I Listened to a LEGENDARY Band I LOATHE for 3 Days…Did It CHANGE MY MIND? | Professor of Rock

Coming up, it’s a group that I swore I’d never feature on this channel. ABBA is one of the biggest bands of all time, with nearly 40 Top 10 hits across the world. After taking the 70s by storm, they broke up in the 80s. But by the 90s there was this pop culture campaign that put them right back in the spotlight. And today ABBA is stronger than ever. Honestly, I don’t know why but I’ve never liked their music. Call me crazy. But for today’s episode, I’m conducting an experiment… I’m doing a deep dive into ABBA’s career (along with one of their biggest hits Take A Chance On Me) to see if maybe I’ve been wrong all these years. But that’s a big “if.” ... Still, if any song has a chance to flip the script, Take A Chance On Me could be it. I gotta admit, this track is so catchy it just might be a gateway into the rest of their catalog. So, will I or won’t I change my mind? There’s only one way to find out. The experiment kicks off… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember making a phone call from a phone booth You’re going to love this channel of deep musical nostalgia make sure to subside below right now. We also have a Patreon.
So today, I might be going against my better judgment here… that’s because I’m featuring a group that honestly, I’ve never really liked. And as many of my biggest critics have noted… I like everything! Ha ha. I really don’t, but we’ve never covered this band in-depth on the channel. But I’ve gotten a lot of requests to tell their story, so I thought maybe it’s time to give these guys another listen. So I’m taking a chance here and telling the story of ABBA’s second-highest charting US, from their 1977 LP, ABBA: The Album - Take a Chance on Me. Don’t ask me why I don’t like ABBA. It’s not something I can really explain… Their music has just always driven me mad. My wife and kids love them. Well, I’m willing to be open-minded. So here we go.
In the 1970s ABBA emerged as a legitimate pop phenomenon. I mean, like ‘em or not, there’s no denying the facts. This boy-girl foursome from Sweden garnered massive global acclaim throughout their career, and afterwards. Known for their infectious melodies and catchy hooks, ABBA crafted a catalog of mostly cheerful pop hits. With an eye for the dance floor, their music easily transitioned to match the disco craze of the era and then kept pushing ahead into the 80s.
The beginning of the ABBA story dates back to Sweden, nearly six decades ago. In June 1966, musicians Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson met for the first time. Björn was a member of the Hootenanny Singers, a popular folk group, and Benny, played keyboards for Sweden's premier 60s pop ensemble: The Hep Stars. The two wrote their first song together a few weeks later. By the end of the 60s the two were partners and composers, having shifted their priorities away from their respective bands.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Name a legendary band or artist that for whatever reason...You can't stand?

[@peterd.9978]

They're not legendary, but I just can't stand Oasis.

[@christineml1476]

Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@killrmillr]

Jimmy Buffett

[@stephenbrown4211]

Mutley Crud no talent and they mime Mariah Carey doesn’t sing she wails. And she murdered Without You Depeche Mode robotic synth band. They are NOT ROCK

[@pinballinc1752]

Nirvana

[@Vonlang001]

Pete Townshend once said that "Knowing me, knowing you" was the finest song about divorce he had ever heard. That's good enough for me. This old school rock and roller loves ABBA.

[@t.o.408]

I've read that Pete also called S.O.S. the greatest pop song ever written.

[@t.o.408]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Agreed. It's easily my favorite of their songs.

[@daves2058]

I posted the same about SOS! I became a huge fan!

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

I lovd ABBA, and am a huge Townsend fan, so I agree with your sentiment!

[@thomasadrian9854]

First off it’s Pete Townshend and Pete also stated that American audiences are too focused on lyrics instead of the quality of the music…..

[@regpither3392]

60 yr old rock/metalhead here and I've always loved ABBA! And just remember, you can't spell SABBAth without ABBA! 😎

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

I see what you did there...

[@antondzajajurca7797]

As an old fart metalhead myself I con cur 😊

[@ryanmichael1298]

I'm an old news talk radio guy.

[@jeffmcdonald4225]

Well, they really leaned into disco. I HATE that.

[@lagodifuoco313]

😂😂😂

[@TheLastchild101]

My mother, in her final years, suffered from dementia. Music is magic to dementia patients. ABBA, in particular, always brought a smile to my mothers face. She passed recently. I always loved ABBA, and will always be grateful for their music and the smiles and happiness it brought to my mother.

[@feedingravens]

My father also severely deteriorated mentally. A few months before his death ca. 2 years ago, I came over James Blunt "Monsters". A song of a son telling his father all is OK, you done your job and you done it well, now it's time for uw, the next generation, to chase the monsters away. "I turn off the light and close the door" - that hits hard... James Blunt wrote it when his father urgently needed a new kidney (as he had donated one long ago). They took the video with his dad sitting beside him. The legend goes that when they were through, the whole crew had tears in their eyes, while James' dad, a veteran, said "What is wrong with you? I'm not dead!" And they found a new kidney for him. Already years ago, there was the song "I wish I would have thold him in the)"Living Years" that made me think (too little). And a few days after my father's death, I came over Judith Durham singing "Danny Boy". I do not even know why. And wondered about the many RIPs that were in the comments, that made me curious. And it really was so, she had died on the same day as my father. But it is good to hear that your mother still had something that made her feel good. Sadly, the emotions that remain in this stage are to often fear and anger.

[@julianbarber4708]

The greatest pop band of all time. I don't regard The Beatles as a pop band.....they're just the greatest band of all time.

[@AdventuresInAI]

I do prefer ABBA over the Beatles, but let's face it, pop is short for popular, and the Beatles were more popular. They had 20 number one hits in the US. They would have had more, but in April 1964 they held every spot in the Top 5, thus preventing a couple of their own songs from getting to #1. So they definitely produced their share of "pop" music. I do think the ABBA ladies had more emotional & beautiful voices though.

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

My mother is suffering from dementia as well. She is 80 and has a light case of it. As much as I love her, however, I would not tolerate one second of ABBA. Meatloaf describes this situation in another cringy unlistenable pop smash called, I think, "I Won't do That".

[@lauradewey5748]

Everyone has the right to an opinion. And they are a little bubble gummy.

[@larryfreda4694]

The Day Before You Came is so sophisticated. Listen to it. Growing up in the 70's I was a Rock and Roll snob. Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Who, etc. these were my favorite groups. Then in 2014 I started listening to Abba. I think their music catalog is fantastic. For a couple of years that's all I listened to. Get past the squeaky clean image and appreciate them for being great recording artists.

[@johnnyrotundo6483]

that is my favorite Abba song...

[@dansharpe2364]

57 year old English metalhead here. I have always loved ABBA. Musical and songwriting genius.

[@emdiar6588]

57 year old English Prog/Psych head here. 100% agreed. Undeniable hooks for days!

[@timscarrow9151]

Church of the cosmic skull, have you guys watched them on yt? I think you would like it if you are an Abba fan and a metalhead. I'm 58.

[@dansharpe2364]

@@timscarrow9151 yes, they are awesome.

[@bjornagaintobywilde]

60 later this year, ditto. Started listening around 76, fantastic songs, fantastic performances

[@oscardiggs246]

One of my favorite bands from my childhood in the 70s and I've always liked their music. This is no way impedes on my metalhead status.

[@reneebennett643]

Imagine you’re are a 58 year old woman and you hear “Dancing Queen” Suddenly you’re transported back to your youth and your whole world filled with possibilities! For a moment, you are free!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yep that’s how I feel!

[@tmklunk]

Same for this 58 years old guy

[@miketurner1768]

So right👍

[@jeromethiel4323]

And "winner takes it all." We've all been there, when a relationship falls apart. It's a sad song, but it's powerful.

