Wrote BRUTAL Hit About DIVORCE…His Ex-Wife Had to SING it With Him For Next 45 Yrs-Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the SADDEST song of the Rock era?

[@peterd.9978]

Papa - Paul Anka

[@Code.Name.V]

Red Sovine - Teddy Bear

[@christineml1476]

"Separate Lives" by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin

[@randyduncan4672]

Richard Harris, MacArthur Park. Gotta vote for BeeGees I've Just Gotta get a Message to You.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Heard It Through The Grapevine I Will Always Love You Knowing Me Knowing You. Marvin Gaye wrote a ton of sad songs. Especially when paired with his soulful voice.

[@Kurtdog63]

The vocal harmonies really stood out with ABBA. They sounded like an entire choir singing, not just four people.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right? The decentralization is one of the best parts about them.

[@judikingsman6132]

Plenty of overdubs. But I don't care. I ❤ ABBA

[@Denozo88]

​@judikingsman6132 even in live performances they still harmonize well

[@Kurtdog63]

@@judikingsman6132 Everybody's voice had the "chorus effect" turned on. ha

[@jurgisvalancauskas4006]

That's wall of voices. They made a lot of overdubs

[@gregb6469]

ABBA's songs, especially the latter ones, are songs for adults, not teeny-boppers. The more one listens to them, the more one appreciates them, for the meaningful lyrics, the great melodies, and the perfect harmonic blend of the two girls voices (has there ever been a female duo who sang together so well?).

[@brotherkellymatthewbarnes8882]

abba's songs are all psyops.

[@gregb6469]

@@brotherkellymatthewbarnes8882 -- The tinfoil hat brigade has chimed in.

[@DemonsCrest1]

beegees were 3 guys that sang in harmony. but they were all family so it kinda makes sense how they could sing so good together

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@DemonsCrest1 Well yes u got a point really.i know that for some reason,siblings do have a great skill to easily connect and harmonize in a fab way.Possibly kinda "instictively"?Dunno.A recent example i heard is also Dutch trio OGN3.Harmonies as if it's the audio.

[@DemonsCrest1]

@@alexioverdo5225 yes, they share genetics, plus beegees practised since they were young. i never trust any audio done today though, now that it can be autotuned or even AI trained :o

[@davidorr8645]

Abba's music has stood the test of time

[@efraim3364]

Frida did a solo album afterwards, Phil Collins was a beast on those drums

[@RickDanner]

great way to put it its brilliant and Agnetha well she is insanely gorgeous

[@ProwlingTiger1]

Love them or hate them _(though I am surprised ABBA have any haters but each to their own),_ no one with any sense can deny Agnetha's and Anni-Frid's ability to harmonise so perfectly between them, Benny and Bjorn are great song writers and musicians, for example the key changes in many of their songs are not simple, lots of people struggle to do ABBA songs, as while they may look and sound simple, they are actually quite hard to do, seen a lot of even professional singers struggle to get anywhere near the level of Agnetha and Anni-Frida so even if someone isn't a fan of ABBA's songs, they can still respect the skill behind those songs.

[@RedPyramid-lf4sb]

@efraim3364 That, I remember, and Phil Collins WAS a beast on the drums. He also did the backing vocals on one of her songs.

[@davidorr8645]

@@efraim3364 i believe the song your looking g for is called "there's something going on". I love that album.

[@worldwithout72]

The brilliance of the Professor is that he only recently became a fan of Abba and he already has so much knowledge of the band and their songs.

[@derueoloughlin8672]

Amazing is Adam !

[@stevekirkpatrick1612]

Knowledge and appreciation converge with fandom. I have no fandom for Abba, neither do I have knowledge. But I appreciate their position in the history of music. And I would rather listen to Dancing Queen than Tiny Dancer.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Google is your friend

[@mikesmithson6805]

He's source is mainly Wikipedia

[@worldwithout72]

@mikesmithson6805 So what if it is? He still has to remember that information we'll enough to do these videos without missing a beat. That alone takes a lot of time, preparation, and brain power to do when you do the volume of videos he does.

[@coyote4237]

Never understood people who hated ABBA. The music was always good.

[@andrewmorgan1819]

You obviously didn't have a brother that played the same side of an album all day, over and over ad infintum! 😂

[@coyote4237]

@@andrewmorgan1819 No, I did not. lol

[@happyday-yx7mx]

I never understood why people liked ABBA.

[@vivdiva]

Who hates ABBA??

