ABBA "Don't Shut Me Down" | Luke Reacts

[@discogareth]

Some of Björn’s most clever lyrics. On the surface it’s a simple love song, whilst simultaneously it’s ABBA singing to us. Asking us to welcome them back into our lives after leaving us before.

[@OperaJH]

Reloaded-decoded, frustration-mad to not so bad in my transformation - brilliant! I don’t know of any other lyricist who uses four syllable words in such an easy and descriptive way. He’s amazing and better than most English-speaking lyricists.

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@OperaJH That's not hard either considering there's been no songwriting nor singing talent around for decades. Yet critics were 'So Long' (see what I did there?) dismissive of them, acting like they're fluff or not deep (this from people who act like Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and Beatles are everything, to say nothing of all the crap around now). Like the dumb critic who wrote that "sense of words are being used by the singer to fill empty space in the brilliant 'The Day Before You Came', proof that still hardly anybody understands anything of the nature of this wonderful and scary tune. I notice none of you ever do a reaction video to this or 'Cassandra' yet, 2 of the most underrated twin waxings in music history. Now that IS criminal, not just how the A-side was treated when it came out, but the fact 'Cassandra', as one of THE best songs in the world never saw single status.

[@rdwulf6289]

Those two wonderful voices in the chorus, doing it all again 40 years on, is so fantastic.

[@TheFridaFan]

This one tricks you. You think it's going to be a teary ballad...then boom! That dance music. It hits so different! Very unique, like some of their other hits mixed together.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

2:42 'i'm fired up don't shut me dowwwwwn...'what a heavenly echo.I melt!Abba's trademark magical vocals are all here again.How much i had missed that heavenly sound all these almost 40 whole years of drought.What a kiss of life.

[@christopheralbon5224]

Amazing that two singers in their 70's can sound that good. Proper music!

[@albertjanik8532]

I believe Björn had a great time penning these lyrics with layers of meaning! It's brilliant!

[@aperinich]

Did you see his English version of “Hej gamle man”, for his friend Thomas Ledin's 70th birthday party? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX-3gJ2sgqiMkKs

[@OperaJH]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@cserranoweb]

My favourite ABBA song... incredible... magical...

[@ingvarjensen1088]

Well, Luke, I really was in tears when this song and "I Still Have Faith In You" came out in September 2021. I was in front of the PC at my work to witness the world premiere. Being an ABBA fan since 1975 when I was ten years old - what a journey that has been. 🤗

[@terrykemp1876]

As was I - no shame for crying at the sheer joy this comeback gave us!

[@ingvarjensen1088]

@@terrykemp1876 ❤️

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@terrykemp1876 same here.Lots of lava tears for days actually.Just couldn't believe this.A storming feeling of euphoria and nostalgia.

[@electromaniac1]

Same with me. Took me many times listening to I still have faith in you until I could without getting teary eyed. And there's something with Frida's voice that just gets me emotional. Especially at the end of I still... when she sings those lyrics in a higher voice. 75 years old and still sounds the same as 40 years ago.

[@Originaltom]

❤❤❤

[@staalmannen2522]

ABBA is such a gift in life. ❤

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Abbasolutely!

[@theKarstenR]

To me the best song on Voyage. By a mile. Pop perfection.

[@davidwilding7405]

It's hard to believe these vocals are Agnetha in her late 60's - she still has that amazing clarity and storytelling ability. I guess when you're as good as her, you never really lose it.

[@shadow-js2hn]

70's

[@davidwilding7405]

@@shadow-js2hn 67 I believe, as these vocals were recorded in 2017/18. The whole album was recored over a period of 4 years, partly due to covid. This song and I still have faith in you, were the first.

[@TheFridaFan]

The both still sound in tip top shape. Their voices have aged, yes, but the quality is still there. Agnetha with her emoting and Frida with her power.

[@OperaJH]

She is 73 or 74. Frida is about 77 now, 75 at the time.

[@davidwilding7405]

@@OperaJH actually she's 72. Not 73 until April.

[@PaperboyBelfast]

Thanks Luke. Another brilliant ABBA reaction!