[@marktait2371]

funny when hanging out shlep.gear with friend dj 80s dance club one would always request the song so he had to play then clubgoers had a dance they would do like a broadway show everyone sang along vcu was right down the street had many dancers breakers art students everyone loved the song no matter how cheesy it was

[@murtbrennan]

I'm a metalhead and I love ABBA. Everyone can sing along and dance to ABBA. Every song is an earworm and makes me smile.

[@andreabradley5837]

I had a boyfriend years ago named Fernando and I would sing him that song. Metalhead as well.

[@fivestring65ify]

I'm a hard rock musician, and I took a lot of heat for liking this band. I don't care. I proudly embrace my love for this band.

[@stpetie7686]

Metalhead for 50 years. I'm right there with you.

[@deementia6796]

Hey, if one of Lemmy's favorite bands is ABBA, then you can love it too!

[@eire1965]

Same here. Only my close family knows that I like ABBA.

[@rjciccone]

ABBA and Bee Gees are arguably the top two groups who have the most secret fans - mainly rock fans that don’t want to publicly admit their love of them. There was a time that if you liked Led Zeppelin, The Who or The Rolling Stones, you probably would not like ABBA (or Bee Gees) but both groups had so many infectious melodies in their songs it would be hard to not get them stuck in your head, you’d hear their songs on the radio - a lot! So after all these years, ABBA and Bee Gees are openly loved by people who love classic rock, rap, country etc. Great music always prevails!

[@virgildailey1970]

I’ve always been a classic rock fan predominately. But I love harmonies and nobody does it better than ABBA or The Bee Gees. Love them both. Never been ashamed to admit it. We all have different tastes and likes. The POR has had some obscure bands in his videos that he raved about but I had never heard of. And didn’t like after exposure to their music. But that’s okay, like I said different tastes and likes for folks. The Winner Takes It All is the most hauntingly beautiful tear jerker song I have ever heard.

[@Cre80s]

@@virgildailey1970Slipping Through My Fingers is the REAL tear jerker.

[@punns643]

Nope, can't stand either of them. Both of them are gay

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@virgildailey1970 Apparently we DON'T have different tastes, most people are TOLD what to like and then do so, but I've always hated that and that Led Zeppelin, Who, Rolling Stone kind of person, well I'd hate them if I met them, not least if they've got such a pre-punk attitude to anything better than they like!

[@virgildailey1970]

@@kyachdistent1301 : If you hate someone because of their taste in music that makes you one sad pathetic individual. If you are told what to like or dislike, the decision is ultimately yours. I dislike country, rap and opera music. But I don’t hate on those that do. To each his own. We ARE ALL DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS whether you want to admit it or not.

[@Bjowolf2]

How is anyone with a deep interest in music not able to hear how well composed, brilliantly arranged and incredibly well performed these wonderful ABBA pop songs are? - not to mention their fantastic melodies and catchy lyrics 😊

[@christianoazzuro6711]

He's not a 'professor" it's a nickname for sure.I'll stick to what many big rock celebrities say and feel about Abba's pop genius.Their judgement is a force that counts.

[@gaskellr44]

I'm not sure he is worthy of running a channel, saying he is unsure about ABBA, crazy.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@gaskellr44lol.Well I guess we can't blame him since it's obvious he's restricted within his US oriented/rockage genred borders.He gets out of his 'serious" rock waters with Abba's estimated Euro 'discio-pap" vibes.He just can't get it....Ok...

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

Yes they are modern day beethovens 😊

[@C_Melvyn_James]

He DID say he was aware of the obvious reasons for their popularity but that he couldn't put into words why they just don't do it for him. I'm a HUGE Rush fan but I totally understand it when someone hates their music. Sure they're undeniably great but at the end of the day it's all about what the music does for you. I can accept an "I just don't enjoy it" over "they suck". They don't suck but not everyone has to like them. Nickleback doesn't suck (they're an amazingly capable band) but it doesn't mean anyone should like them. I'll never understand why people listen to them at all but I don't hate them. Hating of music should be reserved for any Rap or Hip-Hop that isn't Lauren Hill's MisEducation. (Love that album!)

[@oriyan2]

It's easy to dislike or write off ABBA for all the wrong reasons. But at the core of their music - beneath all the flashy glitter and glamour - are many sofisticated, cleverly crafted and timeless melodies.

[@C_Melvyn_James]

Agreed.

[@johnburns4017]

They spent a long time on post production.

[@clarissathompson]

My dad was born in 1935, he played country music, was a light heavyweight boxer with fists like hams, he was basically larger than life and louder than God. He was a big, tough man, but put on Chiquitita and he was a Dancing King. He passed 10 years ago and ABBA will always make me think of my daddy❤

[@andresd6193]

I have always liked ABBA. Those two ladies harmonies are out of this world.❤😊

[@johnhill7889]

Agreed And it was so un-strained, no screeching, pitched perfectly for those voices. Both beauties and sexy as hell.

[@royjamieson898]

An old metalhead friend of mine got dragged kicking and screaming to see Abba perform on their 1979 Canada/US tour. He says to this day it is the best concert he's ever seen. It often passes unnoticed that Abba's backing band featured some of Europe's best musicians, including the legendary bassist Rutger Gunnarsson, drummer Ola Brunkert, and guitarist Janne Schaffer.

[@PC4D1986]

Always loved the tight and staccato drumming on Mamma Mia.

[@chickadeeproductions]

Couldn't get into them in my teens. I revisited their collection in my adult years. I began to understand what my older cousins loved about them. Good music is timeless.

[@davidlaw689]

Love em or loathe em but there’s no denying that Benny and Bjorn know how to create a Top 40 goldmine.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

And Stig.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’ve done so much!

[@wilsonbrownofficial2828]

Top notch song writers and song craftsmen.

[@bongodave13]

Yup. There's no denying their success in that regard.

[@jamesmcdermott1550]

Loathe my arse

[@josephbishop3590]

As a Hard Rocker in my teens, ABBA was absolutely not tolerated, in public. It was a guilty pleasure that I couldn't share with my hard rock peers. They were/are ear candy with legs that cannot be denied. As I grew out of the pressure of my peers I've been able to enjoy their music more freely. Most of their catalog is fantastic and continues to grow on the listening audience. I'm still a hard rock/metal aficionado, but I can still spin SOS once in a while and enjoy without the"guilty" part. Thanks professor!

[@rosariocannistraro3561]

I'm 52 and a metal head and the hilarious thing about it all was I don't think I've ever met any metal person especially those over thirty that didn't secretly love ABBA lol its like this universal thing , And so many hard rock/ metal acts have covered them .

[@rogergoddard2153]

Perhaps I have too long hated Abba. In fact, for the first time just now? I have listened to them on the video, and appreciate their talent. They can thank Taylor Swift. She makes them seem more tolerable.

[@johnm948]

like in Tommy Boy when neither of them wanted to change the station form the carpenters

[@jimmyd05]

Bravo!!

[@mikebull7775]

Your band mates were probably doing the same thing as you 😂😂😂😂.

[@baldrbraa]

I think a great way to understand the greatness of ABBA is to identify what happens in each song from different musical perspectives. The perfect choice of tempo in «The Name of the Game» becomes so clear when the chorus hits with the perfect giant 1-4-5-4 chords, plus the change to major key. The way the intro to «When I Kissed the Teacher» fools you into thinking it’s a mid-tempo song, and then suddenly by way of just doubling the beat when the full band comes in it throws you into the air. The way «Mamma Mia» passes from one hook to the next forever. The unbelievable harmonisation of the word «TRY» in «Chiquitita». The actual simplicity of «The Winner Takes It All», just consisting of two alternating melodies from beginning to end.

