Good morning ABBA fans - hope you enjoy this video. The Visitors felt so different than other ABBA songs so far with elements very much of the time and a few from other earlier times I picked up on. Comment with suggestions or like the video. Sub - only if you wanna!!
The song The Visitors was composed during the Cold War. It relates how many people who thought differently were persecuted. For that reason, in part of the song, Frida says that they knock on her door insistently. It was common knowledge that if you criticized the communist regime, those visitors would ever come.
ABBA’s music is eclectic! They like to experiment with different genres of music. Reggae on One Of Us, Tropical Loveland. Hip hop on My Mama Said. Classical on I Let The Music Speak.
Benny, the pianist does most, if not all the synthesizers for the group. Off hand I would say most melodies piano driven or created by keyboards are written by Benny. Then he brings it to Borjn for additions, and lyrics. They usually have in mind which girl they want to sing which parts as they write.
One thing I’m aware of when I listen to the lyrics. All of their songs with the exception of a couple Agnetha tunes are written by the guys. Borjn is the lyricist. So when I listen to a song now even though the girls are singing I’m picturing Bjorn saying it. He is very autobiographical. I think that is what gives ABBA another unique twist. The girls with these awesome voices are singing these songs from a man’s perspective. So your brain is wondering what’s going on here.
That is Frida's real voice. She is known for her impeccable ear, versatility, diaphragmatic breathing, control, etc... For this song (verses) she used her sitar voice.
As several have mentioned, this is Frida, and the way that she goes down in the 2nd line of each verse is probably the best parts of the track. But overall this is one of the best ABBA songs, so far ahead of its time, so experimental, and so gloomy, yet undeniably ABBA. There are other really great songs on this album: 'Like an angel passing through my room' is just Benny on keys and Frida on vocals, probably one of the most different ABBA songs ever. 'When all is said and done' is really heartbreaking, and 'Should I laugh or cry' is sarcastic and frustrated. Love them all.
The Frida-sung title track, ’The Visitors’, dealt with the fate of dissidents in the Soviet Union of the time. It opens the album in an eerie oral mood defined by synthesiser; Frida the narrator unfolds in a voice of hollow resignation a story of torment and paranoia about real or imagined visitors. The concerted throb and pulse of bass and drums build the tension slowly until it is released into the relief of a characteristically well-crafted Abba chorus.
It¨s basically a song about a dissident chased and arrested by the KGB. Musically ABBA never went closer to one of my favourite bands, Joy Division, than this. Those glacials synths are brillilant.
@@masseysmaineentertainmentAnother Swede here and I agree! I really miss your ABBA reactions, I am glad you did the ones you did though. Just long for more... ❤
"These walls have witnessed all the anguish of humiliation/ and seen the hope of freedom glow in shining faces/". Bjorn"s deep ,cryptic,political message on these lyrics sung so artistically cool by Frida who"s on the lead.At the time not so many knew what was all about until years later that was revealed.This was their very last and darkest album and one of the first in history to be digitaly recorded.I personaly praise both 1977"s"The Album"and 1981"s The Visitors"for being their best work lyricaly.While musicaly i love the honeyfied maturity of "Super trouper",the crazy funkyness of "Voulez-vous" and the shiny pop-purity of "Arrival".Can"t choose just one "color".ABBA"s work was never monochromatic.Have a nice weekend AYBL.
@@imbutterworthThank you very much lain!Even though my English are not sowell i do my best to express excactly what i think and feel. Have a very fine day.
"The visitors" gives me complex and different sensations ABBA was in a delicate personal stage, since they began recording the album right after Benny and Frida's separation. Björn and Benny were with their new partners, and as composers they entered the stage of experimenting, and with the project of writing a musical That is why I think that the title of the song and the album is not accidental, since in addition to being about the dissidents in the former USSR, I think that they speak of themselves as "visitors" of what "was" ABBA originally (in as for them as couples) Even the cover is very graphic: the Four separated and isolated (image that will be deepened in the official video of the single "The day before you came") the song itself is very good in its genre, it has a futuristic air (it could go as a soundtrack in a "Star Wars" movie) Frida does a great job as a lead voice, the chorus is good but different from ABBA's more traditional ones, there is brilliant use of synthesizers by Benny and Björn's lyrics are strong I really like the song itself, but on the album "The Visitors" I prefer other tracks, the one I don't like is the moving "Slipping through my fingers", which was performed live on the TV special "Dick Cavett meets ABBA "in case you want to see it An additional comment on "Slipping through my fingers" It is one of the songs that ABBA recorded in Spanish (I think there were 15 in total, the first was "Chiquitita" in 1979, their biggest hit in Latin America) ABBA also recorded a full album in Spanish: "Gracias por la Música" (1980) Another milestone to be highlighted by this fantastic Swedish group In another comment I added to a suggestion about "Move On", a shining pearl in the masterpiece that is "The Album" Beyond your reactions, it is a good option that you listen to it as an integral album, it is a jewel with ABBA in its splendor And if you wanted to make reactions to their concerts, there are powerful performances at Wembley 1979 I still enjoy your reactions, they are genuine, of quality and of musical openness, they make me see other veins or looks of the songs (I just regret that the videos do not provide the translation option, sometimes my limited English is not enough for me hahaha) I leave you a cordial greeting from my land Buenos Aires, Argentina South America
"AL ANDAR" their Spanish version to "Move on" though a slightly different recording -replacing Bjorn"s narrative intro by Agnetha-still sounds equally glorious to my ears.Spanish language fits so perfectly to the melody ,sounds kinda more exotic.I still own the original "Gracias por la musica" vynil album including only the 10 songs from a record company named Septima i think.It was a Xmas present from my father in 1980.I got so unbelievably happy when i opened my bag!
sorry, a correction in my comment, because I note a mistake in my type I don't want to write : 'the one I don't like is the moving "Slipping through my fingers" ' because is just the opposite I really LOVE the emotional song "Slipping through my fingers" in my opinion the Best song from "The Visitors" album and in my Top 5 of Agnetha perfomance as lead voice in ABBA
Slipping Through My Fingers is such a tear jerker. It’s like Chiquitita but with a ballady sad tempo. Agnetha’s singing sounds like the kid that she’s singing about….pure genius!
