure love tho she finally understand her mistake,she wud have stay and work it out,benny and frida are free hearted, Bjorn is cold,not good at expression,he still love agnatha but now they have united,and best friends,love, forevet now have faith in each others no more grudges,no more blame, happiness and interaction, anywhere , any day anytime.the war is over, freedom at last.

[@jekaniahgeorge6799]

I could totally listen to an entire album from ABBA in the style of this most beautiful song.

[@leonquiet4768]

A masterpiece, this song makes me fly, cry, and it gives me hope

[@rdwulf6289]

Fantastic analysis of the song, thank you. I have played this album at least once every day since 5th November. I adore it.

[@HolgerJakobs]

Bobby's Brother didn't mention that the live performance recently was by Ukrainian musicians who were abroad on tour when war struck their country.

[@melanchabba]

Ode To Freedom it's maybe, No!, It's my favorite track on this album, i am french so the first time i listened to this song i just feel the mood and i was just blow away, after anderstanding the lyrics, well, i cried , i cried a lot becase it's just beautiful and that's all. I will not be in the concerts but i hope this song will be played. Thanks a lot for your videos , for a fan like me it's always greate to share the same love and feelings about a song, an album. Thank you so much Bobby's Brother

[@wawa2]

This was terrific. And this whole series was an epic voyage, pun intended. Thank you thank you!

[@graphiquejack]

Thanks for the shout out! The three notes from Death of Aase were haunting me for a while because I knew I had heard them before and slowly but surely after some digging around in my mind and on KZbin I found it! I've loved taking this ABBA Voyage with you... your videos are so impeccably researched and quite professionally crafted visually. And yes, I have listened to the album on a loop and I agree that Ode merges wonderfully into Faith. Benny and Björn did a fantastic job linking each song together sonically and lyrically.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Keep on digging, that was such a brilliant observation, even more so how you remembered Benny mentioning Edvard Grieg in 2010. Thanks, GraphiqueJack!

[@patriciagrant5100]

I loved this song as soon as I heard it. It is my favourite off the Voyage album. It takes my breath away. A masterpiece. Thanks for your videos on Voyage. I have enjoyed them very much.

[@abbascots]

Hello BB Such a beautiful and poignantly stunning operatic end too the album it’s a masterpiece Ode to Freedom so beautiful and heartwarming for me perhaps a farewell for the ABBA fans a beautiful climax to end the album 💝 Its like a hymm for me so profoundly hauntingly stunning clarity in the vocals and ofcourse Fridas higher operatic vocals blend magestic lyrically with Agnethas higher ranges 😇 a song that puts my ears into a sublime heaven 🙏 Its reflectively odes to the past and present so mesmerising and indulgent and I feel it makes this song one of those ABBA songs that will stick in your head for ever it’s a beautiful legacy too add to there already triumphant catalogue 💝 Thankyou for your reflections BB so insightful and a pleasure to watch 🙏

[@bobbysbrother137]

And to think it wasn't even intended for ABBA in the first place. You're so right, they enhanced their entire legacy with this album. They did the absolute impossible, but who, if not them! Thanks for the wonderful thoughts and feedback, abbascots!

[@abbascots]

Yes BB I’m so thankful this song was included it’s the icing on the cake and brings the odes to where ABBA is at now in there life and souls 💝 its such a magestic classical end and so fitting lyrically 🥰 too ABBA

[@AFLOVEable]

When I heard this song for the first time, I immediately thought of Jacques Offenbachs "Barcarolle" without knowing of Fridas recording. Also, compare ode to freedom, to Verdis "Choir of the Hebrew slaves", that also was an instant connection to me. You're also right, that there are details of Grieg.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Wow, that's what I call fateful incidents. Really nice to see you thought of "Barcarolle"!

[@miguelmelo8735]

Frida is Extraordinaray and i don't have words to say how wonderful She is...i love her so much. all of US (ABBA fans) love her soothing voice including her great performance in I BELIEVE IN ANGELS BECAUSE SHE sings like and Angel!!!!!!!!

[@karlturner9038]

After watching this video as well as all series about "Voyage" I still don't get how and why some critics didn't see all this album depth? I keep wondering. I can be biased, but I think despite its sucess this album is still underrated somehow, for me it is the pure high art. And to understand it, to conceive it you need to know the entire ABBA legacy including all projects beyond band activity. I love these references to the past works and this album is a decent summary of what they have ever done. ,aybe I am rambling, but I can's stop admiring this album and this track in particular, I can't stop discovering new sides of this work, especially after watching these series.

