Shnootz - Reaction Video (ABBA - Head over Heels)

What's happening, folks! I'm back with another ABBA reaction from their 1981 album The Visitors, and this time we listen to "Head over Heels," a phrase I've become familiar talking about after reacting to the Tears for Fears song and part of the Cocteau Twins album. Regardless, this is intriguing song seemingly about the striving and interactions of a young woman, though I couldn't quite chart the thematic progression/catch all the lyrics. Regardless, this is yet another sonic triumph, so join me as we groove to some more ABBA! Cheers!
Also I recently set up a Patreon, so anyone interested in supporting what we do on this channel through donation can go here. Cheers! / shnootz
#ShnootzReactions #ABBA #TheVisitors #SynthPop #VocalPop #ABBAReactions #SynthPopReactions #VocalPopReactions #Shnootz

[@MUSICOM2]

I have always felt that this song is very underrated, but it is an extremely complex arrangement and composition full of hooks and contra melodies. I thinks it is yet another masterpiece! One of the few old-style uplifting ABBA songs on this album but I guess published on a moment of decline from the top of their popularity

[@flemmingkristoffersen1896]

The most happy-go-lucky tune on The Visitors! However it failed on the single charts in most countries. There is a quite funny video to this - where Frida plays the woman who is always on the run, shopping ans trying on clothes, hats and furs! Björn playing the tired man - carrying her stuff and being commanded by Frida! It ends with a "Fashion-show" by Frida - and her making funny faces to the camera! Very funny!

[@hahatoldyouso]

Harmonies amazing in this song

[@rdwulf6289]

This single was the first in the UK since SOS to not do exceptionally well in the UK. It was clear that something was up - with them and the audience's reaction to them. Still, it's a fab pop song, beautifully crafted. English lyrics are so sophisticated now, from a Swede. So impressive.

[@jordywoody14]

Such an underrated song. I love this one.

[@stevehulse4005]

Great contrast to the first track with this playful tango style genre and a superb vocal from Agnetha. This was the second track released from the album but unfortunately it didn’t make the top twenty in the U.K.

[@walterw9829]

Everytime I hear this I am amazed at how smooth and refined the sound is. All of classical and electronic and vocal instrumwntation. Again, it timeless ABBA.

[@GaryKirkham-ju8gw]

Insane production. As usual with ABBA an upbeat tune but always with that thread of sadness and regret ruuning through. Can't help feeling "Head Over Heels" is ironic - it suggests a state of being madly in love, but here we have the opposite - Annifrid desperately trying to substitute a lack of emotional connection to her partner with a frenzied materialism. She's "Pushing through unknown jungles every day" in the search of an elusive satisfaction. Maybe that next outfit will provide her with the contentment she so desperately needs ... but probably not. Is there a university that does a degree in ABBA? If not there should be ...

[@E-78]

This song has my favorite lyrics of any ABBA song

[@deanjoynt3016]

The original demo of this was called "Tango", and you can definitely hear why. I don't know if they even actually recorded a demo, but I remember reading that before the song was "Head Over Heels" it was "Tango".

[@eduardooscar309]

Matt, so nice to see you again , in another double reaction to ABBA songs "Head over heels" (1981) It's a very good song (8 pts) unfairly despised or relegated The oficial video is one of ABBA's most creative; and the most funniest, with "Bang a Boomerang" (1975), "When I kissed the teacher" (1976) and "Take a chance on me" (1978) it could be a sequence of "Money money money" Frida is excellent in her performance, while Agnetha accompanies the narration of the story with mischievous winks It shows the ABBA members mixed, as a ex couples: Frida with Björn in the street scenes Agnetha with Benny on the piano The song has the typical contrasts that ABBA exploits so well: a soft opening melody with a sweet solo by Agnetha, then moving on to a powerful chorus with one of the best and most beautiful harmonies by Agnetha and Frida In my opinion it is one of the best songs on the album "The Visitors" It was #25 in the UK, a great brand for any band or singer, but it was not what ABBA expected, or what was expected of ABBA (for me it deserved to be Top 10) And maybe could be an influence of tango in their melody, but not exactly (I'm from Buenos Aires, tango city) I see you in next ABBA vídeo My best regards from Buenos Aires Argentina South America

[@imntojj]

Fun song. There’s a nice music video for this one I’ve seen on KZbin. Thanks Matt 👍

[@alejandrosantanaborquez917]

I like this a lot! (Love the video... Frida❤in this video) Nice to see you Lucca! See ya, Matt ❤🇨🇱👍

[@ekerowillow1610]

I've never bought into the narrative that Head Over Heels was ABBA losing their magic, not at all. It's a very clever, inventive pop song- even at this late stage of their career. It failed to ingnite the charts not because it wasn't a great song but because ABBA as an entity were simply going out of favour. Agnetha's vocal is exceptional here and the way her and and Frida sweep into the chorus with, "and with no trace of hesitation.." is a touch of genius. It's a majestic tango!