[@picnic66]

@@happyday-yx7mx It's not rocket science. People liked ABBA because ABBA were likable people, and people liked a ton of ABBA's music because the music was easy to like.

[@jenniferedwards1752]

In my divorce, the winner DID take it all. I was left destitute. This song hits me so hard.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I'm so sorry to hear this! Peace to you!

[@LaManteca76]

I hope you're doing much better now.

[@thomas2782]

that sucks

[@duromusabc]

Lawyers say divorce today works in favor of the wife - but destroys the husband - alimony hurts the husband especially

[@Marketsolo]

Yes, I also was left destitute, stolen from, cheated on..and still struggling. Even the house- who My grandmother gave us the down payment fmto buy it.

[@michaelwallace3105]

Knowing Me Knowing You is another great breakup song of theirs... and one of my all-time favorite songs.

[@earlgrey691]

'One man,one woman' has a similar vibe imo,very poignant and classy.KMKY is an awesome tune.

[@shawne7228]

I was thinking of that song as well. Excellent song but kind of sad

[@ProfessorofRock]

I almost covered that one too!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question!

[@michaelraiger623]

I’m with you professor. I hated ABBA because I was a rock fan in the 70s. I’ve been listening to their music on vinyl. They are musical geniuses. The lyrics to many of their songs are brilliant, even though they aren’t native English speakers. There’s a reason they are so popular. Their songs are great! It’s pop music at its best.

[@cc1k435]

Sometimes, it takes someone from another cultural background to explain things succinctly. ABBA had a unique perspective that was missing in music, imo. I can't imagine that time and any time since without them! ❤

[@jerrycote659]

Perfectly said! ❤ABBA❤

[@fivestring65ify]

I couldn't have said it better than that. Thank you.

[@sblagg527]

To me ABBA is the rare band that fills in a gap between pop and rock. They were talented enough to surpass bubble gum pop crap status, they just didn't record hard enough music to fit into the rock category.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. Their songs are memorable.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I always thought of ABBA as a saccharin sweet pop junk with cheesy shtick. Then I played bass in the MAMA MIA show which had all the parts transcribed exactly, and I came to realize they are songwriting geniuses. Memorable, melodic and beautifully arranged with perfect parts and infectious hooks. And the bass player was KILLER. I developed new found respect for these brilliant craftsmen.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Benny/Bjorn had to revisit the original ABBA masters in order to refresh threir minds on the way they had originally constructed their own songs before MM!Such a mass of hidden details under the surface.Abba made complicated seem deceptively plain.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome! What was it like playing in Mamma Mia?

[@NelsonMontana1234]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It was a lot of fun. And challenging. Those bass charts were not easy!

[@alexioverdo5225]

Many who didn't think that much of them and their work finally reconsidered when they came to play or do an ABBA cover.There was plenty of genius hard work woven around those monumental recordings also regarding the technical tools available at their time.

[@chrisblyth6716]

Agnetha always managed to put the depth of emotions in any of the abba songs making them relatable.

[@Whisper_292]

I'm glad you gained an appreciation for ABBA. They have such an amazing catalog.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Definitely!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too! I knew you would come around.

[@michaelrochester48]

You mentioned Neil Sedaka and breaking up as hard to do. He had something to do with the creation of the very first ABBA hit, ring ring.

[@Nexando]

Yep, amazing catalog, but requires many different angles and ways to actually perceive it! Something, that two musicals, a movie, varied covers, Voyage, soon 5.1 immersive format to most and even this video... actually help a lot.

[@tymax6751]

"Slipping Through My Fingers" is a familiar experience for many parents. Meanwhile, I can hardly get through "One Of Us" without shedding a tear.

[@larissaleal4149]

"Slipping through my fingers". Another emotional song wrote by Bjorn about the growing up of his daughter and the feeling of losing her childhood because of the divorce with Agnetha. It's worth it to listen this one, professor.

[@teal_panda_8434]

This one is so underrated too imo

[@Goddybag4Lee]

Agnetha Fältskog delivered it also perfectly with her voice. And up to this day Björn Ulvaeus says that he still loves Agnethas voice the most. What a legacy of a marriage going through a hard divorce ending up in friendship.

[@MikeGraceJediDad]

Exactly 💯

[@lordpowell2000]

Abba is an international treasure. I’m glad you gave them another chance.

[@darlawrence9295]

I was a fill-in sound tech for the ABBA musical at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The more I worked that show the more I appreciated ABBA.😊

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

I was at Mandalay Bay and saw the musical. About 2005?