[@davidmarshall5596]

Bobby's brother! Yet another excellent interpretation on another ABBA song 🎵..but to me this is not just another song..it is A MASTERPIECE!!!! this proved to me just how intellectual music 🎶 wise the two guys are...& the ABBA legacy will live on with time..this song is a terrific way to end an album..& I thank you BB for all the work ypu put in to these very informative & interesting reviews..you have 'educate' me just as I was educated in my schooling many years ago...till next time.. Keep.up the great work 👍

[@bobbysbrother137]

I just love to educate you folks, haha! But truly, I am so happy this album and "Ode to Freedom" brings the profound depth of ABBA's music not only to us loyal fans, but out into the world for everyone to experience. Thanks for your very nice comment, David!

[@carlosgarjon8340]

Frida also uses her opera voice in The Day Before You Came. Thank you, I love your analysis of this song, it has made me give it even more value.

[@graphiquejack]

very true... it's my favourite part of the song

[@carlosgarjon8340]

@@graphiquejack Mine too

[@bobbysbrother137]

That's what gives this song so much meaning and deeply haunting vibes. Oh, I'm cherry-picking all those bits of moments when Frida sings opera, and I'm forgetting the most obvious one! Thanks, Carlos, and it now makes everything even more full circle, since "The Day Before You Came" also was the end of an era.

[@carlosgarjon8340]

@@bobbysbrother137 Now I'm thinking Frida uses that voice in I Let The Music Speak: ".....no disturbance, no intrusion....) Anyway, thank you for all these series, they're just awesome. No one else can do those perfect analyses.

[@paulomarcos7632]

ABBA foi minha inspiração para sonhar. O sonho continua. Amo ABBA

[@danielpalmer8082]

I have been looking forward to this video since I discovered your series. The reason is that I am very partial to ABBA's high-energy, faster pace songs. When I listen to "Ode to Freedom", I can hear the majesty, the lyrics are clever and inspired, and I enjoy the classical orchestrations, but it is not the song that my mind gravitates to first. You have altered my perspective on several of the other songs on this album, so I wanted to see your take on this one. The video is, as always, excellent. I think my favorite part was learning about the history of the song and the historical context with respect to Benny's creative timeline. (I was fortunate enough to see the concert version of Kristina in Royal Albert Hall - exactly 12 years ago today! Bjorn and Benny were in attendance!). It feels like this song is in response to our tumultuous times. And, as you said in the video, it is ABBA's send off. I very much enjoyed your description of it as holding such a unique place in ABBA's music. It won't replace "Don't Shut Me Down", "Keep an Eye on Dan", or "No Doubt About It" as my go to songs from "Voyage", but this and "Bumblebee" seem. somehow, more important. Thank you for these wonderful visits to these songs. And it is lovely that there is one more video in the series - I thought we'd have to say "So Long" after this one, but I am looking forward to the culmination.

[@bobbysbrother137]

It is very nice to see how you are curious about my thoughts, and that it actually seem to give you more perspective on future listenings. Thanks for this heartwarming comment, Daniel!

[@johanwesterhoff642]

Thank you for this great document of all 10 songs of Voyage! It is complete now! You put so much blood, sweat and tears in it (I think) 😉 Thanks a lot and keep up posting these interesting, intelligent videos about Abba and their universe. Tack, from Holland, Johan

[@fritziepisarski8681]

Hey Hey Bobby, the first few times listening to “Ode “I thought, double talk. An “Ode To Freedom “that’s not an “Ode To Freedom” What!? Then realized it’s what ever you think your or in ABBAs case freedom should be. It is different for all of us. In many of the new songs ABBA has gotten lofty in their maturity. They’re making us think and feel about life. What is important. The instrumental is comforting and beautiful. I often wondered why Frida never sang opera, she could hit those notes and did on other ABBA albums. I didn’t know she did till you mentioned it. The vocals meld together as they always do.Sometimes I can’t tell Frida from Agnetha. They are so close and precise. I would hope this as you said isn’t their Swan Song. They have given us so much over the years and they still create. As the song says “ New spirit has arrived” they do have it in them. Happy Easter.🇺🇸🐰

[@bobbysbrother137]

Hej, Fritzie! To distinguish Agnetha from Frida and the other way around can be hard once they blend together. A few people have pointed out that they don't think it's Frida singing opera, although I was sure to hear it. I like what you said about the lyrics on "Voyage", and how the instrumental feels comforting, which fits to the steady rhythm from start to finish. We will see if this is their Swan Song, that's just me playing be the rules, of course. Have a wonderful Easter weekend, my friend!

