ABBA Reaction Should I Laugh or Cry (SLAY ABBA!) | Dereck Reacts

[@bluerev]

One of the best ABBA lyrics ever imo. Love the sarcasm in Frida's vocals.

[@Pronzini1]

Frida can sing anything beautifully! Sometimes she almost holds back so as not to overpower the instruments and the others, but she has a truly powerful and wonderful voice (and look).

[@marcossosa1030]

Totally agree with you 👍🏽

[@markwilliams546]

Frida is a Mezzo Soprano, so she would have hold back sometimes so she wouldn't overpower the song and music completely.

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

I loooove this song. I looooove Frida's vocals. I looooove the experimental sound. Shortly before ABBA stopped they definitely seemed to be at a creative high. I can't even imagine what they could have done throughout the 80's if they hadn't disbanded. I used to listen to this B-side over and over, when I was a kid. Thanks for reminding me of it by reacting to it in such an enthusiastic and interesting way.

[@kyachdistent1301]

I can tell you what they would have done. After the 1982 songs (ones even better than the 1981 stuff amazingly)-'The Day Before You Came', 'Cassandra', 'Under Attack', 'You Owe Me One', 'Gone Just Like That' and 'I Am The City 'which would have formed 60% of the next album, the CHESS single tracks-'Nobody's Side', 'One Night In Bangkok', 'Heaven Help My Heart' and 'I Know Him So Well' could have finished it off. Plus the Gemini albums, largely written by B&B and sung by the bro/sis duo that did backing vocals for CHESS and other things ALSO show the kind of thing ABBA would have carried on with-'Slowly', one of those tracks was even recorded in rather weaker form on Frida's 1984 solo album. Listen to all these, including the 2 songs both B&B refused for the 1st Gemini album-the B-sides 'When I Close My Eyes' and 'Copy Love', as long as you substitute ugly track 9 on 2nd album "Geminism" and substitute 'The Arbiter' from CHESS. Unlike all the other officially released B-sides on the vinyl singles, this one I now always add to "The Visitors" as it's the only album with a ridiculously uneven number of songs, just after 'Soldiers'.

[@Sergio-et8yq]

Amazing FRIDA's vocals here! Her versatility is incredible. This songs is a gem and stood the pass of time as one of my favourites from ABBA. The instrumental base of this track is sooo good and at the same time, very unusual for the group. Very good reaction and "detail review" of this song Derek!

[@jossieassie4682]

The way Frida sings: He’s such a clever guy’. Sounds so cynical; only she can deliver such theatrical performances to a song. Stunning Frida🥰

[@AdamDawson3]

'Should I Laugh Or Cry' is a fabulous song and one of ABBA's best and most underrated songs.

[@garyvandecar2580]

One of Frida's best vocals.

[@catherinesohns8048]

Frida‘s vocal is amazing… she‘s fabulous❤

[@bjorkeskog]

ABBAs transition into the 80s. Love the synths. Opening of the song....and the chorus is amazing always

[@mirjanabittar7781]

La voix de Frida surtout ! ❤❤

[@JF-sh2sm]

‘Our Last Summer’ is another gem and one of the finest examples of Frida taking the lead. It’s time you check it out! I would also suggest ‘I’m A Marionette’ which is one of their darkest and most unusual songs.

[@carlosgarjon8340]

I ADORE this song. It deserved to be in The Visitors instead of Two For The Price Of One.

[@nialldemarshwell5566]

Tough call - I like them both. Too many good songs lol

[@danbike9]

Frida would have had 5 leads. Had to keep 4 leads each. You can't take away any of Frida's 4 leads: The Visitors, WAISAD, ILTMS or LAAPTMR.

[@carlosgarjon8340]

@@danbike9 Yes, but in Super Trouper she had four lead songs and Agnetha had three. Too many good songs!

[@catschorus4684]

Beautiful Frida!

[@mbrookes1669]

That's why Abba are untouchable. Bless you all.

[@globaltvandmovies4905]

Wonderful ABBA song. One of their very best.

[@guyinnyc1]

Sooo many good songs, so little space. Shows you the level of quality and talent in this group that this was considered a B side. This has really stood the test of time, and frida's singing is so perfectly suited for this shimmering production.

[@davidherd1972]

I think this is actually my all time favourite ABBA track (well today anyway ❤️❤️😃)

[@jamesheaney8258]

It's sophisticated

[@PedroRio07]

Frida sings the hardest to sing songs - The Visitors and this one... nailed it again. And, Derek, yes, "the synths, the synths!"...,

[@ИринаБондаренко-щ7ч]

Да, Агнета с ее однообразным голосом не осилит то, что поет Фрида.

