ABBA Reaction The Day Before You Came Official Video | Dereck Reacts

[@mreurovision1986]

In my opinion the best and most underrated of all ABBA songs. An absolute masterpiece

[@klausolekristiansen2960]

ABBA has many really great songs. This one is the best.

[@richardkane4869]

As someone else noted, this was the final song ABBA recorded, a very filmic and noir 'Brief Encounter' tribute. Agnetha had to record the song with the lights out due to the emotion of the recording. It was never announced. but they knew this was the end when the recording took place. Bjorn and Benny had her sing the song in a flat way deliberately to emphasise the story of routine she tells. Notice that even when together, they are all looking in different directions, not each other. A bleak and haunting masterpiece that should have fared much better. By 1982, the world was catching onto new wave and ABBA were deemed out of place. As time moved on, we learned ABBA were simply timeless. Beautiful, and ahead of its time.

[@RogueWJL]

Beautifully put Richard .

[@leilashampoo1408]

It was Agnetha who suggested that she should sing the way she finally did (like and ordinary woman), not Benny or Bjorn. Agnetha explained this in a 2013 interview.

[@MisterRichards-f8u]

What a comment

[@CristinavdfV]

So well said!

[@richardkane4869]

@@CristinavdfV Thank you so much!

[@darrellcampbell5022]

My absolute favourite song in the world. So depressing yet strangely uplifting. Beautifully subdued vocals from Agnetha and the beautiful haunting operatic solo from Frida. Pop music doesn't get any better than this. Shame on the UK public for letting it crawl to number 32. I was 6 when it came out and our family played it constantly. It never fails to impress me no matter how many times I hear it.

[@stevelockett6309]

Your family had such great taste! 😃

[@jonathanfurzeland4740]

I really don't understand how it did so badly in the UK charts. Same for Under Attack and Head Over Heels 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@euronick61]

@@jonathanfurzeland4740 I agree Jonathan .. they were brilliant songs as was The Visitors .. but when an act goes out of fashion, which sadly ABBA did in 1982, they can have the best songs in the world but they just won't do well as the record buying public (mostly teenagers) have moved on, in this case to acts like Duran Duran, Adam & The Ants and Spandau Ballet etc....

[@maryshaffer8557]

I believe that the woman in the video (Played by Agnetha) has either committed suicide, or was murdered by the mysterious man in the video.

[@catschorus4684]

The Day Before You Came is a masterpiece. An apparent love song that should sound happy and doesn't. No chorus, nearly 6 minutes long, it's genius.

[@miltondm8132]

I always have thought that the melody is not happy because the song is about death, “the day before her death came”, she committed suicide after having a routine life.

[@iwd1705]

It's more or less just a side note that she met a new love to be love (we never got to know). The molody is just on point for the main part of the lyrics describing her routine and more or less boring life. That's what makes it such a great song. It wasn't a big ABBA hit, though. In dact, it was one of their least successful singles. The world wasn't ready for it back then.

[@euronick61]

@@miltondm8132 I don't get the suicide bit .. but the 'character' is singing about her life before she met her partner/husband and how ordinary it was before he came into her life eventually bringing her misery and heartache .. she sings 'I had no sense of living without pain the day before you came' which indicates that now she is living with pain that he is causing

[@rimberlieu]

@@euronick61 'i have no sense of living without AIM', not 'PAIN'. It emphasizes how stuck in a routine she was. On the other hand I agree with you on the fact that I don't get a suicide bit in it, the lyrics say "I didn't even notice I was blue", it means she didn't even realize how sad her life was up until she met her love. Since she didn't realize she was bleue, i understand that she wasn't feeling sad...

[@dont.wilson2121]

Yes it is!

[@thehoogard]

this song captures swedish/scandianvian melancholy like no other

[@herrbonk3635]

Yes, at least among songs in English... :)

[@paulecrosby2006]

Yes very well said nd so true....

[@mattias5157]

The Swedes can be quite humoristic I think, and this song gives you a hint about that perhaps. How something so boring can be uplifting. Well, I guess that goes for British people too of course, you have rainy days too..... When Tim Rice a little before this song came along with the script for "Chess" Benny´s answer was, he has told: "Oh! That sounds so boring! Let´s do that!" 😆

[@flyingfeline7110]

Frida's operatic background vocals are amazing. The whole song is magnificent.