[@daniken4734]

Tango vibe. EXCELLENT!!!

[@Nadnisred]

The music video for this song is really funny. We see Björn as the exhausted husband of the hyperactive Frida. What I like is that she does not hesitate to show herself in a less sexy light (the two girls have made more than one fantasize). She has (still today) a great sense of humor and self-mockery.

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

Such a fantastic song. A little bit of tango in it, sounds like? Very interesting song. The video is funny.

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Not lasse wellander = that was one of abbas guitarist , the film maker is , LASSE HALLSTRO'M . SORRY for that mistake...whoops 😅🎉

[@frankly-he1kf]

This is a masterclass in pop perfection..no-one will ever come close to the brilliance of abba.....Ireland 🇮🇪

[@francismedina4547]

A cha-cha and then tango vibes. Great synths! I like the music video. The leading lady she's singing about is Frida, per the music video.

[@EtherealForever]

My favourite ABBA song as a little girl. Could not touch my sister's LP collection but she allowed me requests occasionally 😁. Sunday nights she was "DJing" for all of us (4 kids) - my parents owned millions of LPs and a player. Hot chocolate and singing along!

[@nickchristoforou7850]

I love this, although I get why some feel the "joy" is gone. The synth sounds like a cascading waterfall and the drums and bass make it groove.

[@adamlewis3729]

this song is so interesting melodically and also with its timing of the vocal.... in the verses, on those downfall of descending notes, Agnetha seems to drag behind the timing a little bit in a very lazy way.... it's definitely on purpose (as everything they do is).... it gives this song a very unique feel.... and let us not forget about the amazing bass line and arp synth patterns cycling through the entire track!

[@nigeljames5622]

Just one word for this song and that is Sublime, that is all I have to say about it although I have to add that Frida's vocal change as the song ends at 6.34 is perfection. Love how you just pick up Luca/Luka and they stay where right there, none of my cats ever did that lol. Luka/Luca is a Suzanne Vega reference Matt?

[@andrewjenkinson7052]

ABBA fans may be interested in checking out the following ABBA connections: BAO (Benny Anderson Orchestra) - concerts, videos and albums. Frequent singers are Tommy Körberg (Chess) and Helen Sjöholm (Kristina at Carnegie Hall). Both are very popular in Sweden). The group “One More Time” with Benny Andersson’s son Peter Grönvall. It appears they write their own songs and announced in 2021 they were reforming after 24 years! Both Agnetha and Frida have excellent albums (and hits) before and after ABBA (or should that be BETWEEN?).

[@adriankeppel3698]

Great song! A probably much needed lighter moment on this album which is often called 'dark'. I would prefer to say 'moving' though it may take several listenings and a good grasp of the lyrics to fully 'get' how moving it is. Maybe this is their first album where an understanding of the lyrics is a necessity to fully appreciate the beauty of the music. But not this one: light and fluffy. Like others have said: it's basically Agnetha singing about Frida, the lady in a whirl of lace, living life in a whirlwind. Not much deeper meaning behind it all. The 'guy' is the husband, who's a bit more of a couch potatoe and tires by the mere sight of his whirlwind wife. Note on the video: whereas in older videos the couples were happy to play couples in front of the camera, here we have Bjorn playing Frida's husband, a poignant, sad and a bit painful reminder of how their personal lives spill over in their professional collaborations..

[@discogareth]

Benny and Björn wanted the song to sound a bit more warm and fun. But this was an early example where the new 32 track digital recording equipment made everything sound a little bit too cold and clinical. And fun fact of the day for you, it had the working title of Tango, which was also the early title of Fernando.

[@JCWiley2300]

I've read that before too, that B & B were shooting for a playful romp in the vein of Mamma Mia, but what they got was this chilly, very musical theater, very European sounding track. But I love Head Over Heels, it feels so incredibly special and almost jewel-like.

[@phillambrose3496]

Hey Matt, you should check out the Videos for the songs that you have reviewed from all of the Albums.

[@Mingus8]

I believe this is a period when B&B no longer strive for high ranking pop status anymore. They have started to lack motivation as well as inspiration for good material and prefer to experiment in other musical areas with more mature songs and soundscapes. It's simply not as fun anymore. Also, the 80s brings new ideals that are difficult for them to match. The audience is soon more interested in the works from bands like Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and u2. Abba have become major squares in 1982. A bit like The Beatles and their last album. They feel tired and unfocused. You find some gold there, for sure, but most of it lacks the magic that once was there clear attribute.

[@bjornerikroth]

And yet in that resignation and experimentation there is unexpected beauty that wouldn't have come forward otherwise. The Visitors, this track, Soldiers, The Day Before You Came... all favourites of mine (and I'm not alone).