[@nskid]

Abba was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2010 to the usual outrage from HOF critics. A reporter asked a spokesperson how Abba made it into the Hall and the response was as telling as it was simple: it was the votes of other musicians. It's absolutely true that other artists recognized Abba's incredible songcraft well before critics. People like Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello, Madonna, Phil Collins, Brian Eno, John Grant, Bono, even Sid Vicious have all attested to Abba's influence. A signal event in the band's critical revival came in 1992 when Bjorn and Benny performed onstage with U2. Note that the studio Abba built in Stockholm, Polar, was a pioneering digital studio that produced many of the top acts of the 1980s.

[@alexioverdo5225]

Corey Taylor,David Grohl,Jonathan of Korn,Richie Blackmoore,Ian Gillan,Bjork,Nina Hagen,Bill crogan(Pearl Jam),John Frusciente RHCP to add but a few....

[@loveistheanswer8137]

The hall is a joke. As much as I can appreciate Dolly Parton, how does she qualify as rock and roll. Abba belongs there before dolly.

[@samanthahagan]

⁠​⁠@@loveistheanswer8137 To exclude country artists that gave birth to and continue to influence rock artists is an insult to the music. Honoring country, RnB and Blues artists in the HOF is one of most logical attributes of the organization unless you’re ignorant of Rock and its history.

[@темныйангел-н3я]

@@loveistheanswer8137 Read the rules for admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and you will understand that the musical style of the artist being awarded is not included in these rules.

[@donwilliams3078]

@@loveistheanswer8137 The Guess Who belongs there before most of these new bands...and Dolly.

[@joannetyrrell364]

Abba is like comfort food. You just cant resist it and it draws you in. They are undeniably superstars. And thier best tracks instantly transport you back in time and has you smiling, bopping and singing along. I love them.

[@robertbeatty1633]

Totally agree with you. And I am a huge Zeppelin guy. But I love ABBA!

[@johnm948]

haha great point, comfort food

[@jamesshea9575]

I love The Carpenters and ABBA. The female voices are incredible (all three). I put all three in there because when I first heard ABBA I thought there was one female voice, Agnatha and Freda blended so perfectly. They have a song where Freda leads off saying “…I am the star”, but there isn’t one star in ABBA they are, all four, musical geniuses. Awesome music (Benny), magical lyrics (Björn), and ethereal voices (Agnetha and Freda). I wouldn’t listen to my wife telling me how great they were until I got curious and figured out the words to Dancing Queen, and was hooked.

[@TraciShirah]

'Dancing Queen' will always be my all time favorite ABBA song. It was released when I was 17. I loved it then and still do. It reminds me of my teen-age years. The members of that group had the best harmonies and their voices blended perfectly. My brother, the Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Emerson Lake and Palmer, The Who, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues and those droning, depressing and/or Progressive English Rock groups of the early 70s and into the 80s- would never listen to them. He said he thought only women and gay men liked them. I sent him some info on the number of hits they had and how their record sales compared with his favorite bands since his mind was closed about them. I showed him their number of top 40 hits they achieved. He finally admitted they were a force to be reckoned with after all and agreed that he can tolerate a couple of their songs-same attitude the Professor of Rock has about them. For some reason a lot of guys just didn't like their sound-at least a lot of guys I knew back in ABBA's hey day didn't and wouldn't listen to them. My husband was never a huge fan of them either. I honestly think there is sometimes a big difference in the musical tastes of males and females. My brother just couldn't relate to the music of ABBA. Oh well, we like who we like and I could never stand the music of his favorite Progressive English Rock bands.

[@fumedrummer]

I think Adam is the first guy in the history of the internet to openly say, "I'm willing to change my mind." *cheers!*

[@Lightning613]

willing. but, didn’t. 🤣

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

This band offers so many elements of sound greatness. I hope Adam can hear and feel some of them

[@virtualdude64]

Except he didn't change his mind.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Brovo for that. Now he must recant that "loathe" word and find appreciation and respect for ABBA. Get it?

[@IAmTheRealBill]

@@Lightning613sometimes that is just how it goes.

[@bartdepaepe8219]

The Winner Takes It All is an absolute masterpiece. Dancing Queen fills floor anywhere everywhere.

[@markmiwurdz2248]

Never underestimate the power of ABBA! Their music is very carefully crafted and well produced. Hooks and melodies that become ear - worms. A force to be reckoned with yesterday, today and tomorrow.

[@catherine6653]

Amen 💃

[@Hammerhead547]

Both Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen are huge abba fans.

[@metall1983]

I listen to extreme music the true underground metal stuff I need my Abba fix every now and than 😊

[@24601jvj]

Yes on the worm holes! If I am at a place playing ABBA I need to cover my ears and hum to myself to prevent a worm hole infection.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Agreed.

[@mattpsomadakis8159]

No two female vocalists had ever sounded so perfect together and no two have since! One thing that has never changed- those two perfect voices!

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

Truth!

[@hjermsted22]

The B-52's

[@cszmax]

On an interesting note Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson who sang the duet “I Know him so well” from the musical “Chess” written by none other than Tim Rice, Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

[@TobyCatVA]

Fleetwood Mac, Heart, The Judds, and The Indigo Girls have entered chat.

[@timgernold1715]

@@TobyCatVAand promptly left

[@Al69BfR]

You may not like their music but from a musican‘s point of view you can‘t deny their craftsmanship and extraordinary abilities to produce hit after hit. As a bass player it‘s especially reflected in their bass players bass lines which are kind of unique and widely recognized as some of the best in pop music of the 70th and 80th.

[@eggy1962]

Rutger Gunnarson and Mike Watson …A+

[@Josianne-Music]

Exactly 😊 👏 ❤

[@ashepherd6256]

Absolutely! I can't begin to count how many times I made my fingers bleed trying to keep up with those guys on bass!

[@andrewblackburn1426]

I think this describes where I am with ABBA - their songs are like a polished and carefully-presented version of the 'schlager music' they started with in the 1960s. But the presentation is just *so good*. And yeah, the session musicians who supported those recordings absolutely killed it.

[@michaelbeasley5783]

As a songwriter, I just can't dislike "Dancing Queen." It's hopelessly infectious.

[@urbangorilla33]

I think it's their best song. Great fun to play bass to.

[@michaelbeasley5783]

@@urbangorilla33 It's the impeccable pop song: Great melody and harmonies, perfect tempo, great instrumental composition.

[@MoonmanRedux]

'Dancing Queen' is a brilliant pop song, but it's the only thing they've done that doesn’t leave me unmoved. I don't hate them but I don't like them either - I don't know why.

[@dimahkhan5203]

As a teenager growing up in the 70s and 80s, anyone who said they like ABBA was treated like a miscast... nobody would accept the band. I was always proud that I am a big fan of ABBA. So, you saying you dislike them is just that. No matter what, no one can deny the band and surprising, this band's music just won't get old.

[@marksharmanmusic1]

Can agree with that totally

[@stephenhosking7384]

As a teenage boy growing up in Australia in the 1970s I was the same. It was very "uncool" to like ABBA, but my ears told me that their was something particularly good there, and I went against the mainstream. Years later, and after ABBAs music has hung around much better than anyone else from the 1970s, I'm proud that I picked it early on.

[@marksharmanmusic1]

@@stephenhosking7384 we knew fantastic music at a young age. So did others, but they wouldn’t admit it

[@wakandaforever4291]

Growing up in the 70's/80's It was considered very uncool to like Abba . You were made fun of if you liked them here in Seattle, at least.

[@chrissmith7669]

I had their albums but it wasn’t talked about with my buds.

[@jamesbullock9209]

For me, “Winner Takes It All” is their best and most mature song, dealing with the loss of their relationships. The vocals are absolutely phenomenal!!

[@nealm6764]

It is the only song of theirs I kind of like, and even then in spots of the song it annoys me.