[@Bustygirl-dz1wi]

Never knew frida did the amazing backing vocals in this my favourite ABBA song of all time

[@paulshorney3465]

Best abba song ever for me. Masterpiece

[@dardude1139]

Frida does the high aria above all the voices, what a woman.

[@supastah68]

This was the last song ABBA recorded. A masterpiece,

[@capslock286]

The last one in 35 years; new material recorded in 2017 🙂

[@supastah68]

@@capslock286 really? Because they were supposed to have recorded it in 2018 and it hasn’t been released yet. I think it’s just a rumor.

[@supastah68]

ABBA’s new music will be released in September.

[@miltondm8132]

@@capslock286 well, we’ve been waiting for three years, maybe we’ll never hear that songs.

[@capslock286]

@@miltondm8132 hopefully we’ll hear the songs soon :)

[@joelsondiedrichs9543]

Wonderful ABBA.

[@clairemcnamara1749]

Brilliant song. My favourite Abba song ever. The baseline ,the synthesiser, the mood, the lyrics, all blended with Agnetas beautiful voice and Fridas angelic chorus line, and of course Bjorns and Bennys harmonies all blend to make this a masterpiece.

[@CARLOSDIAZ.1975]

Beautiful and Haunting song great Singers😊😊

[@albertoalvarez9341]

Actually, Frida’s voice is part of this song, the angel voice from the background is her and when I realized it I felt more in love with them both and all ABBA

[@kyleday5026]

also bjorn also does a part in this song

[@albertoalvarez9341]

Well even better don’t you? Oh by the way this song is one of the longest song they ever recorded after “Eagle” making this the second one. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@Super1973Pookie]

I thought I knew everything about ABBA I did not know that. Freda is underrated. Their voices are so alike and it sounds like one voice with a record breaking range when it’s two voices going perfect together. I wish dress had more songs. Have you heard ‘I turn to stone ‘ on her solo album

[@sirterence1]

@@Super1973Pookie Their voices are so alike? I never felt that. Actually, they are very, very different.

[@andrewbennett7508]

Put two women together and they are the best

[@toreedstrom1172]

Was lucky to see and hear ABBA here in Gothenburg 1979. Eleven people on the stage, plus ABBA. Two drummers, two on guitars, a young guy on piano, three in the choir and three on brass and woodwinds...memory for life....

[@traudesuppan]

One of the best reactions to this song

[@markwestaway7207]

A glorious song. An almost glacially cold electronic backing sound. Love the understated way Agnetha winds her voice through the song. It quavers and almost breaks in the "my life was well within it's usual frame", and "it's funny but I had no sense of living without aim". The drums turn to a similar beat to Betty Davis Eyes in the instrumental bridge. The high vocal from Frida gliding above it all. The lyric re Dallas is interesting - apparently at one stage Agnetha was connected with the producer of the show Dallas in a Swedish movie. Possibly my favourite Abba song.

[@paulecrosby2006]

This record is a masterpiece nd probably the most beautiful pop video ever done. I believe this record is number 6 in the top all time one hundred records in pop history.

[@RogueWJL]

I class this track as a piece of ART. Its perfect The video is so moving and so much melancholy. Freda flexes her operatic chords.

[@Flatwoodsdad]

Thanks for the reaction. This was their last recording. Agnetha sang it alone in the dark. Sound engineer said she finished took off her headphones and walked out. He knew ABBA was over. They've never broken up just never recorded together again or until recently anyway.

[@jamesharp9640]

The song is a masterpiece ❤️

[@michaelarvedlund7164]

a masterpiece with a tragic background (it was their last recording...at least for about 40 years). I LOVE they are back and they sound as if this year was 1976. They are still wonderful.

[@joseluissosalinares]

One of the most beautiful, perfect and sad song of ABBA

[@joelsondiedrichs9543]

I really like your comments. You notice particularities that we do not observe. You're really good. And I also love the ABBA group. Great job.👏👏👏

[@ABBAaccess]

This was the last song ABBA has ever recorded. Simply a masterpiece. Agnetha asked them to turn off the lights when she was about to record the vocals, so much emotion she was feeling. I wonder what ABBA would release after such an amazing song. By the way, those wonderful backing vocals were Frida, throughout the whole song.

