A young man like you, recognizing the utter brilliance of ABBA is so unusual. Kudos to you for having an open mind to things that happened long before you were born!
What really amazes me about this song is the coda at the end : how they take bits and pieces from the verses and the chorus and merge them together like a musical collage. Great song, great reaction.
"Should i laugh or cry" is from the same time and shows this kind of style. One of the best solo performances by Frida. ABBA were so genius.70s, 80s and later with their musicals.
@Dereck Reacts - great reaction to an amazing song. So many people confuse who is singing, and so many Frida vocal parts are incorrectly attributed to Agnetha. I can understand why, to an extent, but it does get annoying from time to time. Vocals, as follows: Verse 1 (Frida) Coming through a cloud you’re looking at me from above (Both) And I’m a revelation spreading out before your eyes (Frida) And you find me beautiful and irresistible (Both) A giant creature that forever seems to grow in size (Agnetha) And you feel a strange attraction. The air is vibrant and electrified (Both) welcome to me, here I am, my arms are open wide Verse 2 (Frida) Somewhere in the middle of the never-ending noise (Both) There is a pulse, a steady rhythm of a heart that beats (Frida) And a million voices blend into a single voice (Both) And you can hear it in the clamour of the crowded streets (Agnetha) People come and take their chances. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose a lot (Both) Come, make your own contribution to this melting pot Chorus (Both) I’m the street you walk, the language you talk (Agnetha) I am the city (Both) The skyline is me and the energy (Agnetha) I am the city (Both) The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells and the turmoil, of course, and the people, the air that you’re breathing is me (Agnetha) Yes, I am the city, you let me be Verse 3 (Frida) People feed me with their lives, I have a hungry soul (Both) And they all worship me and pay their homage day and night (Frida) Every day I hear a lot of tired, shopping feet (Both) But come tonight they will be dancing in the neon light (Agnetha) Dazzled by the crazy magic. They’re grabbing pieces of the fatted calf (Both) And in the wind, if you listen hard you’ll hear me laugh Chorus (Both) I’m the street you walk, the language you talk (Agnetha) I am the city (Both) The skyline is me and the energy (Agnetha) I am the city (Both) The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells and the turmoil, of course, and the people, the parks and the squares that you see. All the sounds that you hear and the air that you’re breathing is me (Agnetha) Yes, I am the city you let me be (Both) I am the city (Agnetha) You let me be (Both) I am the city. The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells, the turmoil, of course, and the people, the air that you’re breathing is me ...
One of the few songs where Frida and Agnetha actually take turns singing the lead, so also a lot of in and outs with regards to the vocals, and - of course - the brilliant merging of their vocals all contribute to the brilliance.
Your fist point is actually true, it was really weird that they take turns singing the lead. I think there’s only another song with this structure: The Name of The Game, and that’s all.
@@miltondm8132 The Way Old Friends Do comes to my mind also. But The Name of the Game might be the most prominent example, and, in my opinion, one of their very best songs :-)
When I see you people enjoying the pure euphonic symphony of abba it's makes me very happy... ABBA never adhered to musical idioms so each release was fresh enjoy. BTW first released on more gold in 1993...
It's as if Agnetha and Frida inhaled glitter and exhaled it into the microphones as they were recording this song because it absolutely sparkles. It's also one of a number of ABBA songs that have a relentless pace and rhythm - very little change between verse and chorus, it just steams ahead with hardly a pause. Summer Night City is another one. Also, there are some very long phrases in I Am The City which hardly give any space to breathe - Just A Notion is similar in that respect.
ABBA's the betters voices , interpretations , sounds , melodies , harmonies and executions in pop music ever . Pure gem and masterpieces . A very special and outstanding pop group in the world .
This song has always been a favorite of mine from the first time I heard it after buying the More Gold cd back in the 90’s. Every time it comes up in the playlist while I’m driving it usually gets put on repeat and I listen to it over and over and over again because the synths and the vocals are so captivating and mesmerizing. Abba was definitely ahead of their time and it’s such a shame they didn’t continue their careers as a group longer than they did. A real shame. It was fun watching your reaction and kind of dancing in your seat and waving your hand with the catchy flow of the song. Great reaction video.
The ABBA sounds and voices is pure magic . Brilliant letters songs . Perfect execution . Pure beauty of music , songs and voices ever . Absolute Giants of the world pop music forever .
You put into words all I cant find the words for, very well done young man! ABBA is pop genious, the lady' s voices became part of my dna, a long time ago.
Im a big Abba fan but never knew this song existed. My favorite Abba songs are unknown. What other unreleased tracks or later released that I may not be aware of?
Sure, The one everyone is still waiting for is "just Like That", but I doubt we'll never get to hear the full version since they rewrote and modified it for someone else...
Dereck, to be honest, I've never heard this song before now, and I think of myself as a pretty big ABBA fan. Thanks for introducing it to me! It's a great sounding song! I have no doubt ABBA could have continued to make big hits throughout the 80's, but as Agnetha once said in an interview, they agreed to split when it was no longer fun, so they did. I keep hearing about the new songs coming from them, and I can't wait to hear them! ~Chris
So as "a pretty big ABBA fan" you couldn't bring yourself to buy the "More ABBA Gold" album, in spite of getting a hitherto unheard song then? Well, I knew what I had to do in 1993 😉
Agnetha, while promoting her "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" album, said Abba would stop, not split, when it was no longer fun. There's a difference. She also said Abba never officially broke up; they just stopped activity. I hope by now you are enjoying their new album as I am.