[@michaelrochester48]

@@nealm6764 I’m the opposite I like just about everything they did. This song was pretty overplayed in the 80s so I am meh about it but I love almost everything they’ve ever ever done.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

That, and "Dancing Queen". ❤

[@ptah31]

I agree, the saddest but best. I can't imagine how painful it was to get through. Fernando, would be my 2nd most favorite..

[@johngalyon8934]

As the professor said, "It's their most mature song". I agree....and because of this, it's at least bearable.

[@Bipbop66]

The 70's cannot be told entirely without mentioning ABBA.

[@sqearly]

Unfortunately

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

Yes they are instrumental in providing proof that pop crap music existed back then.

[@lostinmybackyard2006]

Agreed. I too have never warmed up to ABBA. I think their singing is too punchy. too pop. SOS is ok though.

[@rjciccone]

Or The Bee Gees

[@meedwards5]

I agree. But I don't care for them or much of the disco/ dance music of that era. Maybe because I associate it with my older sisters and their friends.

[@Snargfargle]

"Fernando" still sends shivers up the spine of this old soldier.

[@teledanhogan4237]

I was stationed in Germany in 1975. This band was unbelievably popular in Germany. They were played in every club I went to. Jethro Tull, Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck were my heroes back then. This band became a dancing favorite and they make me smile and move every time I hear them. Thanks for the memories ABBA❤️

[@jamesredman1263]

In 1975 they were huge in USA clubs too. Fernando was played a lot.

[@CraigCholar]

Germany 1970-1974 for me. Great times! I still remember when Waterloo was played live on the Eurovision song contest, on TV. I became a fan from that one song. Never much of a fan of their over-the-top stage clothing, though! 🙂

[@stevencarafa1834]

The fact that you are willing to talk about a band that you don't like shows that you are an objective person when it comes to music. Good for you. Bravo.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

What he presented is an insult to ABBA and a world of ABBA's fans

[@TheChristafershawn]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys Oh boy.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Well, some beloved tunes and their producers have been conspicuously absent--like the Partridge Family and Donnie and Marie. Any blind spots showing up here?

[@houyhnhnm1411]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys Why don't you find another channel instead of griping about what this channel doesn't cover?

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys???

[@marie_h1104]

I simply appreciate that you tried. Thank you for taking a chance on ABBA.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Hearing all the other Ones he supports--He has a big understanding/hearing problem. This revelation diminishes my regard for the "Prof of Rock"

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys I feel the same way!1 // To me, it shows that he can only accept music if it is in the 80’s genre that he grew up with. // I can understand this. To this day, I cannot make myself like Bob Dylan (80’s child here). But I admit it’s because I’m shallow too! // But professor of Rock doesn’t realize how “American” his mindset really is. That’s what bothers me. The lack of self awareness! Larry-Gum, come check out my theoretical work on my own page here. It talks about the psychology in the notes! Your, _Acoustic Rabbit Hole_

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@LarryGum-ib2ysAbba is not rock.

[@glennwlove]

I’m a 71 yo rock fanatic, but SOS is one of the great pop songs of all time!

[@ThePetergate]

'The Name of the Game...' That minor to major shift - so resolutely optimistic. Love it.

[@Josianne-Music]

Its a brilliant song 😊❤

[@damonrobus-clarke533]

Think it’s my favourite of theirs- forget dancing queen! (Although good, it’s a bit of an ABBA cliche).

[@KeithBaldwin-yj6vm]

Yes, the more I listen to it the more I appreciate the quality of it. Perhaps overshadowed by some of their more famous songs but in my view, as good as anything they did.

[@Calvin15634]

Listen to The Visitors album from start to end. That would indicate they are by no means a “frivolous”, “disco” group. That is an amazingly mature and varied album.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Well, ABBA is usually called 'Europop', not 'disco'.

[@5roundsrapid263]

It’s basically their “new wave” album. It sounds years ahead of its time.

[@Dennis-ur9yu]

I agree. :)

[@jakeschutz6342]

solidiers is one of their best songs of their entire catalog.

[@cherisenunez2530]

Soldiers, One of Us, Slipping Through My Fingers, The Visitors all speak from differing depths depending on where you're personally floating at the moments you brush into them.

[@AlvaritoGT]

My go to bands are Led Zeppelin, The Police, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Pink Floyd and U2 … but there’s always room for The Carpenters and ABBA and much more! Long live the music!

[@johnwatts8346]

i rate abba way above floyd, coz abba makes people feel happy.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

How about The Partridge Family? (they outsold the Beatles for a little while)

[@johnwatts8346]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys bums on seats is 1 measurement, but hardly the only one.

[@johnwatts8346]

@@LarryGum-ib2ys the partridge family didnt start until after the beatles split up, however the monkees at one point famously out sold the beatles. but i mean if some director makes a film that does better box office than kubrick- so what? it doesnt make him better now does it.

[@Intothefog4C52]

All good bands.

[@gremmiehodad]

So, Beautiful ladies gifted with incredible voices, fantastic harmonies, brilliant lyrics, top notch production and probably their most overlooked aspect, some of the best grouping of musicians ever! What's not to like?!

[@saltyshockwave7723]

Metalhead here. S.O.S is my favorite. The piano vibe is past haunting. It's brilliant.

[@bobcirba2626]

Good choice!

[@danielroberto2209]

S.O.S is amazing! They always turn the hard guitar sound down in their mixes... this one you can hear it. There is an alternate version of "The Name Of The Game" that has the guitar up and it sounds awesome!

[@VoxRox1]

Hey fellow rocker here, I’m also a rock musician. SOS is my favourite song by ABBA. Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap says it best “something about a minor key, it makes people weep instantly”

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

The Erasure cover is actually really other-worldly. Also, their cover of Voulez Vouz sound like some sort of dark, underground German techno. Pretty wild. I thought Eraure's "Take a Chance on Me" was just cheesy novelty, but the other tracks on the EP really shocked me as remakes.

[@Video81501]

My favorite too

[@novelideas1]

Finally! I almost gave up on you and this channel, Professor. I’m a child of the 1970s and 80s. ABBA, along with a heap of other artists you’ve featured here, have heavily contributed to the soundtrack of my life. I had a different ABBA song to comfort me for every mood and every situation, including the birth of my children and the death of my mother. Their music, with its Spectoresque layers, runs like a deep river. On the surface, there is joy. Below there is a layer of angst and sadness. You get contrasting emotions in one song, much of it coming through in Frida’s warm mezzo soprano voice and Agnetha’s expressive soprano. I can’t think of a better example of this than “SOS”. It begins as a somber ballad, moves into a quick Bach-inspired musical bit, and breaks into a classic upbeat pop song in the chorus. Brilliant! ABBA has helped me better understand that the highs and lows of my life are universal. I thank you for featuring the band here despite your dislike for them.

[@houyhnhnm1411]

Bach-inspired as in directly quoting a Bach melody or in the style of Bach?

[@micbln8967]

If you are not touched by "the winner takes it all" and "the day before you came" and "lay all your love on me" you are not a human being...

[@evilAshTheDog]

The Day Before You Came is so little known, yet perhaps my favorite!

[@elemar5]

I'm an alien.

[@stansolo4138]

@@elemar5 Aliens love ABBA ... Fact. they have sold trillions across the galaxy

[@jjnlucky]

@@elemar5 me too. I hate ABBA. Every song grates on my nerves more than the last.I know its an unpopular opinion but, it's mine. I was listening to Earth Wind and Fire, War, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, ELO. Not to mention Parliament, KC and the Sunshine Band. And that's just pop music. Rock songs that were LEGENDS: Rhiannon, Saturday Night Special, Slow Ride, Bad Time, Welcome to the Machine. Damn Patti Smith's Gloria. So just call my space ship -- hopefully they'll be playing some Bad Company and a little Eagles.

