First Time Hearing | Abba - The Winner Takes It All Reaction

[@HankD13]

This is an extremely iconic song for so many people. The fact that she is actually singing song written by her recently divorced husband Bjorn (on the guitar) - who wrote it in an hour after a great deal to drink - and although denying it was about them, later admitted that it was written in that emotion, and that when he first showed it to Agnetha, she just cried.gnethaennyjornnni-Frid wrote about love, real life and the pain that comes with all that. You should listen to more. They were technically as perfect as you could get, harmonised heaven. And they were not teeny boppers, each individually successful and two married couples before they became famous as ABBA. The wrote song that resonated with people all around the world - and still do.

[@petervenkman69]

Yep, I was going to post something very similar, but no point as you got there first.

[@GaryNReese]

Ian, sent you comment to the top of the list.

[@04m11]

When I found that out it reminded me of the drama of Fleetwood Mac

[@Isleofskye]

The Drama of Fleetwood Mac 2 LOL Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac was the original multi-talented Blues Group with many Late 1960s hits but they lost all 3 Guitarists at the same time (LDS/Alcoholism/Joined a Californian Cult) and they rebranded as "Fleetwood Mac?" and the rest id history:)

[@ThomasTallant]

My sister recently told me this story, that he wrote the song and even though he was heartbroken, he said "only she can sing it".

[@YesThatNeal]

400M records sold. You can't go wrong with ABBA.

[@greg2976]

Amen!!!!

[@paulecrosby2006]

Over 400 million albums sold.

[@praapje]

Quantity does not determine quality only a wide range appeal.

[@leroyrs]

Music arrangements of the 70s and 80s were way different. Abba are masters of good productions. There's a reason that they entered 2021 the music charts again after 40 years of absence.

[@JRcomments]

Getting back together to release a new album will do that.

[@andyastrand]

Well they’ve never really been absent, in the UK at least… forgive the cut n paste…. ABBA's 'Gold' album has spent a record-breaking 1,000 weeks in the UK charts. The compilation, which comprises some of the band's best-loved songs, was released in 1992 and is currently at #17 in the UK album charts. It also now claims the title of the second biggest-selling album in British music history, with 5.61million units bought. Remarkably, the record has spent 19 years and 12 weeks in the UK top 100 album chart

[@vernacohen6988]

Great facts and definitely remarkable.

[@Qrama]

@@JRcomments Not all groups can take a 40 year long hiatus and deliver good songs.

[@thedarcbird]

@@andyastrand isn't Queen's Greatest His the biggest and longest? Or has Abba now surpassed Queen?

[@sherydenslament]

ABBA is amazing. Some suggestions: "Fernando," "Chiquitita," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," and "Take a Chance on Me"

[@AndrewJens]

Yeah, _"Knowing Me, Knowing You"_ is a bit of a heart-wrencher.

[@moleman1976]

All great suggestions. I would add "The Name of the Game" - I adore that song!

[@steffenjonda8283]

Thank you for the music... Waterloo :) Dancing Queen...

[@djtwo2]

"The way old friends do" kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHybfpd3Z6hoqJI

[@soljutin]

And the list goes "on and on and on" :)

[@francescopolo2621]

“This is how music should sound”. The appropriate comment about ABBA. This song is superb.

[@skinmeister1]

More ABBA please…they have so many hits. Try “Fernando” next for a completely different vibe from them.

[@isobar5857]

Talented doesn't even come close. Greatest pop group ever to grace us their incredible talent.