Hi Dereck, only just discovered you site today, when I saw Frankie's Relax. I saw a picture of the ABBA girls on your background and as a fan took a look. I have watched 3 in succession this morning. I was privileged to see them "live" in the late 1970's, they were awesome. It is refreshing to see a guy as young as you appreciating this "Supergroup". I am now 65 and still enjoy their work (having two attractive ladies helps, of course)! ., but the music professionals still pore accolade upon accolade on their work so you know that they really are good.
I can't believe that I have missed this for years (not the song. I first heard it back in the 90s I think) right at the end of the bridge between verses, there is a synth lick of an octave going back and forth that gets repeated a few times. I never noticed until now that it sounds like a fire engine siren. Presumably from a firetruck driving along a street in the city.
Love watching your enthusiasm! This song has grown on me so much over the years. The harmonies, the synths. I agree it would have been amazing to see what ABBA could have done if they had continued.
By the early 80's, Abba had the talent, but not the motivation, to continue. The individual members were not robots made to satisfy the fans, and I think they did right to stop when they did to switch to other musical activity to satisfy their muses. I do love "I Am The City" though.
They, like the Beatles before them, were of their time. Not ahead. They defined it or reflected it, or both. You have so many ABBA songs you haven't heard yet. Oh and you do realize Frida started the song? Then Agnetha. Then both. And again.....you know that!
Over 400 million albums, no Grammy yet! But we all know how brilliant they are,no ego,superb music quality,a tapestry of styles and melodies .Abba makes you happy,sad but always fulfilling abba are THE BEST 👌
The synthesiser sounds like an ambulance 🚑 siren 🚨 pacing through the streets . Incredible piece of early 80s ABBA ..some of their finest work actually.
This and The Vistors, being their most new-wave sounding songs, have recently been becoming two of my top 10 favorite ABBA compositions. The synths DO sound like sirens, I dindn't even realize that just now. Never thought of that, pertaining to the city. Love how Frida and Agnetha interweave their harmonies together, with Frida singing the leads. Agnetha jumps in and out with the vocal lines in the verses. The synths are mesmerizing with the guitar interplay too. And yes, the verse lines alternating with the chorus is pure genius. Don't think I've ever heard that done on any other song from any other group.
It was actually first released in 1993 on More ABBA Gold. It was on The Visitors Deluxe, but that wasn’t its first release. I Am The City was one the six songs recorded in 1982.
I heard rumours in the media in 1982 that Just Like That was going to be release. Turn outs The Before You Came and Under Attack were the only ones release which included in ABBA's The First Ten Years Greatest Hits album.
Scott Peacock yes, Polar issued a press releases saying that Just Like That and I Am The City were to be released that year. Benny and Björn changed their minds. Benny in particular doesn’t like ABBAs version of Just Like That.
I Am The City was recorded back in 1982 as part of what was to be their 9th Studio Album Opus Ten, Unfortunately it was never finished as ABBA had decided to call it quits. And was released 11 years later on More ABBA Gold Album in 1993
A real hidden gem this one. I remember hearing this for the first time when my dad brought home the LP in I think 1993???? I subsequently wore the needle out on his JVC record player 🎉😱😱😱
Im with you. Frida rocks this totally with her voice. One of the best ones. I go crazy too for this. Ear orgasm Both kick me to heaven with their leading vocals and the change… Best
Gem of a track...a tumult of sounds all competing for dominance of your ear... ABBA were under appreciated masters of musical interpretation .. remember hearing for the first time in 93 and on hearing the girls voices singing a new song was just amazing.. now just release those new ( old ) songs ..
Abba really is incredible with all this fantastic music and Benny Anderson who writes all the songs says that he layed aside 95% of the music he has been written and and I think maybe Björs Ulveaus lyrics was put aside as weii. I think and hope they will record them. I think there is lots of wonderful music. Benny is also active with another group, BAO, with wonderful music and Björn just keep writing lyrics to Benny. I've heard Frida and Agnetha sing a year ago and they can still sing very well. Keep up the good work ABBA. 🤗🇸🇪🇭🇳🇺🇸🇪🇸
Listen to “Should I Laugh or Cry” which was also supposed to be on the 9th studio album which never came to be. Also, based on what kind is sounds you like you should listen to “As Good As New”, “If It Wasn’t For The Nights”, “Kisses of Fire”, “Lovers (Live a Little Longer”, “Angeleyes” all from the Voulez-Vous album. Also, “Lovelight” which was the b side to Chiquitita.
It’s nice to see a young man such as yourself actually appreciate the genius of ABBA from 45-55 years ago when I was young. Maybe you can review ABBA Angel Eyes if you haven’t already. I looked at your channel but i didn’t search its entirety. Thank you
Omg thx for this reaction. Just loved it. Not only bc of they’re Swedish and I’m Swedish. Of course my heart is bumping a bit extra. Other stars are also amazing. Scared to listen to one upcoming which makes me extra emotional. Anyways, loved this reaction and your way of describing it. Love, love, just love it❤️❤️
I was a pre-teen when this was released and I love this song. I have the LP. They truly were ahead of their time. Thank you Dereck for highlighting ABBA, they deserve it.
Their skills to create music was limitless, I guess they had to stop at some point because they split as couples and their fun ended otherwise had they continued for another ten years and it is impossible to imagine what they would have created when it comes to music. True geniuses. This song is a proof, timeless song, as all their work is
Yes you are right in a way they do sound like a different group. I must’ve listened to this song 100’s of times and of all their songs this is the only one that I can’t remember the lyrics too. It’s so intricate. It’s by far the best song that they recorded at the time for the album that never happened. Except perhaps for Just Like That.