[@majindevon]

Abba elicits melodrama via joy. You have to love the drama to really like Abba. Lots of people who are stoic repress these feelings and it won't resonate with them.

[@randyhuke3773]

"The Winner Takes It All" is a masterpiece sung solo by Agnetha. Knowing the story behind this song makes it even more remarkable.

[@tonytorre9432]

The way Dancing Queen was arranged blows my mind. It definitely was not written in the standard pop song form. It's Off beat entrance of different parts of the song is borderline brilliance.

[@paulmahoney5326]

Dude, how could you not love them? Great songs, beautiful girls, catchy tunes, what's not to love?

[@Josianne-Music]

I love ABBA 😅❤😊

[@theINQBS]

What's not to love about Abba??!??!… EVERYTHING!!! This is a horrible corny ass ballad churning exercise in completed total putridness that as a kid I'd leave well enough alone and try and tune it out as best I could, but at 50 this crap makes me want to drive into oncoming traffic at the highest possible speed!!! Holy geez. how can anyone not hear how thoroughly awful their stuff is???!?!? In fact, I'm going to try and commit suicide by jumping off the curb this has me so worked up! 🤣 This and Jefferson Starship, especially that "we Built this Sh¡tty", should be erased from all history books out of fear that when an advanced life form finally discovers us they won't mock and make fun of us throughout the galaxy for all eternity!!!

[@tkblondish5820]

Not hard. Not a fan of high pitch female voices in general, or that genre of pop music, and I'm from that era, so to me it's just annoying. And, as a female, the beautiful girls didn't do anything for me. lol

[@rayniziolek2468]

Annoying songs with annoying voices

[@harrykadaras9459]

​I be you like Led Zeppelin...?

[@cylonred8902]

I have always loved ABBA - the arrangements,the harmonies - just love their stuff. Very few groups now could do that opening of Take a Chance On Me...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That opening is genius.

[@waynestover1176]

51 years old who loves power metal and I still think Abba is great!

[@bartbluemusic]

Growing up, I had such a HUGE crush on Agnetha Fältskog. Everytime I saw her on TV, or in a picture, I was in love. ABBA was a band I always liked. To me, their best song was, "The Winner Takes It All". SUCH a powerhouse of a song. Absolutely love these guys. Glad to see them get a measure of love on your channel today! :)

[@frankmarsh1159]

I thought she was cute too... But now that I'm older when I watch their videos I think Anna- Frid was the truly beautiful one.

[@bartbluemusic]

@@frankmarsh1159 - I thought they were both beautiful, but Agnetha was more than just cute to me. She was my Goddess! lol

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She was the most attractive, easily.

[@robchit1]

@@frankmarsh1159 Not to be shallow but (yeah it's shallow) I think Agnetha aged better than Anna Frid

[@danielmead970]

Agnetha was my first crush too! I was soooo infatuated with her! ❤❤❤

[@angrybob3594]

The secret to ABBA is dancing to them with other people. The music makes you feel good. This is coming from a UK ex-punk who married an ex-Goth who both love going out in their late 50s to dance for fun, socialise, and exercise at the local disco. It is no more complex than that.

[@DoofsterDan]

Wow… respectfully disagree. Yes, agree the tunes ring on a simple level but the production is so complex… bass lines jump out to those attuned to it….lot going on there…

[@AdventuresInAI]

@@DoofsterDan Yes, a lot of musicians have complex production, but ABBA's special sauce is the feelgood factor. There's few other bands that can match that. That's the kind of power that brings an ex-punk and an ex-goth in their 50's to a disco. Great image, BTW!

[@samuraicrunchbird]

0:29 'Call me crazy.' YOU'RE CRAZY!! 😂😅

[@RBS_]

..hell, everybody ALWAYS called me crazy, so I'll side with Prof.! ...ha-HAAA!

[@MattSkosh]

Hey, he asked for it. You’re crazy Professor.

[@daves2058]

Crazy! Listen to , "When I kissed the teacher" for innocent fun! Watch the video. It's great!

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Probably stems from an early dismissal as a duet-Female singing Pop bubble-gum and MISSING all of their sheer genius words and sounds. Sheer genius

[@RankopediaHarvey]

"Knowing me, knowing you" is my fave ABBA song

[@veronicagee4335]

I was born in '63 so I grew up listening to ABBA. Initially I kind of liked their music but wasn't a huge fan, but the older I got the more I enjoyed them. Today I absolutely love them.

[@sharimeline3077]

I was born the same year. :) I never got that into them though, but I do appreciate them now.

[@donaldkennedy9573]

I was born in '61 and I never liked "Dancing Queen" But I have always loved "Fernando." I like a lot of their songs though.

[@TexasGarza]

Born in the same year. Very pop! Started listening them again starting last year. Amazing number of pop hits.

[@LazyIRanch]

1961 here! I wonder if Adam would feel the same distaste for their music if it had come out when he was a teen, like we were. That was a fun time for me, and their music reminded me of good times at Summer camp. I never bought their albums though. Now that I have a lifetime behind me that includes some truly horrific experiences, ABBA's cheerful pop sound is like an antidepressant! I love them now. Maybe it's like what happened to my mom. In the 30s and 40s, she was going to dance clubs to hear jazz by black artists (she loved Louis Jordan especially) and she won jitterbug contests. Then when she got old, she was listening to Lawrence Welk, the horror!😳 I still love my dark music, such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, but I have to balance it out with some pure pop. My favorite artist to bring my mood up is Nick Lowe. He has such witty, funny songs even when they are about very dark subjects, like "Marie Provost", a song about a failed silent movie actress who died in her fleabag apartment and was eaten by her dachshunds... "She was a winner, but became the doggies' dinner..." (true story!) Nick had an album released in England titled "The Jesus of Cool", a title that upset Americans so it was sold here as "Pure Pop For Now People". Such a cheeky monkey!😃 I keep asking Adam to do a show about Nick Lowe, especially if he can get an interview! He's a very funny and charming man but he won't be with us forever. I got to meet him in 2002, and I was not disappointed! I have a picture with him, he put his arm around me and gave me a squeeze just as my husband snapped the pic. The look on my face is hilarious!

[@LazyIRanch]

@@donaldkennedy9573 My boyfriend's BFF and bandmate was named Fernando, he was from Columbia and one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. He got really tired of people making the same lame joke all the time, so he'd walk in the room and say, "Yes, I've HEARD the blankety-blank DRUMS!" 😂

[@moniphil]

My father-in-law was somewhat of a pop star in Sweden in the late 50s. His skiffle band, The Woodpeckers, actually opened for Lonnie Donegan. Anyway, he would never listen to other bands that sound like ABBA (his favorite music is jazz), but he LOVES ABBA. He’s 82 and going strong.

[@nirmalsuki]

"The day before you came" is an absolute masterpiece of music. A song with no chorus. Dissecting that song would take a 3-hour documentary.

[@MichielRoosjen]

Agreed! My first thought at "name a song that would convince me.."

[@TheLyricalDavidJames]

It is wonderfully ambiguous - potentially very dark and the music certainly suggests so.

[@tak178]

Phenomenal choice. So underrated.

[@mysterymac38]

This song is quite different from the cheesy pop of Mamma Mia. Other bands could have recorded it, and no one would know it was an Abba song.

[@californiahiker9616]

Love that song and the Album The Visitors.

[@crustydownunder]

I was never a huge ABBA fan back in the 70s, or 80s. I enjoyed their music, but I was a guitar driven rock fan, back then. These days, I can't get enough of ABBA's amazing music. The harmonies, the melodies, the intricate way the instruments entwine. I want to live inside their music, if that makes sense. My all-time fav for the last decade has been TAKE A CHANCE ON ME. However, lately I've found myself listening to Chiquitita over and over again, and it's just a brilliantly put together masterpiece.