[@AK00777]

How amazing that you've never heard ABBA. Great, great music. A lot of people called them Disco. They have quite a catalog, dive it, this is just the tip of iceberg 😘💕

[@eduardooscar309]

ABBA is acronim with initials of Their first names, two swedish couples: Agnetha (blonde singer) & Björn (guitarist songwriter) Benny (pianist songwriter) & Anni Frida (brunette singer) "The winner takes it all" (1980) is one of the Best Songs by ABBA and the Most sad and emotional too The best lyrics and the greatest performing with the amazing Interpretation of the lead singer Agnetha The lyrics is a fiction, it is not about Their real life, although it is obviously influenced by Their own experiences and the realization of the legal divorce in the middle of 1980, even though They were no longer a couple or lived together more than a year and half ago, at the end of 1978 These is a TV perfomance in France 1980, the sound is of the recording studio; ABBA did after "Super Trouper" ABBA have more than 20 worldwide hits between 1972/1982, included: Waterloo, Fernando, Dancing Queen, Take a chance on me, Chiquitita All these songs are in your album recopilation GOLD (1992) that a few mounths ago just arrives to 1.000 weeks at Top 100 in UK Official Charts (first group singer or artist to do it) For a new reaction I suggest You "Waterloo" (1974), Their first worldwide hit, at Eurovision Song Contest, when ABBA schock the world with their victory between 17 songs of all Europe , and begin the Legend of ABBA kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXfWh5iDr5Z5a8U

[@deportedsouls3165]

There has been updates/clarifications about the lyrics from ABBA (Agneta). In this interview in one of our biggest papers here in Sweden, she says that "att låten visst handlar om uppbrottet" the song really is about our breakup". The rest you can translate with Google translate, but as a swede I can assure you about what she means. "Björn Ulvaeus själv har dock tidigare hävdat att låtens handling varit påhittad, skriver Daily Mail. Nu berättar dock Agneta Fältskog i en stor intervju med tidningens You Magazine att låten visst handlar om uppbrottet - och att det är hennes favoritlåt med Abba. - Björn skrev den om oss efter att vårt äktenskap gick i kras. Det faktum att han skrev den precis när vi skilde oss är rörande faktiskt. Det gjorde mig inget. Det var fantastiskt att göra den låten eftersom jag kunde lägga in så mycket känsla, säger hon till tidningen." www.expressen.se/noje/skilsmassolaten-ar-faltskogs-favorit/

[@andrewmcdonald6987]

It is just perfect - no change needed. Its ABBA

[@sabrinaloizides-merideth9874]

The ironic thing is that when they did the musical based on ABBA's music, "Mamma Mia," this song is sung as a ballad. If you want to hear more of a slower song by them, I suggest "Thank You for the Music" although my absolute favorite song of theirs is "Super Trouper." They also came back in a big way in 2021 with their first album in 40 years, "Voyage" which was spectacular.

[@MC-jv9ib]

I am one of the privileged, I saw them in concert in Sydney Australia when I was just a kid. Loved them then loved them now ❤

[@jenniferandrew3373]

I have to admit, this song hits differently now in my 50s than it did when I first heard it. That's the sign of great writing, and great singing.

[@peteryarnold9707]

ABBA, a lot of people's "guilty pleasure". Though I don't know why, they wrote and perfomed amazing songs

[@theyakkoman]

Well, back when they were big their was a great divide between "real" and "plastic". There was a lot of politically charged artists and bands, especially in their native Sweden, to whom ABBA, who "only" made love songs, were fake and, even worse, commercial and so they came to represent what the more politically charged people considered to be everything wrong with the music industry. For a great, more humorous, example of this divide, first check out the Album cover to ABBAs Self-titled album, and then check out the album cover for "Hög Standard" by Peps Blodsband. Peps made an obvious, tounge-in-cheek parody of ABBAs album cover to differentiate their more "real", politically charged and "grounded" music to ABBAs more commercial appeal. Now, I like Peps Blodsband. Hög Standard is a great album, but the critique ABBA got from their peers was undeserved. Because they were very, very, very good at what they did. Excellent craftsmen when it came to their music and especially in their songs that have a bit more of a melancholy edge proved that they were far from an all flash, no substance band. As for the fact that they're still considered a Guilty Pleasure among people outside of Sweden, though. I think that may be because ABBA had a large female following, which in the eyes of many made their music "girly" music. And we know how people, especially those who are insecure in their manliness, can't find themselves enjoying something so girly and unmasculine.