Dennis Poblete Morales glad someone said it! Many assume Agnetha is singing and Frida follows in most songs and this is a good example where Frida takes the lead, then Agnetha follows with her ‘part’. Frida always delivers the depth to all their songs. 👍🏼
HERE YOU CAN SEE HOW THE SINGING IS NO FANTASY FACT`S [Verse 1: Frida & Agnetha] Coming through a cloud you're looking at me from above And I'm a revelation spreading out before your eyes And you find me beautiful and irresistible A giant creature that forever seems to grow in size And you feel a strange attraction The air is vibrant and electrified Welcome to me, here I am, my arms are open wide [Verse 2: Frida & Agnetha] Somewhere in the middle of the never-ending noise There is a constant steady rhythm of a heart that beats And a million voices blend into a single voice And you can hear it in the clamour of the crowded streets People come and take their chances Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose a lot Come, make your own contribution to this melting pot [Chorus: Frida & Agnetha] I'm the street you walk, the language you talk I am the city The skyline is me and the energy I am the city The famous hotels and the cocktail bars And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars And the people, the air that you're breathing is me Yes, I am the city, you let me be [Verse 3: Frida & Agnetha] People feed me with their lives, I am a hungry soul And they all worship me and pay their homage day and night Every day I knew a lot of tired shopping feet But come the night they will be dancing in the neon light Dazzled by the crazy magic They're grabbing pieces of the fatted calf And in the wind, if you listen hard you'll hear me laugh [Chorus: Frida & Agnetha] I'm the street you walk, the language you talk I am the city The skyline is me and the energy I am the city The famous hotels and the cocktail bars And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars And the people, the parks and the squares that you see All the sounds that you hear and the air that you're breathing is me Yes, I am the city, you let me be [Bridge: Agnetha] I am the city You let me be I am the city [Chorus: Frida & Agnetha] The famous hotels and the cocktail bars And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars And the people, the air that you're breathing is me
Some of the music by Gemini (Anders Glenmark and Karin Glenmark siblings not twins) half of their songs are written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the other half by Anders Glenmark and Ingela Forsman (I think it was). Some of their songs sounds like a continued arm of this.
I love how ABBA embraced change in all their albums. It would have been amazing to see their 80s albums evolve. I think the album below could have been their 1982 album based on several songs from that time with a more experimental electronic sound. OPUS 10 1. Under Attack 2. You Owe Me One 3. Cassandra 4. I Am The City 5. Should I Laugh or Cry? 6. National Sang (Opus 10) 7. The Day Before You Came 8. Put On Your White Sombrero 9. Dream World 10. Fanfare For Ice-hockey World Championship 11. Medley: Hamlet III (part2)/Just Like That/Givin' A Little Bit More
I Am The City is a fabulous song recorded on the 5th May 1982 during the sessions for their 9th album that was never finished they also recorded 'You Owe Me One', 'Just Like That', 'Cassandra', 'Under Attack' and 'The Day Before You Came' during the 1982 sessions. Please listen to 'Under Attack' its a fantastic song.
It's amazing, whenever I hear this song I can clearly remember that I became an Abba fan in 1993 (when I was 8 years old) and that drug continues to this day. The first song I heard that year was SUPER TROUPER. PS "I think your reactions to the ABBA songs are very good. Greetings from Germany.
ABBA is a true chameleon. They can take ANY style of music, replicate it, change it up, make improvements, and come out with something that is superior to the original
As a long time ABBA fan I was totally amazed when I first heard this song about 15 years ago. Please compare "I am The City" to, I think, one of ABBA's most heartfelt songs, "I've Been Waiting For You". There is also a beautiful video of it and it really is hard to believe both songs are indeed, ABBA songs. I also want to thank you for bringing me back to ABBA again after I watched your reaction to "Dancing Queen".
Fantastic sound...Great song..I heard this song in the late years..they did not released it earlier...it only went out when they are not active..Awesome song...😊😀😁🤩💖💛💙
Love that you love this song.....I grew up with Abba on the radio and I adored them so when this was released I totally lost my sh*t. In my top 3. One of the things I treasure is that both girls shared vocals and it almost was a return to form with the utilization of the girls “third voice” which was completely missing on The Visitors album. Once again I am going to suggest you react act to “Hole in Your Soul” ....the studio version, not the live version. It’s the song where the blonde one finally stomps her heels and tells the world “Bitch, I’m Agnetha”!! Great, great song....Also amusing video for “If it Wasn’t For the Nights” performed in Japan. Frida is cross eyed skunk drunk during the lip sync performance and staggers/dances like she’s on an episode of Seinfeld. A real treasure!!
If you don't have proof Frida was drunk during that performance, I think it is quite disrespectful to claim she was. I'd call it disrespectful to say so publicly here anyway. Have a nice day and stay safe.
@otis Black - they recorded 2 other songs in this same session on this same set, back to back (The Name of the Game and Knowing Me, Knowing You) and Frida was totally fine in both of those songs, so saying she was drunk is totally untrue. Frida often did crazy things and expressed herself more freely when she felt the music for no other reason than she is Frida. Occasionally Agnetha went a little crazy too and I also love seeing her letting loose - I particularly love Agnetha In Does Your Mother Know in Switzerland, by your reckoning we could (wrongly) assume she was drunk but really she is just allowing herself to relax enough to express herself through the music, pity she didn’t do it more often, like Frida did. One thing I will agree with you is I also love the fact both girls shared vocals, the magical effect of the third voice really is phenomenal.
@@m.menneke8513Wrong. Cassandra is a very underrated song, lot's of their B-Sides are really good tracks as well. For your information, SOS was the B-Side of Bang-A-Boomerang!