[@HappyCodingZX]

"The day before you came" is an underrated gem, much darker than most of their other work.

[@RealJap]

I'm not an Abba fan but that song is indeed superb.

[@raestiffler5859]

I was going to comment the same thing! It’s a very moody song

[@patricksmith4424]

The day before you came is one of many Abba gems. It is different for a couple of reasons. Firstly it's sung from the present, but is actually talking about the past tense. This leads the listener to wonder what their current situation is. Has she met someone and thinking about their life before hand? Or has the person been and gone, leaving the singer realising how similar their current situation is to before she came. The other thing about it is that it was nearly all Benny and agnetha and was a great introduction to what the Abba 80s sound would have been like if they had not broken up. I always imagined it should have been a Man singing it, a bit later a band called blamange covered it with a guy singing it, and it sounded great.

[@HappyCodingZX]

@@patricksmith4424 interesting thanks, and yes, Abba do have hidden depths. I actually discovered 'The day before you came' via Blancmange.

[@houyhnhnm1411]

Definitely a nice contrast to the bouncy hits I heard. I wish they had the courage to drop or modify the monotonous bouncy beat that runs unchanging through the song. In its essence, the song is a ballad.

[@EmperorMegas]

I freaking LOVE ABBA. Always have.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I understand.

[@CynthiaMurray-q5v]

Me too.

[@awemetesh]

We do too. About 50% of their stuff😊. Fat sound, sterling voices, nice harmony and catchy tunes.....sometimes.

[@alystyn]

My parents loved ABBA and the song “Fernando” was always my mom’s favorite. After she passed 2 years ago, it always makes me cry.

[@gilliankingston8259]

I understand what you mean, I watched the Queen Christmas Concert in 1975 with my Mum (she passed in early '76), for a long time I couldn't listen to Bohemian Rhapsody without crying🌹🕊

[@heatherknopp3723]

I could have written this exact comment!! Fernando was my mom's favorite and she passed away 2 years ago. I think it reminded her of another favorite of hers, "Don't Cry for me Argentina". Beautiful song, haunting. Thinking about it now, and how much mom loved her some good pop music, makes me cry, too. May those good memories of our moms bring us comfort!

[@HankD13]

As a teenage boys in the 70's Abba (not cool) was my guilty secret pleasure. All about the "hook", always seems so simple and the most incredible harmonies and lyrics that still hold meaning for people all around the world. A unique and extremely talented group, a unique sound. Prefered their later hits - two married couples who wrote about real relationships, and their failures. Resonates.

[@RIANAVENTER]

As a teenager in the 70's how could I not be an ABBA fan, it was and is the soundtrack of my youth. The entire Visitors album is brilliant - from it When all is said and done is probably my favourite, more subtle and nuanced that The winner takes it all. There are simply too many unforgettables - Knowing me, knowing you; The name of the game; Summer night city; Another town, another train; Rock me; Hey hey Helen; Our last summer ; Under attack; Should I laugh; ... . I never hesitated to buy a whole album because I knew ALL the songs would be good. It's a magic that never fades. When the music is both a happy place and a sad place and a coming home.

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

Nice to see Hey Hey Helen get a shout out! Great tune! I loved when ABBA got rocky.

[@roxy0329]

Knowing Me Knowing You is a huge one for me. It took on new meaning after my ex and I split up. We split everything and moved out of the house we shared. One last walkthrough and that song was playing in my head. Thank you for this video. Aside from this memory, I have many good ones singing ABBA’s songs with my daughters in my car. ❤

[@nordan00]

It was big my last year of playing Babe Ruth baseball up in Massachusetts. I was on my city’s all star team and we were playing a game in a town with a tough reputation. Anyway, I was pitching and there were a couple of really hot chicks sitting in the stands seriously flirting with me. They were waving at me, winking at me. My teammates were even breaking my balls about it! But at 15 years old and thus carless, I knew I had no chance of ever even seeing them again. And I sure as hell wasn’t taking a bus or a train! Yet, today, whenever I hear that song, I think of those two hot chicks and what might have been!

[@dawnyoung8]

The winner take it all is the one for me . The rest make me happy , that one makes me want to cry

[@doaver2.125]

The reason why ABBA, was so popular other than their true musical Talent. You had great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and the kids all love ABBA.

[@freethebirds3578]

G. Gordon Liddy used ABBA as bump music on his radio show. The range of people ABBA appeals to is massive.

[@sharonjensen3016]

My niece loves ABBA because she's heard the songs on her dad's car radio.

[@mparento]

My favorites: "Knowing me, knowing you", "One of us", "Super trooper" and "S.O.S.".

[@jeffreyweaver9729]

I am so glad, Professor, that you are willing to feature songs and artists that you may not like. I find that even if you don't connect, you still make it interesting, so please feel free to keep trying on more that may not have been your cup of tea because we may like them. I am so glad you shared Abba with us. ❤

[@brenttaylor1866]

Yes. As a "professor" of rock/music this both respects all your "students" and, especially with background, insight and stories, leads to discovery and broadening of taste.

[@robsawalker]

ABBA are probably the greatest pop band ever. They had an unbelievable run of superb tracks.

[@ianhenry4046]

Abba was very un-hip back in the day, but a surprising number of rock fans were closet Abba fans! I find it incredible that Bjorn & Benny could write a song with lyrics found on 'The Day Before You Came' when English is not their native tongue.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

In the 60s we called their kind of music "bubblegum" due to groups like the 1910 Fruitgum Company and Yummy x3. But then eight years later when I heard Waterloo I was hooked. Been a big fan ever since! They are in my top five after the Beatles, Steely Dan, Queen and the Bee Gees. Fun fact: In the Bible, Abba is another word for God which is the equivalent of Daddy.

[@std882]

Appreciate your honesty. For me, I used to hate them. How could I not? My Dad bought their album. And being a snobby Jazz influenced musician, it's embarrassing. That was until 2000 when things changed. I watched their documentary and was blown away at their work ethics, cultural background, humble beginnings, etc. Since then, I had been a big big fan. Even played their music in my band. Their song writing talent was most impressive.

[@steele8280]

I honestly don’t know how one can like ELO, The BeeGees, or melodies and harmonies in general and not like (or at least appreciate) ABBA. I was born the year ABBA broke up so I had the fortune (and misfortune) of growing up outside of ABBA-mania, so I was able to let my musical tastes develop without social pressure of what was accepted and not. I’ll always love ABBA, but I understand everyone has their own experience and not everything connects on an emotional level. Thanks for highlighting them on your channel regardless.

[@davidlessenberry8736]

I agree with your general points, but ELO and The Bee Gees are much more musically diverse. ABBA has a more uniform pop sensibility. I like and respect ABBA, but they never did anything comparable to "Can't Get It Out of My Head" or "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?," at least IMHO. It is interesting that I loved ABBA, The Bee Gees, ELO, and Wings as a child, but I sort of dismissed them in my teens. I got "back into them" in the reverse order (Wings first, ABBA last). Believe it or not, early Olivia Newton-John is my current "rediscovery!"

[@chris55529]

"Knowing Me, Knowing You" is the one that got me, especially the "uh huh" part in the chorus. That's two seconds of pure genius. They were consummate pros with ethereal harmonies.

[@counterpuncher01]

masterpiece among masterpieces

[@alastairhoffmann9079]

During the 1970s it was really uncool for a male teenager to like Abba - but our sisters loved them. It took me to the late 80s (or later) to realise how fun ABBA were and to appreciate the superlative quality of their musicianship.