Eduardo, I see your comments everywhere I listen to ABBA reviews and reactions. You need to write a book. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for ABBA needs a place to be collected together and not just in comments scattered all over the internet. Good luck.
This whole album is great. And so different, even the cover. Notice they are all separated and in a darkened room. "Slipping Through My Fingers" is one ever parent can relate to. "Like An Angel Passing Through My Room" is one of my favourite Frida songs.
You missed out in them just like most of the U.S.. This song was huge in the dance clubs back in the early 80s. In fact, I went to a club in Ft Lauderdale a few years ago and they played it then too! Thanks for reacting to this incredible song.
Just a correction: it's not Bjorn, it's Benny who's behind all the synths, the piano(s) and most of the melodies. Bjorn, although he did compose with Benny and they share the credits, was more of a lyricist.
Thank you for this great first reaction, AYBL. It was a club banger, and the building tension and crystal bells drenched the floor with atmosphere. GREAT Vangelis reference, BTW. I promise this song will grow on you, which is why it is almost always a top fan pick. Other “dark” ABBA: The Piper, I’m a Marionette, (you’ve done) The Day Before You Came, Soldiers, Lay All You Love on Me. “ Up” ABBA: If it Wasn’t for the Nights, When I kissed the Teacher, Does Your Mother Know, and of course all of their over-played classics. Some earlier, funkified songs? Try Man in the Middle or Hey Hey Helen. As with their two new songs, ABBA’s lyrics have always been incisive and revealing. I commented on your first ABBA video that I kind of envied your journey. You just said here (paraphrasing) that each song you’ve opened is different, and it will probably continue in that way for you. Cheers!
back in the day ,when this song came on in the clubs the waitress would clear all the tables of the dead drinks because EVERYONE would be on the dance floor.
PERFECT SONG TO START THE ALBUM. SUCH AN UNDERRATED TRACK. BJØRN AGAIN HITS THE MARK WITH HIS OUTSTANDING LYRICS. PLEASE REACT TO THE FUNKY TRACK: AS GOOD AS NEW FROM VOULEZ VOUS 😘
@@masseysmaineentertainment Yep, people tend to lable ABBA as just a pop band, when in fact their music is a perfect blend of, pop, rock, folk, reggae, classical, country, funk and disco music. Heres some examples of that. I am just a girl, from Ring ring album. What about Livingstone, from Waterloo album. Tropical loveland from ABBA album. Tiger, from Arrival album. Move on, from The album, album. As good as new, from Voulez vous album The piper, from Super trouper album Soldiers, from The visitors album. Sooooooo many to choose from, as you will find out, listening to their albums. Enjoy. Have an ABBALICIOUS evening 🤗
Fantastic song and vocals. They are so versatile combining so many genres in their music. Please react to Head over heels from the same album. So very different from this one, but beautiful as well. The guys were really good at making the most of the respective voices of those two vocalists. And together they sounded like this "third voice" as they say, singing those harmonies so perfectly.
Very new wave inspired, it seems to me. In the era of early synthesizer music by artists like The Human League and Gary Numan, they explored isolation and psychological feelings in a world that was becoming more full of electronics in everyday life. The singing reflected a more robotic loneliness like in this song. It's a shame ABBA didn't continue after this album, it would have been great to see how their music changed in the 80s.
The 80's were a tough time for any music artist - sometimes compromising to simply survive the industry and putting out material that was not representative of their average catalog. Bands either overcame it or got swallowed up by it. Luckily 1991 saved us all....
Great review - An engineering marvel. Every sound, note, bell, chime plays a leading role in the song. And yes, Bjorn is up there with John Paul Jones in the way he creates sounds that work. This song also bridged the outgoing Disco with the new Techno sounds. One of my top 10 intros of all time.
I started making a hot 100 singles chart in 1984 i am now 63 and i always loved Abba but i was other than Abba into new wave pop a ha and the human leage and banarama my other favorites of the and buckd fizz and i went dancing every weekend at the Saint the biggest gay dance club and when they debuted this there it was played twice every night and an instant classic i love this song it was the dance song of the year there the biggest dance hit ever there and at gay clubs was the disconet remix of lay all your love on me I will always be together with Abba and my 80s pop favorites in electric dreams as phil oak sang i love that movie soundtrack to death
This song was never given the credit or airtime due when it came out here in the US. Although, it was a major hit later in the 80's for as much as 8 years in the nightclub scene! Patrons would come running to the dj booth asking who did this song and the dance floors where guaranteed to be packed every time it played! I personally believe that kept the song relatively fresh and it could be released again like they did with Kate Bush's "Running up that hill" or even modernized slightly and it would be a monster hit! I would Love t see that happen.
I am really enjoying your ABBA retrospective and your insightful reactions to their vast catalogue. Yes the pronunciation in Ann-Yeta But this was Frida as others have mentioned
Great reaction as always Yes, I agree with the vibes of Beatles song "Tomorrow never knows" from "Revolver" album (1966) Do you like a reaction to ABBA live perfomances? "Summer night city" at London 1979 is great to see ABBA on stage
A nice triplet of songs to react to is the mini musical The girl with golden hair. The songs are Thank you for the music, I wonder (departure) and I'm a marionette. It's remarkable how a pop group can come up with these songs, and shows elements of the guys' latest works, particularly their musicals.
I promised to give myself a mental break - but I did add this to my list of ones I can do. Once I pick reactions up again on Sunday - I promise to look at them. Thanks GS
Frida's on lead vocals in visitors. You could Google their lyrics for this song. Yeahh.. it's totally different from the usual ABBA hits. It's experimental too, and Frida was reported as saying that she needed to practice a lot as she had to sing it in a totally different style. I didn't like it much back then, but learnt to appreciate it more and more as I pay closer attention to the music arrangements, so futuristic and advanced for its time back then. Another thing which I became hooked later is the extraordinary lyrics, it was reported to be about the a govt regiment style of brainwashing and training its youngsters to become spies, or so it was said.. more in the mold of Black Widow story😮
Fascinating stories....I go and do most research after the first listen....that way it's genuine with no preconceptions. I know I can rely on fans to help me out...
Its dark, dramatic and such a great track. They were ahead of their times with this one, i mean , 81'....Its even better today...those drums...the production.. the album is a true masterpiece . Thank you for your reaction.