@@m.menneke8513 , I think the B-side songs should be listened anyway, and in the end one chooses whether if they're just as good as what Bjorn/Benny chose as the A-side.
I heard it when it came on abba more gold, you’re right! It was awesome! So happy you reacted to it. I’m a huge abba fan, but no one knew this. Thank you!!!
love that song. I love how the 3rd verse is a few notes higher, Agneta takes over the lead for that reason and Frida then takes a harmonziing voice under agneta. works perfectly for their ranges...
ABBA had completed several songs for an upcoming album,,,"Opus10." 1982-3 This was one of them. The group went away before finishing the album. these songs were orphaned.
Bjorn himself says that the new ABBA songs are FINALLY going to be coming to us in 2021...after almost 3 yrs of teasing the hell out of us....I CANNOT wait to hear how they sound, I am positive that true to ABBA form, it will be absolutely relevant with today's sound but yet nostalgic of their classic sound...they have that knack about them to accomplish that, as this track right here proves!
Derect I love You. I like your Abba reactions. Don't forget react yo Head Over Heels, Under Attack, Angeleyes, If It Wasnt For The Nights, Me and I and The Piper. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy This Songs.
I am very happy you like it 😄 I still remember when it was played on the radio for the first time in 1993 and I thought ‚what a cool song! there are even more ABBA songs I didn’t know so far‘ 😄 One of my other favorites: ELAINE - from the Super Trouper Album
The only Abba recording with that gated reverb sound on the snare drum that was invented in 1981 :D The drum sound that defined the music of the 1980s according to some (exaggerated, but still a good point).
A young man like you, recognizing the utter brilliance of ABBA is so unusual. Kudos to you for having an open mind to things that happened long before you were born!
Possibly the best hidden Abba track ever!
Indeed. No doubt.
You re Right. 😊 Do you know „The Piper“. Another not single released song. I give „The Piper“ the 2nd place. It s Not popular as well.
I adore this song. Only ABBA can do a masterpiece like this one.
What really amazes me about this song is the coda at the end : how they take bits and pieces from the verses and the chorus and merge them together like a musical collage. Great song, great reaction.
Its brilliant isn't it, and goes with the lyrics, all the noise in the streets overlapping each other.
They had a thing for city themed songs.....summer night city, Tiger, another town, another train. ..
@@frankly-he1kf our last summer is about Paris,
The bass also adds a lot to the coda too. It does some really interesting things.
Spot on mate, the first time I heard it was when I realized Benny and Bjorn are not your typical pop composers, they really know what they're doing
"Should i laugh or cry" is from the same time and shows this kind of style. One of the best solo performances by Frida. ABBA were so genius.70s, 80s and later with their musicals.
Great, great solo parts from Frida, but the chorus is a bit of a le- down compared to the excellent verses... however, I also love the song
Frida has an extraordinary recording friendly voice, her vocals on Should I Laugh Or Cry (One Of Us b-side) were superb
One, two, three...
@Dereck Reacts - great reaction to an amazing song. So many people confuse who is singing, and so many Frida vocal parts are incorrectly attributed to Agnetha. I can understand why, to an extent, but it does get annoying from time to time. Vocals, as follows:
Verse 1
(Frida) Coming through a cloud you’re looking at me from above
(Both) And I’m a revelation spreading out before your eyes
(Frida) And you find me beautiful and irresistible
(Both) A giant creature that forever seems to grow in size
(Agnetha) And you feel a strange attraction. The air is vibrant and electrified
(Both) welcome to me, here I am, my arms are open wide
Verse 2
(Frida) Somewhere in the middle of the never-ending noise
(Both) There is a pulse, a steady rhythm of a heart that beats
(Frida) And a million voices blend into a single voice
(Both) And you can hear it in the clamour of the crowded streets
(Agnetha) People come and take their chances. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose a lot
(Both) Come, make your own contribution to this melting pot
Chorus
(Both) I’m the street you walk, the language you talk
(Agnetha) I am the city
(Both) The skyline is me and the energy
(Agnetha) I am the city
(Both) The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells and the turmoil, of course, and the people, the air that you’re breathing is me
(Agnetha) Yes, I am the city, you let me be
Verse 3
(Frida) People feed me with their lives, I have a hungry soul
(Both) And they all worship me and pay their homage day and night
(Frida) Every day I hear a lot of tired, shopping feet
(Both) But come tonight they will be dancing in the neon light
(Agnetha) Dazzled by the crazy magic. They’re grabbing pieces of the fatted calf
(Both) And in the wind, if you listen hard you’ll hear me laugh
Chorus
(Both) I’m the street you walk, the language you talk
(Agnetha) I am the city
(Both) The skyline is me and the energy
(Agnetha) I am the city
(Both) The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells and the turmoil, of course, and the people, the parks and the squares that you see. All the sounds that you hear and the air that you’re breathing is me
(Agnetha) Yes, I am the city you let me be
(Both) I am the city
(Agnetha) You let me be
(Both) I am the city. The famous hotels and the cocktail bars and the funny smells, the turmoil, of course, and the people, the air that you’re breathing is me ...
It's simply stunning, a masterpiece of pop.
One of the few songs where Frida and Agnetha actually take turns singing the lead, so also a lot of in and outs with regards to the vocals, and - of course - the brilliant merging of their vocals all contribute to the brilliance.
It was brilliantly done. It was originally recorded in 1982 but relased 10 years later.
Your fist point is actually true, it was really weird that they take turns singing the lead. I think there’s only another song with this structure: The Name of The Game, and that’s all.