[@michaelrochester48]

I was a fan of ABBA as a preteen and I got ripped on consistently although the guys in my class admitted the girls were very good looking

[@nigelgreenwood9010]

Rubbish. It was uncool not to like ABBA in the 70s. Most lads just fancied Agnetha.

[@paulonius42]

Exactly, at least here in the United States. Maybe the band was more accepted in Europe, but American boys in the 70s and early 80s would get mocked for liking ABBA.

[@skymuffn]

@@paulonius42…that is how it was back in the day in the good ole USA. Its sentiment still lingers to a degree. It was all about rock with its grit, angst and toughness that had anchored itself to the US airwaves. Growing up in the SF Bay Area in the early 70’s then shuttling between London, Luxembourg, Manila and Tokyo in the late 70’s to the 80’s has definitely enriched my taste in music.

[@scottmiller715]

Was a closet ABBA fan in the 70s... I mean, who would admit to that when your other tunes were coming from Kiss, Aerosmith, Kansas et al

[@ABB-ln7qu]

60 year old here that still worships the ground ABBA walks on.

[@bazza5699]

how can anyone not like ABBA. they are amazing, singers, writers, musicians.. they defined a generation.. well maybe more in the UK/EU And Australia..

[@zfgdun]

Metalhead here. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Always makes me smile. Hell I’m grinning just thinking about it

[@ChristopherWalker007]

Have you heard Yngwie Malmsteen's cover of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"?

[@joshtiscareno1312]

Gimme Gimme Gimme is amazing. While a lot of disco songs are hot garbage, this song has enough funkiness to transcend the genre and become an absolute classic. That nasty bassline and those soaring strings are pure magic.

[@davidl570]

@@joshtiscareno1312 ......................and I LOVE that sinister guitar intro!

[@teeniemcnee]

The bass is outstanding

[@PabloRichardFernandez]

Rediscovering the Winner Takes it All after my divorce broke me… there is a truth and unacknowledged reality in the unavoidable power dynamic of a divorce that can shatter people going through it, and this song makes it clear and so visceral.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Imagine a Man writing those words for his recently divorced X-wife--WOW

[@edwardsanchez3708]

I loved Abba, the moment I heard them as a little kid in the 80s. Every time I listen to them, the first two songs I listen to are Thank you for the music and the winner takes all.

[@shuttle357]

My mother always said. Give credit where credit is due. One can't argue. Love them or hate them.....ABBA is special.

[@johngalyon8934]

especially bad.

[@alexioverdo5225]

I've briefly worked for the music press in the European continent in the very late '80s.The number of rockers who were closet Abba fans in our circle was unbelievable!A lusty guilty pleasure..Now Abba are a pop music legacy act.Cool and honest.They don't have to apologize for being pop,despite some of their seldom rockier stuff(listen to 'Watch out",'I am a Marrionette",'So Long" the prog anthem 'Eagle" etc) .It's masterful pop music,it's them.And there's nobody to touch them in their field.If you can't take it,just leave it.They will still be around for some millions who can deeply connect.

[@IsmJism]

I like Watch Out, but it could've been 'produced' a bit better - Something is def missing in the backing track (?)

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@IsmJism u think so?well it sounds exciting and kinda "complete" to my ears for a 1974 release.Maybe the drumming sound or smth?Dunno.I usually play this to shock people and then when i tell them who they are they roll their eyes in surprise lol.

[@jeffreyrigg9136]

I am 66 years old here in the year of 2024 but when I listen to Abba, it takes me back to my youth. I think that is true of a lot of music. Abba in my opinion is truly one of the world's greatest music groups.

[@MikeAnn193]

Me too, on all of your points. (Well, nearly 66.)

[@MultiPetercool]

“When I Kissed The Teacher” is brilliant. The jangle guitar intro kicks ass and the bass guitar thumps along with the occasional John Entwistle-esque bass fill.

[@scanspeak00]

Love that song!

[@MIB316]

Two expert song writers and two great singing voices that blend together perfectly - what's not to like?

[@ProfessorofRock]

I understand!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The harmonies!

[@tommcintyre8391]

I have two for you. "That's Me" from Arrival. It's grown on me over the years. The lyrics didn't do much for me as a kid, but as an adult who has dated and been in relationships, this captures a kind of challenging behavior that I found difficult to unpack when I encountered it. But the harmonies are what really does it for me - it has a long chord progression that just keeps finding new places to go. The other one is "The Day Before You Came" ... one of their last. The almost spooky sound captures the mundane life described in the lyrics, and yet the song's message is one of admiration, though not ever stated directly. It is done entirely by an implied contrast to the life the singer lived before.

[@tommcintyre8391]

I found this metal cover of "That's Me" that sounds quite good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp-seGmgh9Ono5o

[@polymorphism1966]

I grew up in the early 70’s, they were always on the radio, maybe that’s why I love their sound.

[@fredo1070]

They always sound like it is Christmas in the 1970s.

[@polymorphism1966]

@@fredo1070 I’m just glad I grew up during the seventies, lot of great music came out.

[@anterooinas4334]

@@polymorphism1966 me too! Late seventies were such a great period.

[@tinaheadrick536]

I’ve been a life long fan of ABBA, since about the age of 10. I own ALL of their albums, and both of the Mama Mia movies. When I was in 5th or sixth grade, a guy friend and I entered our school talent show and performed a dance, that I choreographed, to “Dancing Queen”. Much to our surprise, we got a standing ovation!!👏🏻 Adam, thank you for doing an episode about them, even though you promised yourself that you never would. To be fair, you’ve done episodes on bands that I really don’t like, but I’ve always respected you and admired how dedicated you are to music, in general. This just makes the respect and admiration even bigger. I also LOVE that you pronounced all of their names correctly! Thank you!!❤❤

[@robchit1]

I always seemed to screw up Agnetha until I saw a KZbin interview where she said it sounds like Anita

[@KevinWayne]

The song that proves ABBA's meddle as far as I'm concerned it "The Day Before You Came," their swan song - Haunting, mature, shows a real force as a keyboard centered band that ight have flourished had they chosen to stick it out for the 80's 👍👍👍

[@tak178]

You have exquisite taste.

[@danielroberto2209]

Frida is haunting in her operatic vocal!

[@paulagwhyte1720]

You meant mettle, not meddle. Sorry, I can't keep from doing that. But that was funny too.

[@tak178]

@@paulagwhyte1720 I just saw this. Thanks!

[@paulagwhyte1720]

@@tak178 Thanks for being so nice!

[@JMichael2x2]

I was never a fan of ABBA, but it never stopped me respecting the vocal, musical and songwriting skills of these four. Any international phenomenon as successful as them, has to be doing something spectacular.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Thank you

[@SD_Marc]

Not typically a sugary pop guy, but its hard to argue with well-crafted pop and excellent vocal harmonies. The sound of my childhood, whether I appreciated it at the time or not. I do now.

[@KC-andTheSunshineBand]

Hey Professer, COOL TRIVIA FOR YOU: ABBA had a arguably the best recording studio in Northern Europe at the time, Polar Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. Plus, you gotta give Benny and Bjorn street cred in the studio; those guys are well versed when it comes to recording, producing and arraigning tunes in their high quality, state of the art recording studio. So well regarded that Led Zeppelin’s “In Through The Out Door” was recorded there! Other bands did use Polar such as The Rolling Stones, Pretenders, Beastie Boys, Def Leppard & The Ramones!! Pretty cool!!!

[@stevensons78]

Yeaaaaah Maaaaaan... Tis all true

[@jaygillotti610]

Don't forget Genesis - 'Duke'

[@beokayian5378]

ABBA was a secret love as a kid. Now I'm old enough to not worry about being "cool". I LOVE ABBA!