I agree with this album that it’s ahead of its time. This album kinda covers the entire 80’s sound yet it was made in early 80’s. The drumming on the Soldiers track is awesome! The first time I heard it, I was hooked!
@@francismedina4547 I got hooked 75' , when my mother took me to a Swedish folkpark to see ABBA live in their tour after wining Eurovision. Imagine hearing songs like "king kong song" and "Watch Out" live 🤣🤣🤣
@@ingelaelvyson5862Wow early wild stuff! "Watch out"is a real hard rocker.And in "King kong song" you could spot glam rock married to the Beach boys. i love the girls screaming on this one.I"ve only listened to their live "75 stuff from bootleg demos in the net Both songs included.You lucky girl..
@@christianoazzuro6711 I was 10 years old, so truly a memory for life. All that glam, trying to be a rockband 😅 I think So Long stil hold it together ,but not the other ones. So now im old and grey like Fernando 😇
Thanks for doing these great reactions to ABBA's music! I would suggest to react to When All Is Said And Done next, which is also from The Visitors album.
One of my favorite ABBA tracks. Off this album, you should also react to One Of Us and Slipping Through My Fingers. Bonus track off this album, try reacting to Should I Laugh Or Cry. I love the 80’s ABBA! Benny started using the same synthesizer that Led Zeppelin used in their In Through The Outdoor album.
Good job checking out AbBA. Other favorites: when I kissed the teacher, Tiger, Angel eyes, summer night city and Hole in your Soul to mention 5 out of 50 other good ones.
Thanks for this reaction! ... always wished the band had done a really cool video to this title track. Here are three songs around this same time period you should react to: The Day Before You Came (official video), Should I Laugh Or Cry, and Put On Your White Sombrero
I am really enjoying your ABBA reactions, here are some of my suggestions. I chose two songs from the best albums, but I not so sure how accurate are my descriptions of the songs: Arrival (1976): "Why Did It Have to Be Me?" - pop-rock with a blues and jazz feel "Tiger" - metaphorical pop-rock with a banging ending ABBA: The Album (1977): "Eagle - Long Version“ - very prog rock "Move On" - soothing german waltz Voulez-Vous (1979): "As Good as New" - funk disco and very orchestral "If It Wasn't for the Nights" - very disco with an R&B feel Super Trouper (1980): “On and On and On" - pop-rock influenced by The Beach Boys!? "Lay All Your Love on Me" - dance-pop with a funky strings sound The Visitors Deluxe Edition (1981): "Under Attack" - synthpop with a very 80’s feel "I Am the City" - synthpop with even more 80’s feel
Just for accuracy - Under Attack and I Am The City were recorded in 1982 and were not in The Visitors album when it was originally released in 1981. The Deluxe “Visitors” CD included those songs and several other 1982 songs like “bonus” tracks 😊
I agree with Tiger Eagle Move On As good as new If it wasn't for the nights and I added I've been waiting for You Bang a Boomerang My love my life One man one woman Hole in your soul
I think you have to go back and listen to early recordings to really understand their developments . My mama said , funky with killer base So Long , they put wet towels in the drums for "bigger" sounds. Its recorded in a indoors swimmingpool 🙄
I forgot to mention the big song at the Saint to start the sleaze or slow music we cooled down too was Agnetha Fältskog wrap your arms around me we all pared off to slow music portion of 12 or more hours of heavy sweaty dance hit in my pre sober days and wrap your arms around me and her i won't let you go as well as bucks fizz here talk were among the biggest morning classic god i miss those days but happy to be sober now 20 years plus and with a partner now of 22 years also a ha the sun always shines at the Saint and blamanch i can see it and that's love that it is and devo good thing and the comateens the late mistake are strongly recommended by me
A couple of interesting things about this song are (1) the bulk of the song is sung in unison with harmonies only on the phrases “cracking up” and “help me”. (2) The lyrics don’t rhyme at all - usually in ABBA songs, the last words of groups of two sentences in verses/choruses, for example, are words that rhyme. There seems to be an absence of this in this song.
I bought this album on cassette form when I was in Trieste, Italy in Dec. 1981 and then began to anticipate their next release. Little did I know it would be a 40 year wait. But I did win an autographed ABBA The First Ten Years double album set in Nov., 1982 when I was in Huntingdon, UK, from a London radio station.
@@masseysmaineentertainment Yes, I still have the albums. Also at the same time while in Huntingdon, I bought a special edition boxed set picture disks of The First Ten Years. I remember it cost me 20 pounds then. I keep my autographed First Ten Years in the same black box as the picture disks. I even have two ABBA belt buckles I bought in the 70s. They are still in their plastic zip loc bag. I remember being in my college bookstore in 1977. There were two co-eds looking at the 45 rpm records. Knowing Me Knowing You was in the charts. One asked the other, "Hey, here's ABBA! Do you like ABBA?", to which the other gal replied, "No, not really. They sound too much like a choir!" I still have the Knowing Me Knowing You sheet music I bought from that same bookstore.
"ooo, I knew it was gonna get heavy, comin' outta that! " PRICELESS!!! :) Nice!!!! You managed one of the few awesome reactions to this track on the internet! CONGRATS! And yea, that is a double track phase effect on Frida's voice. :) Thanks for the wonderfly awesome video!! :)
ABBA Bright Lights Dark Shadows The Real Story of ABBA By Carl Magnus Palm Anni-Frid Lyngstad gets lots of attention for her vocal talent. Benny, Bjorn and Michael Tretow ABBA engineer considered Frida a master vocalist. In a separate interview (You Tube) with Michael Tretow, discribes Frida vocal skills and talked about her balance and support. He called her vocal "hi-fi" (high-fidelity). That is high praise from ABBA's sound engineer.
I believe, from what I've heard from interviews, Agnetha is pronounced og-NET-a, but you were close! Love the review!! The Visitors is one of those songs I discovered way after the fact and have loved it ever since Kind of like when I discovered that the singer of I Know There's Something Going On was a singer from ABBA.....about 2 decades later!!!
@@masseysmaineentertainment Ditto that! Music is my life. It relaxes, motivates, energizes, empowers, calms, inspires, and whatever else can audibly influence you! My passion is remixing and I want to do it again.