[@ericbogerd5306]

ABBA has a HUGE catalogue of amazing songs, this wouldn't be a rabbit hole, it's a whole rabbit warren if you want to dive down. As for the style, the changes from simple to complex and back are critical to giving that final verse the impact it has, giving tonal depth and variation acts like a highlighter for the quieter parts. ABBA are geniuses, at times they've gotten flak but most of it came from people who just like to be contrary and to criticize the popular just because they are (rather than critiquing their obvious talent).

[@thankyouforthemusic4881]

You will find out that ABBA are the masters of bittersweet songs. Still listen to these songs.

[@mariamenegalli2321]

this song hits on the grieving periods of an ended relationship.. sadness, anger.. then acceptance. I love everything about this song. ABBA has so many great songs in their catalog.

[@lanahands781]

Agnethas Voice is like running silver. Just pure and gorgeous

[@marcsteiger7806]

ABBA will always be timeless

[@johnchristmas7522]

Probably the best group ever. Over decades of World Wide No1's 70's 80' 90's ABBA were a phenomenon. Even today the TALENT shines through. The list is long, you should listen to more.

[@ItsmeBarry]

One of my favourite ABBA songs. I very much enjoyed your reaction. The friendliest of greetings from Ireland

[@Irockthere4]

There’s a reason the world loves ABBA. It’s their genius.

[@oliviarogers2808]

A song I didn't appreciate as a kid but hits so much differently as an adult.

[@jamielandis4308]

After 40 years, ABBA released a new album that promptly shot to #1 worldwide (#2 in the US). The single, “Don’t Shut Me Down,” is nominated for the best record Grammy. ABBA is one of the top grossing groups of all time with about 400 million sold. I think you would like “Chiquita,” “Fernando,” and “Thankyou For The Music”.

[@nigelmurray9000]

Sorry dude, it's actually "I Still Have Faith In You" that's nominated for a Grammy.

[@theloneranger8725]

Of their single releases, Dancing Queen, Waterloo, and Fernando sold more worldwide than any of their other songs, together accounting for 24,700,000 record sales.

[@Isleofskye]

They are building their own Theatre for a 4/5 year "virtual" residency in Stratford,East London right now:)

[@opicatchu2164]

One of their best....but so many "best" !!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@mgnapping]

goosebumps, every time i hear it

[@AngryPostmanStockholm]

Typical Swedish, warm and real, just like themselves, no diva genes. Superproduction chrystal clear sound, way better than most even today all since 1973/74 ♥

[@anderslekander5508]

Yes Sweden 🇸🇪 is fantastic

[@alexioverdo5225]

Oh Cock Short comment but you've said it all!

[@victoriaeugenianewton7130]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@terjoe6643]

The harmonies you hear is the magnificent "third voice" for which ABBA is so renowned. The harmonies are produced by the two glorious ladies alone who are magnificent vocalists.

[@hardboiledharry4061]

"Waterloo" "Knowing Me Knowing You" "Take A Chance On Me" "Chiquitita" "I Have A Dream" "Fernando" "Lay All Your Love On Me" "Money Money Money" "Mama Mia" They were amazing, polka with a beat, master arrangements, superb production, angelic but powerful voices...almost forgot their massive global hit "Dancing Queen" also if you have heard Madonna's "Hung Up" she asked for and got permission to sample a bit of "Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! ....the lyrics were much more deep and sophisticated than anyone gives them credit for, the happiest sad songs ever. They ruled the universe from 1974-1980 and one of them, Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida) had a solo 1982 hit "I Know There's Something Going On"

[@timlarsson]

My favorite from the ABBA catalogue is "Lay all your love on me". I think it has the most interesting chords (chord progression perhaps? I don't know what it's called). It flips between minor and major. Love it so much :)

[@rydiaom]

Awesome song and sooo underrated!!

[@swanpride]

It's "Knowing me, Knowing you" for me. But then, it is hard to pick a favourite.

[@CatSamurai99]

If you are just discovering ABBA, you're in for a good time.