[@fritziepisarski8681]

@@bobbysbrother137 I forgot in my zeal to comment on the fact that you have in your own right created a video legacy that explains so fully ABBAs music. You take each song , breaking it down, going over who is doing what and why it was done. Then putting it all back together all so we , their fans can have an insight no other fans do. You are a gem and I’m happy I was able to watch from the beginning. I know you might not be able to continue with the Voyage album , any plans on doing the same outstanding work on any of their other albums. You could have a lifetime of work at this . You also have done what no one else has or if they did, not as thorough. Bravo and thank you for all your hard work.🇺🇸

[@bobbysbrother137]

@@fritziepisarski8681 Your comments are always such an enrichment, Fritzie. This one is really touching, and I am very grateful to be able to do these videos, and that you like them, too. We'll continue this journey, for sure!!

[@booh12469]

Ethereal and poignant in its complexity. The lyrics are unusual insofar that they almost cynically conflict with the elegant, harmonious melody. It's a ying & yang duality and co existence - just as it is in real, everyday life. Thank you Bobby's B: you are an amazing analyst and source of fascinating, insightful commentary! Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa. 👏🏻👋🏻👌🏻

[@bobbysbrother137]

Love your contribution. Many thanks for the heartwarming words, cheers to Johannesburg in South Africa!!

[@booh12469]

@@bobbysbrother137 THANK YOU/ DANKIE!! 👋🏻

[@alexioverdo5225]

7:12/7:15/7:19..."when i look at the pop world today i wish we had an ABBA.They had that right combination of fun,beauty,not taking it too seriously but being Deadly in the studio".. BILLY CORGAN rock persona and frontman of alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.../ "...i remember hearing ABBA it seemed like it was clearly different from everything else(in the '70s).It had this full-spectrum lush production that felt and sounded big.It was only 4 people,but those songs sounded like these were a thousand people like being recorded.The modulation in those songs is beautiful.Hooks you in the way it plays between the major and the minor.I just love the yearning feeling (on"Take a chance on me').When you put it on,i'm istantly in a good mood"...COREY TAYLOR of American metal band SLIPKNOT. also adding that this song is "his jam".../"...ARRIVAL is a happy album/it's pure joy this music.It's a bit of an escapism from all the intelectual conversations and arguments you have in your life n just being silly n happy n stupid but its pure,as pure as can get.You just want to dance on the table/ABBA saved my life"... Iceland's music cult persona BJORK(who has also being photographed some other time while holding a Vynil copy of "More Abba-Gold" in her arms). Just took advantage of those famous people's statements cause these artists come from a totally diffirent music field of which many "acknowledged cool music critics" were insistently slagging off ABBA's pop legacy.But as opposed to them seems these fellow rock personas gave us the right judgement.Need i say more?!

[@abbajim]

I haven’t been able to listen to this masterpiece not once without getting emotional. I cant help but feel that this is the music we might hear upon obtaining that ultimate freedom of breaking the bonds of this physical existence and moving on to the next. Thankyou so much for your thoughtfulness I can tell you’re a light in this world to those who know you!

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Excellent BB and thanks for this wonderful and insightful journey of ABBA Voyage ! Hope to be seeing more when the ABBA Arena Voyage concert debuts

[@AW_7_7_7]

Thank you BB for your analysis! Ode to Freedom is definitely one of ABBA’s most complex compositions. For a long time I was struggling to catch the time signature of the song but failed, until another YT video with the entire song sheet was displayed. It alternates rapidly between 3/4 and 4/4 across many bars, and yet the vocals carried through so magnificently & effortlessly. Thank you ABBA for this masterpiece! 😍

[@bobbysbrother137]

This is a most fascinating observation. Thank you for sharing this into our pot of thoughts, I'll be including it in a future episode. Many thanks for the feedback, A W!

[@mkyriacopolous]

Simply amazing work, both his and yours. THANK YOU.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Oh, they are!! Thanks for this wonderful feedback, Mike!!

[@davidewin6833]

A fitting & wonderful conclusion to your insightful analysis of a musical masterpiece that brings ABBA full circle in their Voyage. This track is absolutely beautiful & both a rousing yet peaceful song of hope & deep meaning that leaves the ball firmly in the court of every listener😊

[@gagedevall7645]

You need to make a series about every other ABBA Album/Song!

