ABBA’s 1st HIT - "Ring Ring" (1973) | History, Legacy & Review 4K

On Valentine’s Day 1973, ABBA released their 3rd single, which became their 1st big hit across Europe, and had a crucial impact on their legacy. "Ring Ring" brings together many features that became original and unique trademarks of ABBA. Let’s explore the making, recording and history of this special song.
0:00 Intro
0:34 The Island - Writing the Song
1:57 Tretow’s Magic - Recording the Song
3:40 The Riff - A Curious Case
5:13 More Songwriters - Neil Sedaka & Phil Cody
5:59 Agnetha & Frida - The Sound of ABBA
7:57 Going Crazy - ABBA’s Band
9:16 Aftermath & Legacy
12:10 A Very Special Phone Call…
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Written, narrated, recorded & edited by Bobby’s Brother.
Bobby's Brother on Instagram: / bobbysbrother72
#abba #ringring #50thanniversary

[@TheFridaFan]

I've always loved the little "dialling the phone" dance move they do as a part of this! If my great grandmother hadn't kept her rotary phone her entire life I doubt I would have understood. P.S. great ending on this! I'm sure Agnetha wouldn't hang up on you in real time.

[@bobbysbrother137]

I received word that apparently, she was simply shocked that I would call, and dropped the phone.

[@TheFridaFan]

@@bobbysbrother137 Give her a few days to calm herself then try again!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@bobbysbrother137 i have a slight suspicion she knows you.Also Frida must have paid attention to your videos and that's possibly the reason why she kind of waved at you at the VOYAGE premier ha!ha!

[@marcelosandoval2130]

First comment! Happy Valentine's Day BB. Hope you enjoy it very much , and that someone special lays all their love on you

[@bobbysbrother137]

Third comment! Thank you, all the Best to you, too!

[@peteyardman83]

This used to be not my one of my favorite ABBA Songs, , but you changed that with that very special video of yours…you changed my point of view… Thank you, Bobby‘s Brother!

[@bobbysbrother137]

Oh wow, how nice to hear. For me, it has always been one of my favorites from their early songs and recordings, but I must say, taking a closer look at the song, history and significance made me appreciate it even more.

[@VideosSmokin]

@@bobbysbrother137 same with me, it has been one of my favorites since 1997 along with "I've Been Waiting For You" and "Eagle (Long Version).

[@davidmarshall5596]

Hey Bobby's Brother! Another of your exceptional educational vlogs on ABBA. 🙂👌Michael B Tretow was a massive influence on the career if the group with his phenomenal music genius 👏 👌he knew from the success of Phil Spector that he could bring something to the party & boy did he just!!!! Ring Ring is the stereotypical ABBA sound 👌 now I have to say I don't believe Agnetha would not have answered your call BB & you're simply using a 'smokescreen' to disguise it!!!! I'm not falling for it as you're too well in with the ABBA gals to be ignored by them 😅🤣excellent vlog as always sir 💯

[@michaelsnaidero1671]

Thankyou BB I love your in depth research and analysis in all your content on KZbin, but this is amazing ,so much preparation for Ring Ring by everyone from Bjorn and Benny,the magical voices of Agnetha and Annifrid, Stig,Michael B Tretow,the musicians ,and inspiration from outside sources to create the inferno throughout the WORLD that was initially ignited by Waterloo and has never ceased to this day.RING RING a perfect song to follow Waterloo and inspire them to continue and never stop and go on and create masterpieces to this very moment. Well done BB and Thankyou.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thanks for your comment. Looking into this song has been one of the most joyful videos to prepare, great stuff and story.

[@Eleftheria_i_thanatos]

Excellent. Thanks

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Great work on this BB ! fascinating and interesting....much respect to Michael B. Tretow ! I would have loved to had been in that studio while he was experimenting and tweaked out that full ABBA wall of sound.

[@bobbysbrother137]

I would love to have a sneak into those many layers in isolation. It would be astonishing what they buried in their recordings and mixes. Thanks for the comment, Bobby!