I love Abba, but from this early 80s period ‘the day before you came’ is their best song. The new album has already been pre-ordered in the uk in physical format at 150k in only three weeks. The old record was 60k. ABBA is pulverising the old record by ‘ take that ‘. This ABBA album is destinned to sell at least a couple of million physical copies wirldwide which is insane in this era of streaming. Still another month of pre-ordering left. This Abba voyage album will be nr.1 everywhere in november. If they have another hit single or two it might have some staying power, which is so difficult in this day and age.
She (Frida) trained for 6m to sound like this not audio tune. I think Abba had AT 1981. They tried it didnt work, sampling rate to slow. This is her voice. Singing off (on) tune.
AYBL Maine,I have a question,and you may answer only if you want to.While your reacting to a song what we see in our screens, is you and a photo of the act with the title song.I know thats the safest way to avoid blocking.But what do you see in your screen while reacting to the song?"I wish you could choose the existing official videos."Cause In Abba"s case their iconic videoclips are really expressive and very helpful to feel the song better.Besides Agnetha"s and Frida"s natural beauty and visual chemistry is such a pleasant sight worth watching.
For videos - because I want to use a full screen - I use my dual monitor set up to watch on a smaller screen while its playing - otherwise I can't really tell what I am doing or even if I am staying in the frame. For spotify playing - I can see myself and its easier. I guess I am gun shy about the videos because I have done it twice - uploaded it and got blocked right out of the gate before I could even post them. I am willing to try it again.....but boy its frustrating to waste an hour or so and have them do that.... Let me try a video next - does Eagle have a music video?
@Niclas Eriksson The official video for 'Eagle' has the shortened version of the song, however, which is not as impactful as the full song with the guitar bridge.
Funny you should mention Vangelis, he's my favourite artist ever! :) You should check out his brand new album 'Juno to Jupiter', just released a few days ago :)
@@masseysmaineentertainment You're welcome :) Yeah V is just pure Magic! Blade Runner, Direct and The City are just WOW :P His other "space" album 'Rosetta' came out about 4 years ago, you would love that too (If you don't already know it) :) Regards to ABBA, do a reaction to 'One of us' from that same album, it's stunning :)
Hi, it’s Frida singing lead, she has slightly lower tone, as she is a mezzo soprano, Agnetha is a true soprano. You nearly correct with her pronunciation, it’s net, as in net ball, the H is kinda silent. Benny is more the musical motivator, Bjorn more the lyricist. Bjorn did not want to reveal what this song was about, but in 1994 he revealed it was about dissidents in Soviet Union, weirdly enough ABBA were banned when this song was issued there in 1981, and their Movie was screened as a warning against capitalism. The Visitors was also a huge disco hit in USA due to its hit the gay community, as the ambiguity of the lyrics could be associated with the gay community as you could be ostracised and lose your job if you were outed. I’m enjoying your reactions
I think the double tracking on the vocals made it hard to distinguish - but I love learning. I read that Frida was the same Frida that had the song 'There's Something Going On' back in the 80s....I had that on 45......go figure. LOL
Yes it’s hard to distinguish at times, Agnetha and Frida said they could easily mimic each other, which helped when one of them needed help vocally onstage. One example is in the song Move On, Frida double tracks with Agnetha in the 3rd verse as Agnetha was heavily pregnant and had to record her vocals reclining on a deck chair, so Frida did all background vocals, including the la la la part, disguising her voice as Agnetha’s.
@@masseysmaineentertainment I agree with @bobtrouper "Move on" is a fantástic and underrated song in "The Album" that You could listen and enjoy (in really, every song in "The Album" is different, and all masterpieces)
@bobtrouper,oh yes you are so right! I do remember at the time it was reported in the Western press that the historical Soviet Union newspaper "PRAVDA" shot a very poisonous critical attack on Abba and especialy their film "Abba the Movie".Thank you for confirming this.I was also wondering -and im still not sure-if their 1977 film "The movie"was FIRSTLY screened there in 1981, 4 whole years later since its original release, and during "The Visitors"era.
@@bobtrouperI also didn"t know that last info about the backround vocals on "Move on".Its one of my most beloved tracks and the first Abba song i ever listened.
8:40 Let me try to describe her name: Ang + *neh* + ta. No hard g-sound or y-sound whatsoever, and with a really strong and long emphasis on the middle syllable ("neh"). That's what makes it sound Swedish :)
That wasn't quite right. xD If it's important to you there's a channel: American pronunciation guide, on youtube; just search "How to Pronounce Agnetha Fältskog | Agnetha Fältskog Pronunciation."
@@masseysmaineentertainment Ah very cool. I grew up in different cities along the east coast from New York to Virginia, but I settled in Las Vegas, NV in 1986. Being born the same year, we probably have many of the same cultural touchpoints.😀
Good morning ABBA fans - hope you enjoy this video. The Visitors felt so different than other ABBA songs so far with elements very much of the time and a few from other earlier times I picked up on. Comment with suggestions or like the video. Sub - only if you wanna!!
The song The Visitors was composed during the Cold War. It relates how many people who thought differently were persecuted. For that reason, in part of the song, Frida says that they knock on her door insistently. It was common knowledge that if you criticized the communist regime, those visitors would ever come.
ABBA’s music is eclectic! They like to experiment with different genres of music. Reggae on One Of Us, Tropical Loveland. Hip hop on My Mama Said. Classical on I Let The Music Speak.
Benny, the pianist does most, if not all the synthesizers for the group. Off hand I would say most melodies piano driven or created by keyboards are written by Benny. Then he brings it to Borjn for additions, and lyrics. They usually have in mind which girl they want to sing which parts as they write.
One thing I’m aware of when I listen to the lyrics. All of their songs with the exception of a couple Agnetha tunes are written by the guys. Borjn is the lyricist. So when I listen to a song now even though the girls are singing I’m picturing Bjorn saying it. He is very autobiographical. I think that is what gives ABBA another unique twist. The girls with these awesome voices are singing these songs from a man’s perspective. So your brain is wondering what’s going on here.
For example with the new song DON’T SHUT ME DOWN, is from Borjn’s perspective no doubt.
ABBA is the best . You can find new stuff every time you listen .
That is Frida's real voice. She is known for her impeccable ear, versatility, diaphragmatic breathing, control, etc...
For this song (verses) she used her sitar voice.
