First Time listen - ABBA - The Winner Takes It All (1980)

[@bvazdiniz]

With ABBA you just can’t go wrong… almost everything they recorded is a freaking masterpiece. Björn is an outstanding lyrics writer, Benny is the most talented arranger and melody composer, Agnetha and Annifrid the best singers of their era as well as best voice blend of any duos I heard… ABBA is just one of a kind!!!

[@roderickwilliams-young]

Live vocal from Agnetha here.

[@joewhite6421]

Agnetha .is a pure Soprano with a Pitch Perfect ,Perfect Pitch and a B2 - F7 range.the widest range in over 40 years of POP music.

[@alexitalymodeldogtrainerbr6828]

Io penso che se prendi un qualsiasi cantante rock ,ti dirà che gli ABBA sono stati e sono i " costruttori della melodia" le sensazioni e i brividi che danno la voce di Agneta e le loro musiche ne fanno i re assoluti della " melodia" mondiale!!💗💯

[@christine3043]

No one can emote a song like Agnetha. What a voice and such a classy lady. Frida is amazing too. The two of them together is sheer bliss.

[@imbutterworth]

Frank… you’ve never heard this song before?? My god! That’s like drinking water for the first time after 40 years 😍

[@mattias5157]

Yeah... Under what stone have you been living man???

[@sjefhendrickx2257]

Unbelievable !

[@mobilfone2234]

or just a little lie....

[@710LL59]

i hear ya LOL

[@paulrooy371]

That performance was done live in Germany 1980 I grew up on rock too…. everything from CCR, Zeppelin, The Stones, Queen, Black Sabbath, Metallica, U2.... G ‘n R…. a handful of modern rock bands and everything good in between…. after I turned 40 something interesting happened…. I started listening to music that I would not necessarily have listened to before…. I started appreciating things that I had not noticed before…. Don’t Knock ABBA…. musically/technically their songs are very well structured…. the lyrics are honest and true…. and you cannot deny the excellent quality of the girls’ voices…. In this song especially you can hear just how good Agnetha’s voice is…..

[@paulocamacho2976]

You're telling me you're almost 50 years old, and you managed to walk on the planet that long without hearing "the winner takes it all"??? 😳... that's not easy dude...

[@soniaalvarez543]

😂

[@sifridbassoon]

Frank! Dude! if you don't really know that much about ABBA, you have a wonderous journey ahead of you.

[@eduardooscar309]

"The winner takes it all" (1980) is Their most saddest song, it's a heartbroken song, although at the same time it is a beauty of music and song, with a raw but excellent lyrics, it's a Masterpiece the blonde singer Agnetha has said in other interviews that She likes to sing melancholic or sad songs, because She can act and interpret the feeling of the lyrics. that's what She does here, in this song; the lyrics are not about the reality of Her marriage and divorce with guitarist Björn (although it can include part and was inspired by), She acts interprets and sings, it is Flawless Unmatched and Unforgettable Agnetha and Björn separate at the end of 1978 with two small children; the legal divorce occurs in the middle of 1980, a year and a half later; and that's when Björn writes the lyrics, on a melody that the pianist Benny had already elaborated, and Björn himself makes a demo with his voice "The winner takes it all" was voted the best ABBA song by British fans between Their 25 singles edit in UK it is also the favorite song of both: Agnetha and Björn For a next reaction I suggest their First worldwide hit: "Waterloo" (1974) but Not the Official Video (it's good and now in 4K Quality) it's better to see and react the live perfomance at the famous Eurovisión Song Contest, when ABBA win with these iconic song and begin your worldwide career: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXfWh5iDr5Z5a8U or if You want to see ABBA i'm rock, my suggestion is a live perfomance in London 1979: two songs in a row "Does your mother know" + "Hole in your soul" (the energy of all ABBA members in stage is fantastic) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJe9c6h5fatmbtU Thanks for your great reaction See you in next video I wish you a great weekend My best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@sjusovare]

to me their saddest song is "the day before you came", the winner takes it all is a divorce song, but it opens a new page for after while tdbyc is desperately conclusive

[@yogiaol]

The most saddest song is The day before you came! This here is the second saddest

[@gonzaloalcaidenarvreon6931]

ABBA use to have lives performance almost as in studio session. Agnetha and Frida are amazing singuers

[@jumpjet777]

