The Winner's Gonna Take It All: The final...
- Thread starter Remorque
- Start date
The Visitors is just outstanding in every way. Even the outtakes are incredible.
I think it's near impossible not to bop to Voulez-Vous. TUNE!
D
Deleted member 312
I gave Voulez a 9. It's great, but better has gone before it.
D
Deleted member 312
One of Us: their best ballad.
What kind of polyphonic ringtone hell is this?
I agree, much rather stick to the original methinks!
he/him
Do you mean you?
Erasure do nothing for me must admit.
Category is: Swedish Queendom
Didn't realise they did a video for it!
And I’d totally forgotten all about that ragga-esque rap in the middle of it. As sixth formers we used to get our lives to that bit ha!
Ha ha ha that's cool!
Not a fan of the other Erasure covers on the ABBA-esque EP but I LOVE this one! The video was the only one they showed on The Chart Show when it was #1 despite the other 3 songs having videos too. I love MC Kinky's iconic rap on it to boot - always drove me into something of a frenzy!
He/Him
6.
'...I really tried to make it out... I wish I understood... What happened to our love? It used to be so good....'
- Agnetha Fältskog in S.O.S. -
How many times do you think thoses dresses had to be washed during promotion?
Average: 9.3913
Highest score: 2 * 11.00 - @constantino @2014
25 * 10.00 - @TrueBeliever @LTG @Scoundrel_Days @ohnostalgia @kalonite @bichard @Terminus @Mumty @ufint @Gotnomoretosay @DJHazey @tylerc904 @WhatKindOfKylie? @Mikey1701 @funkyg @AllGagaLike @P'NutButter @WhipperSnapper @chris4862 @SecretsOfFatima @GhettoPrincess @hownee @Hudweiser @Angeleyes @Remorque
Lowest score: 1 * 6.00 - @Weslicious
My score: 10.00
Falling just short of the top 5 is the self titled's last song standing... S.O.S.. And believe it or not, but for four whole voting rounds this song was number one, courtesy of our beloved indie gurl constantino and fave mod 2014 (and a couple of others' top scores), before a slow of 8's and 9's kept it from the top spot.
One of the first songs to be written and recorded for ABBA in August 1974, it was a change in production and song-writing for the boys, as they wanted to explore other pop sensibilities than the ones they were used to. Suffice to say, they succeeded, as those classic piano and keyboard notes and an emotional performance by Agnetha, followed by an undeniable chorus and siren-like post-chorus, sung in harmony by both of our girls, prove.
Although their manager Stig Anderson and both Benny and Björn noticed and picked up on the song's pop sensibilities, they ultimately chose So Long as the lead single for the album, because in style it sounded a lot like their previous mega hit Waterloo... After that, they took a safe bet and tried to do the same with the second single Bang-a-Boomerang... But when both of those failed to deliver them a hit, they went with their gut and released S.O.S. as the third single off the album, which proved to be the correct choice.
The song reached the top spot in Belgium (YAY!), France, Germany and South Africa, was a top three hit in the Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Italy and Mexico and reached the top five in Ireland. In the United Kingdom it turned their fortunes around, becoming their first big hit since their Eurovision win, reaching no. 6 and became a top 15 hit in the United States, while also reaching the Canadian top 10.
In Australia, 1975 was the beginning of ABBA-mania over there and ultimately the song was a chart-topper down under (replacing Mamma Mia at the top, actually), also doing the same in New Zealand.
Since its release, Björn has always admitted that, after years of trying to figure out what kind of group they were, ABBA finally found their identity as a pop group with the release of S.O.S..
As Agnetha herself was writing and recording her solo album Elva kvinnor i ett hus during the recording of ABBA and S.O.S. was essentially an Agnetha solo song, she recorded a Swedish version of it to be included on her solo album, peaking at no. 4 on the Swedish singles chart, while also topping the airplay charts in January 1976.
It's always been a favourite of mine and I was genuinely heartbroken to see this out of the top 5, yet it was heartwarming to read all the love y'all have for it.
To tylerc904 it's "the perfect example of ABBA being genius. You have this huge chorus, already packed with a major hook and then they throw ANOTHER right on top (“When you’re gone…”). The subdued verses + that crashing chorus = the reason people still say “I WANT ABBA CHORUSES”. It just smacks you in the face.".
Same goes for CasperFan, as to him it's "Another classic-love the intro, the slow building melancholy verse and then bang , a thumping, glorious chorus,great song structure and amazing outro-what’s not to love.".
Ooooooooh, child'T.