As several have mentioned, this is Frida, and the way that she goes down in the 2nd line of each verse is probably the best parts of the track. But overall this is one of the best ABBA songs, so far ahead of its time, so experimental, and so gloomy, yet undeniably ABBA. There are other really great songs on this album: 'Like an angel passing through my room' is just Benny on keys and Frida on vocals, probably one of the most different ABBA songs ever. 'When all is said and done' is really heartbreaking, and 'Should I laugh or cry' is sarcastic and frustrated. Love them all.
The Frida-sung title track, ’The Visitors’, dealt with the fate of dissidents in the Soviet Union of the time. It opens the album in an eerie oral mood defined by synthesiser; Frida the narrator unfolds in a voice of hollow resignation a story of torment and paranoia about real or imagined visitors. The concerted throb and pulse of bass and drums build the tension slowly until it is released into the relief of a characteristically well-crafted Abba chorus.
" I LET THE MUSIC SPEAK " ..is another brilliant lead vocal from Frida ... also off the Visitors album
One of my favourite ABBA songs!
It¨s basically a song about a dissident chased and arrested by the KGB. Musically ABBA never went closer to one of my favourite bands, Joy Division, than this. Those glacials synths are brillilant.
Yes - powerful - reminding me of so many new wave artists that I was listening to then ---
I forgot one thing: *I love your reactions - you're one of my favourites now!*
_Greating from Sweden_
Glad you like them!
@@masseysmaineentertainmentAnother Swede here and I agree! I really miss your ABBA reactions, I am glad you did the ones you did though. Just long for more... ❤
The song "Soldiers" from the album "The Visitors" is another ABBA masterpiece.
"These walls have witnessed all the anguish of humiliation/ and seen the hope of freedom glow in shining faces/". Bjorn"s deep ,cryptic,political message on these lyrics sung so artistically cool by Frida who"s on the lead.At the time not so many knew what was all about until years later that was revealed.This was their very last and darkest album and one of the first in history to be digitaly recorded.I personaly praise both 1977"s"The Album"and 1981"s The Visitors"for being their best work lyricaly.While musicaly i love the honeyfied maturity of "Super trouper",the crazy funkyness of "Voulez-vous" and the shiny pop-purity of "Arrival".Can"t choose just one "color".ABBA"s work was never monochromatic.Have a nice weekend AYBL.
Thanks christiano...u 2
Great commentary! 🙌
@@imbutterworthThank you very much lain!Even though my English are not sowell i do my best to express excactly what i think and feel. Have a very fine day.
@@christianoazzuro6711 “honeyfied maturity”?? You’re doing very well! 💥
Benny wrote it,Frida lead vocals
"The visitors" gives me complex and different sensations
ABBA was in a delicate personal stage, since they began recording the album right after Benny and Frida's separation. Björn and Benny were with their new partners, and as composers they entered the stage of experimenting, and with the project of writing a musical
That is why I think that the title of the song and the album is not accidental, since in addition to being about the dissidents in the former USSR, I think that they speak of themselves as "visitors" of what "was" ABBA originally (in as for them as couples) Even the cover is very graphic: the Four separated and isolated (image that will be deepened in the official video of the single "The day before you came")
the song itself is very good in its genre, it has a futuristic air (it could go as a soundtrack in a "Star Wars" movie) Frida does a great job as a lead voice, the chorus is good but different from ABBA's more traditional ones, there is brilliant use of synthesizers by Benny and Björn's lyrics are strong
I really like the song itself, but on the album "The Visitors" I prefer other tracks, the one I don't like is the moving "Slipping through my fingers", which was performed live on the TV special "Dick Cavett meets ABBA "in case you want to see it
An additional comment on "Slipping through my fingers" It is one of the songs that ABBA recorded in Spanish (I think there were 15 in total, the first was "Chiquitita" in 1979, their biggest hit in Latin America) ABBA also recorded a full album in Spanish: "Gracias por la Música" (1980) Another milestone to be highlighted by this fantastic Swedish group
In another comment I added to a suggestion about "Move On", a shining pearl in the masterpiece that is "The Album"
Beyond your reactions, it is a good option that you listen to it as an integral album, it is a jewel with ABBA in its splendor And if you wanted to make reactions to their concerts, there are powerful performances at Wembley 1979
I still enjoy your reactions, they are genuine, of quality and of musical openness, they make me see other veins or looks of the songs (I just regret that the videos do not provide the translation option, sometimes my limited English is not enough for me hahaha)
I leave you a cordial greeting from my land Buenos Aires, Argentina South America
"AL ANDAR" their Spanish version to "Move on" though a slightly different recording -replacing Bjorn"s narrative intro by Agnetha-still sounds equally glorious to my ears.Spanish language fits so perfectly to the melody ,sounds kinda more exotic.I still own the original "Gracias por la musica" vynil album including only the 10 songs from a record company named Septima i think.It was a Xmas present from my father in 1980.I got so unbelievably happy when i opened my bag!
sorry, a correction in my comment, because I note a mistake in my type
I don't want to write :
'the one I don't like is the moving
"Slipping through my fingers" '
because is just the opposite
I really LOVE the emotional song
"Slipping through my fingers"
in my opinion the Best song from "The Visitors" album
and in my Top 5 of Agnetha perfomance as lead voice in ABBA
"Slipping through my fingers"
really one of the most beautiful ABBA songs
not spectacular, slowly music, deep lyrics and emotive feeling of Agnetha
Slipping Through My Fingers is such a tear jerker. It’s like Chiquitita but with a ballady sad tempo. Agnetha’s singing sounds like the kid that she’s singing about….pure genius!
Eduardo, I see your comments everywhere I listen to ABBA reviews and reactions.
You need to write a book.
Your knowledge and enthusiasm for ABBA needs a place to be collected together and not just in comments scattered all over the internet.
Good luck.
hope you are well, first watch here and I hope you do the rest of the album. it's a masterpiece and belongs in the lp format with two sides.
This whole album is great. And so different, even the cover. Notice they are all separated and in a darkened room. "Slipping Through My Fingers" is one ever parent can relate to. "Like An Angel Passing Through My Room" is one of my favourite Frida songs.
Thanks Flatwoods!!!
You missed out in them just like most of the U.S.. This song was huge in the dance clubs back in the early 80s. In fact, I went to a club in Ft Lauderdale a few years ago and they played it then too! Thanks for reacting to this incredible song.
U r welcome !!!