Agnetha (the blonde) was married to Björn (the guy in purple suit), Bjorn wrote this song about their break up (well before ABBA as a band broke up). Also Frida (purple hair) was married to Benny (the pianist), they also broke up. Abba suggestion - 'The Day Before You Came' (Agnetha sings it), released right at the end of ABBA. Generally speaking, Björn is the lyricist and Benny does the music. Good musical - 'Chess' written by Björn (lyricist), Benny (music), and Tim Rice (lyricist, of Evita fame)

[@erikskifte8862]

THE BREAK UP SONG OF ALL TIME. SUNG BY THE QUEEN, OF SINGING WITH SUCH EMOTION IT HURTS, RIGHT TO THE CORE OF YOUR HEART. ABBA, BEST MUSIC EVER RECORDED💘💘💘💘

[@donberry6079]

See my comment above. Making a song about a failed marriage ?????????????????????????????????

[@ingridbaasbecking2999]

Apart from the comments below, I've read that Björn wrote these lyrics and it was for a long time a very difficult song for his ex-wife Agnetha to sing because of the pain involved. For me it is an amazing piece, with profound lyrics, beautifully arranged by Benny and sung by a superb singer at the top of her game. The pain is palpable...

[@marlenejojo1]

She hated singing it while going through the pain of the divorce, but at the same time she was the most proud of her vocals on the track. I guess you could say she had a love hate relationship with the song.

[@soniaalvarez543]

Actually it was the opposite: she said she loved singing it as it was cathartic for her. Agnetha says this is one of her favorite songs from ABBA.

[@paulocamacho2976]

For me this one and "the day before you came" are the two best ABBA songs

[@riaanbehr7976]

Abba will never disappoint you. Their vocals were always on point and no auto tune! Please react to Move on. It's not as well known, but my absolute fave👌🔥❤️

[@terjoe6643]

The Day Before You Came and The Visitors are utterly brilliant.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Even some touchy rock critics have praised "The day before you came"for being kind of a cult legacy.

[@terjoe6643]

@@christianoazzuro6711 It has a real sense of the infamous Nordic blues (although the lyrics are oddly uplifting) together with a sense of Kraftwerk's Trans Europe Express. The Visitors is actually much darker, alluding to Russia's abuse of dissidents.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@terjoe6643Interesting aspect TerJoe.Well i hadn"t thought of that.I was also thinking that Frida could have also done the lead on TDBYC equally good.It would have sounded even darker maybeT.hanks for replying.

[@terjoe6643]

@@christianoazzuro6711 I'm happy to respond Christiano and l agree regarding Frida on the vocals of TDBYC but Agnetha's vocal brightens and lightens its more positive lyrics. Frida's voice was used on The Visitors, l think, precisely as you point out, because her mezzo soprano is darker and more brooding which compliments the songs lyrics, meaning and sense of foreboding.

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

Björn said he was alone drinking whiskey when he wrote these lyrics within an hour. He asked Agnetha, if it would be too hard for her to sing it, but after given it some though she said she would do it. And what an absolute masterpiece it is. This is not live. If you really want to hear them sing live, please react to Chiquitita from Wembley arena 1979 and Knowing me Knowing you from Dick Cavett show in 1981.

[@heiswise2012]

50+ man listen to the Winner Takes It All for the first time in his life??? Ye, sure...

[@solangeanjosdesouza4814]

Grupo ABBA som deslumbrante , canções que eternizaram em nossa mente inesquecíveis. Maravilhoso !

[@Hebraico_para_iniciantes]

Amazing music! ABBA = Love!

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I like your reactions a lot. Other Abba songs I can think of right now: Summer night city, tiger, the day befordre you came, when i missede the teacher,

[@eirikrdberg1161]

Correction... when i kissed the teacher...

[@IvanBobyliev]

I really don’t believe that’s the first time you’ve heard ABBA 🙈 such a masterpiece 🧡

[@DrummerAar0n]

No this wasn't a LIVE version, it's a lip-sync show (as most were back then). That being said, ABBA are very professional and for the most part sounded just like the studio recordings when they sang live. This song is very deep, one of the saddest ever recorded, ABBA have many songs that speak to your heart and very relatable to what's going on in a persons own life....it's as though ABBA wrote the lyrics just for you, that's the ABBA magic.

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Yep live. ! Fabulous..=..years perfecting studio to stage sound.. regards. Xx

[@nanokiss1220]

There are so much Songs, and they are so different, but they are always.... ABBA 👍🙂

[@johnlezy8603]

The winner takes it all was one of Agneta’s best vocal performances. This was performed in front of an audience, but was, as often in those days, performed playback. Doesn’t take anything away from the magic of the moment, besides, the overdubbing technology and mixing techniques used by Benny and Bjorn was an instrumental lesson for generations of artists.