[@jennybates]

The Winner Takes It All is THE most heartbreaking song of the ABBA era.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@FM-ig3th]

Another sad one "Dance (While The Music Plays)" is equally heartbreaking.

[@fivestring65ify]

Knowing me Knowing you is a sad one too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Definitely.

[@mitchfrank48]

Knowing Me, Knowing You is, in my opinion, a better so g than Winner Takes It All

[@davidschweder4962]

One of the most impressive songs in modern music history. Benny and Bjorn need to be recognized as the great songwriters that they are.. Thanks for sharing this, Adam!

[@trinaq]

Thank you for giving ABBA a chance, Adam. They might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I can thank my mother and Mamma Mia for introducing me to their songs.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same here.

[@legman1476]

You, as a purveyor of pop rock music history, not liking ABBA is baffling to me. Perfect pop melodies and singable parts from the instruments like no one else. The recordings also pound out heavy and full ..., without ever being "Remastered." I never called ABBA a "guilty pleasure." For me, that was Bread. ABBA is phenomenally talented. I'm glad you came around.

[@patrickluchycky1172]

Yep. Well said.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

Abba sucks...

[@thomasfrye8996]

Well said

[@thomasfrye8996]

But what's wrong with bread?

[@RB-cz5jn]

Not liking abba hello

[@dominicbiondi4097]

I'm 60, and grew up with AC/DC, The Who, The Cars, Tom Petty, etc...but I have also always LOVED ABBA. From ear candy like SOS, Waterloo, and dancing Queen, to more adult and mature songs like this one and Knowing Me, Knowing You...what amazing songs. Hey Prof: have you seen Bjorn's interview with Rick Beato on Beato's channel? So damn good.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

GRRREAT interview.Bjorn is humble,clever and has such a big friendly ability no matter the legend he is.

[@geezeusskatan]

I wished that the interview was with Benny instead. To hear his analyses on cords and harmonies

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@geezeusskatan I right now read a comment by a fellow fan noticing what they guys had said in a BBC radio interview in May '79 during promotion for their new then VV album.The interviewer observed that the backing vocals in the chorus of 'Does your mother" sounded 'sped up" possibly on purpose.The guys replied that no 'sped up" trick was used during their recording in this and reasured that .They even praised Frida and Agnetha for being capable to sound like whatever you wanted them to!

[@Nexando]

@@christianoazzuro6711 At the time, in my early teens, I actually played "Does your mother know (that you're out)" from the long play album sped up at 45 RPM... the chorus felt as pure magic! that way.

[@lisalu910]

I'm 60 and never listened to AC/DC, The Cars or Tom Petty growing up! I guess they were technically around in the 1970s, but I still associate those groups with the 1980s - and I was in my 20s by that time.

[@jfp17]

ABBA again??!! The class has spoken, and The Professor has listened!

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right!

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

@@ProfessorofRock The Professor of Rock has now graduated into a wider appreciation for musical genius and talent.

[@Nexando]

🖐

[@trinaq]

This is probably the most emotional break up song ever. At least Bjorn and Agnetha were professional enough to continue working together after a tough divorce.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true. Heart breaking for sure!

[@georgeharris6851]

Well, the whole album, Rumors, was pretty much mostly breakup songs.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

...'but tell me,...does she kiss,like i use to kiss you?...does it feel the same when she calls your name?".... As another fan said 'Honestly,that's A shot to the heart! " not to mention Agnetha's performance that 's as disarmingly vulnerable as much as a suffering wounded little bird.

[@Raggmopp-xl7yf]

@@georgeharris6851 LOL - I was going to make just THIS point.

[@Play_fare]

Singing this song so often for so many years would be like emotional masochism. Professionalism aside, emotions can come to surface even when the intimate relationship has been long over. Still my favourite ABBA song, maybe because the emotions are so strong and raw after all these years.

[@JamesDavis-sh9gh]

I knew you'd come around. You can never escape ABBA. ✊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! You got me!

[@NotKev2017]

@@ProfessorofRock Welcome to the music world of ABBA! Their harmonies are what I heard first and have stuck with me since.

[@fivestring65ify]

​​@@NotKev2017They are the the total package

[@tanyachristensen5330]

I definitely escaped Abba. It CAN be done

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@tanyachristensen5330 Abba only WANTS you to think that.... .> ^-^

[@richalderson6069]

One of the things that makes this song so special is that it's the same chord progression all the way through, yet it manages to never be boring or sound repetitive and captures such real emotions and feelings. Masterpiece.