[@adamlewis3729]

hey man, if "Voulez Vous" is on your mind recently, did you ever give the extended version a try? Its a bonus track on the Voulez Vous album in my collection. It's like 7 minutes of pure disco, but its a different mix, drums are louder and tighter and you hear different elements by themselves so you can really appreciate all the parts.

[@mattsnider2667]

No, I didn't react to that yet, but given how the song has been coursing through my brain, I may have to circle back and hit that one this coming week. Cheers for letting me know it's in there.

[@darrenbertram7289]

I don't think I've ever heard that extended version 😲

[@supastah68]

For all the kids that made fun of me for loving ABBA in high school, 🖕. ABBA is cool now.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

SAME HERE!We have the last laugh now!

[@Nadnisred]

Lyrics: I have a very good friend The kind of girl who likes to follow a trend She has a personal style Some people like it, others tend to go wild You hear her voice everywhere Taking the chair She's a leading lady And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She's a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She's extreme, if you know what I mean Her man is one I admire He's so courageous but he's constantly tired Each time when he speaks his mind She pats his head and says, "That's all very fine" "Exert that will of your own When you're alone Now we'd better hurry" And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She's a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She's extreme, if you know what I mean You hear her voice everywhere Taking the chair She's a leading lady And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She's a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She's extreme, if you know what I mean And she goes Head over heels

[@philipmcfarlane]

"She's 6' 3" had me laughing. It's "she's extreme". 😄

[@mattsnider2667]

Always good for a malapropism, I am. :) Side note, and actually related to that (will make sense when I react to it), the next batch will have another Lucky Dip in it.

[@Lisa-M]

@@mattsnider2667 Happened to me too. For example in "Lay All Your Love On Me" where they sing "I wasn't jealous before we met" and for a long time I always understood "I was in jailhouse before we met". 😅🤣😂

[@Pulsar77]

In fairness, it also took me years to figure out what she was saying 🙂

[@mickeefreeman2898]

+ try to catch..ABBA "THE MOVIE 🎥. ONLY chance to hear " get on the Carousel 🎠 the fourth part of the mini musical 🎼 THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN HAIR ! . Never did a studio version = don't know why ..its an important piece of the musical. Which they only did live in full on their Australian tour .🎉..

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Let's TANGO 💃🕺

[@Bjorn9284]

By the light, of the Silvery Moon.👍💅 (not the Sun, but the Moon)

[@handsolo1209]

There is a song of the same name sung by Kevin Keegan, the famous soccer player and manager. No idea if it is the same song (I ain't risking hearing even a second of this one!).

[@mickeefreeman2898]

Lasse wellanders, last _ video for abba ,, he did them all apart from _ the day & under attack. +ABBA the MOVIE. HE IS A HOLLYWOOD DIRECTOR NOW ..CIDER HOUSE RULES. + CHOCOLAT' + WHOS EATING GILBERT GRAPE .. HE HAS A CAMEO .IN THIS VIDEO..FRIDA BUMPS INTO HIM ...🎉

[@achristoffersen6850]

Hopefully you mean Lasse Hallström?

[@addersdewinter7495]

A good pop song but not on the same level as say ... Take a chance on me. In the UK Head over Heels was the song that signalled the end of Abba's mega success (until Abba Gold ten years later). Its soo poppy its fun but not an organic pop song more of a pop by numbers. As always you can't fault the tune or the wonderful voices.

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

I have always disliked this song. I think this is just a song B&B wrote on auto pilot and Benny went to town with it on one of his whizz bang keyboards. The high pitched synth sounding keyboard arrangement annoys me to no end. Disclosure being I am one for authentic instruments and never cared for fake imitation sounds on a keyboard which came roaring into fashion in the 80's and 90's. It was released as maybe the third single from the album in some territories and bombed. I still dislike it today!

[@klausolekristiansen2960]

The video is such great fun.

[@donny1960]

I heard that B&B put a huge amount of effort into this song and since Benny was such a big fan of Keyboards, he went out of his way to make the sound unique . Something people would still be playing and talking about 40 years later. But I wasn't really there. So is speculation at best. Projection at worst.

[@meropale]

Nothing wrong with this song at all but certainly not a good selection for a single!

[@otisblack3921]

Always hated this song. Especially annoying was the shrill and shrieking operatic backing vocals on the chorus. Sounds like a pair of small dogs standing on the back of the couch screaming their fool heads off because there’s a squirrel outside the window. Still it’s not quite the lead bomb of a sinker you’re going to have the misfortune of hearing on the second side when Bjorn takes the vocal lead…..I offer my condolences in advance

[@mattsnider2667]

Haha, fair enough! I always enjoy hearing different takes, even (highly) critical ones. Cheers.

[@vladpezo8080]

Great song