[@christine3043]

Not just those days. Lip Synching is all over the place now. Even some bands/singers use it for “live” shows.

[@pamelabarrera5074]

I love ABBA ! ❤ Love your reaction. Thx for sharing ♥.

[@paulmason6474]

Agneta has a wonderful cd called A it has some wonderful songs on it

[@williamraphael1984]

I heard that some people play this record at weddings without knowing the lyrics! :D

[@aquiestamos3567]

kkkkkk

[@lilamuzik3385]

It was live. They are just fantastic!

[@PAPA-1959]

Anos 80 quantas as vezes ouvia o grupo ABBA na discoteca do Beré proxima à minha casa em Teixeira de Freitas-Bahia, Brasil. que saudade daquela época.

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Abba were always studio quality live ...always amazes..people...❤

[@msrobsonia]

Suggestion: ‘I’ve been waiting for you’, by ABBA, is not really well known, but it’s equally beautiful!

[@rickardengstrom2266]

Have to agree, such a beautiful song. Same with One of us & Move On

[@Mario-xr3jo]

One of my most beloved songs, "I've Been Waiting For You".

[@sensitivedogs]

It is about her break up with Bjorn. That was the inspiration. This song is an amazing tour de force. I was also into rock but also Greek music, which this reminds me of in so many ways. There is a soulfulness and a very unique experience listening to it. Meryl Streep, who is an amazing actress gave the song so much emotion in Mamma Mia. I've seen them live and they are more edgy in some ways. The voice is live for sure the rest I can't claim that because it sounds exactly like the album. If you want to react to them live look for DOES YOU MOTHER KNOW and HOLE IN YOUR SOUL, it's a double bill live! And it's awesome playing! And your reaction is great!

[@Adrian-zc7ek]

La interpretación de Agneta es soberbia. Increíble.

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

LOL "ooh, you're going there?"...so funny! Much love from Amsterdam

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Try "The day before you came".Twas the very last song they ever recorded late 1982 only to come back together in the recording studio almost 4 decades later.Do watch the official "cinematic"video,a small work of art matching the haunted mood of the song.Lyrics will leave the listener wondering what happened next.Some even say it hints a murder.

[@iwd1705]

The sound was the studio version for sure.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Hey the other day you were looking for more rock with ABBA. Try their live performances at wembley.There's a video of two songs in a row (the best quality one was uploaded this year) of Does your mother know followed by Hole in your soul. It's truly electric in its energy and it would be awesome to see you take on it! Eagle (the long version - make sure it's the long version!!) by ABBA is psychedelic rock in it's sound and very interesting. One of my favourites by ABBA is move on which is just a very beautiful and calming song, but you could go more into their dance stuff like "Lay all your love on me" which is super energetic in its sound and about people who are way to overly attached to an image rather than a person. Then you have My mama said, which is very funk in it's feel and with a terrific baseline. By the way one of their most known songs is Knowing Me, Knowing you - and this is an early precursor to what happened here in this song although they were still together at that point.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

The best rock is `tiger` to start australian show in 1977 all live.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

@@eirikrdberg1161 nah I reckon the two I listed are better in that sense. Have you given them a go? But Tiger live in Australia is also a heap of fun for sure!

[@eirikrdberg1161]

@@Tom_McMurtry Disagree. What makes Tiger Australia so special is seeing Abba nervous backstage and the hairs obviously rising and the tingle up and down their spine with the loud sound f live drums and electric guitar. Amazing opening. Great movie!! Seen it 25 times. Abba the movie.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@eirikrdberg1161 Seen it 125 times! lol.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

@@christianoazzuro6711 it really is an entertaining movie!

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

It was the studio version. It was not live except mimed before a live audience.

[@andreiakling543]

Frank, não posso acreditar que aos 44, tu nunca tinhas ouvido esse classico! 😘

[@midiabuzz8220]

Também não acredito...rs (Hard to believe he didn't heard it before)

[@kenw.1112]

ABBA SPOKE 5- LANGUAGES. They did their music in 5 languages. Thats very impressive .

[@Drasut]

This is the rock you want to react to: ABBA - Does Your Mother Know & Hole In Your Soul (Live at Wembley 1979)

[@zanderford71]

#VERY CLEAR THE WAY SHE DELIVERED THE WORDS & LETTERS.