[@eduardooscar309]

The big global news of this 21st century for the music world is the return of the legendary Swedish pop quartet ABBA to the recording studios after more than 35 years (the last was "The day before you came" in 1982) and the edition of new songs after 39 years (the last was "Under attack" in 1982 too) and a new album after almost 40 years (the last was "The Visitors" in 1981) Beyond that these three data are for the Guines Book of records (I believe that No Group or Singer or Artist can come close to these incredible brands), the most remarkable thing is How they returned, with what level of quality And I must say that ABBA overcame all fears, doubts and expectations Their return is shocking and his quality is still valid "Don't shut me down" (2021) it's another surprise from ABBA A pop song was expected, but there were reservations and fears for what it could be (and here I include doubts to the voices of the girls due to their age) And we find a magnificent work The beginning is with Agnetha's voice attacking with the pleasant company of the piano. What Agnetha does in that introduction is anthology, exquisite modulating and using different nuances with her mature voice. Until Benny's signature piano glint (nod to the mega hit "Dancing Queen") and ABBA's typical pop song is with us, with the fans, because the lyrics speak to us. and Agnetha assumes that decoding of almost four decades and gives us her beautiful voice as the strings grow and lead to a memorable chorus with Frida reliving the historic third voice of ABBA But it doesn't end there, the second part adds hooks and a xylophone is added to the bells (a nod to the marimba in "Mamma Mía"), and the pre-chorus has more force with Agnetha and Frida and the violins anticipate the elevation to a chorus triumphant final anthology reminiscent of his greatest hits And it ends, like the begining, with a soft and sweet Agnetha voice and piano melody (nod to "Thank you for the music") now we have the new album "Voyage" since last November 2021, with four nominations to Grammys awards 2023 (two for album and two for these song) and the new ABBA Concert in the new ABBA Arena at London (with ABBAtars of Themselfes) Thank for your great reaction and for Your respect to ABBA music see in next ABBA vídeo GOD bless You my best regards from Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷 South América

[@hermanschroder3822]

Well done a fine reaction to a reaction. You hit it spot on. Cheers.

[@DaymoJH]

The lyrics are very deep but that baseline makes it happy , that key change on the second chorus key change is everything

[@kevinchester0533]

This one gives me shivers, love it

[@wayne_twentyfive]

Another great ABBA reaction, Luke .. This is my favourite song from "Voyage", and yes, this gem sung beautifully by Agnetha is totally brilliant ! .. From the same album, please check out "No Doubt About It" when you get a chance . It's a fantastic song featuring Frida on lead and it really rocks !

[@r1a9f6a0]

Brilliant video, Luke! You have described that sound with perfection, as well other ones from ABBA and I love It. I always watch your videos and this is the first time that I comment here. Congratulations! You and your videos are amazing. Greetings from Brazil. 🤗

[@juanita6479]

Great choice, and how good that you are going back and forward on every period of time with their awesome songs.

[@alejandrosantanaborquez917]

Hi, Luke! This is an amazing song. The Agnetha's voice still sounds very young (to me). However, MY FAVORITE from the Voyage album is still 'Keep an eye on Dan'... See you soon, Luke Love ❤️ from Chile 🇨🇱👍

[@alexioverdo5225]

Each time i listen to this gem i forget that i'm an adult stuffed with worries and responsibilities.I just feel again like a carefree 16 years old dude.Abba...whara joy!A beautiful dream.

[@douglasmcclelland]

Typical upbeat ABBA song after a slightly steady beginning... but the vocals always clear and setting the scene in your mind....

[@musikplaneten]

❤ allways enjoyable listening to your reactions on Abba! Looking forward to whenyou get to one of my Voyage favourites, I can be that woman. It is one of their greatest in my mind. Non typical Abba and its a truly toutching piece of gem.

[@randyinvancouver]

I think that's a spot on analysis, Luke. On the face, a relationship story about returning and also, as ABBA does, a metaphor for their return and their own evolution. And you caught the three key changes, which created some room for Agnetha and Frida to vocally climb for that ending. I hope you tackle the rest of the songs on Voyage, because they are, each of them, a curiosity and wonder on this amazing, improbable album.

[@eduardooscar309]

I was checking the ABBA playlist on your channel You did almost all of ABBA's greatest hits But of the nine ABBA #1s in the UK you still have to do the last one: "Super Trouper" (1980) another suggestion Now that you've done ABBA's two comeback songs, you could go to the other extreme and do their first song "People need love" (1972) when they weren't thinking about being a group yet. or "Ring Ring" (1973), since just this week ABBA celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of their first album

[@jrj624]

Your reactions to all of the ABBA videos are so enthusiastic I was wondering if you've been to the ABBA VOYAGE CONCERT in London and if so what your thoughts were about that experience. I'm headed to London in a few days and have a ticket to see the concert and pretty sure it will be the highlight of this trip from everything I've seen about it.

[@billstrasser3520]

Great song and you nailed the reaction like you always do. Thank you.

[@supastah68]

I’m so glad you finally did this song! It’s my favorite after the day before you came.