[@bobbysbrother137]

Oh, there is more ABBA music? Haha..!

[@gagedevall7645]

@@bobbysbrother137 😂

[@WhitneyHouston4eva1]

Knowing Benny sat on this for 25 years, it makes us wonder how many more hidden gems does he have. Ode To Freedom is very apt at this time with what is happening in Ukraine.

[@bobbysbrother137]

He's sitting on *lots* of unreleased gems, for sure!!

[@scottpeacock5492]

Wouldn't surprise me if ABBA add these hidden gems on the next album, As Frida said to Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show she has learn to never say never kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnywq2mlmbV4ha8

[@marcelosandovals2018]

My dear BB, by using the 5-second pause before the final track, could we say that this is ABBA’s first “post credit scene”? Haha. Upon hearing the track for the first time, I couldn’t help by crying over the beauty of it, but at the same time picturing the four members slowly fading away from our world. It’s also a testament of ABBA not feeling ashamed of going full orchestral in a Broadway musical style kind of creation. Yes, there were attempts before, but specially for Benny, who by the early 80s felt that ABBA limited his theatrical ambitions, now is quite content with this style is part of what ABBA can do, in terms of versatility. Great analysis as usual, nothing escapes to you, dear friend!

[@bobbysbrother137]

I'd say it absolutely feels like a post credit scene: "oh alright, I guess that's it - oh, hang on, what's that blissful sound now? Another tune!". I absolutely love what you've described about Benny and his feelings towards ABBA's music, and now having even more confident to broaden their versatility. It is more than fitting!

[@alexioverdo5225]

Ok,this is one of the most perfect closers to an ABBA album.Frida's vocal colours sound slightly louder on this magnificent hymn.But still so deep and beautiful while the vocal arrangements are mainly kind of "polyphonic-choral" flavoured that deceptively sound as if they come from a distance.Same way they did it on the "Arrival" instrumental.I''ve said this also to another reactor but i want to say it once more here;This farewell closer is maybe the definite goodbye from them.It haunts me with a feeling of desperation as if they came back to give me the kiss of life and then i've lost them again.But this time it's Forever....leaving me alone, thinking/feeling...Gosh!...they've gone,...and now what?...Wish that "Goodbye" could be again "Bye for now"...

[@bobbysbrother137]

Oh, Alexio, your words are moving! I really like what you said about the special mixing of their vocals on this track. When I listened to "Ode to Freedom" for the 1st time, I could barely make out some of the lyrics due to the cloudy merging of their vocals, which is so fitting and too brilliant!

[@frankly-he1kf]

That's so beautifully put....the world definitely needed "a kiss of life" from this amazing group...so sad to think that "this is the end of the journey for them,but we can't begrudge them their rest....they've given the world so much over the years..

[@patiaalbers5248]

You put all my feelings into words. Big thank you for that.

[@GClooney17]

Thanks Again with all the great details I am so surprise you don’t have one million subscribers your knowledge of Abba is amazing….

[@bobbysbrother137]

Now that would be something, ha! I'm just happy to shed some light on these things and give context. Many thanks for your appreciation!!

[@Kevin-1969]

Thank you Bobby for your videos, they are just so informative, educational regarding ABBA. I had to get the CD from the voyage website with Frida on the front. Mad on Frida, she is my favourite member they are all awesome. This Album is on all the time either on CD or Alexa. These videos are the best for keeping the ABBA fan informed.

[@thepiperchile]

Thank you once more for this wonderful video. Everything you said makes so much sense & represents what I feel. Tack!

[@jamesbachmann7376]

Love your insight into this song. You manage to put into words what I felt about the song but couldn't. My first reaction to the song was one of intrigue. The music score is beautiful. The hazy, fogginess of the music, almost force you to listen harder to the vocals and lyrics. Then, once you do that, you start putting together what you think the meaning of those lyrics are. I found them to be simple, yet beautiful and profound. But as the song gets to the end, with those last lyrics and music bars, you're a bit overwhelmed by the beauty of it all, and the realization that this is the end of the album, and ABBA are probably done as far as new material. One almost has visions of them fading away, or like an ember flickering and then blowing out. Beautiful, yet sad, just like what ABBA has become known for giving us throughout their career.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Now you've found some very moving words that describe those glorious feelings! I can relate to all of them. When I first listened to this song, I could barely make out some of the lyrics, because of the cloudy merging of their vocals, which I think is just terrific and so appropriate here. Thanks for your comment, James!