[@Muckylittleme]

"The day before you came" slightly less poppy and more ambient Abba

[@Mario-xr3jo]

It was a live performance with the studio recording added in post-production.

[@yinyang9270]

Benny was also into folk music after Abba broke up, and Bjorn was into folk music before they started Abba. Anna -Frida was into Jazz, before forming ABBA...

[@gregthompson3633]

I love that song I enjoy singing the song with my friends at karaoke. Wendy Thompson

[@narakassinoff]

how long have I not listened to this song! 😱🤩

[@yinyang9270]

some food live performances available also, like Did it have to be me?

[@marcelotabajara]

Hi @captainvalchiria! This is the studio’s version. I know what you mean about the “alergic to pop phase”, there was a time everything I was listening had to be LOUD music, noisy and angry! But thank God, I’m very eclectic, and realized there is god and bad music in every musical genre.

[@gendon1840]

Lagu lama yg melegenda..👍

[@VasiliyKomendant]

The song was never performed live, unfortunately, there wasn't a chance, there was no more touring at that stage of their career, and the only really live TV set they played post-1980 was the 1981 Dick Cavett show, and that song wasn't on the set list, alas. It is lipped here, as was often the case with most of ABBA's TV appearances back in the day.

[@vidalestevez229]

I wrote this comment in one of your previous videos, this should answer your question: I could probably suggest you The winner takes it all, it was written while Agnetha and Bjorn were splitting and ending their marriage. I think they were very brave to record that song when they were actually divorcing.

[@710LL59]

Agnetha her face and voice pure perfection

[@AussieGirl235]

I can’t believe you’re European and older than me and don’t know their music

[@dann3r55]

nice reaction man. I suggest your next abba song should be "the day before you came" cheers!

[@mhorset]

ABBA é lendário, além do som eu gosto muito das roupas, mandavam mto bem

[@alexitalymodeldogtrainerbr6828]

Frank mio se ti innamori del tuo lui o della tua lei ,con un pezzo così.....Non ti lasci più sicuro😅!!!!

[@mattias5157]

One of the saddest yet most hopeful song ever... How the happy, bright piano chords contradict the message... "It´s gonna be OK honey, don´t worry..." There never existed a more openly human band than Abba I believe. Some people say they are not deep... Right, life itself with all it´s joy and sorrow isn´t deep...

[@Simon-gq8wn]

You have to do Fernando. I think its the longest top1 single in Australia even to this day. Reminds us of Chiquitita!

[@Mario-xr3jo]

You look much better with your hair tied up behind... :) Anyway, I like listening to your comments and reactions on whatever subject, but especially ABBA... :)

[@carlawiberg6282]

This was when Benny Andersson wanted to try his hand at French chanson style. Succeeded so well that Mireille Mathieu recorded it with French lyrics ("Bravo, tu as gagné") in Abba's Stockholm studio -- the only one of their songs she went near, as far as I know. (Listen to it!)

[@Anita-pf1hy]

Just pure talent…..!!! Try Money, money, money by ABBA

[@micpie9480]

Remember that cheating isn’t always the reason for a breakup/divorce

[@WMcHBg]

You're right, that was the studio version on the audio, not a live

[@Pixelologist]

I think of the soft focus technique as more of a 70s thing than 80s.

[@RadeticDaniel]

Was it a studio? Was it live? I think both, the audience arrange and spot lights look like TV shows back then. So probably live at a TV studio!?

[@Flatwoodsdad]

Thanks for the ABBA. The song is about her and Bjorn's divorce. He wrote the lyrics she sang them. She loves doing this type song, it's like her specialty. She certainly does them well and can really tug at the heart. Really hope she has one like this on the new album. You should check out her "Agnetha Fältskog - Jag Var Så Kär". She wrote and recorded it at age 17. Was a huge hit for her. So this stuff is nothing new to her.

[@ramonsobreira8061]

Awesome. Not the ultra classic official video, but, Awesome, anyway. Please, try I'm a Marionette.

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

Absolutely. What a fantastic piece of music. One of my favorites by them.

[@mariacarolinaamendola185]

Um clássico interpretado com emoção. Bonito e tocante!

[@marcodebrabander5751]

First time listen? I cant imagine that!! By the way there is an official videoclip with this song. Much better! And indeed it is not live!

[@larissaleal4149]

It's not a live version. I love ABBA ❤️ Please react to the music Knowing me Knowing you 🙏🏼

[@markwebster7435]

Just curious frank as to who you listened to growing up ?