@@miltondm8132 The Way Old Friends Do comes to my mind also. But The Name of the Game might be the most prominent example, and, in my opinion, one of their very best songs :-)
Masterful abba!!!!
When I see you people enjoying the pure euphonic symphony of abba it's makes me very happy... ABBA never adhered to musical idioms so each release was fresh enjoy. BTW first released on more gold in 1993...
It's as if Agnetha and Frida inhaled glitter and exhaled it into the microphones as they were recording this song because it absolutely sparkles. It's also one of a number of ABBA songs that have a relentless pace and rhythm - very little change between verse and chorus, it just steams ahead with hardly a pause. Summer Night City is another one. Also, there are some very long phrases in I Am The City which hardly give any space to breathe - Just A Notion is similar in that respect.
Those 2 ladies had amazing harmonies andvoices
Yess I love this song......they never stops amazing us.
I just love Abba. They are pure geniuses and what a true gem this is! Absolutely sensational. Long live Abba!
Those whirling synths always makes me think of sirens you always hear in a big city.
You could try 'Cassandra' which is another little known ABBA track
As a fan for 40+ years, Cassandra is my all time favorite ABBA song
Yes yo...PUT ON YOUR WHITE SOMBRERO...EAGLE...IF IT WASN'T FOR THE NIGHTS...they are the f*****g best
I agree with Cassandra
You know the future is casting a shadow. What a lyric. Love Cassandra
All of those bonus tracks are worth a listen, Derek: "Should I Laugh or Cry?" "Under Attack," "Cassandra," "You Owe Me One." I really like them all!!
Even their undeleted medley with a dozen unreleased songs
You owe me one
So punchy, so Abba, love it so much!
You owe me one is strange.
ABBA's the betters voices , interpretations , sounds , melodies , harmonies and executions in pop music ever . Pure gem and masterpieces .
A very special and outstanding pop group in the world .
This song has always been a favorite of mine from the first time I heard it after buying the More Gold cd back in the 90’s. Every time it comes up in the playlist while I’m driving it usually gets put on repeat and I listen to it over and over and over again because the synths and the vocals are so captivating and mesmerizing. Abba was definitely ahead of their time and it’s such a shame they didn’t continue their careers as a group longer than they did. A real shame.
It was fun watching your reaction and kind of dancing in your seat and waving your hand with the catchy flow of the song. Great reaction video.
Great reaction to the true legends. That's music history never to be forgotten.
The ABBA sounds and voices is pure magic .
Brilliant letters songs . Perfect execution .
Pure beauty of music , songs and voices ever .
Absolute Giants of the world pop music forever .
I am the City was originally released in 1993, 10 years after ABBA split. It was first heard in the More ABBA Gold Album.
You put into words all I cant find the words for, very well done young man! ABBA is pop genious, the lady' s voices became part of my dna, a long time ago.
When this came out, the ABBADOM lost our shit. It had never been released before so it was essentially a “new” ABBA track in 1993.
Im a big Abba fan but never knew this song existed. My favorite Abba songs are unknown. What other unreleased tracks or later released that I may not be aware of?
@@faya6974 yes right here ua-cam.com/video/yyWmgQKikZY/v-deo.html those are the unreleased medley tapes from different years
Just like those here ua-cam.com/video/yyWmgQKikZY/v-deo.html
I am definitely one of those people that lost their shit. I was so incredibly happy to hear what I considered new song.
Sure, The one everyone is still waiting for is "just Like That", but I doubt we'll never get to hear the full version since they rewrote and modified it for someone else...
ABBA doing what they have always done best ....GREAT STORY TELLING! and love the seemless vocals from the girls
Dereck, to be honest, I've never heard this song before now, and I think of myself as a pretty big ABBA fan. Thanks for introducing it to me! It's a great sounding song! I have no doubt ABBA could have continued to make big hits throughout the 80's, but as Agnetha once said in an interview, they agreed to split when it was no longer fun, so they did. I keep hearing about the new songs coming from them, and I can't wait to hear them! ~Chris
So as "a pretty big ABBA fan" you couldn't bring yourself to buy the "More ABBA Gold" album, in spite of getting a hitherto unheard song then? Well, I knew what I had to do in 1993 😉
Actually Agneta said in the interview it was no longer "funny", 😅😅 but I'm sure she meant fun as you said.
Agnetha, while promoting her "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" album, said Abba would stop, not split, when it was no longer fun. There's a difference. She also said Abba never officially broke up; they just stopped activity. I hope by now you are enjoying their new album as I am.
Hi Dereck, only just discovered you site today, when I saw Frankie's Relax. I saw a picture of the ABBA girls on your background and as a fan took a look. I have watched 3 in succession this morning. I was privileged to see them "live" in the late 1970's, they were awesome. It is refreshing to see a guy as young as you appreciating this "Supergroup". I am now 65 and still enjoy their work (having two attractive ladies helps, of course)! ., but the music professionals still pore accolade upon accolade on their work so you know that they really are good.
I can't believe that I have missed this for years (not the song. I first heard it back in the 90s I think) right at the end of the bridge between verses, there is a synth lick of an octave going back and forth that gets repeated a few times. I never noticed until now that it sounds like a fire engine siren. Presumably from a firetruck driving along a street in the city.
It's crazy magic.
My favorite ABBA's song...Amazing!!!!!
Love watching your enthusiasm! This song has grown on me so much over the years. The harmonies, the synths. I agree it would have been amazing to see what ABBA could have done if they had continued.