[@stevetournay3731]

You'll have heard "Story Of A Heart"? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYnYdpmAfLamec0

[@willswomble7274]

Achingly beautiful, stunningly emotional and ultimately tragic; with a quietly sensational arrangement only enhanced by Frida's coolly haunting contribution at the end. A masterpiece for all time. Oh, and yes P.B., I think of you every day, 42 years on.

[@francis2811]

Abba sang and spoke better English than the English do! There's so much emotion and themes about the band's personal relationships in their songs. 380 million worldwide record sales!

[@filipcarpentier860]

This is just a masterpiece. Most definitely one their best!!! Please come back, please!!!

[@CristinavdfV]

They listened to you LOL

[@tikku123]

My all time favourite Abba song! It’s haunting and beautiful- still gives me goosebumps after all this time

[@paulopinheirosc]

According to their producer Michael B. Tretow they turned the lights off in the studio when Agnetha put her voice on the track and when he remembers what would be ABBA last work together (for many years anyway) tears still come to his eyes.

[@groteabbafan]

A real masterpiece i will love ABBA my whole live

[@Santor6]

The production and arrangement is extremely artistic and professional. Only synth (Yamaha GX-1) and snare drums plus background chorus and backing vocals that slowly rise tension. Melody is all alone from singer. Perfect.

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

This is a masterpiece. In every thinkable level. Melody, arrangement, lyrics and singer. Agnetha's voice is incredible. And this is very much underrated song. This song is my favourite. Love this.

[@Stevieweevietv]

Amongst all their great tracks, this is my favourite. The storytelling is beautifully done. And like you those synths that kick in midway just do something for me! The song also means a lot to me...kind of matches my life!

[@jamescairns4051]

This song has no meaning for you until you experience something truly life changing. And then this song becomes everything to you.

[@HollyCranfan]

She said her life had no aim the day before ‘you ‘came. She is happy she met him but some sadness that it can’t be more then it is. At the end when she sings to Bjorn, he looks sad. Then the next day he’s not there or misses the train. In the last album, Agnetha was front and center. Fridas background vocals were hauntingly beautiful. Years later, she said the video was shot in Stockholm.

[@goroakechi3157]

One of the most easiest songs to understand what it’s about. Just a 80’s Masterpiece!

[@moised96]

Great reactions i love ABBA .. the background vocals is Frida ✨

[@ono1dij]

MASTERPIECE!!!! I really can't believe what they could have done if they hadn't split up... The 10th ABBA's album could have been maybe the best album of them...

[@mikevale3620]

It may well be, the comeback album, 'Voyager' after 40 years is released world wide, tomorrow.

[@ono1dij]

@@mikevale3620 Yes!!!!!!! I can't believe it!!! Tomorrow!!!

[@abbalistener2003]

a unique masterpiece of Abba showing how much they were already entered in the 80's sound much ahead in advance than other groups ; An imaginative almost theatrical story telling totally enhanced by the melancholic melody. It's totally obviuos than they werre not in lack of creativity at the end but more broken by the failures of their marriages.

[@marting6037]

Haunting track; a personal favourite of mine from ABBA

[@steffichristina4259]

Fantastischer Song! Brilliant gesungen von Agnetha!! Aber Fridas Operngesang ebenfalls! Abba das beste vom besten in der Pop Welt! Grüße aus Österreich ❤🧡💛💚

[@RushilJuglall]

Dereck glad u enjoying these songs looking forward to more ABBA Reactions

[@BrokebackBob]

She met a man on the train, they had a short affair, and he had to leave and she is changed and remembering. Very beautiful.

[@ИринаБондаренко-щ7ч]

Оперное соло Анни-Фрид потрясающее!!! Браво Анни-Фрид!!!

[@duanenewland6227]

Anything ABBA was awesome thank you for sharing this

[@withinjapan2024]

One of the safest music videos. ABBA lay it all out to us in everything they did and this is it.. all away from each other on the stage no eye contact no energy all had enough of each other .. it was the end.