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@ИринаБондаренко-щ7ч It's not monotonous, it just hasn't the broad range of theatrics that Frida can do. That's why they blend so well, and they always sing lead on the right songs.

[@danbike9]

I Let The Music Speak is difficult too. So is AAPTMR , because slow soft and delicate songs are very technical. You really have to govern air flow.

[@edned5504]

One of my favourite Abba songs without doubt. A very dark Abba song, indeed. Great song. Great lyrics, with some mature ideas. "Strange how Dangerously indifferent I have grown, Cold as a stone. No more pain where there was pain before." The opposite of love isn't hate - it's indifference. This was such a revalation to me. Fantastic singing. Thanks Dereck.

[@williamgranero8239]

I was a bit afraid that you wouldn't like this song as much Dereck, so I was very impressed with your reaction. I loved this song the first time I heard it, it's very different and refreshing. I also sometimes can't tell who is singing. On some songs Agnetha and Frida's voices are hard to distinguish from each other. Great reaction Dereck!!!

[@terohietamies9441]

For me Frida's the best lead song is Our last summer. She truly shines in that one. But I also like Should I laugh or cry.

[@jonathanfurzeland4740]

I have to agree on this. I believe it was the B side to One of Us.

[@flugsven]

My all time favorite Frida moment is in Knowing me knowing you.

[@gerhardvanderwesthuizen842]

@@flugsven Mine is Super Trouper.

[@nickkruger9566]

ABBA's "B-sides" are better than most acts A-sides

[@ralphhendriks1460]

I knew you would appreciate this track! It's such a mesmerizing song. Frida's vocals, so strong!

[@remfour444]

My favorite ABBA song. The comments are spot on. Let's not forget to mention the stellar work of Rutger Gunnarsson on this track. Just fabulous, as usual for Mr. Gunnarsson!

[@t.p.1166]

This song is a masterpiece, genius.

[@kyachdistent1301]

As is 'Cassandra', 'I Am The City' and a lot of the Gemini sung songs which are really ABBA songs, and 'Nobody's Side' from CHESS-again really ABBA songs.

[@kyachdistent1301]

Unlike the genius that left it off the album. B&B are too much!

[@yoeg8288]

Magnífica Frida en esta maravillosa canción de ABBA.

[@erion777spain1]

abba is the best group ever!!!!

[@marcossosa1030]

Totally agree with you 👍🏽

[@masculineguy37]

Great song, a lot of people ask if Frida's voice is mixed with some effects. It's just Frida's voice mixed with isolated and echoe effects added. She studied for weeks to get that specific sound.

[@guteronkelpeter]

I listened to all of the ABBA songs as often as possible when they came out. Even when ABBA no longer existed - because they took a "break" that continues to this day - I listened to their songs over and over again. But from your comments I know why I was and am so crazy about this music then and now.

[@chelseacharger]

This song should definitely have been on the original 'The Visitors' album. I wouldn't have replaced 'Two For The Price Of One' but added this to make ten songs. Would have lifted it from great to superlative. Where 'When All Is Said And Done' looked at a break up from a more optimistic view, this one is such a bitter look at a crumbling relationship. In the light of the Benny-Frida split, these words were written by his best friend and for her to sing.

[@resireg]

Two for the price of one has an amazing plot twist

[@danfrost3043]

Great description

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

Completely agree, this isong s far more in line withe atmosphere and soundscape of The Visitors. However, it could also had replaced Head over Hills. I know it was a single, but it never reflected the greatness of the album.

[@DarkAngel459]

I feel that Bjorn was inspired to write these lyrics by observing the relationship between Frida and Benny after their divorce in March 1981. Even though Benny was his friend, as a writer he could still be objective, and Frida interpreted that perfectly.

[@nigelmurray9000]

Even the B-sides to the singles are masterpieces,that's the perfection of this group and the reason for their longevity!

[@anotherview7937]

Her voice is like silver. It's the only way I can describe it. Inimitable.

[@robertclayton9138]

I absolutely love this track and have done so for years ... Frida’s vocal are exceptional and I think it is one of Bjorns best turns as a lyricist .. great storytelling .. u can almost picture Frida berating her ass hole of an husband with a sly smirk on her face .. love it

[@paulcardsfan]

Like a angel passing through my room . Best song ever written in my book ABBA Frida sings it . The long version is even better .

[@connypalmer1102]

First time hearing in my case !!! I am ashamed 😊Thanks for bringing this forward and for a brilliant reaction !

[@Claude_van]

Oh my God! Oh my God! I like the climax. Oh my God! Guitar surprises! Yes! Amazing!