[@contessakitty]

Same here. I was a "secret" listener, I sold my ABBA albums to be cool but bought new ones to listen to in secret. In the 80s I didn't care anymore and was an overt, ABBA fan.

[@scanspeak00]

I've always loved them, but then I never considered myself one of the cool kids.

[@virtualdude64]

When I was a kid, Mamma Mia was my favourite song. My mom's song was Fernando. Imagine how shocked I was when myself and my mom found out these songs were from the same band. They appeared on TV and she yelled at me to watch the TV. I kind of knew then that they had to be something very special to be loved by 2 different generations at the same time. I may have been very young, but I knew what they did was not normal. Then Abba decided to dabble in dance music and their first attempt was Dancing Queen, arguably the greatest dance track of all time. Most knew at this point that they were the undisputed champions of pop music. No one doubted that, whether you liked them or not. And when they broke up, they did it again, the greatest breakup song of all time. I'm from NZ and Abba were huge here as they were in Australia. In the US, you may have a completely different opinion.

[@larryfreda4694]

The ABBA song Eagle was covered by heavy metal artist Rob Rock. The ABBA song I'm a Marionette was covered by the heavy metal goth band Ghost. I'm glad that these musicians appreciate the genius of ABBA.

[@7piecebucket]

Yngwie Malmsteen covered Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. 🎸

[@jimmyd05]

Professor, Thank you for “Taking A Chance” on ABBA. Rock purists have often turned their nose up at ABBA. Graduating from high school in 1975, I was an immense fan of “Hot August Night” Neil Diamond, Queen, 10cc, Cat Stevens and, of course, ABBA. ABBA was my closeted fandom as I regarded myself as a rock ‘n’ roller with broad musical tastes but embarrassed by my love of a pop group. I admire and truly enjoy your deep dives and I give you respect for not expressing mindless hate at ABBA, one of my true musical passions for 50 years!!

[@michaelrochester48]

I love this band with all my heart. I listened to them in 1974 with Waterloo when I was seven years old and I became a fan of the band. I’ve never stopped. Their albums have a variety of music from hard rock to glitter rock to pop to reggae. There is nothing that Abba couldn’t do.

[@alexioverdo5225]

I came later on since iwas too young in '74.Around late '78.By late '79 i was already infected by the Abba virus,permanently.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That song hooks you in!

[@hudahekizzy8402]

Brilliant song writers. Always loved ABBA. Good for you for giving them a chance.

[@odditiesparanormalmysterie1723]

You might say he took a chance took a chance- took a chance chance

[@hudahekizzy8402]

@@odditiesparanormalmysterie1723 Well played...

[@grumpytypewriter973]

‘When All Is Said And Done’ is one of their best. Pathos, melancholy, musically upbeat with poignant lyrics which grew out of their divorces, and great harmonies, ‘When All Is Said And Done’ is worth a couple of listens.

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

INDEED! That was exactly my same opinion of "WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE", upon my first initial listen to, when I put the 45RPM single on the turntable, at KRHC AM-830, Whittier, CA in 1981. KRHC was the first radio outlet in my long 40 year career in broadcasting. What struck me the THE MOST in that song (BTW, I am also a drummer as well...) was the way producer Benny Andersson & sound engineer Michael Tretow, made the way drummer Ola Brunkert's SNARE DRUM sound!!! I had NEVER HEARD that kind of effect before!!! Coming straight out of YEARS of the pop charts being inundated with the disco flavor & audio structure techniques that supported that trend, was the net effect of a SNARE DRUM, sounding like a BIG, OL' FAT, BASSY, THUMP...!!! However, things were changing in the very early '80s, as were audio mix-down techniques; disco was quickly hitting the exit door and audio engineers, lead by their forward-thinking producers needed new 'sounds', new 'impressions' & new 'effects'. The end result, was the brand new "GATED REVERB" effect, that was created by adding a series of reverb units & gated compressors into the outboard effect side-chain systems. Ola's snare drum had this MIND-BLOWING, EXTRA-CAPTIVATING sound to it, that was SO VERY NEW to me! And by 1981, I 'thought', by then, I had heard them all! (That 'new' snare drum sound, was used again very quickly, later that same year, in Rod Stewart's hit single "PASSION", on drummer Carmen Appice's SNARE DRUM, but even to a LOUDER effect.) By the time the mid '80s were here, Genesis main man (...and DRUMMER, by the way...) PHIL COLLINS was using this "sound", it would seem, on ALL of his hit singles, primarily, "AGAINST ALL ODDS" & "IN THE AIR TONIGHT"...by that time, EVERY producer & sound engineer was using the "GATED REVERB" effect...possibly, to the point of excess. HOWEVER, I feel BENNY & MICHAEL'S forward-thinking into the very early 80's, were two of the FIRST gentlemen to, I would say, "CREATE" a sound for a SNARE DRUM, that is verily heard 'FIRST' in "WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE". Take a very close listen, my friend...! BolsaChicaRadio

[@niriogodoy]

"The Visitors" a song about living in hiding and afraid, and "Slipping Through My Fingers" a song about how kids grow up too fast are two ABBA gems that never get the same attention as other ABBA hits. ✌️

[@devonzglinicki5945]

Slipping Through My Fingers always makes me think of my Mom for some reason. Love that it still makes me cry hearing that song.

[@johnearle1]

I Let The Music Speak is a great swan song for Frida. It hints at the musical Chess. Great vibrato.

[@larrywindom1281]

Anyone passing through Stockholm Sweden should take the time to go through the ABBA museum. I did, and my respect for the band grew.

[@knotes76]

Sometimes you gotta take a chance

[@robertstolt30]

One of the world's most musically intelligent pop/rock bands, together with ELO, Supertramp and Rush, to name a few

[@Tanzadog1]

love 3 of those 4, the one I didn't get into? I won't tell you, but it starts with a R

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Not sure what 'musically intelligent' even means. lol

[@Jojo8080daisy]

Have avoided watching this video because I love ABBA. Watched it today. Thanks for your take. My favorite ABBA song is "The Day Before You Came".

[@edflintlaw]

Amazing how having tons of subscribers who do like ABBA and always have, at least resulted in you covering their entire history in one short show.

[@michaelrochester48]

Adam and I like just about everything. That is why I’m always surprised he doesn’t like this band. Because we seem to have the same mind when it comes to music. But I love ABBA.

[@edflintlaw]

@@michaelrochester48 same, and Roxette. And he dissed them both. I have unsubscribed, I'm wasting my time with Depeche Mode

[@bat2275]

Abba and the Scorpions were Europeans smart enough to know that singing in English was the key to success.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

Golden Earring and Kraftwerk also sang in English.

[@crystalz-h1d]

Modern Talking & A-ha?

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Yes because English is the chain-link language of the world

[@Nightrelic]

Fortunately, that has changed to some extent. Falco got big in German, though he did start singing in English with his third album. I liked the previous two mostly German albums a lot better.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@Nightrelic Well, any artist can make it big in their home country. But the key to greater worldwide success can be singing in English - learning the language if need be.

[@GasCityGuy]

Keep spinning ABBA Professor, this should be high on the favorites! A few years ago I was at a concert with Jewel and Train. It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the biggest crowd responses of the evening was when they sang a cover of Dancing Queen.

[@noelleggett5368]

Kylie Minogue has also been known to wow the crowds with her cover of Dancing Queen at concerts.

[@96bobbob]

Heavy rock/metal fan in their 50s from the UK here. Abba's songwriting is brilliant and many rock musicians like Dave Grohl, Brian May, Richie Blackmore from Deep Purple , Gene Simmons from Kiss and even Slipknot's Corey Taylor have been complimentary about them. Abba are one of my all time favourite bands.

[@alexioverdo5225]

YES SIR!That's true!And this says a lot...