[@Pulsar77]

The last song they ever recorded, and one of my favourites. Makes you wonder what music they would've made if they had stayed together. If you like this 80s synth sound, then check out The Visitors, Should I Laugh Or Cry, Me And I, and Frida's solo hit I Know There's Something Going On. That being said, there are still a ton of ABBA classics you have to discover :)

[@Pulsar77]

@@iaingardiner7360 Under Attack was the last song they released, but The Day Before You Came was the last song they recorded.

[@charlespylad7803]

Well, ABBA came back to the studio in the summer of 2017 and recorded two new songs - "I Still Have Faith In You" and "Don't Shut Me Down'. According to rumours there are more song, maybe to fill an album. In a Swedish radio show a TV-host said he had listened to THREE of the new songs. Exciting news indeed!!! The songs have been delayed due to technical issues with the Avatar-project and when everything seemed fine the corona virus happened. :(

[@notthatharkness7619]

2nd "Should I Laugh Or Cry." One of my ABBA favorites.

[@AdamDawson3]

It was the last song they recorded until 2017 when they recorded 'I Still Have Faith In You' & 'Don't Shut Me Down'

[@onbe804]

They would have record 'Gemini' classics like 'Just like that ' and 'Another you Another me' !

[@uteorgahs815]

Jede Zeit hat seine Musik,so sagt man. ABBA- Musik ist Zeitlos 💯👍👌✌️‼️

[@joejjeman]

the best song ever... i have listened 20.0000000 times

[@philrob1978]

Just going to add to voice of the crowd, an absolute masterpiece, and can be interpreted in several ways depending on which mood you're in. Whenever I share this with other people and tell them it's ABBA, they are completely dumbfounded by it. But then, I really love their latter day stuff from Super Trouper and The Visitors. The darker nature, which has always been there, comes to the fore, for all of us to see. Very Scandinavian. Just brilliant.

[@markymids]

I adore this Abba song. One of my absolute favourites and one that imo has no clear interpretation. You seemed to have put quite a positive spin on the song from your reaction however I think that may be because you were watching the video in unison. When I first heard this song, it was audio only and I got chills. To me it doesn't reflect in any way that things became better for her after she met the man (if we're presuming that the "you" is a man). For me there's a deep sense of foreboding throughout the song. Yes her life may have been dull, routine, repetitive and mundane - but it was her own life that she had control over. When this person came into her life, everything changed, and not for the better (that's how I see it anyway!)

[@mariostylianou7725]

They will never be a group like abba again!! So fortunate to be around them when I did.. when growing up..Lol

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

ABBA is one of the greatest band ever. And their music is timeless. That's all.

[@bobtrouper]

Great review again Dereck, this was the very last song ABBA recorded in August 1982, the early version was called "The Suffering Bird", there is a lot of ambiguity in the song, as we don't know what "you" is? Death, murder, a new love? Even your interpretation is different!! It was very unusual as Benny composed the song in the recording studio, using old ideas, Frida does sing the operatic obbligato (which she came up with herself) Benny & Bjorn wanted Agnetha to act out the song, and Bjorn stated that Agnetha was slated in the music press for her bad singing "poor thing" he said, "we should've let her belt it out!" What is poignant is the book the character reads at night, the feminist writer 'Marylin French', who's latest book at the time was 'The Bleeding Heart' about 2 people who fall in love, but have nothing in common, and often have bitter arguments, passionate love, but their affair is destined to end....

[@bobtrouper]

Under Attack was released after The Day Before You Came, in December 1982, The Day Before You Came Was released in October 1982, but Under Attack was written and recorded before The Day Before You Came. In fact the melody for Under Attack first appeared in 1979 in the tour rehearsals in a song called Under My Sun, it then appeared in the demo Rubberball Man, then the melody appeared again in the holy grail of ABBA songs: Just Like That, before settling into Under Attack. The Day Before You Came, was the final ABBA recording in late August 1982, before the new recordings I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down in late Summer 2017

[@paulecrosby2006]

Bad singing, you've got to be joking. I have never heard anyone sing this record better nd it's not ment to a record that you belt out. I think that over the years people have realised that this is a masterpiece especially the music press nd industry which at the time couldn't except the genius of a Swedish group who could write nd sing their own music better than anyone at the time.