Superb record nd album, perhaps their best ♥
Frida is the one singing
Just a correction: it's not Bjorn, it's Benny who's behind all the synths, the piano(s) and most of the melodies. Bjorn, although he did compose with Benny and they share the credits, was more of a lyricist.
Thanks Vasiliy!!
Thank you for this great first reaction, AYBL. It was a club banger, and the building tension and crystal bells drenched the floor with atmosphere. GREAT Vangelis reference, BTW.
I promise this song will grow on you, which is why it is almost always a top fan pick.
Other “dark” ABBA: The Piper, I’m a Marionette, (you’ve done) The Day Before You Came, Soldiers, Lay All You Love on Me.
“ Up” ABBA: If it Wasn’t for the Nights, When I kissed the Teacher, Does Your Mother Know, and of course all of their over-played classics.
Some earlier, funkified songs? Try Man in the Middle or Hey Hey Helen.
As with their two new songs, ABBA’s lyrics have always been incisive and revealing. I commented on your first ABBA video that I kind of envied your journey. You just said here (paraphrasing) that each song you’ve opened is different, and it will probably continue in that way for you.
Cheers!
Yes - I think that is big props to Benny for giving me the Vangelis Vibes!!
back in the day ,when this song came on in the clubs the waitress would clear all the tables of the dead drinks because EVERYONE would be on the dance floor.
A big dance hit in the U.S.
PERFECT SONG TO START THE ALBUM. SUCH AN UNDERRATED TRACK. BJØRN AGAIN HITS THE MARK WITH HIS OUTSTANDING LYRICS. PLEASE REACT TO THE FUNKY TRACK: AS GOOD AS NEW FROM VOULEZ VOUS 😘
As good as New? Funky....alright.....
@@masseysmaineentertainment Yep, people tend to lable ABBA as just a pop band, when in fact their music is a perfect blend of, pop, rock, folk, reggae, classical, country, funk and disco music. Heres some examples of that.
I am just a girl, from Ring ring album.
What about Livingstone, from Waterloo album.
Tropical loveland from ABBA album.
Tiger, from Arrival album.
Move on, from The album, album.
As good as new, from Voulez vous album
The piper, from Super trouper album
Soldiers, from The visitors album. Sooooooo many to choose from, as you will find out, listening to their albums. Enjoy. Have an ABBALICIOUS evening 🤗
Fantastic song and vocals. They are so versatile combining so many genres in their music. Please react to Head over heels from the same album.
So very different from this one, but beautiful as well. The guys were really good at making the most of the respective voices of those two vocalists. And together they sounded like this "third voice" as they say, singing those harmonies so perfectly.
Very new wave inspired, it seems to me. In the era of early synthesizer music by artists like The Human League and Gary Numan, they explored isolation and psychological feelings in a world that was becoming more full of electronics in everyday life. The singing reflected a more robotic loneliness like in this song. It's a shame ABBA didn't continue after this album, it would have been great to see how their music changed in the 80s.
The 80's were a tough time for any music artist - sometimes compromising to simply survive the industry and putting out material that was not representative of their average catalog. Bands either overcame it or got swallowed up by it. Luckily 1991 saved us all....
Great review - An engineering marvel. Every sound, note, bell, chime plays a leading role in the song. And yes, Bjorn is up there with John Paul Jones in the way he creates sounds that work. This song also bridged the outgoing Disco with the new Techno sounds. One of my top 10 intros of all time.
I started making a hot 100 singles chart in 1984 i am now 63 and i always loved Abba but i was other than Abba into new wave pop a ha and the human leage and banarama my other favorites of the and buckd fizz and i went dancing every weekend at the Saint the biggest gay dance club and when they debuted this there it was played twice every night and an instant classic i love this song it was the dance song of the year there the biggest dance hit ever there and at gay clubs was the disconet remix of lay all your love on me
I will always be together with Abba and my 80s pop favorites in electric dreams as phil oak sang i love that movie soundtrack to death
Abba on New Wave
This song was never given the credit or airtime due when it came out here in the US. Although, it was a major hit later in the 80's for as much as 8 years in the nightclub scene! Patrons would come running to the dj booth asking who did this song and the dance floors where guaranteed to be packed every time it played! I personally believe that kept the song relatively fresh and it could be released again like they did with Kate Bush's "Running up that hill" or even modernized slightly and it would be a monster hit! I would Love t see that happen.
I am really enjoying your ABBA retrospective and your insightful reactions to their vast catalogue.
Yes the pronunciation in Ann-Yeta
But this was Frida as others have mentioned
@Donald Twitter I stand corrected
Great reaction as always
Yes, I agree with the vibes of Beatles song
"Tomorrow never knows"
from "Revolver" album (1966)
Do you like a reaction to ABBA live perfomances?
"Summer night city" at London 1979 is great to see ABBA on stage
Thanks Escorpio - I thought it reminded me of a Beatles tune.....
A nice triplet of songs to react to is the mini musical The girl with golden hair. The songs are Thank you for the music, I wonder (departure) and I'm a marionette. It's remarkable how a pop group can come up with these songs, and shows elements of the guys' latest works, particularly their musicals.
I promised to give myself a mental break - but I did add this to my list of ones I can do. Once I pick reactions up again on Sunday - I promise to look at them. Thanks GS
@@masseysmaineentertainment Thank you!!
Frida's on lead vocals in visitors. You could Google their lyrics for this song.
Yeahh.. it's totally different from the usual ABBA hits. It's experimental too, and Frida was reported as saying that she needed to practice a lot as she had to sing it in a totally different style.
I didn't like it much back then, but learnt to appreciate it more and more as I pay closer attention to the music arrangements, so futuristic and advanced for its time back then.
Another thing which I became hooked later is the extraordinary lyrics, it was reported to be about the a govt regiment style of brainwashing and training its youngsters to become spies, or so it was said.. more in the mold of Black Widow story😮
Fascinating stories....I go and do most research after the first listen....that way it's genuine with no preconceptions. I know I can rely on fans to help me out...
Great reaction by the way mate..Take care👍
Its dark, dramatic and such a great track. They were ahead of their times with this one, i mean , 81'....Its even better today...those drums...the production.. the album is a true masterpiece . Thank you for your reaction.