[@supastah68]

Ps. Do Keep an Eye on Dan next

[@ludojacobs7846]

And of course there are many references to the Abbatars and the Voyage-show as well in this song: "I'm now and then combined", "I'm asking you to have an open mind", "in the shape and form I appear now", "and now you see another me, I've been reloaded" ...

[@juanita6479]

I hadn't interpreted it that way but you are quite right, very good clue 👌

[@douglasmcclelland]

Please react to "Slipping through my fingers" by ABBA. I find this a very powerful, thoughtful song and very emotional for me.

[@TheFridaFan]

The live version on the Dick Cavett show is VERY good. Better than studio in my opinion.

[@annelisundkvist]

@@TheFridaFan AGREE! Agnetha's a bit more fragile voice in that iconic live performance really adds to the lyrics.

[@stevenleroux7033]

what a great song - they still have that knack of making their music timeless.

[@swedeman5785]

I love that the words pop up to ecaxt rythm ,when she sing,mixed in yellow & white :-)

[@anthonysmith8800]

Superb reaction and analysis The 'Abba sound ' has not aged, 40 years since they last recorded together. They are Pop Royalty and their throne will never be taken from them. They are exceptional and let's be grateful we're alive to experience their magic ❤

[@greglane8092]

Bjorn's lyrics in this song are amazing. There are so many words that no one other than Bjorn would be able to incorporate into a song and still have the song flow. The last few lines are genius and are something everyone needs to live by more often: "I've learned to cope, and love and hope is why I am here now."

[@DaymoJH]

yaaaaaas i’m so happy you got to this , I’m not a fan BUT this is my 2023 top track …can’t get enough

[@rooroo7270]

I have been to voyage twice and I look forward to the next attendance. It's awesome 👍

[@theresenydahl9531]

Thank you for another great video reaction!❤

[@hannahill1811]

Benny have written several musicals. One of them is Chess, that was up for a long time in London.

[@dann3r55]

which björn and benny wrote together, and the musical were written for one singer in mind : Tommy Körberg. And the rest is history :) Thats atleast how I remember how it came to be. :D

[@dionisiolavid61]

I ❤ this song

[@frakte]

Can’t wait to hear this one in Mamma Mia 3. 😊

[@gordonpi8674]

Only then it will reach the US top of the charts😊

[@agnetamalmqvist3776]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mickeefreeman2898]

All in their seventies.. frida oldest then bjorn then benny..agnetha the youngest..@ 72 benny 75 bjorn 77 frida 78 .... let's voyage..🥳

[@malcolmbrown7683]

Bjorn is the oldest, 25th April 1945 and Frida is next, 15th November 1945. then Benny 16th December 1946 and the youngest is Agnetha 5th April 1950.

[@mickeefreeman2898]

In there 70's 🎉truly abbasolutly amazing, proving age really is just a Number 🎉❤❤❤❤

[@malvanlondon8683]

So clever that the vocals also seem like ABBA asking the listening public (despite the band not being exactly the same) to give them a fresh chance.

[@grahamtait8031]

More than I could have possibly hoped for.

[@TheMrlovegoodtimes]

I love u Abba ❤, Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid, U are my idols! And i am so proud that Im from the same place as you❤

[@stevenleroux7033]

great reaction btw

[@rayfaircloth8253]

I believe the lyrics are about Bjorn and Agnetha's marriage/divorce. She enters the apartment where they lived and noticed it hadn't changed but it was a place they loved but was also the place Agnetha's tantrums and frustrations happened. Now she's a combination of then and now. She's grown as a person. She's not the same anymore. She can look back on that time and realizes she still loves Bjorn. She has love and hope.

[@Flokarl1]

The Abbaness!!!🤩

[@RalphWigg1]

My comment on 'I Still Have Faith In You' also applies here!

[@DavidFardmar1]

Once again B.E.A.utiful reaction video Luke. Loved it. As much as the song 🩷 Did you react to Keep an eye on Dan? It’s my fave on Voyage (apart from this one). Can’t understand why they didn’t released it as a single 🤷🏻‍♂️ Love from ABBAland, a.k.a. Sweden 🇸🇪/David Färdmar

[@nigeljames5622]

Isn't this a semi autobiographical song for Agnetha, there are lyrics that definitely point to her history with the band, lyrics such as: Once these rooms were witness to our love My tantrums and increasing frustration But I go from mad, to not so bad In my transformation Or maybe it's just my interpretation of the lyric

[@sirjohnmara]

YES!

[@anthonygeurtsen7143]

Would absolutely love to see you react to Dolly Parton "Nickels and Dimes".

[@placevendome1234]

❤️

[@jarmolehtonen7594]

We know ur gay😂Abba is Great!

[@simons4982]

Love this song