[@A_dam]

In 1985 I got hold of the single. I choose it out of all kind of stuff my aunt left behind at my grandparents house when she got married. As a child I playbacked Ring Ring many times in my boy's room. Every time the music starts it remembers me of that time. (A time when telephones hang on the wall haha!) Ring Ring will always have a special place in my heart.

[@abbascots]

It’s a catchy song and it’s also very well recorded it instantly makes you feel joyous and happy ❤ I love the harmonies of both ladies there combined voices are instantly recognisable ❤ Ahhh yes happy valentine BB and happy 50th Ring Ring 😂

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thank you, same to you!!

[@booh12469]

😉😅 very amusing ending! Thanks Bobby's B - your research into this underrated song came up with fascinating content. It's still an ABBA track I often listen to because of its ironic cheerful sound (as opposed to the despairful lyrics).

[@bobbysbrother137]

Yes, very true, the joy and despair in full opposition here.

[@marcelosegovia7180]

Thanks for all the information!!! As an argentinean myself I got to say the Spanish version of Ring Ring is just as perfect and flawless as the other tracks ABBA recorded in Spanish. They sound so effortless in the pronnunciation that I'm surprised to hear it was very difficult for them to deliver those lyrics... And it was their first ever track recorded in Spanish!!! I wish (we all wish) we could ever hear the Spanish version of Waterloo (if it exists)....

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

2:39,,the "Wrecking Crew" with Hal Blaine at the drums. Carol Kaye bass far left(white sunglasses.)

[@bobbysbrother137]

Eternal Legends!!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Wrecking crew were really legendary hard workers and top team at the time.They also participated in lots of The Mamas and Papas recordings amongst other historic records.

[@sofondaphillybear1220]

This is one of your best, and I have newfound respect and insight for Ring Ring. You make us feel like we were almost there with them as it happened.

[@frankjoi6403]

Thank you once again for your great work, invaluable.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thanks again, so nice of you.

[@fjollepjat2699]

RIng Ring one of my favorites. It's so simple and happy.

[@carlosgarjon8340]

Thank you for this deep study of Ring Ring, it's awesome. To tell you the truth, I like Ring Ring more than Waterloo. So, imagine how much I like it.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thanks for your comment. I always loved "Ring Ring" a lot, too. And with the new research and deep look into the history/significance, my appreciation grew a lot.

[@johnadam5179]

Great video sir, and I loved the comic relief at the end of the video (and a few other places!) and your special Valentines message! (We love you too!) In the USA I was used to hearing the remix version, as it ended up being a track on the Waterloo album, and also the 3rd single from that album after Honey, Honey and the title track. Ring, Ring is pure fun with a small amount of angst. I wish it would of been a worldwide hit, it's an extremely simple song lyrically, but sonically it's a little masterpiece. Happy 50, Ring, Ring. Maybe you should give "Frida" a call next time! lol

[@fredyinfante2998]

Bobby great story as always, how good it is to have passionate people who do their job so well. I am very sorry that Agnetha has not answered you, it will be on the next call LOL. Thank you for sharing such good stories of our super group ABBA

[@christianoazzuro6711]

What a great job you did again!It's like little stories that get printed to be left for future generations to learn about.Such precious material to be resurfaced and saved.I never knew Waterloo was recorded in Spanish.I knew about the French version and possibly a German version.French one sounds so sexy btw.. .

[@Katka1979]

Ring Ring is one of my many fav songs from ABBA. I love this song. Have it až ringtone on my phone.

[@paulogaray6666]

What a cute ending! Another wonderful video showing your impeccable research skills! Always impressed! Happy Valentines Day!

[@79BlackRose]

Your humour is brilliant. The little aside about the soft porn and your face when you get rejected! 😂 For a second I thought you would let slip your real first name! 😉 Your research, your script and your delivery are impeccable. Your content is always a joy. I was 7 when Ring Ring was originally released, but only heard it after Waterloo went global after the Eurovision Song Contest here in Brighton.