Thanks for listening
I agree with this album that it’s ahead of its time. This album kinda covers the entire 80’s sound yet it was made in early 80’s. The drumming on the Soldiers track is awesome! The first time I heard it, I was hooked!
@@francismedina4547 I got hooked 75' , when my mother took me to a Swedish folkpark to see ABBA live in their tour after wining Eurovision. Imagine hearing songs like "king kong song" and "Watch Out" live 🤣🤣🤣
@@ingelaelvyson5862Wow early wild stuff! "Watch out"is a real hard rocker.And in "King kong song" you could spot glam rock married to the Beach boys. i love the girls screaming on this one.I"ve only listened to their live "75 stuff from bootleg demos in the net Both songs included.You lucky girl..
@@christianoazzuro6711 I was 10 years old, so truly a memory for life. All that glam, trying to be a rockband 😅 I think So Long stil hold it together ,but not the other ones.
So now im old and grey like Fernando 😇
Thanks for doing these great reactions to ABBA's music! I would suggest to react to When All Is Said And Done next, which is also from The Visitors album.
I will check it out
Мне было лет 13, это было круто!!!
One of my favorite ABBA tracks. Off this album, you should also react to One Of Us and Slipping Through My Fingers. Bonus track off this album, try reacting to Should I Laugh Or Cry. I love the 80’s ABBA! Benny started using the same synthesizer that Led Zeppelin used in their In Through The Outdoor album.
Good job checking out AbBA. Other favorites: when I kissed the teacher, Tiger, Angel eyes, summer night city and Hole in your Soul to mention 5 out of 50 other good ones.
So many!!
Thanks for this reaction! ... always wished the band had done a really cool video to this title track. Here are three songs around this same time period you should react to: The Day Before You Came (official video), Should I Laugh Or Cry, and Put On Your White Sombrero
I am really enjoying your ABBA reactions, here are some of my suggestions. I chose two songs from the best albums, but I not so sure how accurate are my descriptions of the songs:
Arrival (1976):
"Why Did It Have to Be Me?" - pop-rock with a blues and jazz feel
"Tiger" - metaphorical pop-rock with a banging ending
ABBA: The Album (1977):
"Eagle - Long Version“ - very prog rock
"Move On" - soothing german waltz
Voulez-Vous (1979):
"As Good as New" - funk disco and very orchestral
"If It Wasn't for the Nights" - very disco with an R&B feel
Super Trouper (1980):
“On and On and On" - pop-rock influenced by The Beach Boys!?
"Lay All Your Love on Me" - dance-pop with a funky strings sound
The Visitors Deluxe Edition (1981):
"Under Attack" - synthpop with a very 80’s feel
"I Am the City" - synthpop with even more 80’s feel
Thanks so much...
Just for accuracy - Under Attack and I Am The City were recorded in 1982 and were not in The Visitors album when it was originally released in 1981. The Deluxe “Visitors” CD included those songs and several other 1982 songs like “bonus” tracks 😊
I agree with
Tiger
Eagle
Move On
As good as new
If it wasn't for the nights
and I added
I've been waiting for You
Bang a Boomerang
My love my life
One man one woman
Hole in your soul
I think you have to go back and listen to early recordings to really understand their developments .
My mama said , funky with killer base
So Long , they put wet towels in the drums for "bigger" sounds. Its recorded in a indoors swimmingpool 🙄
I forgot to mention the big song at the Saint to start the sleaze or slow music we cooled down too was Agnetha Fältskog wrap your arms around me we all pared off to slow music portion of 12 or more hours of heavy sweaty dance hit in my pre sober days and wrap your arms around me and her i won't let you go as well as bucks fizz here talk were among the biggest morning classic god i miss those days but happy to be sober now 20 years plus and with a partner now of 22 years also a ha the sun always shines at the Saint and blamanch i can see it and that's love that it is and devo good thing and the comateens the late mistake are strongly recommended by me
A couple of interesting things about this song are (1) the bulk of the song is sung in unison with harmonies only on the phrases “cracking up” and “help me”.
(2) The lyrics don’t rhyme at all - usually in ABBA songs, the last words of groups of two sentences in verses/choruses, for example, are words that rhyme. There seems to be an absence of this in this song.
Wow...didn't even catch that...thanks man
The song reminds me of : "Summer Night City"...
Yep, same style, only refined.
I bought this album on cassette form when I was in Trieste, Italy in Dec. 1981 and then began to anticipate their next release. Little did I know it would be a 40 year wait. But I did win an autographed ABBA The First Ten Years double album set in Nov., 1982 when I was in Huntingdon, UK, from a London radio station.
Nice - still got the album DC?
@@masseysmaineentertainment Yes, I still have the albums. Also at the same time while in Huntingdon, I bought a special edition boxed set picture disks of The First Ten Years. I remember it cost me 20 pounds then. I keep my autographed First Ten Years in the same black box as the picture disks. I even have two ABBA belt buckles I bought in the 70s. They are still in their plastic zip loc bag. I remember being in my college bookstore in 1977. There were two co-eds looking at the 45 rpm records. Knowing Me Knowing You was in the charts. One asked the other, "Hey, here's ABBA! Do you like ABBA?", to which the other gal replied, "No, not really. They sound too much like a choir!" I still have the Knowing Me Knowing You sheet music I bought from that same bookstore.
"ooo, I knew it was gonna get heavy, comin' outta that! " PRICELESS!!! :) Nice!!!! You managed one of the few awesome reactions to this track on the internet! CONGRATS! And yea, that is a double track phase effect on Frida's voice. :) Thanks for the wonderfly awesome video!! :)
Thanks so much sam...I am working to get better...
ABBA Bright Lights Dark Shadows
The Real Story of ABBA
By Carl Magnus Palm
Anni-Frid Lyngstad gets lots of attention for her vocal talent.
Benny, Bjorn and Michael Tretow ABBA engineer considered Frida a master vocalist.
In a separate interview (You Tube) with Michael Tretow, discribes Frida vocal skills and talked about her balance and support. He called her vocal "hi-fi" (high-fidelity). That is high praise from ABBA's sound engineer.
I believe, from what I've heard from interviews, Agnetha is pronounced og-NET-a, but you were close! Love the review!! The Visitors is one of those songs I discovered way after the fact and have loved it ever since
Kind of like when I discovered that the singer of I Know There's Something Going On was a singer from ABBA.....about 2 decades later!!!