WhatKindOfKylie? calls it "One of their most respected and shall I say it 'credible' songs, and it's not hard to see why. Despite being released in the mid 70's, I'd say it sounds more akin to their final work from the early 80's, with its dark, sombre theme of heartache and emptiness, and its slight synthesizer sound. Agnetha's lead vocal is also one of the finest ever layed down, not just on an ABBA track, but any song in general.", while Hudweiser thinks it's "pop perfection is so many ways - that piano, the bending distortion they put over it, the guitars, everything about Agnetha's vocal. An example of doing pop 100% right.".
It's "Another classic," for GhettoPrincess, who follows that up with a "wow it’s still breathtaking to me how their music holds up so well. I love the vulnerability in the verses and the punchy loud chorus." and Sprockrooster is of the same mind, calling that piano melody "iconic. I would not consider this among my top 20 songs or top 10 singles from them, yet it is such a staple.".
VivaForever dares to admits she never listens "to this (even though I listen to covers a lot), but I really should. One of their most tightly written songs.", with Mina stating it's "Brilliantly-written." and Mumty asking "What can you say about it?", ultimately answering his own question with "It’s a perfect pop song.".
Something a lot of people tend to forget is that this was the third single off the self-titled album and bichard does think this "would have made much more sense as lead single to the album, this is clearly the precursor to the awesome AgnethaBallads that were to appear in subsequent years. It's actually a song that I've grown to appreciate more over time. Just...genius.". TrueBeliever's highlights are the "Gorgeous piano work and vocals here. Sweeping, dramatic, and melancholic masterpiece!", while Filippa keeps it at "Very catchy, very classic!", giving me 'great gowns, beautiful gowns' tees.
What Mikey1701 finds "so fascinating is that Agnetha was very much in love with Bjorn at the time (at least publicly) and yet she sounds absolutely heartbroken which really stands a monument to what a great vocalist she is. This is a track I never really cared for when I was younger, but one that has grown on me over the years.". ufint thinks it sounds "Haunting, both the verses and the hooks are sublime.", with P'nutbutter keeping it sweet and simple, calling it "Perfect pop.".
Losing ha 11 is constantino. We'll let him have the floor alone for this one as he's got something to say...
"I’ve been trying to keep my commentary short and sweet for this rate but when it comes to this track in particular I just cannot help but absolutely poor my heart out in the most messy and extra way possible, so buckle up motherfuckers. This is one of my favourite songs of all time and it will always be their absolute best to me. The sense of turmoil, the melancholy, the despair...it’s gripping, authentic and relatable...and yet, there’s still a light and feeling of hope that lingers throughout that manages to pull you through? It’s just so profound and so powerful to me. As much as I love their overtly cheesy and poppy moments, this is so, so special in every way."...
The video was their first to be shot by Lasse Halström, which was the beginning of a long-standing professional relationship, as he directed all of their videos up until 1981... It features the band miming along to the song, with warped visuals, but as Mina proclaims, "The camera warping in the video is no one's friend.".
DDDDDDD at that thumbnail though.
The song was promoted around the world at the time of release too.
During a Norwegian tv-special...
...on American Bandstand, which was their first time performing on American television...
- Agnetha Fältskog in S.O.S. -
How many times do you think thoses dresses had to be washed during promotion?
Average: 9.3913
Highest score: 2 * 11.00 - @constantino @2014
25 * 10.00 - @TrueBeliever @LTG @Scoundrel_Days @ohnostalgia @kalonite @bichard @Terminus @Mumty @ufint @Gotnomoretosay @DJHazey @tylerc904 @WhatKindOfKylie? @Mikey1701 @funkyg @AllGagaLike @P'NutButter @WhipperSnapper @chris4862 @SecretsOfFatima @GhettoPrincess @hownee @Hudweiser @Angeleyes @Remorque
Lowest score: 1 * 6.00 - @Weslicious
My score: 10.00
Falling just short of the top 5 is the self titled's last song standing... S.O.S.. And believe it or not, but for four whole voting rounds this song was number one, courtesy of our beloved indie gurl constantino and fave mod 2014 (and a couple of others' top scores), before a slow of 8's and 9's kept it from the top spot.
One of the first songs to be written and recorded for ABBA in August 1974, it was a change in production and song-writing for the boys, as they wanted to explore other pop sensibilities than the ones they were used to. Suffice to say, they succeeded, as those classic piano and keyboard notes and an emotional performance by Agnetha, followed by an undeniable chorus and siren-like post-chorus, sung in harmony by both of our girls, prove.
Although their manager Stig Anderson and both Benny and Björn noticed and picked up on the song's pop sensibilities, they ultimately chose So Long as the lead single for the album, because in style it sounded a lot like their previous mega hit Waterloo... After that, they took a safe bet and tried to do the same with the second single Bang-a-Boomerang... But when both of those failed to deliver them a hit, they went with their gut and released S.O.S. as the third single off the album, which proved to be the correct choice.