By the early 80's, Abba had the talent, but not the motivation, to continue. The individual members were not robots made to satisfy the fans, and I think they did right to stop when they did to switch to other musical activity to satisfy their muses. I do love "I Am The City" though.
They, like the Beatles before them, were of their time. Not ahead. They defined it or reflected it, or both. You have so many ABBA songs you haven't heard yet. Oh and you do realize Frida started the song? Then Agnetha. Then both. And again.....you know that!
Over 400 million albums, no Grammy yet! But we all know how brilliant they are,no ego,superb music quality,a tapestry of styles and melodies .Abba makes you happy,sad but always fulfilling abba are THE BEST 👌
Eles nao precisaram de Grammy, para ser o que são. Sao fantásticos
They deserve Grammy outstanding contribution too popular music 🎶
This is my FAVOURITE ABBA song - but no one has heard of it! Thanks for posting!
Brilliant track. Won't be done any time any way any soon.
ABBA will be forever ahead it’s their time. Their music is timeless
The synthesiser sounds like an ambulance 🚑 siren 🚨 pacing through the streets . Incredible piece of early 80s ABBA ..some of their finest work actually.
This and The Vistors, being their most new-wave sounding songs, have recently been becoming two of my top 10 favorite ABBA compositions. The synths DO sound like sirens, I dindn't even realize that just now. Never thought of that, pertaining to the city. Love how Frida and Agnetha interweave their harmonies together, with Frida singing the leads. Agnetha jumps in and out with the vocal lines in the verses. The synths are mesmerizing with the guitar interplay too. And yes, the verse lines alternating with the chorus is pure genius. Don't think I've ever heard that done on any other song from any other group.
It was actually first released in 1993 on More ABBA Gold. It was on The Visitors Deluxe, but that wasn’t its first release. I Am The City was one the six songs recorded in 1982.
I heard rumours in the media in 1982 that Just Like That was going to be release. Turn outs The Before You Came and Under Attack were the only ones release which included in ABBA's The First Ten Years Greatest Hits album.
Scott Peacock yes, Polar issued a press releases saying that Just Like That and I Am The City were to be released that year. Benny and Björn changed their minds. Benny in particular doesn’t like ABBAs version of Just Like That.
And we all wish a good sounding release of the amazing final version of JLT Will come to light- not only from the stolen Casette in Björns BMW
I Am The City was recorded back in 1982 as part of what was to be their 9th Studio Album Opus Ten, Unfortunately it was never finished as ABBA had decided to call it quits. And was released 11 years later on More ABBA Gold Album in 1993
A real hidden gem this one. I remember hearing this for the first time when my dad brought home the LP in I think 1993???? I subsequently wore the needle out on his JVC record player 🎉😱😱😱
Extremely Good song and stunning vocals ! can listen to it a 100 times in a row
One of the best tracks ever. I love how they share in the lead. To this day, I still think that Frida was the best.
Agnetha was the best to me
Im with you. Frida rocks this totally with her voice. One of the best ones. I go crazy too for this. Ear orgasm
Both kick me to heaven with their leading vocals and the change…
Best
Both of them are the best ones in their (music) genres. (i.e. Frida ~ Jazz/opera etc.)
Both. As a Swede I'm so proud of them both and all four. The music, the voices and their political views
I JUST LOVE Y....... AND BY THE WAY I JUST... LOVE ABBA AND BY THE THE WAY WAS MY NEIGHBORS....
I love this song! Being a New Yorker for over 30 years now, I think of NYC singing this song.
Gem of a track...a tumult of sounds all competing for dominance of your ear... ABBA were under appreciated masters of musical interpretation .. remember hearing for the first time in 93 and on hearing the girls voices singing a new song was just amazing.. now just release those new ( old ) songs ..
Abba really is incredible with all this fantastic music and Benny Anderson who writes all the songs says that he layed aside 95% of the music he has been written and and I think maybe Björs Ulveaus lyrics was put aside as weii. I think and hope they will record them. I think there is lots of wonderful music. Benny is also active with another group, BAO, with wonderful music and Björn just keep writing lyrics to Benny. I've heard Frida and Agnetha sing a year ago and they can still sing very well. Keep up the good work ABBA. 🤗🇸🇪🇭🇳🇺🇸🇪🇸
I really love That’s Me - one of my favourite songs. Definitely check out that one when you have a chance!
One of my favs. It needs to be heard!
"That's Me" was the B-Side of the "Dancing Queen" single. It was when I listened to that I knew I was an ABBA fan.
Brilliance!!!
Hi do Elaine, Should I Laugh Or Cry or The Piper please!
These women could sing the phone book and it would be angelic.
ABBA will always be ahead of their time. Everyone wants to sample them.
Listen to “Should I Laugh or Cry” which was also supposed to be on the 9th studio album which never came to be. Also, based on what kind is sounds you like you should listen to “As Good As New”, “If It Wasn’t For The Nights”, “Kisses of Fire”, “Lovers (Live a Little Longer”, “Angeleyes” all from the Voulez-Vous album. Also, “Lovelight” which was the b side to Chiquitita.
This should have been a release....wow! Fresh, new ABBA!
It’s nice to see a young man such as yourself actually appreciate the genius of ABBA from 45-55 years ago when I was young. Maybe you can review ABBA Angel Eyes if you haven’t already. I looked at your channel but i didn’t search its entirety. Thank you
Omg thx for this reaction. Just loved it. Not only bc of they’re Swedish and I’m Swedish. Of course my heart is bumping a bit extra. Other stars are also amazing. Scared to listen to one upcoming which makes me extra emotional. Anyways, loved this reaction and your way of describing it. Love, love, just love it❤️❤️
I was a pre-teen when this was released and I love this song. I have the LP. They truly were ahead of their time. Thank you Dereck for highlighting ABBA, they deserve it.