[@migsjalv583]

Don't ever stop making these video's , I am addicted now ! 😄😄

[@MontagZoso]

Thank you for this! I’ve always loved this ABBA song and it never seems to get as much attention as their other songs. So nice to see it get some love, and on Valentine’s Day no less! ❤️🥰 P.S. Wow, I had no idea today is the 50th anniversary of this song, down to the day! 😮😺

[@VanRijn1963]

Excellent !

[@chantelbriody1418]

Aww that was so lovely. I totally agree with your words. Thankyou Bobby's brother. You are the best.❤

[@ivyseal5161]

From Australia thank you for the story of Ring Ring and to you Bobby's Brother you have a great sense of humor and happy valentines day to you

[@williampaganucci1084]

Always liked this song BB. Some of the ABBA tribute bands from Sweden open with this song in Swedish. They sing 1/2 in Swedish and 1/2 in English.

[@melodiesofmylife5805]

There is a Brazilian version for "Ring ring" called "Férias na praia" sung by Sueli! It was very popular here!!

[@kingmarshmusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZbcdnd7h5KbhaM

[@lidianota3150]

Grazie Bobby di ciò che racconti dei nostri cari ABBA grazie di tutto.

[@jaxb]

Many thanks for this most interesting video and all the research that you have put into it. Ring Ring will always be in my top five ABBA tracks, I love it so much. Thanks again.

[@thestepfordlife2015]

They had alot of repetitive Word title songs Ring Ring Money Money Money I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do Honey Honey Knowing Me Knowing You ON AND ON AND ON etc. Lol Anyway I've been a fan for over 42 years so I do thank you for the Georgio Moroder comparison. I love it! I've never heard of that song so that's new and I'm grateful. There's so many good songs on the Ring Ring album. I prefer the version of Ring Ring without the Sax. Michael B. Tretow was a genius. 👱‍♀️👱‍♂️🧔👩‍🦰 Happy Valentine's Day BB!❤

[@jimhoppe8317]

Thank BB for your awesome review of Ring Ring!! But also for your hilarious ending to your post!! That was a great and funny way to end it!!! Love it!!!😃☎📞🤗

[@gobiobi5030]

Thank you in advance for always making such well researched videos! That is and remains really great :-)

[@bobbysbrother137]

So nice of you. Many greetings back, BB.

I just loved this video! And I love your sense of humor too!!! Well done! It would be interesting to hear Waterloo in Spanish (since it's my mother language) sadly, some of ABBA songs in Spanish are not so well translate, but it gives the songs kind of charm at the same time haha. It would be interesting if you do a video about the Spanish songs and their success in Latin-American 😀

[@iangrice329]

Love it ❤️

[@galinabezsmertny8210]

I just love your videos Bobby! The passion, love and talent you make! Can't wait for the next video.

[@user-pk6gt2ob2h]

Thank you very much BB I've always liked this song.

[@KindredKim1214]

I was just listening to Ring, Ring the other day. I just have my headphones on and close my eyes and just listen.

[@fjh4379]

That was funny and interresting in the same way. Thanks a lot!!!

[@toby9999]

Another wonder video packed with interesting things I would never have known, albeit it little late for Valentines Day here in Australia 🇦🇺 😀

[@chriscarrick1513]

Awesome work Bobby's Brother 👍👌😎

[@jontwest]

Fascinating information, and you're a great presenter - intelligent, knowledgeable, and a classy & subtle sense of humour. You're much better than anyone on our TV here in Australia who's done Abba stories - well done!

[@garrywallace1007]

Who wouldn't answer the phone if you rang on Valentines Day! :)

[@kingmarshmusic]

Wow, had never heard the connection of the song “Underdog”! Great research. The other Benny song that for me was similar to another song was Älska Mig which sounds like “As Long As He Needs Me” from “Oliver!”. Michael Tretow was so important in developing that classic Abba sound - such huge respect for that legend!! BB, you always deliver - thank you!

[@mirekkonieczny419]

thank you for the reminder

[@anne-liekarlsson4454]

ABBA blev 2;a i svenska melodifestivalen och dom sjöng på svenska.. vet allt om Abbas låtar.. den låten släpptes senare i Europa...