[@tgstancat]

Actually another abba hidden gem that I think you’ll love is “put on your white sombrero”. It has a Latin flavor and the girls sing the hell out of it with their harmonies. Frida shines on it. Would be a reaction I’d look forward to! Happy new year!

[@markiebaby]

you need to listen to I Wonder (Departure) from ABBA The Album - one of my favourite of Frida's lead vocals

[@grantc61]

The live version vocals are even better..........

[@nneragland8649]

Oh yes .. I Wonder transports me to a happy place and nostalgic ❤

[@danfrost3043]

Gorgeous song. They were the consumate professionals.

[@joselacao8422]

BRAVO FRIDA!!!!!!

[@frankdeboer1347]

Well spoken reaction. This era of Abba was so powerful as the relationships of the couples had experienced failures and they were able to put this in their music..such artistic integrity.

[@zonary1]

One of the best tracks they ever did.

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

Thank you for the reaction. I love this song. The lyrics are awesome. They really paint a picture about a couple in trouble. Frida has one of the best two singing voices in the world, the other one is Agnetha, of course. Her sound is darker and stronger compared to Agnetha`s lighter, brighter sound. Together those two are pure magic. Please react to Head over heals (MV) and I`m a marionette. Stay safe.

[@williamgranero8239]

the lyrics are just haunting, only Abba can do this, you can listen to this song one thousand hundred times and it still sounds fresh as the very first time!!! Abba you are a miracle in this worldly life

[@StudeSteve62]

Yes, this is Frida...

[@happyhawaii0711]

This was always a very outstanding ABBA song to me, and also a very outstanding Frida song. Could have been on her solo album Something´s going on. What a great song in every way. Thanks a lot for this reaction video.

[@DarkAngel459]

I was so looking forward to seeing you react to 'Should I Laugh Or Cry,' as it's one of my favourites, and you didn't disappoint. Happy that you liked it but I hope you read the lyrics at some point, because they are brilliant.

[@robertclayton9138]

Standing there on his toes to grow in size .. a cracking phrase to put a partner down 😝

[@methoxy66]

Dereck completely misses that this song is a woman decrying the sheer stupidity of her moron of a partner and putting him down on every level.

[@robertclayton9138]

Totally agree ...👍👍

[@stevehawkins6645]

I love, love, love ABBA. I want I Have a Dream played at my funeral.

[@synchronicityman9062]

It's a great song, brimming with the bitterness, sadness and resignation so common in a dying relationship. Many believe it's from the standpoint of a victim in an abusive, narcissistic partnership. Frida conveys all these feelings superbly. She used a similar vocal delivery on her solo hit 'I Know There's Something Going On' which was recorded soon afterwards. It's sad that the song was not included on the original 'Visitors' album. That has been a bone of contention amongst ABBA fans for decades, many of whom felt it was much more deserving of inclusion than Bjorn's ditty 'Two For The Price of One'. Me, I think both tracks should have been included for variety. Fortunately, it has been included as a bonus track on every reissue of 'The Visitors' and many now see it as an integral fixture on that dark, moody, but classic album.

[@mariaJ3105]

i often felt because The visitors was such a dark album Two for the price of one was added to lighten the mood a bit, but yes i do agree with you as to why it was ever left out

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

You totally nailed how brilliant this is and pointed out all the reasons it is good.

[@artroyo9202]

Good Frida's soothing voice..Marvelous...💛💖💙

[@alejandroerne2771]

It's incredible This song only was a B side un That time. It's exquisite, complex and original song. I love it. Dereck if You want keep On astonishing You, you must react Our Last Summer, I Wonder and One Man One Woman. Great great songs!!! Please!!!

[@resireg]

That song gives me a "Blade Runner" vibe. When I listen this song, that is the image that comes to my head

[@eduardoalves334]

Frida❤️❤️🇧🇷

[@wiliamgreco9724]

Hi Dereck! I am thrilled you're doing these ABBA Reactions. Thank you for the ones you've done & the ones you will be doing. One great way of looking at ABBA's "B" sides is that they didn't throw a disposable track on the backside of a hit single. They threw a great bonus track on there for us to enjoy! You even got your money's worth when you bought the singles. Another "B" side to check out is "Cassandra". It's very theatrical & a great spotlight on Frida's vocal abilities. Keep up the great work & have a great 2021!!! - Bill (From Mount Holly, N.J.)

[@babechkaHH]

Frida forever! :-)

[@oliverwittofficial4997]

I don't understand how you cannot tell that it is Frida on lead vocals😉

[@roderickwilliams-young]

Yes Frida on main vocals here. Quite dark lyrics about domestic abuse!