[@donwarrington4916]

Tears In Heaven .. Life don't get much sadder than the loss of a child ....

[@yak9989]

Oddly enough, this was the song that ABBA hooked me with back when I was a kid. Then, when I went through my own divorce many years later, I was grateful that they did.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sorry to hear that.

[@yak9989]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Thank you. Life worked out, and I was the winner 👍

[@andercert70]

I didn't know that Abba was as drama filled as Fleetwood Mac. Good on you expanding your musical boundaries. Keep on rocking.

[@SwanDigEnt]

I've always felt bad for her in the video, she looks so sad and you know its not acting, you can see it in her eyes.

[@butterfly-bw6cx]

Watch it again and concentrate on Bjorn as he looks at her.

[@RedPyramid-lf4sb]

The sadness and misery on her face were genuine.

[@i.b.bangin1953]

This is why the professor is AWESOME! Even though he freely admits he was not a fan of the particular group/albums/songs, he is open-minded enough to listen and give an informed and compelling analysis! I look forward to my "lesson" everyday!

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Ditto

[@novelideas1]

I have nothing but respect for you now, Prof. You gave ABBA a real try and figured out why so many people love them. Thank you! If you ever have an opportunity to interview Bjorn or any of the other band members, you will find them incredibly kind and humble. With the amount of thought and research you put into your interviews, I’m sure Bjorn would welcome an invitation to sit down and chat with you. Thanks again!

[@DeidreL9]

Agnetha sang her heart out. Bjorn had already moved on, he’d set up house with his second wife pretty fast. Brutal on Agnetha, her divorce devastated her. I love both Annifrid and Agnetha, but Agnetha’s voice packs the most emotional punch ever. Edit: THANK YOU for pronouncing Agnetha’s name right!

[@btestware]

Hey Professor...I'm one of your followers who recommended that you re-visit this song. Was thrilled to see you took my advice, and appreciate the brief nod you gave to those of us who put it out there for you.

[@bartbluemusic]

"The Winner Takes It All" has always been my favorite ABBA song. It is so powerful and filled with feeling. This was when I fell in love with Agnetha Fältskog. Head over heels. :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bart!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Here in Europe Agnetha and Olivia were pop's biggest female blonde crushes for years and years with Debby Harry following closely for the naughty guys,lol.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

True top tier masterpiece.

[@michaeldiaz6224]

Mine too and at the time, I didn't know it was a breakup song. I thought they're still married at the time.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I agree. While "Dancing Queen" has always been my favorite ABBA song, I've always felt "The Winner Takes It All" is their best song and masterpiece. I'm really glad the professor is changing his mind about ABBA. The men wrote terrific songs and the women's vocals were fantastic. I've always loved ABBA and never understood why anyone would hate their music in the first place but everyone has the right to their own individual taste in music and should be respected. However, I think people should try to look at anything with an open mind. The professor did and now he has new favorite songs because of it after exploring their catalog.

[@chrisbergmanniii59]

I loved Abba when I was a little kid in the 70s. Then I kind of jumped on the haters bandwagon as a teenager and largely as an adult. Then 20 years ago music started coming out using pitch correct, detuning, programmed drums and computer-generated psudo music I realized the genuine quality of all the 70s dance music, even the silly stuff.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I know what you mean.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You didn’t know what you had back then was much better than what you would have in the future.

[@scottmcneely1927]

I always liked what I liked. Never cared about what was "cool" and what wasn't.

[@mitsnevets]

ABBA was big in my late teen years after i graduated high school in 74 and i had a close circle of friends who i hung out with and we all listened to ABBA while riding around as kids did back in those days it was my happiest times and this video brought it all back again , i wish i could go back in time and re live it Thanks for the vid Adam !

[@beths999]

I watch a lot of reaction videos done by the younger generation. When this song is listened to by them it is the one song that brings a lot of them to tears. I think almost everyone can relate to the song and it’s lyrics.

[@Ryan-tv6cy]

Slipping through my finger is another incredible lyric and absolutely perfect melody!

[@emmonstrex65]

I just listened to this, and wept. Having issues with my grown daughter- we haven't spoken in months (texting, that's all). Sad, but cleansing. Thank you- it's a beautiful song and now one of my favorites too. ❤

[@Ryan-tv6cy]

@@emmonstrex65 you could always call her and let her know you thought of her, I wish you luck ♥️

[@lizboo2867]

My love My life :( .. so sad.

[@toddkoltes3570]

One of the absolute greatest vocal performances of all time. No questions asked.