[@alexioverdo5225]

Wow,James what a great analysis and commentary,and i esp .liked that description "..the hazy,fogginess of the music,almost force you to listen harder to the vocals and lyrics".

[@suekline8870]

Another fantastic and thoughtful analysis of the songs on Voyage. Thank-you again for all your insights to all these songs. The first time I heard this song I cried - a combination of the music's beauty, poignancy and perhaps the realization that this is the last song on the Voyage album and possibly ABBA's last song. I do think Björn nailed this lyrically as the concept of freedom is not something easily quantified. It is so very personal. Moreover for those of us who are "privileged", we are reminded now daily exactly what it is that the Ukrainians fight for. It all came full circle with the SVT benefit concert broadcast of Benny with the Kyiv Soloists & Eric Ericon's Chamber Choir. In the end, ABBA has in fact sung an Ode to Freedom that is truly worth remembering.

[@retrosilk]

Adore this song, touches my heart; majestic and beautiful ❤️🎼

[@altair8598]

On Don't Shut Me Down Bjorn excelled himself with the lyrics. On Ode to Freedom Benny excelled himself with the music. Sublime, as several of the comments say. Also sad, because it is the last Abba song - but how many bands have ended their career on such a high?

[@bobbysbrother137]

What a high that is, indeed!!

[@kyleday5026]

​@Bobby‘s Brother bjorn was recently asked about a abba biopic and if the ideas good he will do it what made there return even more significant is they can end on a happy ending and not a sad one the visitors the split and them disbanding and the movie could end when there on stage at the abba arena after 40 years with the success with voyage what a great story to tell.

[@edned5504]

Hej BB. Another stunner of a video, making superbly interesting points. At 15'00" I was close to tears but I love the way that you ended the video, and this cheered me up again. I'm always reminded of Anthem from Chess when I hear this song. The two go so well together. Bobby's Brother, you're a genius!

[@bobbysbrother137]

The connection to "Chess" is very interesting. By the way, that song, "Anthem", was actually written in a previous decade, too, more precisely in 1976!! So I'd say *Benny* is our genius. But I humbly take your lovely feedback, and I'm so happy we are going through this wonderful album & time together. Many thanks, Ed!!

[@NoFinalWords]

A wonderful analysis of this incredible song. I cry each time I hear it. The music and lyrics are sublime. I once quipped that maybe Bjorn has written the only genuinely honest Ode To Freedom that could ever be written; because he doesn't claim it is. Freedom to decide is left to the listener. I love when the lyrics end and the instrumentation continues; it is lilting and I was left asking 'is there more...?' Then I felt that I was left those last bars of music to ponder freedom and my own relationship to it. Thank you for this wonderful voyage! 💖

[@marikesl]

So many things come to my mind when I listen to this song. One is tragically the war in Ukraine, as I already mentioned in my comment on your last video. Another is definitely the connection to Swan Lake - when I noticed that connection for the very first time, I already thought it was such a beautiful idea of Benny's! In my mind, I can see dancers from Swan Lake performing Tchaikovsky's movements, set to ABBA's music. I also love the comment that you singled out, Bobby's Brother, about this literally being ABBA's swan song. I agree with you that it gives you that feeling of drifting away, which fits perfectly to the visual design of Voyage, in my opinion, the four solar eclipses. In one of your earlier videos on the album, you mentioned that with each album cover, the four members get smaller and smaller, until, with this one, they are no longer part of it. Thank you for that insight, by the way, never crossed my mind before! And this for me also comes full circle to that "drifting away" theme - the solar eclipses are twinkling in the lyric video, we "drift away" on this song as listeners, as it ends an album where our four friends themselves are visually absent. They really couldn't have picked a better closing number! I wanted to say that I was amazed when you said that one of the high voices is Frida in opera style - I thought the high voice was Agnetha only. But knowing this adds a whole other layer for me, as I always loved hearing her trying that style and a higher range! And I love the fact that all four of them are together on this number, just like on "Arrival", which gives me the same epic feeling. And of course, Björn's masterful lyrics - what can I say, I actually think that by admitting that it is so hard to write an ode to something as elusive as freedom, he inadvertantly has given everybody that "ode to freedom that we all can sing". I can see this song being sung in concert halls and stadiums for years to come! Thank you for yet another great analysis, Bobby's Brother, and for the entire Voyage series! I must admit I felt a little bit sad, knowing that this is your video on the final track. But I do hope we will be continuing our ABBA journey together beyond Voyage - I love being part of this community! Cheers to all of you and to our love for ABBA!