[@anthonyrogers4137]

It's always appeared to me (since 1981) as a song that is about the fed-up protagonist pointing out how her partner is only a lot of hot-wind and rhetoric, compared to the superior creature he thinks he is.

[@roderickwilliams-young]

@@anthonyrogers4137 it is a very dark song lyrically and something ABBA excelled at in a pop song!

[@mibenco]

I'm so glad you finally got to experience Should I Laugh Or Cry...my absolute favorite after When All Is Said And Done. I like Late ABBA especially; you might enjoy Elaine also. Thanks for your videos.

[@lilapereyra140]

Saying hello from a hospital bed, I didn’t recognize that particular song. Happy New York!

[@bramford7e]

This is my favourite reaction of yours, Dereck. Keep up the great work and have a happy 2021.

[@caerphillykid6644]

Fantastic song!!! brilliant reaction :-)

[@Cybus2006]

Great reaction to a great B-Side, thank you! PS: I second "Our Last Summer"!

[@marcossosa1030]

What I have to say is that I love both Anni-Frid & Agnetha because both have their own voice range and style but since I met ABBA in 1976 (I lived in Cuba by then) I always preferred Frida. But her excellent singer's quality was always shadowed by media giving more relevance to Agnetha who is also A+ singer (both A & A are at the same level). In this song Frida shines like in all songs where she is the leadvocal. Listen to "Our Last Summer", "When All Is Said And Done", "Andante Andante" in which she holds the final note for 15 seconds just to mention a few. ¡Viva Frida! (and B, B, A too, of course)

[@vanjalavoie550]

I've never heard this before. I'm in love with it.

[@AzoreanZionist]

The picture you have of ABBA in your background,,,,,, I had a T Shirt with that picture of them back in 1979 from their North American Tour. 👍😀

[@joeyeagan5186]

This is my favorite ABBA song of all time!

[@oscardiegonevarez1236]

Thank you for the reaction.. This is my second fav song from abba, my first is hasta mañana... I loved this video

[@sifw5462]

Oh Dereck delighted you liked this darker song from Abba, simply fabulous with synths and Frida's vocals! Another good track is 'You owe me one' pure Abba fun track have a listen when you can.

[@markstevenson7577]

Another gem from ABBA's library "You Owe Me One" ...... Similar to "Move on" in the sense that you wonder why it was never a hit where it probably should've been, a very likeable song.

[@petegtorcan]

Top 5 for me. Easy. I remember the first time I heard it. And this is a b-side!

[@dancelover020]

I was waiting for you to finally listen to this one. I just KNEW you would like this!!

[@angel33leganes]

Masterpiece. The best Abbas song

[@nielsulriksrensen9818]

Don't know if it's the best, but it's definitely one of the best!

[@bena6415]

'.. strange how dangerously indifferent I have grown, cold as a stone ....' only Bjorn could come up with those chilling lyrics.

[@markoakerbee3220]

I love the way Frida and Agnetha dove tail. Always the right choice on leads.

[@opicatchu2164]

So beautiful song and so catchy!

[@kimbozw1808]

This was the B side of the vinyl single ONE OF US. Curiously, ABBA member Frida in her solo career had had a song with almost the same title or meaning about 9 years previously, namely, ''Ska Man Skratta Eller Grata'' (should one laugh or cry).

[@Anna-Gunilla1792]

How come I never heard this one? A single?

[@andrewleary7117]

B SIDE OF THE SINGLE..... ONE OF US

[@jrcarlsson5751]

Dear, you have forgotten "Our last summer" from the Super Trouper album. It is a fantastic song and the song is also one of Agnethas favourites!

[@moviereviews4747]

Yes, Should I Laugh Or Cry was b-side to One Of Us 7"single in late81. And ABBA fans were surprised at the time it wasn't on The Visitors album but ABBA felt the track wasn't good enough for inclusion on the album (can you believe that?) I absolutely adore this track, its so infectious & just so amazing & Frida's voice ....OMG! as Dereck says Frida just .....nails it, Frida has the most utterly incredible rich recording voice, such amazing texture to her voice. The 7"single b-side version on the actual vinyl itself has a countdown intro kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ3JZ36gnLplrJI

[@stefanzantes8818]

Actually, I think the intro where Benny counts in in Swedish is only available on the UK picture disc, isn't it?

[@moviereviews4747]

@@stefanzantes8818 no, the countdown version was also on regular 7"black vinyl version cause I had it myself. The Visitors album was reissued back in 1998 & 2001 on cd with Should I Laugh Or Cry on both reissues as a bonas track with the countdown intro removed from both reissues; but The Visitors was then reissued a third time with the countdown intro present in that edition (I'm not sure what year of that third reissue sorry)

[@stefanzantes8818]

Ah, I see. But still the Countdown Version seemed not to be present on all 7" singles. I remember that I bought the German One Of Us single when it came out here in Germany and only years later I got the UK picture disc and was surprised about this counting in ...