[@gittekoldtoft1198]

Amazing job with theese ABBA videos. Thank you.

[@podacre]

Another excellent episode! Thanks so much.

[@710LL59]

excellent video cute ending

[@filipebassan1852]

I never thought that when the boys sing "And I sit all alone impatiently..." it could mean they were waiting for a call too. So clever.

[@jimmykross9409]

Thanks again Bobby! Now I know why Benny and Bjorn aproved the "Gimme, Gimme" sample to Madonna: "Ring, ring, ring goes the telephone"! 😁😄

[@Kevin-1969]

It would have won the contest I think, if they had chosen it. So ABBA would have came to fame a year earlier, that’s what I think.

[@stevengiocondo6060]

Excellent!!!

[@michaelrochester48]

Neil Sedaka has said in several interviews he is very proud of writing the first hit for ABBA.

[@ingridrumpler9131]

Good morning, guten Morgen aus der Steiermark..und danke ❤ ♥️ 💜

[@wattsizname]

Very interesting and informative... as usual... and that's a great ending... made me smile😍🌻👍

[@tilsus]

I know that 'Ring Ring' was also a big hit in East Germany

[@David-uf8ex]

Another informative amazing video 👏👏 Thank you

[@anarsc13]

Gracias Bobby me encantan tus videos y me hiciste reír con la llamada a Agnetha

[@richardtaylor1905]

Very informative as always, and I loved the comedy ending 🤣😍

[@nathanfirby2953]

Very interesting - and entertaining :D Thanks!

[@pammc2783]

BB, your videos get better and better!! I smiled in the middle when you said you'd give them a call, and again at your humourous ending. Thanks again!!!

[@AdamDawson3]

Ring Ring is an excellent song and album and I do hope that the Spanish Version of Waterloo does surface soon.

[@thomaszamath]

Great documentary about Ring Ring! The Single „Underdog“ and even the whole album from Giorgio Moroder where released by Polar in Scandinavia.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Yes that’s right. Another odd link.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

There's more, but I don't get paid for it 😊

[@710LL59]

Hey my friend - i thought of a great video idea for you . The song Mamma Mia , the vocals of the girls are so close and sound so great . On that song its hard to tell them apart but I know your excellent breakdowns would make a great video ! Just a suggestion , thanks

[@jermjerms27]

Brill! Loved this video Bobby’s Brother. First heard the remix on the deluxe cd edition of the Ring Ring album. Still prefer the original version of the song. Thanks again!

[@bobbysbrother137]

I definitely prefer the original version, too. Thanks for the kind feedback, it was joyful to do this video.

[@marikesl]

Hej-hej, everyone! Hope you enjoyed Valentine's Day - you're right, BB, the fact that ABBA released this song about desperately waiting for a phone call from a significant other on Valentine's Day is very fitting! I remember "Ring Ring" being among the first ABBA songs I really got into back in the day when it came to dancing and singing along, because of all those things you listed - the catchiness, the Wall of Sound, the lyrics, the Ladies' vocals, of course - I could go on... BTW, I love the outfits they were in the official music video!!! Happy 50th anniversary to "Ring Ring", and I am very sorry that you were 50 years too late with that phone call, BB!😉

[@TheAcmeLab]

as for the lyrics and Neil Sedaka: there is an interview during Australian tour 1977 where Bjorn says outright it was a "gimmick" to have a well-known person listed as one of the authors of Ring Ring.

[@nw4149]

I LOVE your well researched, passionate and super interesting videos BB. Thank you so much! I hope someday ABBA themselves or their management recognize all your hard work in spreading the love of ABBA to international fans. I'm sure you know how much you are appreciated by every video visitor. :-) I have 2 questions for you. What is the font you used for the title, "Viggsö, Sweden" introduced at the 0:35 mark? And will you continue to do this video history for every album? I still lament that I only bought 3 of the Deluxe CDs when they were first released, and your Ring Ring series makes me want to revisit the one album I don't own. I've always considered Waterloo as their debut album with my first exposure to ABBA, but your videos make me reconsider that POV. (I also agree with a re-release or mega anthology set as you suggested in another video! Take my money!! LOL)

[@michaelrochester48]

Thank you for mentioning Neil Sedaka … he also has to be bought in when you’re talking about the 50th anniversary of “ring ring”. He was the one who wrote the lyrics that made it a worldwide popular hit. He is very revered in the United States, one of the top artists as well as songwriters

[@djmaffe]

Snyggt👌

[@CarlosPerdomo]

I consider Michael B the fifth ABBA member...