[@skinnygumbo9555]

Sounds like ABBA is the Swedish Fleetwood Mac

[@emmonstrex65]

Yes 💯

[@666Wizardsleeve]

Hope you're not listening to rumours! 😊

[@susanpendell4215]

Better than Fleetwood Mac ever was in my ears.

[@rpsmith2990]

Bringing up Fleetwood Mac in this context reminds me of a trope about the difference between Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks. Taylor songs about her ex-boyfriend, Stevie songs about what an asshole has ex is while he plays guitar...

[@Phoenixhunter157]

😂true

[@venomslair137]

The most painful yet beautifully crafted song ever. You can say whatever about ABBA, but Björn and Benny are always in "beast mode" while they're composing.

[@specag31]

Composing while drinking. Altered states of minds produces top shelf stuff, sometimes.

[@BillGraper]

Wow, I can't imagine not liking Abba! Some of my absolute necessary songs on my normal playlist are "Dancing Queen," "Take A Chance On Me" and "The Name Of The Game." I actually bought the 45 "The Winner Takes It All" when I was 9. The melody & vocals are so hauntingly beautiful.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bill. I"m getting there!

[@darlawrence9295]

If you like Take A Chance I think it's impossible not to like Jive Talkin as well. Both songs are musical crack!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My aunt hates ABBA. I’ve been trying to get her to come around with them.

[@Nexando]

In music there are many diverse qualities that could be at play. Yes, I agree that ABBA excel at many in very unique and endearing ways, but this does not make their music all encompassing. Then people could very well be attuned and experiencing in/loving those sides where ABBA was not. Like Jazz, R&B, and also purist styles like folk, rock and others, actually all defined, pure styles would be far from what ABBA did, since their music is precisely full of mixtures. Even inside each of their albums it could be argued that each song belonged to a different musical style...

[@jjsmith3348]

Came for the nostalgia; stayed and subscribed for the interesting bits of history never heard before. Nice channel!

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@dawng.8836]

I played this song a lot while separating from my ex- husband. He didn't cheat, but was a liar & emotional abuser. It helped to let the tears flow, so I could put on a good face for my child.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m so sorry that sounds like hell! Glad you got out.

[@Out_of_My_Head]

I'm sorry. I'm glad you were able to get away.

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

Thank you for including ABBA. Their work means a lot to the whole planet.

[@craigparse1439]

This is a song that, after hearing it once, I was entranced. I was only in middle school, but I could FEEL the emotion in the song. I especially felt the emotion when Agnetha sang "you've come to shake my hand" and here voice slightly cracked with emotion. That's what I remember from the first time I heard it. Another GREAT song to talk about is SOS.. That song builds and explodes with energy!

[@jjjnettie]

Before the movie "Mamma Mia" there was "Muriel's Wedding". One of the best, funniest and sometimes poignant movies to be made in Australia. ABBA's music is key to the plot and is the soundtrack. It stars Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths, as well as many well known local actors. It's in my top 10 movies to take to a deserted island list. :)

[@m3gthraeryn]

Oh!!! It’s one of my favourites!! It’s my cheer me up feel good movie! ❤️

[@jaimekennedy5750]

And "Pricilla; Queen of the Desert"...

[@ChuckHackney]

@jjjnettie That is one of my favorite movies ever, so poignant and even a bit funny at times, all set yo the music of ABBA...Toni was absolutely brilliant in this.

[@LinaGenX]

How can anyone not love ABBA? They have a song for every occation. Don't shut me down from 2021 feels just like ABBA back in the day

[@gioknows]

When I had my paper route back in the 70's I used to listen to ABBA every day. I just loved their music. I'm glad you came around to them finally, Adam. I never knew why they stopped recording until now. Going to binge on ABBA while I'm gardening today. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yeah, I’ve always wondered why they stopped recording for 40 years too. Cheers 🍻

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Well, it sure wasn't because of divorces. They needed more slow private time and to try new things.

[@You-can-fix-it-yourself]

The harmony of ABBA was on pitch and on cue, always smooth and perfect. That is what makes me listen to them.

[@ArthurRChan]

Happy for you, Professor! Those that refuse to open up their minds to ABBA are only depriving themselves. And as I've discovered over the years, there are even more great songs beyond their hits on ABBA Gold.

[@ant4307]

I'm so pleased to see you covering this ABBA gem, it deserves the attention.

[@danielwolski873]

Eagle is one of my favorites from Abba, highly recommended.