[@capslock286]

If the Marilyn French-cue is intentional, then that’s some really good story-telling through the lyrics...

[@thewatcher2570]

@@bobtrouper where does i am the city land then? It sounded so fresh and alive compared to the songs done in this visitors era... i know it was going on the next album but felt like it was fresher than these tracks

[@bobtrouper]

@@thewatcher2570 was written in Early 1982, recorded bit later, yes ABBA were reintroducing the multi vocals again, bit like You Owe Me one also. Both I Am The City & Just Like That were shelved until 1993 when the former was released, and the latter’s chorus was issued as part of a box set demos release in 1994.

[@kristruscottrobinson4634]

A Seminal melancholic masterpiece. their best song. period

[@joopbergwerff3946]

A masterpiece

[@happyhawaii0711]

I always loved this song. to me it´s the saddest popsong of all time. one reason is the background, that it was the last song they recorded together( until 2018). please react to Name of the game and When all is said and done. Thank you.

[@harmonrabb1922]

I love that song. In my opinion their best. Thank you for reacting to it.

[@josue-joshuacordova3847]

ohhh my god!!! This song is very special for me. ABBA last song.

[@dav7444]

Actually one of my favouite Abba records. Wow love your comments

[@nat2040]

Lyrics!! Genius

[@erion777spain1]

Great great great song!!!!!!!

[@hahatoldyouso]

You'll love the whole album this is from, 'The Visitors'...80s and very synthy, theatrical too

[@Pulsar77]

It's actually not on The Visitors, it was meant for a new album that was never finished.

[@emilen2]

@@Pulsar77 At least there's extended newer releases of The Visitors album including "bonus tracks" such as Should I laugh or cry and Day before you came.

[@AdamDawson3]

The Day Before You Came, Under Attack, Cassandra, I Am The City, Just Like That & You Owe Me One were recorded in 1982 for their 9th album that was never finished.

[@NorthSea_1981]

@@Pulsar77 It's on the remastered re-release. Even though the song originally came out after "The Visitors", it absolutely fits the mood and theming of that album.

[@mgbchoralmusic6443]

@@AdamDawson3 They were so close to having that "final album" It's a shame they didn't do a couple more tracks. Some of these tracks are my favourites. Just Like that is great., Cassandra, Should I Laugh or Cry....

[@rasvanniekerk6297]

Superb! A true masterpiece!

[@Bandido894]

This was their last song 1982 before quitting and you can hear and see all the sadness in music or their faces, not usuall their style. The other lead vocalist delivers the high-note opera singing between verses and the end.

[@OprechtLetterlijkBizar]

Great review. This song definitely has a build which becomes apparent when you listen to it in one go. It’s definitely story telling, and I love the melancholic kind of sad vibe. And also just love that whole 80s athmosphere. And how awesome is that trench coat! 😄

[@joewhite6421]

Agnethas gaze that looks into a mans soul at 1: 40 and melts my heart.

[@duanenewland6227]

Every song that ABBA ever did every song told a story from beginning to end

[@paulwilliams1791]

What a classic

[@downtherabbithole1353]

You have the gift to interpret every scen there is in this video, i am very impressed. Love what you do Dereck. I am a swedish ABBA fan since 1973.

[@igaluitchannel6644]

The level beat highlights her humdrum life.

[@artroyo9202]

Tnx for the review of this ABBA Classic...🤩🤗😊💛💖💙#ILoveABBA #WelcomeBackABBA #ABBAisBack #ABBAvoyage

[@emmanuelernandez7067]

The atmosphere, melancholy, that high voice, synths... I'm sad when I hear it but I'm happy too 🤔 But what I know I just love it 😍

[@aeproductionstm1150]

listen to "Move on" that's a masterpiece!

[@sirjohnmara]

ABBA can really paint whole new worlds with simple words and melodies, just in the right place - like paintbrush strokes from a true fine arts master painter during the renaissance.

[@Charlie-eo3vz]

the back vocal is Frida

[@erikbohlin1006]

And don't forget that the guys you see, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, have written and produced all of the ABBA's songs!