[@stefanconradsson]

Man these girls could SING !!. They had some stunning vocal pyrotechnics on records. This was Agnetas song though .. Annifrid only sang in the chorus. Check out "Knowing Me, Knowing You" for hearing both of them at full throttle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4bVq5yZls6Fgrc Cheers 🍺

[@paulcrawford5437]

AND it was before autotune lol. The girl could sing.

[@feedingravens]

A song about the personal feelings when you get divorced, written by your husband, can only be sung by one person. You are alone now when you signed the papers in court, as Benny even mentions.

[@kimcutts424]

You are so right Sir. This was a big hit for ABBA, like most of their song were. You must listen/react to more of their hits. They could do no wrong in the late 70s and early 80s. Then they disappeared, for decades. Now they write songs for musicals. They were a Phenomenon. 🎼❤

[@TheHelgieiriks]

Ohh cant wait for you to go deep into Abba

[@danielsummers1973]

It starts slow, and has the slow part in the middle, to convey the sorrow part. The upbeat part conveys that life goes on, and she's moving on to the next game. It works. I agree with the others - if you liked this, dig into ABBA's catalog!

[@paulecrosby2006]

It's a stunningly beautiful but sad record ♥

[@bettybrown5011]

She was married to the guy playing the guitar. The other two, the second woman and the piano player were also married, but both couples divorced.

[@wendywoodruff2871]

A film called Muriel's Wedding features many ABBA songs. Starring Toni Collette. Good stuff.

[@sebastianholsclaw]

That movie is a classic and an emotional roller coaster

[@janicewilliams966]

I absolutely love Toni ….amazing singer

[@heathermcteer9581]

As someone said before, Fernando. Amazing ❤ song

[@JRcomments]

Chiquitita, Eagle, Fernando are just a few of so many. ABBA was an obsession around the world in the 70's. Not as much in the USA. ABBA were 2 married couples that fell apart. The ladies were getting tired of the fame. They put out one more album then broke up. They released a slew of greatest hits albums, etc. over the years but 40 freakin' years later, they got back together and released their latest and most likely final album.

[@angierucinski5694]

We all cried at this. In Europe we fell in love with ABBA and followed them through their engagements, their marriages and right through to this, written by Bjorn for his wife to sing during their divorce. We all knew we were saying goodbye to ABBA. You're also absolutely correct, Agnetha absolutely knocks those vocals out of the park, especially when you consider it's literally her life she's singing about 💔💔

[@julianaFinn]

As a Finn, I appreciate your correct pronunciation of this fantastic Swedish group which took my country and the world by storm in 1974.

[@alexioverdo5225]

That performance was from an early 80's French tv show btw.They all look so charmingly sophisticated.

[@terrykemp1876]

This isn't live though - it's the studio version that they mimed to - with some audience noise tacked on to make it feel live. Still a masterpiece from four genius musicians.

[@mervinmannas7671]

ABBA are the biggest selling group worldwide after the Beatles. They had 9 no.1 singles and 8 no.1 albums here in the UK notincluding the new Voyage album. Probably the best songs with Anni-frid on lead are Fernando or Knowing Me Knowing You. Another great Agnetha song is My Love My Life. The harmonies of the two girls are amazing especially on Chiquitta. For a very different side check out the live version of Does your mother know and Hole in your soul pure rock and roll.

[@libaniaoliveira16]

Love this song from ABBA,

[@libaniaoliveira16]

Try I have a dream , beautiful song as well

[@elee1086]

This was huge when I was in Germany 1980-1983. On German radio and AFN.

[@MrDarkmenace1]

Possibly the best pop song ever written.

[@davevandebunte2949]

This is my favorite ABBA song, and it's one of the most raw emotionally intense songs I've ever heard.

[@kyleb5169]

Dancing Queen is a must listen. Probably their biggest and most well known hit!

[@TANTRUMGASM]

this is incredible Songwriting topped with incredible singing

[@bemused9522]

Love this song. I agree one of their most powerful songs. Like Fleetwood Mac's songs from Rumors album.....this song was written during a time when the band's marriages falling apart. Real pain is the source of so many epic songs.