I've never paid attention to this one, but now after Derek's review I like more.
Their skills to create music was limitless, I guess they had to stop at some point because they split as couples and their fun ended otherwise had they continued for another ten years and it is impossible to imagine what they would have created when it comes to music. True geniuses. This song is a proof, timeless song, as all their work is
ABBA's B-Side Songs are Hidden Treasures I've known most of my Life. People truly missed out but it's not too late.
I have a hard time to love Elaine though
THE PIPER IS A BRILLIANT ABBA TRACK AS WELL
Agree!
Agree #2 Though, what do they sing in Latin?
Yes you are right in a way they do sound like a different group. I must’ve listened to this song 100’s of times and of all their songs this is the only one that I can’t remember the lyrics too. It’s so intricate. It’s by far the best song that they recorded at the time for the album that never happened. Except perhaps for Just Like That.
Oh I get u with the intricate lyrics, its so fast paced to catch up. One of my favourites also.
The first verses sing Frida, then Aggie. After that, both....then harmonies blabla. Verygood song.
Dennis Poblete Morales glad someone said it! Many assume Agnetha is singing and Frida follows in most songs and this is a good example where Frida takes the lead, then Agnetha follows with her ‘part’. Frida always delivers the depth to all their songs. 👍🏼
@@iaingardiner7360 Bla Bla Bla Higher . . . . . Lower . . . .
HERE YOU CAN SEE HOW THE SINGING IS NO FANTASY FACT`S
[Verse 1: Frida & Agnetha]
Coming through a cloud you're looking at me from above
And I'm a revelation spreading out before your eyes
And you find me beautiful and irresistible
A giant creature that forever seems to grow in size
And you feel a strange attraction
The air is vibrant and electrified
Welcome to me, here I am, my arms are open wide
[Verse 2: Frida & Agnetha]
Somewhere in the middle of the never-ending noise
There is a constant steady rhythm of a heart that beats
And a million voices blend into a single voice
And you can hear it in the clamour of the crowded streets
People come and take their chances
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose a lot
Come, make your own contribution to this melting pot
[Chorus: Frida & Agnetha]
I'm the street you walk, the language you talk
I am the city
The skyline is me and the energy
I am the city
The famous hotels and the cocktail bars
And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars
And the people, the air that you're breathing is me
Yes, I am the city, you let me be
[Verse 3: Frida & Agnetha]
People feed me with their lives, I am a hungry soul
And they all worship me and pay their homage day and night
Every day I knew a lot of tired shopping feet
But come the night they will be dancing in the neon light
Dazzled by the crazy magic
They're grabbing pieces of the fatted calf
And in the wind, if you listen hard you'll hear me laugh
[Chorus: Frida & Agnetha]
I'm the street you walk, the language you talk
I am the city
The skyline is me and the energy
I am the city
The famous hotels and the cocktail bars
And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars
And the people, the parks and the squares that you see
All the sounds that you hear and the air that you're breathing is me
Yes, I am the city, you let me be
[Bridge: Agnetha]
I am the city
You let me be
I am the city
[Chorus: Frida & Agnetha]
The famous hotels and the cocktail bars
And the funny smells and the turmoil of cars
And the people, the air that you're breathing is me
Hey,hey,Helen. ....one of their best from the early years. ...
I love hey hey helen. Great non single
Some of the music by Gemini (Anders Glenmark and Karin Glenmark siblings not twins) half of their songs are written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the other half by Anders Glenmark and Ingela Forsman (I think it was). Some of their songs sounds like a continued arm of this.
They were ready to SLAY the 80s and the 90's, but sadly.... I always think about it, after hearing this song.
HEAD OVER HEELS is a great ABBA track
Thanks for the Donna Summer/Barbra Streisand reaction yesterday!! While you're listening to this ABBA album, listen to "Angel Eyes."
@René's Spotlight mine too
Actually that song is just one word "Angeleyes"...I suspect to look different from other songs titled "Angel Eyes," such as by Frank Sinatra.
I love how ABBA embraced change in all their albums. It would have been amazing to see their 80s albums evolve. I think the album below could have been their 1982 album based on several songs from that time with a more experimental electronic sound.
OPUS 10
1. Under Attack
2. You Owe Me One
3. Cassandra
4. I Am The City
5. Should I Laugh or Cry?
6. National Sang (Opus 10)
7. The Day Before You Came
8. Put On Your White Sombrero
9. Dream World
10. Fanfare For Ice-hockey World Championship
11. Medley: Hamlet III (part2)/Just Like That/Givin' A Little Bit More
There is also the Chess demo of I know him so well (Every good man) with Agnetha singing
You’re doing a lot of reactions. Love it! Just a bit hard to catch up..haha😂🤣
Gotta be my favourite ABBA song xxx
I love this song! For me, the synth drum always sounds like a fast car driving over a manhole cover haha. (ka-chunk ka-chunk)
OMG! I had forgotten this song. How?! Some of their best lyrics.
I Am The City is a fabulous song recorded on the 5th May 1982 during the sessions for their 9th album that was never finished they also recorded 'You Owe Me One', 'Just Like That', 'Cassandra', 'Under Attack' and 'The Day Before You Came' during the 1982 sessions.
Please listen to 'Under Attack' its a fantastic song.
It's amazing, whenever I hear this song I can clearly remember that I became an Abba fan in 1993 (when I was 8 years old) and that drug continues to this day. The first song I heard that year was SUPER TROUPER. PS "I think your reactions to the ABBA songs are very good. Greetings from Germany.