[@vaskylark]

Okay I officially love that you gave the Winner takes it all a chance and covered it on your channel! You even told me some things that I'd never heard before and since I've followed Abba since the late 70's I am bigtime surprised that you could teach me anything new about Abba but ya did, so big thanks! :)

[@andreasbauer7285]

In independent interviews, both Björn Ulvaeus as well as Benny Andersson consider "The Winner Takes It All" ABBA's best song. And Agnetha Fältskog, as you mentioned, admits it is her favorite ABBA song too. Not merely the melody and lyrics, also the piano part is superbly crafted. It is not merely a piano accompaniment to the singer, but also a melodic counterpart, carrying the melody itself in parts and consequently blending both possible functions a piano can have in a song. Few songs managed such a superbly crafted piano part. This song, for so many reasons, is through and through pure genius.

[@lesleywarnock228]

I have always thought this is the most heart wrenching perfect song about divorce...it was for my Mum & then for me. It still hurts when I hear it 😢 I love ABBA, always have. Literally the perfect pop group. She sang this beautifully, you can hear the pain in her voice

[@sabrinagese8571]

OMG 😳 So glad I said something in the comment section of the last video about ABBA! This is my favorite ABBA song. It's so amazingly on point... heart wrenching and you can only understand it if you've been through it. The lyrics are incredible.

[@Annie1962]

no matter how often I hear this song, I always tear up. That's how powerful it is

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

Man! Those beautiful voices of Agnetha and Frida! They both bring such life to their songs, even the sad ones! Something about Agnetha and her expressive face and voice while she sings. "Name of the Game" is a favorite for me.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Agnetha is a master song interpreter--facial expressions, movement as well as a super vocalist.

[@devonbrooks246]

Glad to have you on board with being a ABBA fan Adam.

[@grahamtowers5513]

Over the years since ABBA, my love & admiration for their music has grown and grown, fabulous songwriters & performers, their legacy is magnificent and will be eternal. Thank you ABBA, love and respect to you all

[@johngreener9784]

OK Professor! You won my heart! I am a long time ABBA fan. I was disheartened that you were not a fan, but I understand. ABBA can be an acquired taste or for myself, a "guilty pleasure" !! They got me with S.O.S. with that beautiful piano intro. Then over the years, I found that they would deliver a new album almost every 18 months. When "The Winner Takes it All" came out, I was newly enlisted in the US Air Force and going to DLI (Defense Language Institute) in Monterey, CA. I had a fellow music nerd friend and we would walk down to the music store in Downtown Monterey and look at the Hot 100 Billboard Chart. When "The WInner..." came out, I told him "I think that will hit Number 8". A couple of months later my prophecy came true and my friend thought I was some genius!! Anyway, it is one of ABBA's finest songs.......

[@shiroibasketshoes]

No one should feel guilty for being a fan of the excellent ABBA.

[@lisalu910]

I have mixed feelings about ABBA. Yes, like most people my age I at least have their greatest hits CD, and when I'm in the mood, I really enjoy cranking it up in my car. And now that we have access to videos of their performances on YT, we can enjoy them in a whole new way - for a group like this, the visuals take it to a whole new level. But then, I wouldn't say that I know all their deep cuts, or sit and listen to entire albums. Listening to their pop hits is kind of like an occasional guilty pleasure.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@lisalu910 Why feel guilty? The people who should feel guilt in this world are people who harm others, not people with enough taste to enjoy a great pop group. I've been a big fan of ABBA in general since the 1970s. Have a nice day. :-)

[@Siansonea]

To me, I've always seen "The Winner Takes It All" as Bjorn's parting gift to Agnetha. Amid all the pain of the separation, it was him saying "I understand what you're feeling, the weight of what's happened" in the only way he really knew how say it. This has always been a favorite of their catalog. I also really love "Fernando" and "Chiquitita", but they have so many songs that are favorites.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Exactly, and that’s what makes it so emotional.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Imagine: A recently divorced Man being able to write a divorce song from the perspective of the Female. WOW! And she being willing and able to interpret it so very well. WOW!

[@tanyarobinson1146]

Fernando is probably my favorite.

[@dwmichaels]

I'm still amazed today at the quality of their songwriting across the board. Such consistency over an album and their discography. You don't have to love the music to recognize the talent of the foursome.

[@user-wi9xp2gd8i]

Back in the late 70's I didn't like them as well but the more I learned about them the greater I appreciate the music.