[@petroniodaciencia1321]

Quantos anos você têm? Em que planeta você vivia? Nunca tinha escutado ABBA?

[@Caprizonica]

This was not live. I mean, she said they never did this song live eventho this was a live presentation and misty songs were indeed live. They used to prepare their studio songs for live playing and this song was brand new at that moment.

[@VeraLucia-pg6ny]

Heart breaker song !!! .

[@stevendurrant1724]

Good reaction. Forgive my skepticism though, that someone so knowledgeable about culture of this apparent age, has never heard this song 😉

[@williamcalderon9158]

Surprising to hear you never heard this song but you gave your explanation Elba is such a great group the lead singer and a guitar player we’re going through a divorce when this song came out. Other suggestions Donna Summer last dance, Diana Ross upside down, Carly Simon you belong to me, and Brenda Russell piano in the dark. Frank I am a ex DJ I know my music.

[@CrueHead18]

Comparing this to mainstream music now. The difference is mindblowing. Music really gets worse every year.

[@patrickoconnor8166]

A tricky one this; unless you've had your heart ripped out of your ass by a loved one that was woven into your heartstrings, this song may go over your head.

[@slawec]

Lets hear NIEMEN!!! The best polish singer ever!!!

[@loevet2]

Live appearance in some TV-show, but it was playback. A studio recording in other words. But the feeling was real. Björn and Agnetha were in the middle of a divorce.

[@rudnelso]

Frank, você já viu aquele Metal Tributo ao ABBA? tem coisas interessantes ali. certa vez, um amigo veio empolgado dizendo: ouça isso aqui. aí eu disse, você não vai acreditar mas isso é um cover do ABBA. Foi muito engraçado

[@Flatwoodsdad]

It was lip synched in Stockholm for German TV show "Show Express". They were to travel to Germany to appear on it but because of credible threats of kidnapping one or both of the girls the show paid for it to be shot in Sweden.

[@Anna-Gunilla1792]

Nice, just one tip, don't stop right in the middle of a long beautiful note the next time!

[@garethchapman2201]

Great video! It would be great if you could review If It Wasn’t For The Nights on the Voulez Vous album. Seemingly an upbeat disco number, the lyrics are very melancholic. A great track yet was never released - would be great for your viewers to see this and hear your opinions!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Yeah! What a song!Twas originally intended as the fisrt single instead of""Chiquitita".The harmonies to this are phenomenal.The music,the melody and the beat are so uplifting and seductive that i hadn"t even noticed the melancholic lyrics for decades.It was only some years recently that i read Bjorn"s comments explaining what was all about.My favoute track off the funky-fab"Voulez vous"album along with "Kisses of fire".""IIWFTN" along with"Move on"has a huge number of fans. Im afraid though Frank will find it a bit" corny" for his taste,as he did,on his" Take a chance on me" reaction.(He said it was corny but still nice and its a song that is ageing well)

[@masculineguy37]

Hope you can review "Move On", one of their hidden gems, Thanx buddy!

[@pedroemn]

Frank, please react to Angie Aparo's Wonderland. I think you'll really enjoy it.

[@jackandlilly]

Try Annifrid Lyngstad- " Aven en blomma" 1996, it's incredibly beautiful. PS Love watching your reactions!!💙 Frank.

[@CFWhitman]

This was a lip-sync/mimed from the studio recording version from a French television show. It's not live. I've looked for a live version on KZbin, but have not found one so far. There are some live ABBA performances there though, just not of this song.

[@Flatwoodsdad]

Well if your asking - My favourite clip is "ABBA - The Day Before You Came 1982 (High Quality)" ----> kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGmfoN_lL2Yn8U This was the last song recorded by them back then. And this was one of their last TV promos in 82 like a month before the split.

[@catiaribeiro9460]

Amo ABBA!!! Frank, poderia reagir a "Dancing Queen"!!! Estou amando o seu canal. Beijos do Brasil

[@pn9468]

This is the 70s, not 80s. At least in Sweden.

[@danielfurtado3489]

I love ABBA, they have released a new album which is on pre-sale after many years on hiatus 🥰 Frank, could you react to the new version of "Martinho da Vila mulheres (Feat Adele)".

[@allasydorenko2903]

КАК РАДОСТНА ЗЕМЛЯ!

[@inkweaver]

please check out their song "I have a Dream" next😍

[@gusbarlo]

I let the music speak is other beatiful song.

[@gcunegundesgc3059]

Good Morning Valchiria .

[@lancenorthey7205]

That was the studio version