[@troyahughes]

Thank you so much for your comprehensive, amazing and passionate track by track explanation of the amazing Voyage album! I have loved every moment that you have dissected and communicated to us! Thank you so much and I am looking forward to being at the Voyage concert in June! It will be a highlight of my life and I presume and hope you will be at one of these concerts as well and give your wonderful commentary and review of it as well! Thank you again… We have so appreciated your wonderful and passionate love of ABBA!😘😘

[@madadam12]

I'm really surprised more hasn't been made in the comments about the decision, as BB points out, to mix the vocals so heavily on Frida, particularly the tracking that has her singing in such a low, baritonal range. It took me a few listens before I could even detect Agnetha's "weightless" vocal soaring above. ("Ode to Frida," perhaps?) It makes me wonder if the four of them sat in the studio hearing different mixes, and ultimately decided this heavier, denser final track conveyed the gravitas they were looking for to match the lyrics and mood of the song. In a way, this is probably their most unusual track after "The Day Before You Came" (another song with a nod to classical music, with Frida's soaring, operatic wordless vocal coming between the verses) in that is sounds like nothing else they have recorded before. Part of me really does hope this isn't the last word from ABBA, and that "this isn't where it ends," as they sing on "No Doubt About It" the song before this track on this album. Finally, many thanks to BB for this series of song analyses - each video has brought some illuminating insight (particularly for "Keep Your Eye on Dan"). I look forward to the final summation of the Voyage album as a whole!

[@HolgerJakobs]

I find _Bumblebee_ and _Ode To Freedom_ the most impressive songs with deep lyrics and references to the current problems of mankind: the environment and freedom.

[@Payne2view]

I feel the last two chords are about to go into part of "Min Astrakan" from "Kristina från Duvemåla", specifically where Helen sings: "Ja en gång ska du fråga din mor Hur det var hur det blev att jag for" That makes sense now I know it was written at a similar time. It is such a simple but effective use of the move from Em to E major. Thank you for doing this series on each song of Voyage. The various insights have been very interesting.

[@masonhamlin3921]

YES! I love the "Kristina" music as well. I am so hoping Benny releases the ones in "the can" at some point. There really can never be enough of this poignant, speak to the soul, type of music. Wonderful observation. (Research and buy all things Benny Andersson...never has been a disappointment.).

[@gobiobi5030]

Short addition Frida sung in opera-style also on The Day Before You Came. And thx in advance :-)

[@bobbysbrother137]

How appropriate, and again, it's their final song...for 40 years that is. I should have thought of that vocal performance, what a sublime addition to a masterpiece. Thanks, Gobi!!

[@jdmit75]

Out of all my subscription channels you are my absolute favorite thank you Bobby's brother

[@chelseacharger]

I always felt that this majestic song was over all too quickly but hadn't really considered it being looped back to the opening track. Then again, there's that saying utilised by the greats.....'Always leave them wanting more'. The orchestration here instantly reminded me of the music used on Kubricks '2001 : A Space Odyssey'. And this ties in with the 'Voyage' imagery of planets and Tron-like figures.

[@bobbysbrother137]

I know that saying, and I'm usually all for that. But for a long time, I had the very same feeling you've had with this track. I was wishing it would have been going on with an expanded instrumental section following the songs' end as it is. Now, with hindsight, it's absolutely terrific, it's all it needs. And who knows what those alternate versions were like, and if we might get to hear one of those one day! I love, love your connection to Mr. Kubrick's masterfilm. It is my favorite film of all time by a long shot, and of course it uses classical music, hence the interesting connection to "Ode To Freedom". And I'm quite a fan of "Tron". If you caught some of my earlier videos, you might have seen a poster for the film in the background. Thanks for your comment!

[@matthewstreet1961]

Great video Bobby! One of my faves from the album! So regal, so elegant, and uplifting! Cheers Matt

[@bobbysbrother137]

Oh wow, that's really nice to hear. So great!! Good to see you, thanks for the nice words, dear Matt!

[@thomaskrafft9890]

You have such depth to your insights that it is a privilege to listen. Do you believe there will be another album or was this, as you say, their ‘swan song’?

[@bobbysbrother137]

Impossible to answer for me, but after what they have done for us in 2021, I now have faith for virtually everything to be possible. Many thanks for the kind words, Thomas!