[@troy242]

Great vid. Divorce is such a personal hell, until you heal (never fully) and you learn others have felt your pain, and through that pain have become better people. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnvoncannon9717]

One of Us is also another wonderfully heartbreaking song by ABBA.

[@alisong2328]

In 1981 I bought an ABBA record in Spain where they sing their songs in Spanish. I loved it!

[@markrodman6916]

As a guitarist in a hard rock band, ABBA was always my guilty pleasure! The writing of the two geniuses and voices of two angels is a combination that can’t be beat! Not to mention that Frida was my first celebrity crush in 1976 when I was 6 yrs old! I always listen to the ABBA Gold album at least twice a week! It’s just a shame I never got to see them live!

[@johnhamilton2588]

Thank you for doing this; it was great! I was one of those who encouraged you to take a look at this song, because it had depth that no other Abba song has. I believe it is possible for those who never cared for Abba's style to listen to this particular track and recognize how truly powerful it is.

[@rollingthunder9579]

People say that Abba played " happy pop songs", possibly because they often smiled while performing them ( which in the eyes of many destroyed their rock and roll credibility in the otherwise angry seventies), but if you analyse their hits from 1976 onwards, there was always an undertow of melancholy and heartache to a lot of their hits ( Mama Mia, Knowing Me Knowing You, Eagle, Fernando, Chiquitita, etc) which partly explains why they connected with so many people in the general public. Something that's not often mentioned: they must be amongst the best English-language lyricists of the rock and pop era. Not one throw-away word or fatuous rhyme: every word was precisely and deliberately chosen.

[@ProfessorofRock]

SO true.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes, even though they didn’t speak good English.

[@fivestring65ify]

Thanks, professor, for giving ABBA some love. I grew up listening to these guys and gals. I think what I loved the most about them was that they had their own sound. They were able to take pain and sorrow and turn it into pure pop gold. What a talented group of musicians. Knowing me Knowing you was also inspired by one of the couples breaking up. I love your AC/DC shirt.

[@MrNeatoMiniStock13]

"The winner takes it all" is such an iconic song, as well as heart wrenching for Bjorn and Agnetha to perform it. I will say that it is also one of my favorite songs from ABBA among several other songs, but Agnetha had such a phenomenal voice to sing this song...not taking anything away from Frida, as she had such a great voice as well. If they were to have done this with both Agnetha and Frida sharing the lead vocals, it might not have the same effect as it does with only Agnetha's solo. I've loved the music of ABBA since I was a kid in the 70's, and even when they came out with "Voyage" 2 years ago, they still sound great together.

[@pugil1st]

Glad you came around. I've always liked ABBA's clean, pure, bright sound.

[@mumblesbadly7708]

Prof of Rock, I’m glad that you are coming around to the greatness of ABBA.

[@jackmessick2869]

It's always amazed me how they compose in a second language.

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Adam. I grew up at the height of their career but being a kid and a teen (I graduated in 80') I always thought of them as pop fluff. Didn't really hate them but didn't take them seriously at all because I was a guitar player and into much harder rock. It wasnt until after I grew up and went through the heartbreak of divorce and loss that their songs took on a whole new meaning and a much deeper respect from me. I delved deeper into the catalog and was amazed my the complexity and depth of their songwriting, lyrics and playing. The two main studio bass players they used were simply amazing and had distinct styles that were both fantastic. But it is the emotional depth of "winner" and "knowing" that get me every time. They are now always in my Playlist with an adult appreciation. Now I'm 62 and I don't know where the years went, but when I hear these songs, I'm taken right back first, to when I was a kid and they became popular, and then to the most painful part of my life during and after my divorce. And those feelings both happy and sad come flooding forth. That's what truly great music does. It makes you feel everything all over again.

[@haroldhaywardiii9226]

So glad you have given ABBA a second chance. I’ll never forget waiting for my daughter’s graduation ceremony in the football stadium when SOS came on over the PA. My 20 year marriage had been on the rocks for years but suddenly it hit me that it was over. I went and played the song over and over. It was the beginning of a process that took years. In the end I came to an acceptance that it was not meant to be. ABBA has a great ability to share their personal emotions in a way that can help us better understand our own feelings. I’m glad you have given them another chance.

[@Bolo2028]

ABBA‘s music has been among my favorites since I was a kid.

[@khkartc]

ABBA had a real knack for writing those “Swenglish” lyrics-using syntax and diction that, though comprehensible (and often extremely evocative of universally felt emotions) no native English speaker would ever have used. Most Americans have no idea what a world-wide phenomenon they were.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Swedish and English!