ABBA is a true chameleon. They can take ANY style of music, replicate it, change it up, make improvements, and come out with something that is superior to the original
So pleased you reviewed this. I knew you'd love it.
As a long time ABBA fan I was totally amazed when I first heard this song about 15 years ago. Please compare "I am The City" to, I think, one of ABBA's most heartfelt songs, "I've Been Waiting For You". There is also a beautiful video of it and it really is hard to believe both songs are indeed, ABBA songs. I also want to thank you for bringing me back to ABBA again after I watched your reaction to "Dancing Queen".
A modern classical masterpiece! They really excelled into the eighties!
Fantastic sound...Great song..I heard this song in the late years..they did not released it earlier...it only went out when they are not active..Awesome song...😊😀😁🤩💖💛💙
Try " UNDER ATTACK " .... one of their final releases
Love that you love this song.....I grew up with Abba on the radio and I adored them so when this was released I totally lost my sh*t. In my top 3. One of the things I treasure is that both girls shared vocals and it almost was a return to form with the utilization of the girls “third voice” which was completely missing on The Visitors album. Once again I am going to suggest you react act to “Hole in Your Soul” ....the studio version, not the live version. It’s the song where the blonde one finally stomps her heels and tells the world “Bitch, I’m Agnetha”!! Great, great song....Also amusing video for “If it Wasn’t For the Nights” performed in Japan. Frida is cross eyed skunk drunk during the lip sync performance and staggers/dances like she’s on an episode of Seinfeld. A real treasure!!
If you don't have proof Frida was drunk during that performance, I think it is quite disrespectful to claim she was. I'd call it disrespectful to say so publicly here anyway. Have a nice day and stay safe.
@otis Black - they recorded 2 other songs in this same session on this same set, back to back (The Name of the Game and Knowing Me, Knowing You) and Frida was totally fine in both of those songs, so saying she was drunk is totally untrue. Frida often did crazy things and expressed herself more freely when she felt the music for no other reason than she is Frida. Occasionally Agnetha went a little crazy too and I also love seeing her letting loose - I particularly love Agnetha In Does Your Mother Know in Switzerland, by your reckoning we could (wrongly) assume she was drunk but really she is just allowing herself to relax enough to express herself through the music, pity she didn’t do it more often, like Frida did. One thing I will agree with you is I also love the fact both girls shared vocals, the magical effect of the third voice really is phenomenal.
This is my favorite ABBA song! And I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. Thank you!😊
No-One could do it like ABBA. Have you listened to "Cassandra?" such a beautiful, emotional song. Give it a whirl sometime.
I have never! I'd love to check that one out!
@@m.menneke8513Wrong. Cassandra is a very underrated song, lot's of their B-Sides are really good tracks as well. For your information, SOS was the B-Side of Bang-A-Boomerang!
@@m.menneke8513 search for ''Bang-A-Boomerang'''. It's B-Side was ''SOS''.
@@m.menneke8513 ah true, my bad. But I insist, lots of their B-sides are good songs too, such as ''Should I Laugh Or Cry''.
@@m.menneke8513 , I think the B-side songs should be listened anyway, and in the end one chooses whether if they're just as good as what Bjorn/Benny chose as the A-side.
Rubberball Man... thee BEST UNRELEASED ABBA song ❤
Oh I love this song! Thank you.
I heard it when it came on abba more gold, you’re right! It was awesome! So happy you reacted to it. I’m a huge abba fan, but no one knew this. Thank you!!!
Years ago, we figured that out! Thank you for legitimizing our thought!
You shod react to, Put on your white sombrero. If you like a flamenco style and awesome vocal by the girls.
love that song. I love how the 3rd verse is a few notes higher, Agneta takes over the lead for that reason and Frida then takes a harmonziing voice under agneta. works perfectly for their ranges...
ABBA had completed several songs for an upcoming album,,,"Opus10." 1982-3
This was one of them.
The group went away before finishing the album.
these songs were orphaned.
It was never called Opus 10. It was a journalist that used that title
Dereck I Just love the way You appreciate ABBA and their music. I just hope that you love them as much as I do!
Bjorn himself says that the new ABBA songs are FINALLY going to be coming to us in 2021...after almost 3 yrs of teasing the hell out of us....I CANNOT wait to hear how they sound, I am positive that true to ABBA form, it will be absolutely relevant with today's sound but yet nostalgic of their classic sound...they have that knack about them to accomplish that, as this track right here proves!
Agree. Pure Genious!!
Derect I love You. I like your Abba reactions. Don't forget react yo Head Over Heels, Under Attack, Angeleyes, If It Wasnt For The Nights, Me and I and The Piper. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy This Songs.
Please react to why did it have to be me, live version in Sidney Australia 1977.
I've always loved I Am The City, reminds me of holidays in beautiful Stockholm
I am very happy you like it 😄 I still remember when it was played on the radio for the first time in 1993 and I thought ‚what a cool song! there are even more ABBA songs I didn’t know so far‘ 😄
One of my other favorites: ELAINE - from the Super Trouper Album
The synthesizer you liked mimics the sound sirens make as they echo through the concrete canyons of cities.
it's brilliant
Hey Dereck! I'm ABBA fan. I have all the ABBA CDs I love that group, my favorite!
I've seen you do this one before but,,,it's so worth another listen. I feel this one like you do Derek!
The only Abba recording with that gated reverb sound on the snare drum that was invented in 1981 :D
The drum sound that defined the music of the 1980s according to some (exaggerated, but still a good point).