Thanks Bill. I guess my reviews r a little winded sometimes...but I live talking music
@@masseysmaineentertainment Ditto that! Music is my life. It relaxes, motivates, energizes, empowers, calms, inspires, and whatever else can audibly influence you! My passion is remixing and I want to do it again.
@@masseysmaineentertainment and I didn't find it long winded at all!
I love Abba, but from this early 80s period ‘the day before you came’ is their best song. The new album has already been pre-ordered in the uk in physical format at 150k in only three weeks. The old record was 60k. ABBA is pulverising the old record by ‘ take that ‘. This ABBA album is destinned to sell at least a couple of million physical copies wirldwide which is insane in this era of streaming. Still another month of pre-ordering left. This Abba voyage album will be nr.1 everywhere in november. If they have another hit single or two it might have some staying power, which is so difficult in this day and age.
It will be huge!!!
She (Frida) trained for 6m to sound like this not audio tune. I think Abba had AT 1981.
They tried it didnt work, sampling rate to slow.
This is her voice. Singing off (on) tune.
This reminds me something the band sparks would do.
Yes!!! So true.
AYBL Maine,I have a question,and you may answer only if you want to.While your reacting to a song what we see in our screens, is you and a photo of the act with the title song.I know thats the safest way to avoid blocking.But what do you see in your screen while reacting to the song?"I wish you could choose the existing official videos."Cause In Abba"s case their iconic videoclips are really expressive and very helpful to feel the song better.Besides Agnetha"s and Frida"s natural beauty and visual chemistry is such a pleasant sight worth watching.
For videos - because I want to use a full screen - I use my dual monitor set up to watch on a smaller screen while its playing - otherwise I can't really tell what I am doing or even if I am staying in the frame. For spotify playing - I can see myself and its easier.
I guess I am gun shy about the videos because I have done it twice - uploaded it and got blocked right out of the gate before I could even post them. I am willing to try it again.....but boy its frustrating to waste an hour or so and have them do that....
Let me try a video next - does Eagle have a music video?
Ok...I will pick one I haven't heard
@Niclas Eriksson The official video for 'Eagle' has the shortened version of the song, however, which is not as impactful as the full song with the guitar bridge.
Funny you should mention Vangelis, he's my favourite artist ever! :) You should check out his brand new album 'Juno to Jupiter', just released a few days ago :)
Ken - you are a Saint man....thanks for reminding me.....i am a huge Vangelis fan......
@@masseysmaineentertainment You're welcome :) Yeah V is just pure Magic! Blade Runner, Direct and The City are just WOW :P His other "space" album 'Rosetta' came out about 4 years ago, you would love that too (If you don't already know it) :) Regards to ABBA, do a reaction to 'One of us' from that same album, it's stunning :)
Hi, it’s Frida singing lead, she has slightly lower tone, as she is a mezzo soprano, Agnetha is a true soprano. You nearly correct with her pronunciation, it’s net, as in net ball, the H is kinda silent. Benny is more the musical motivator, Bjorn more the lyricist.
Bjorn did not want to reveal what this song was about, but in 1994 he revealed it was about dissidents in Soviet Union, weirdly enough ABBA were banned when this song was issued there in 1981, and their Movie was screened as a warning against capitalism. The Visitors was also a huge disco hit in USA due to its hit the gay community, as the ambiguity of the lyrics could be associated with the gay community as you could be ostracised and lose your job if you were outed.
I’m enjoying your reactions
I think the double tracking on the vocals made it hard to distinguish - but I love learning. I read that Frida was the same Frida that had the song 'There's Something Going On' back in the 80s....I had that on 45......go figure. LOL
Yes it’s hard to distinguish at times, Agnetha and Frida said they could easily mimic each other, which helped when one of them needed help vocally onstage.
One example is in the song Move On, Frida double tracks with Agnetha in the 3rd verse as Agnetha was heavily pregnant and had to record her vocals reclining on a deck chair, so Frida did all background vocals, including the la la la part, disguising her voice as Agnetha’s.
@@masseysmaineentertainment
I agree with @bobtrouper
"Move on" is a fantástic and underrated song in "The Album"
that You could listen and enjoy
(in really, every song in "The Album" is different, and all masterpieces)
@bobtrouper,oh yes you are so right! I do remember at the time it was reported in the Western press that the historical Soviet Union newspaper "PRAVDA" shot a very poisonous critical attack on Abba and especialy their film "Abba the Movie".Thank you for confirming this.I was also wondering -and im still not sure-if their 1977 film "The movie"was FIRSTLY screened there in 1981, 4 whole years later since its original release, and during "The Visitors"era.
@@bobtrouperI also didn"t know that last info about the backround vocals on "Move on".Its one of my most beloved tracks and the first Abba song i ever listened.
8:40 Let me try to describe her name: Ang + *neh* + ta. No hard g-sound or y-sound whatsoever, and with a really strong and long emphasis on the middle syllable ("neh"). That's what makes it sound Swedish :)
Thanks for some help Herr - I think I am battling both my English and Russian background when I try to pronounce......
Benny is the composer, Bjorn is the lyricist
Anni-Frid Lyngstad. She was the groups pro vocalist and front and center performer entertainer pro.
Highly skilled. Master of diaphragmatic breathing.
Please, do also a reaction on " Eagle", but take the "Unique long version"
It is so easy to forget that this song is about an authoritarian regime's persecution of it's citizens.
Alien invasion 👽 👽
*Abduction...*
Erie and scary...
Banned in the Soviet Union, I heard. I wonder why.
Liked the dance style music but other ABBA songs had nicer vocals.
It was different - but when you look at the date of the album - somewhat in the time.
That wasn't quite right. xD If it's important to you there's a channel: American pronunciation guide, on youtube; just search "How to Pronounce Agnetha Fältskog | Agnetha Fältskog Pronunciation."
Thank u oscar
If you were 12 years old in 1981, then you were born in 1969, correct? So was I!! Are you in the United States?
I am Scottarooni - born in VA - living in Maine now....
@@masseysmaineentertainment Ah very cool. I grew up in different cities along the east coast from New York to Virginia, but I settled in Las Vegas, NV in 1986. Being born the same year, we probably have many of the same cultural touchpoints.😀
A Very Anti Soviet Union song. Anti KGB.