[@pattischult9401]

Australia was insane over ABBA! The fact that Agnetha was actually semi- willing to fly to get there for the tour was testimony to how much this band loved the fans!

[@splashenful]

Also, Anni-Frid Lyngstad sang about her divorce from Benny Anderson, right after the break up of ABBA, in a song called "I Know There's Something Going On."

[@christianoazzuro6711]

According to lyricist Bjorn that was mainly 'When all is said and done" .He even talked about it with them be if it would be ok to deal with this while the song was in the making, as far as i know.

[@tammylewis2408]

Produced by Phil Collins.

[@splashenful]

@@tammylewis2408 Yes. Actually, I can just hear Phil Collins singing that song himself.

[@davidward1433]

This was my favorite Abba album and one of favorite songs for sure. Growing up musically in the early 80’s listening to typical guy hard rock, I remained a “closet” Abba fan. I’m glad they’ve remained relevant after all these years! Great job highlighting this deeply touching song..

[@davidkendall2272]

Lifetime lover of ABBA and love their music and especially this song!

[@drummermomcjs]

How they sang that together numerous times on stage is absolutely flooring. I have always liked this song and the story just makes me like it all the more. I really appreciate your transparency and your open mindedness to revisit and listen to ABBA with fresh ears and attitude. How better life would be if more people approached life with such and attitude.

[@joeb4142]

Cathartic.

[@davidsiegfriedklinger2422]

Thanks a million for this video! It made me so happy that you have finally come to appreciate and like ABBA! It actually brought tears to my eyes! ABBA (especially Agnetha) mean so much to me personally!

[@computerager]

I appreciate your open-mindedness, enthusiasm and the effort you put into research.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

In my divorce I didn't take much because the value of a piece of mind and freedom from unhappy times was priceless. She may have "taken it all" but I feel like I'm the winner because I am much happier now. Glad you could start to appreciate abba's pop music there is gold in some of their bubble gum. I was hoping you could do a Linda Ronstadt song or two one day, love 70s music! Great episode professor!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great way to take something away from it. Some people are happier being single.

[@pandainvestments957]

Thank you for giving ABBA a chance! Behind the costumes and the superficial image they used in their early career are four incredibly gifted individuals. No wonder their music continues to move millions of people all over the world. Beyond their most popular songs you can also find amazing songs like “The day before you came”, “Eagle”, “Soldiers”, “Move On”, “The piper”, “Keep an eye on Dan” and many, many more.

[@MP-od1zz]

Professor, I love your channel and content, but it makes me more happy that you are finally coming around on ABBA and appreciate / enjoy their contributions in the music industry.

[@ayedee6681]

Yes. This is such a heartbreaking song. ABBA brilliance. Another brilliant song is The Day Before You Came. A very melancholic song that is a story within itself, no line repeated. The song is about a life lived unfulfilled, a life of normality, one of boredom and tedium. Until she meets that one special person that changes everything.

[@LarryGum-ib2ys]

Just the melodious rhythm is magnificent. But also the lead vocal and the backup vocal. What mesmerizing mood sounds.

[@joemonahan2972]

Understand the heartbroken result of a divorce. 2 children devastated to. Sad this song tugs at my heart still 30 years later. Joe from Smyrna Delaware

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sorry to hear that Joe.

[@Karamazov12]

This song hits home, i cant explain. One of their very best….ABBA is life itself!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@scottburton9701]

"The Winner Takes It All" is one of my favorite songs from ABBA.

[@joshl7033]

This is my favorite Abba song. Thanks for dedicating an episode to it.

[@Prof_Jeff]

Glad you've seen the light, Adam. ABBA has timeless songs. "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "Waterloo" still get people moving. "S.O.S." and "Fernando" are stellar, too. For a rocker from them, nothing tops "Does Your Mother Know."

[@shawnn7502]

Love ABBA and this is their greatest song. Totally epic. If you've ever been through a bad break-up, these lyrics are absolutely gutting.

[@photohounds]

Kudos to all if them. It is a stuperb song, Agnitha's superb vocal performance on it, has made this song a timeless classic.

[@geoffstrickler]

I understand how someone could ignore or “not like” ABBA for stylistic reasons, but anyone who ever listened to the music and especially the vocals can’t help but enjoy it.

[@jeffreydillingham7630]

This is a very sad song, but Total Eclipse Of The Heart and Against All Odds really take sadness to a whole new level.

[@jradford2001]

Thanks for being so open about your own experience in your life