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#1 single, and the album was one of their better sellers on this side of the Atlantic. The sound quality, although a bit darker than previous albums, showcases the group's sophistication and Euro-glamour while still being radio-friendly. With their fourth LP "Arrival", ABBA finally conquered the U.S. "Arrival" is a first-rate pop music album, and was the group's best-produced album up to that time. The new remastered edition also includes "Fernando" and "Happy Hawaii". market. "Dancing Queen" was their one and only U.S.
And that kind of innovation coupled with their fun, dance floor style is what ABBA's sound was all about. Nearly all of the song on this album have become disco standards and several were charting singles. And there's some innovation here that you won't find on most other disco records. Their "singles" status may, in fact, be the only weakness here as the album works almost like a compilation rather than an LP.
In 1976, disco fully got underway and this album is one of the main reason that happened. On no other album they released is that sound more developed and realized. An acoustic guitar is prominent on, "When I Kissed The Teacher", and the fairy tale ballad, "My Love My Life", is unlike most anything else found on a pop record. After all, it contained ABBA's most famous song and one of the most well-known disco songs of all time; "Dancing Queen".
And sure there is some filler here like the derivative, "Dum Dum Diddle", and the silly closing instrumental but those weak spots are far outweighed by classics like "Dancing Queen", the power pop anthem, "Knowing Me Knowing You", and the classy, "Money Money Money". This is not only an essential purchase for ABBA fans but for anybody with even a passing interest in the disco movement. And while that song may be the most memorable thing here, there are many other classics present. And indeed, ABBA was a singles band, and one of the most successful of the decade.
Don't know why they just do. "Tiger" and "That's Me" are also quite enjoyable but it's the lyrics I find to work for me in these two than the music. Another fine instrumental piece in "Arrival". Aside from my favorites (Dancing Queen, Fernando, Money, Money, Money and Knowing Me, Knowing You) featured in both the stage/film version of "Mamma Mia.", this is the second best album for me. "Why Did It Have to Be Me" and the earlier version of "Happy Hawaii" are fun tracks to listen to.
Least favorite song was "Dum Dum Diddle" but even that song has very catchy music that sticks with you. Loved "When I Kissed the Teacher", and the instrumental "Arrival". Also, "Why Did It Have To Be Me." and "Happy Hawaii" -- couldn't believe it was the same song with different lyrics until I listened to them again. Again, another classic ABBA album of which I can truly say I love every song. Definitely a must have album for any ABBA fan, though favorite album is still Super Trouper. I've heard those hits over and over again and would just as well listen to the not-so-popular songs which are just as enjoyable. Some of them may not have been hits, however, that is why I enjoy listening to my ABBA collections. I've come to enjoy those songs as much or more than the others.
Benny and Bjorns music will continue to enthrall and entertain new audinces for years to come. From the concert hall sound of "Dancing Queen" to the instrumental closer "Arrival", this album plays effortlessly through the whole pop spectrum. For my money they were the Swedish Lennon/McCartney. "Arrival" is rife with great songs, performances and instrumentation. If you're new to Abba, start with this album.
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