[@moviereviews4747]

@@stefanzantes8818 o, I can only speak for the 7"single regular black vinyl that I bought here myself back in December 1981 here in Ireland when I was 10years old & the countdown was on that 😀 I *think* that there was also a 7"picture disc ep containing four ABBA hits Super Trouper, The Winner Takes It All & One Of Us which had the same artwork and pictures as One Of Us 7"sleeve had; I remember coming across it in recordshop around 1983, but I couldn't afford to buy it.

[@paulcardsfan]

Like a angel passing thiugh my room

[@cannedmusic]

If you like this, you may like a song Frida sang, written by a couple of men named Andersson and Ulvaeus...whomever they are...called Slowly. It's similar to this and was featured on her 1984 solo disc Shine

[@cannedmusic]

@Mark Allen I think I know what it was. I am in the process of listening to the song, again, and there were lyrics in it that suddenly made me realize that the song was a song written for, and rejected in favor of, Nobody's Side or Someone Else's Story, from Chess.

[@mojpredal]

As someone put it at that time, "these songs were from the group that was literally dying on its feet...". And yet they still made mastepieces like this. RESPECT!

[@nneragland8649]

Pure talent!

[@vanjalavoie550]

My fave ABBA album is The Visitors, then Arrival.

[@roanbu]

The truth is that ABBA can not do anything wrong. That's their trade mark, their power, their ... 'being' :) Derek, thank you for all your comments, I collect them all. Luv ya!

[@kevinferrin5695]

This is their most astounding song. It blew me away.

[@helenbarr6779]

One of my favourite ABBA tracks 🥰

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Abba have learnt too put B-sides on deluxe editions of albums due to social media...🌈💚

[@brendonnguyen386]

Thanks for reviewing this song. Here is another suggestion or . Good job!!

[@opicatchu2164]

Completely addict to ABBA !!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@rogers.5153]

I can honestly say that I have never heard this song before. I am a massive Abba fan, have followed them since the 70s. Thank you for introducing me to this song!

[@danbike9]

Frida from 1958 to 1971 was a professional working vocalist entertainer came from the stages. Started TV Shows era in 1967. Her long pre ABBA career on the stages earned her a stellar reputation among her peers. Frida is the real deal. We owe a big thank you to the late Stikkan Anderson/Polar Music. He went after Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Got her in 1972. Frida was the last to commit. When she did commit, she was all in.

[@dlind1985]

Must say you're _amazing at analyzing music the way you do!_ (I know, I'm a pro-musician - pianist.) I've seen many ABBA'S [and some other, too] on my tv - where it's impossible to give you thumbs up - or follow you. Really happy I found this channel! *Thousands of Thumbs UP!* 🎶🎼🎵 By the way - you've opened my ears to ABBA! Most songs I've never heard. And I'm a Swede... lol *HAPPY NEW YEAR* - with Blessings 🥁 🎺

[@DereckReacts]

Wow many thanks and for watching as well. Have a wonderful new year! ❤️

[@CatalinaGOsses]

Fridas voice is so good un this song i usually preffer agnethas voice but frida owns this song

[@alexanderbleeser9784]

Brilliant bass-line, one of there best songs.👌👍😊🎸

[@josue-joshuacordova3847]

Oh yes!!!! I love this song!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!!

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

One of my top favorites!

[@colinmackillop]

I agree, this should have been on the album. Beautiful song

[@joffness2]

I recently found the One of us 45 and bought it for Should I laugh or cry.. Another B side that could have been squeezed onto the album was Cassandra. Again, great vocals by Frida and classic harmonies coming in on the chorus. Also dark and emotional.

[@dreasbn]

indeed just released in 1981 as the B-Side to One Of Us in Europe. They did this several times with the pre-released first single releases of an album... I Wonder (Live), Lovelight, Elaine and this one. And yes, this song is so underrated and it's a mystery why this hadn't been included instead of Two For The Price Of One.... i guess they know it was a mistake. The song is so unique... though i would love to hear a more organic arrangement instead of that very electronic one... but that's a matter of taste.. I love Frida's voice from desilllusioned flat to angelic and back.... she was way more experimental than Agnetha..

[@dreasbn]

@Marvin Morawski i am not sure about it. Same goes for When All Is Said And Done... I would love to hear a more organic version to compare. I am really curious. Maybe afterwards I like the original one better.