[@fredrikmoller629]

Erik! Så roligt att se dig. /möller

[@erikbohlin1006]

@@fredrikmoller629 Nä men så kul att se dig!

[@mccorama]

One of my favourite love songs!

[@DRAINPIPE57]

Tbis is pure Silk and cream vibes to the senses 🎧🎵🎼Abbas Best production 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

[@richardjansson1]

You are very articulate and emotionally connected to music Dereck. I have been a fan of ABBA since 1975. Here in Australia they created something of a precedent back then. I love hearing your fresh views on the music I have loved all my life. Thank You!

[@Ulises31-l4n]

80s the best music....I thank that young people like you seeing what is esencial feelings.....

[@MisterRichards-f8u]

I just love this song the more and more I hear it

[@Yasnoor1]

Love it so much!

[@robertwill23]

Agnetha (one who sings it) was asked to sing this song in ordinary way (to act it out as just ordinary woman singing). So she almost talk-sings here a la Charles Aznavour, famous French singer who was actually Agnetha's orientation for approach to this song. As music was monotonous and atypical ABBA (stripped to bare minumum, no harmonies, no different melodies) she had to use her voice as only melodic spine, to accentuate certain parts in song, to make it more pronounced. Later the rest of ABBA's members wondered if the song could have had better dramatic effect if Agnetha's natural instincts took over and she wasn't restrained by initial choice.

[@Martin-jd3oc]

Wilson23 imo it was a brilliant move to have Agnetha hold it back for this one. She has belted it out on many other occasions. For this one, restraint was the right way to go to get the haunting emotion through.

[@HarryGhall]

Thank you about that you write. Effectively, i can see Aznavour singing like that.

[@Payne2view]

Songs like this show that Benny & Bjorn were already thinking more about writing Musicals than pop songs.

[@kyleday5026]

this is the last song abba recorded and it was recorded in the studio booth in the dark all the lights were off. lots of theories about this song

[@selina5598]

Love Frida's vocals in the background

[@dont.wilson2121]

Superb review, Dereck

[@roger4268]

You never know what you will get before you listen to an ABBA song except it will be fantastic, there is almost always an interesting story behind their lyrics. It would be interesting to hear you Reacting "Casandra" and "The Piper"

[@alexandergrosvenor1043]

Probably the best of all ABBA songs and covered shortly after by Blancmange-probably the best cover of an ABBA song. Heartbreaking.

[@joachimlind69]

This is a master piece, a ending of there marrige and like a group😢❤but please Derek don't stop every 20 second! it detroys the songs and I love how you explain the song but do it after a while. Love and hugs to you.

[@tommyhughes2264]

Bro this was it, there finale song together.Beautiful and haunting at the same time.

[@MUSICOM2]

it's all synths, except the snare drum! Mainly the very expensive Yamaha GX-1 is used. All made by Benny alone. She sang it in the dark! She was not supposed to sing it too beautiful because this song is about an ordinary woman. (still is too beautiful of course!) The production is superb!! Its made in 1982 (there last one) but it hasnt that sharp kitschy 80ties sound at all! They always pioneered with the latest technology (especially Benny and the producer Micheal Tretow). As said it is their last song and very underrated at that time..

[@nickavenoso7851]

Agnetha Fältskog the lead singer here told the band that she should sing just like a regular person and try to be more normal becuase this song is basically talking about a normal person’s life. The Visitors is my favorite ABBA album.

[@abbagodz]

Please react to "When All Is Said and Done"...their last U.S. Top 30 hit and my all-time favorite ABBA song!!! Thanks much!

[@nickbryan7170]

This song is my favourite. I have to remind myself that this group are not native English speakers. Their lyricism is totally mind blowing. The videos are difficult to judge because back in the seventies there wasn't MTV!

[@danielk.2298]

The synth-flute should imitate the sound of a special bird. The swedish working title of the song was "Den lidande fågeln", which means "The Suffering Bird"!

[@omargaleano7295]

ABBA has so many great songs but this one, definitely, their best song ever. I remember I was obsessed about this song. Is just amazing all the melancholic vibe it delivers. By the way, I love your reactions, as I like many of the artists in your channel such as Mónica Naranjo, ABBA or Nightwish. Keep up the excellent work!

[@tjscot1]

Too good !