[@bjorndelaet5553]

The song is very humble in a way it gives me tears. And this serie of video's have a very humble approach also. with deep respect. Thank you!

[@bobbysbrother137]

This is very kind of you to say, thank you very much for the heartwarming feedback, Bjorn!!

[@claudiasasso9924]

Es una cancion maravillosa! letra y musica impresionante, la escucho y no deja de emocionarme, es muy conmovedora realmente, es maravilloso que ABBA despues de 40 años regrese con esta obra de arte, Benny es un verdadero genio al piano, gracias por este regreso "VOYAGE" a superado todas mis expectativas, soy una fans desde que compre mi primer album VOULEZ VOUS en los 70

[@bobbysbrother137]

Bless you!

[@bintsyboy]

Master's of 🎶 excellent 👌

[@Kevin-1969]

My favourite song on Voyage, I play it most, I either play the Album on CD frequently, and ask Alexa please play ABBA Ode to Freedom, in the small hours of the morning or late at night. I love Frida best in ABBA, I love her leads. They are amazing though and the Album is a gift of wonderful music. Imagine just one more Album in 2024.

[@AzoreanZionist]

👍😉My Nº 2 song on Voyage..............a close second to my Nº 1 favorite "Keep An Eye On Dan" ♫♫♫♪♪♪♪♪

[@sebastiandemarco]

Hi from Argentina BB! Again you have done a great and wonderful review for this final song on Voyage... I want to say that when they published the song list on their web, the title Ode to freedom inmediatly pushed in my mind the thoughts related to actual times... They are sending us a message... together with that, the lyrics, voices, orchestral arragements, production, that kind of "spatial mood" or "from outer Earth mood", something difficult to explain, everything is perfect. Very clever those 5'' of silence between NDAI and OTF. Very noticeable! I have also the white vinyl, and that pause is present there. Related to the vocal arrangements I dont believe I listen Frida's opera voice; the upper voice is Agnetha for sure, the lower Frida's, and then, in the middle, theres a kind of pastiche where the voices of men intervene with the ladies overdubbing with harmony parts. Someone have write this ode to Freedom that we all can sing now! Thank you ABBA and thank you Bobbys Brother for these wonderful reviews you have done. I enjoy it a lot!

[@bobbysbrother137]

I'm glad about the perspective on Frida's opera voice I'm hearing, since two other comments also disagreed about that. The blending of their voices can be very tricky. Yes, the silence would be there on the white vinyl, and on virtually every other release of this album, since it's all proof-listened by their engineer Bernard Löhr, and every copy would be based on one and the same master-tape. Thank goodness for their high standard of integrity! Thanks for your wonderful comment and feedback, Sebastián. Cheers to Argentina!

[@groteabbafan]

So so beautiful for me always was The day before you came a masterpiece but this one is the winner

[@MarcelSonnega]

You leave me a bit beadazzled and confused now that your voyage series are over, similar feeling that I have when listening to an abba album. Thank you for your thorough research, it is always a joy to watch your videos.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Everything has got to end, I guess! Those are some very lovely words from you, I want to thank you for that. I hope we'll stay together for everything that the future may bring, and there is one more episode coming to conclude our "Voyage" series!

[@wolfmusik1000]

Thanks Bobby´s Brother. Thanks for the post over the song "ODE TO FREEDOM", fits very well in these days of silence. Thank you for the connections (Songs from Benny). My best wishes.....take care....Wolf P.S I would like you make your great works on and on........, maybe over the "Compli", Anni-Frid Lyngstad (LP/Cas/EMI-disc" Oct.72). Sorry for the bad english....

[@bobbysbrother137]

Please, no need to excuse anything my friend!! I want to thank you for the lovely feedback, and I'm happy you enjoy the videos. We will continue and stay together. For the next solo reviews, I'll keep the focus on the regular studio albums, but I have noted the recommendation regarding Frida's compilation. Interesting choice!

[@RickDanner]

your videos are awesome I love abba especially Agnetha

[@JohnButler-d1v]

❤

[@zaria37]

Every time I listen to this album I feel like it is a true sequel to Arrival; the songs seem to have the same sound and feel as those songs.