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

I think it is time we all asked, "Who is Bobby?"

[@enricorodriguez9620]

Agnetha, please .. take the Bobby's brother calle !!

[@madadam12]

Does anyone know if any visitor to the ABBA Museum ever got a call from a member of the band? That would be the perfect real life version of “Ring, Ring” - if ABBA never called that phone!😂

[@oliverwittofficial4997]

I still think that Ring Ring was not only remixed. I think the vocals were also re-recorded. Frida and Agnetha's voices have much more vibrato, certain words are pronounced differently, some notes were held longer.

[@cupiechu6887]

Excellent scholarship as always, Bobby! Regarding the origin of that distinctive riff.... I’ve always noticed a similarity between “Ring Ring” and The Eagles’ “James Dean” from 1974. ABBA were certainly unknown in America at the time, but perhaps not to an American band touring Europe when "Ring Ring" was on the radio. Who knows! Both songs even have identical guitar fills. That riff seems to belong to the ages, though, and I’ve wondered if it came from earlier in the rock ‘n’ roll era. But I know a lot of songs and I just can’t place it! Anyone have any thoughts?

[@cserranoweb]

ohh a Spanish version of Waterloo... This has to be released!!!

[@jdmit75]

Was that agnetha calling you back at the end lol

[@clausstimpfig3803]

remember the wonderful german version by abba

[@marimini7585]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💋💋💋💋

[@user-pg8sv8kx1q]

📞🥰

[@Vates104]

Why Ring Ring was not included in ABBA Gold still confounds me. No track from the album. I would have chosen Another Town, Another Train.

[@DirkKoster]

@3:39 is there more foorage of that Belgian concert?

[@christianoazzuro6711]

That was really rare material.I don't think there's more left from that Belgian appearence.They really looked a sight.

[@graphiquejack]

Agnetha hung up on you but Frida called back? 🤣🤣

[@jimmykross9409]

I wonder what you think about: "If it wasn't for the nights".... There went something wrong in that song. I wonder if you heard it too.....

[@ingemarc]

Madonna Hung Up in her Abba song. Not Agnetha eh? Ring ring again!

[@aapeetube]

Just listened to the melodifestivalen recording again. To me the arrangement in the live version was pretty far from the recorded version and actually not so good. For Waterloo, they made a much better job, bringing the live version much closer to the sound on the record (and the abba sound)

[@richardmccarley281]

LOL

[@user-im7wf9xe7d]

Уникальная музыка выверенная в самый лучший вариант .какая рабоьта великолепная. Я всегда с востороом и радостью слушаю.ваш квартет.ваши прекрасные голоса неповторимы вы уникальны.на века и это факт. Волшебно новый год с вашими голосами становится сказкой и во мне рождается такоп прекрасное чуство.. И я рада что мридумала для вас историю о вашем турнэ по австралии. Как корреспондент радио гонялся за вами по в сему моршруту и никак неуспевал за вами и вот в лифте ваша встреча произошла ипесня была космической я плакала. Потом я опять написала в . Москву чтобы вы приехали к нам и вас встречала . Пугачёва . Но меня так и не приглосили в москву. Обидно. Я вас смотрела по телевизору. А живу я у балтийского моря в г.калининграде. . Надежда . Васильевна . Родионова. Желаю вам благополучия и здооовья. Недавно узнала что вас осталось трое. Сожалею и ревела как белуга. Господь для всех один и мы его дети. Так будем же верны прекрасному и человечному. От всей души...!🌐🌐😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍перевести на шведский 😍😍😍перевести на английский.