[@greg2976]

Thank you for reacting to ABBA. They have an endless Portfolio of songs to react to. I'm a 70's hard rocker. But I absolutely love this band!!!!!

[@Neumah]

Some other good ABBA tunes are: Gimme gimme gimme - a 70's funky disco track Knowing me knowing you - the best breakup song ever made

[@G02372]

That bass line 😮 amongst the genius arrangement and other instruments and very special singing, it is still amazing

[@sandymount1973]

With nearly 400 million albums sold worldwide, 17 No. 1 hits and over 16 million weekly global streams, ABBA is one of the world’s most successful music acts of all time. Ever since their breakthrough with “Waterloo” back in 1974, ABBA’s music has captured the hearts of people all over the world.

[@dejanvanevski4399]

I agree

[@Aussiegirl1972]

Those girls could sing. They are amazing.

[@dejanvanevski4399]

No one can resist this song. While hearing deep inside will recall some of his sad summer love or maybe good friend in the past and his hearth will be floded with emotions

[@mckenzierain5232]

Gimme Gimme Gimme, take a chance on me, and mama mia are wonderful

[@NoteSpinner]

I have loved ABBA for years. They have many wonderful songs.

[@MrHellford667]

Pretty deep lyrics for a band like Abba :) Goosebumps song for me, every time.

[@MsCatmando]

They put out so many good songs. Like I have a dream. Dancing Queen. money money money

[@Madeforhoney]

Thank you Mr L Boyd. I remember listening to Abba in 1974, I was 12 or 13 and thought my god who is this group and this definitely is the best music I’ve heard in years. The song was Waterloo.

[@kingstumble]

It went straight to number 1 in the UK when it was released.

[@arriebatiste5601]

The fact that you've never heard this is mind blowing to me. I'm obsessed with Abba. Love them!

[@malagastehlaate230]

ABBA was amazing... such a wonderful group... and so many wonderful songs they gave the world to enjoy.

[@welern2liv815]

Yes, you should be listening to more of their music. Keep it up, love your channel!

[@louisdewit4429]

Australia was Crazy about ABBA. Total ABBA-mania. Even wilder and previous to Europe.

[@maxducoudray]

ABBA has so many great songs. They have funny little minor key changes that surprise in the midst of a pop melody. My favorite is SOS, but there are a ton of other great ones.

[@vickigreen9545]

I can’t even chose a favourite ABBA song

[@TFFgeek]

Summer night city is my personal favorite. ABBA to me is a perfect band. Benny Anderson (the guy on keyboards here) was the main composer of the band. He understood composition. The drum, bass, guitar and synths are always in perfect unison. To me Rutger Gunnarsson, the bass player, is one of the best bass players out there for his ability to play both the melody and the drumbeat.

[@kikivon3501]

GOOSIES, EVERY TIME!!!!!

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

Oh Winner Takes it All. It’s one of their best.

[@davidmerritt2837]

They are just legendary my favorite I do I do I do I think it's just beautiful Loved your comments and reaction More Abba please!!!!

[@Gevalher-Prime]

First time I've heard this I couldn't understand it, but I can feel the emotions this convey. I ❤️ ABBA!

[@pamelabarrera5074]

I love ❤ ABBA.THX FOR SHARING.

[@andrewrowland6086]

ABBA was a Hallmark of the disco era, every bit as much as the Bee Gees. This isn't a knock on the quartet. It's just they made their fame by performing danceable tunes.

[@llschnitz]

Three Killer songs by them: "Dancing Queen" "Fernando" and "Winner Takes it All". The best selling group of all time in Europe in the Seventies and Eighties. Europe's version of the Beatles. Sold a few Hundred Million records. Amazing.