[@hejiranyc]

Another insightful, thought-provoking analysis. You make a very astute observation about the perennial darkness, the Swedish melancholy, that has been a theme throughout ABBA’s career. This uncanny mix of ecstasy paired with wistful longing. “Dancing Queen” is a prime example of that, with its adolescently giddy lyrics set against the brooding minor chords and swelling orchestral accompaniment. “Ode to Freedom” flips that dynamic with its strident, majestic melody paired with the anhedonic, stoic, emotionally detached lyrics. It’s that pervasive cynicism that suggests that there is no such thing as unconditional happiness - that dark clouds lurk behind every rainbow. It’s a very Scandinavian thing to not allow oneself to dwell in unbridled joy.

[@hweminnio419]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge. 👍👍🙏

[@buqwik525]

To sum it up in one word "M-O-V-I-N-G"

[@abbafanmalta]

Ode to Ukraine... from Waterloo to Ukraine.... that’s the story of the Voyage... from Napoleon to Putin...Slava 🇺🇦 long live ABBA

[@paulinepolly3280]

Thanks for the music lesson. From a laywoman's perspective, I see Byorn's lyrics alluding to his divorce. Was it worth splitting up??? Am I any happier now? There is lots of regret but finally some kind of peace and reconciliation

[@martinmulcahy6539]

Phenomenal final review of my favourite track. Great job on reviewing this album from start to finish. Thanks for taking the time and effort and for sharing the review that this album deserves 👍

[@bobbysbrother137]

It was a lot of fun going through the album, taking our time with it, and also getting all the wonderful additional thoughts and observations from people. I want to thank you for your very nice and encouraging words, Martin!! Really appreciate this.

[@joachimschreiner9675]

Where can i find more videos of this series? Thank you!

[@garydiamond8124]

Hey hey BB for me this is the stand out track for me

[@eliaspapoudaris6012]

In my trio of best songs of the Voyage album with the 2 first singles

[@bobbysbrother137]

That's a most wonderful collection of favorites!!

[@123billydog]

When I first heard Ode To Freedom I was convinced I'd heard it before in some classical piece, almost as if I felt it had been copied. Then, I remembered that had happened with so many of ABBA's earlier releases, the feeling I already knew those melodies from somewhere else. Over the past couple of months I've explored the years in between ABBA and remembered Benny's earlier solo film score work, though I'd sort of connected Frida's operatics with the song earlier. Do I have any criticisms of 'Ode To Freedom', well only the same one with most of the 'Voyage' tracks, too short. But, I guess these are ABBA's blue prints of the songs, their perfection, but set up so perfectly all the ABBA youtubers have something to work with and introduce to other audiences. This is a classical suite that could have been as long as Benny's wonderful 'Klinga Mina Klockor' piece from 1987.

[@kayt9576]

Age and style, experience that a delay will inspire wisdom.

[@mongem0n]

Hi! Would you share the insolated steams of Voyage? They are incredibly beautiful (I don’t know how to do it with my Apple Music/Dolby Atmos account 😭)

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

Another great analysis - thanks a lot. A fun example of Frida's use of falcetto could be heard in a Danish tv show in 1982 during her promotion of Something's Going On, where she sang a more or less improvised duet with Danish folk singer Sebastian. The song is called 'Sangen om langfart' and was performed live in Swedish and Danish, and Frida was switching effortlessly between headvoice and falcetto, as you can hear in this link. The song starts 29:30 into the programme. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ2Ug6qfZtuEhcU

[@bobbysbrother137]

I am very familiar with this amazing moment, it should have been part of my video! And it is a very unique occasion of one of the ladies impromptu showcasing their fascinating vocals. Many thanks for reminding us of this gem, Niels!

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

@@bobbysbrother137 Your video is excellent. Just thought I'd mention it.

[@taniamaramartini8207]

*Boby's Brother por favor a legenda em português do Brasil!!!*

[@bobbysbrother137]

Now available for this and all following videos!

[@billbickley2277]

Great ..............................................................Bill Bickley uk...........

[@chinarose1358]

Looks like we won't be getting the unreleased tracks after all as they would have been released by now I thin

[@chelseacharger]

They would eventually appear as bonus tracks on a re-issue of 'Voyage' some time in the future. Unless ABBA and specifically Benny don't like them, we'll hear them eventually.

[@Nadnisred]

Disturbing coincidence 😳 I saw here on KZbin that "Ode to Freedom" is in MI - 582Hz, which according to my research is one of the DNA repair frequencies. The mathematician Vic Showell has demonstrated that there is a very precise link between the Golden ratio, the number Pi and the frequency 528. He affirms that the frequency 528, music of light, is the key to "spiritual freedom"...