[@Skumgummiii]

Here I thought the Beatles were europes version of the beatles... Silly me

[@eduardooscar309]

Another comments ... I think that you know that ABBA comes back after 40 years with a new album Voyage released in last November 2021 that is a worldwide success Now in 2021/2022 You could listen and react the new songs: "I still have faith in You" have an official video, it's a ballad with a story about Themselves "Don't shut me down" is a masterpiece uptempo song like 40 years before And in the rest of the songs the ladies Agnetha & Frida still looks amazing and fantastic singing at your 70s years now the ages of all ABBA members now is 71 Agnetha 75 Benny 76 Björn 76 A.Frida My best regards to You from Buenos Aires, Argentina GOD bless you

[@milton1969able]

The production on ABBA's work is on another level. 24 guitar layers on 1 track and the same number of vocals layering is not unusual. Up there with Pink Floyd and Brian Wilsons Beachboys for complexity.

[@johanander7785]

This is an amazing song. It's not live of course (playback), but it's a great song. More ABBA songs? Oh, all of them? My favorite might be "Summer Night City" just to name one.

[@Menhtrol]

Abba is the second best selling music band in history... The Beatles hold first place

[@bigheartedgal833]

You know how Queen is BIG? ... ABBA is BIG. Huge.

[@dirkhorst2296]

This is, no this IS the perfect Popsong. Strong lyrics, melancholy, superp harmonies.

[@johnwinton2209]

ABBA are.. really are, one of the greatest bands ever. I am a lover of music in general.

[@karenogle5385]

Love Abba. My favorite is Chiquitita. I grew up with their music. Brings back good memories.

[@NicStryker1027]

You can't go wrong with ABBA. 😁

[@samlawrence4670]

The masters of pop music at the height of their powers.

[@Evan056]

ABBA's got a ton of great music!

[@dawnemami3089]

Abba!!!! High school memories flooding in!!! Prom night … College dances…. Radio blasting in the car 🚘 my favorite is Dancing Queen 😄💃

[@bpfromowc]

ABBA are easily in my top five of all time. “Chiquitita” is another incredible sounding song from them. They have a couple of dozen belters.

[@Muckylittleme]

In the top 3 selling bands of all time, so I guess they must have had some talent. The 4 members are Benny (Piano), Bjorn (guitar), Frida (backing here), Agnetha (lead vocal here), the others are session musicians. The two girls generally took turns on lead, sometimes in the same song, and they are famed for their perfect harmonies. If you want to hear a flat out love ballad with Agnetha on lead then I suggest "My love, my life" kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnakpZ6HrK2mj7s and "Slipping through my fingers" If you want hear something more disco then "Voulez vous," performed live here, would be atypical ABBA sound kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJKTZnt4qaymnbc For a typical ABBA anthem try Fernando kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLWm3SYj6mrY5Y And for some typical pop/soft rock flirtatious ABBA sound performed here I would say "So long" kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIXdk4SMds5nn5o But they basically did a bit of everything and incorporated many cultural music styles into their music so the journey is well worth it with endless hit singles and even lesser known songs that are just as good. Thanks for the great reaction.

[@Orochi8Strange]

They actually made a movie where the actors sing songs from ABBA. Some of them i like just as much as the originals. ABBA is legendary.

[@coletedeux]

There are two movies Mama Mia and the sequel.

[@kimkoula1005]

I always thought the fast part was the turmoil of the marriage ending...the dlow part at the end us the sadness...love this one

[@debbiel.1655]

Loved this reaction!! Her voice is amazing. and the song is heartbreaking and yes, epic in feel.

[@richgoebel6650]

ABBA were masterful in producing even sad songs that sound happy.

[@jeffreyaverett1800]

Bjorn and Benny are master writers, composers and musicians. A perfect match for Agnetha and Frida's vocals.

[@wawa2]

ABBA sold more that 350,000,000 records worldwide and their fame continues to grow even after 40 years!!! Check out Fernando and Knowing Me, Knowing You, they were music video pioneers in in the 70s!

[@przemysawjozwiak144]

Love this song. You should react to their song "Thank you for the music"

[@daryengreye6573]

ABBA is my all time favourite group. Every song a masterpiece.