The song reached the top spot in Belgium (YAY!), France, Germany and South Africa, was a top three hit in the Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Italy and Mexico and reached the top five in Ireland. In the United Kingdom it turned their fortunes around, becoming their first big hit since their Eurovision win, reaching no. 6 and became a top 15 hit in the United States, while also reaching the Canadian top 10.
In Australia, 1975 was the beginning of ABBA-mania over there and ultimately the song was a chart-topper down under (replacing Mamma Mia at the top, actually), also doing the same in New Zealand.
Since its release, Björn has always admitted that, after years of trying to figure out what kind of group they were, ABBA finally found their identity as a pop group with the release of S.O.S..
As Agnetha herself was writing and recording her solo album Elva kvinnor i ett hus during the recording of ABBA and S.O.S. was essentially an Agnetha solo song, she recorded a Swedish version of it to be included on her solo album, peaking at no. 4 on the Swedish singles chart, while also topping the airplay charts in January 1976.
It's always been a favourite of mine and I was genuinely heartbroken to see this out of the top 5, yet it was heartwarming to read all the love y'all have for it.
To tylerc904 it's "the perfect example of ABBA being genius. You have this huge chorus, already packed with a major hook and then they throw ANOTHER right on top (“When you’re gone…”). The subdued verses + that crashing chorus = the reason people still say “I WANT ABBA CHORUSES”. It just smacks you in the face.".
Same goes for CasperFan, as to him it's "Another classic-love the intro, the slow building melancholy verse and then bang , a thumping, glorious chorus,great song structure and amazing outro-what’s not to love.".
Ooooooooh, child'T.
WhatKindOfKylie? calls it "One of their most respected and shall I say it 'credible' songs, and it's not hard to see why. Despite being released in the mid 70's, I'd say it sounds more akin to their final work from the early 80's, with its dark, sombre theme of heartache and emptiness, and its slight synthesizer sound. Agnetha's lead vocal is also one of the finest ever layed down, not just on an ABBA track, but any song in general.", while Hudweiser thinks it's "pop perfection is so many ways - that piano, the bending distortion they put over it, the guitars, everything about Agnetha's vocal. An example of doing pop 100% right.".
It's "Another classic," for GhettoPrincess, who follows that up with a "wow it’s still breathtaking to me how their music holds up so well. I love the vulnerability in the verses and the punchy loud chorus." and Sprockrooster is of the same mind, calling that piano melody "iconic. I would not consider this among my top 20 songs or top 10 singles from them, yet it is such a staple.".
VivaForever dares to admits she never listens "to this (even though I listen to covers a lot), but I really should. One of their most tightly written songs.", with Mina stating it's "Brilliantly-written." and Mumty asking "What can you say about it?", ultimately answering his own question with "It’s a perfect pop song.".
Something a lot of people tend to forget is that this was the third single off the self-titled album and bichard does think this "would have made much more sense as lead single to the album, this is clearly the precursor to the awesome AgnethaBallads that were to appear in subsequent years. It's actually a song that I've grown to appreciate more over time. Just...genius.". TrueBeliever's highlights are the "Gorgeous piano work and vocals here. Sweeping, dramatic, and melancholic masterpiece!", while Filippa keeps it at "Very catchy, very classic!", giving me 'great gowns, beautiful gowns' tees.
What Mikey1701 finds "so fascinating is that Agnetha was very much in love with Bjorn at the time (at least publicly) and yet she sounds absolutely heartbroken which really stands a monument to what a great vocalist she is. This is a track I never really cared for when I was younger, but one that has grown on me over the years.". ufint thinks it sounds "Haunting, both the verses and the hooks are sublime.", with P'nutbutter keeping it sweet and simple, calling it "Perfect pop.".
Losing ha 11 is constantino. We'll let him have the floor alone for this one as he's got something to say...
"I’ve been trying to keep my commentary short and sweet for this rate but when it comes to this track in particular I just cannot help but absolutely poor my heart out in the most messy and extra way possible, so buckle up motherfuckers. This is one of my favourite songs of all time and it will always be their absolute best to me. The sense of turmoil, the melancholy, the despair...it’s gripping, authentic and relatable...and yet, there’s still a light and feeling of hope that lingers throughout that manages to pull you through? It’s just so profound and so powerful to me. As much as I love their overtly cheesy and poppy moments, this is so, so special in every way."...
The video was their first to be shot by Lasse Halström, which was the beginning of a long-standing professional relationship, as he directed all of their videos up until 1981... It features the band miming along to the song, with warped visuals, but as Mina proclaims, "The camera warping in the video is no one's friend.".
DDDDDDD at that thumbnail though.
The song was promoted around the world at the time of release too.
During a Norwegian tv-special...
...on American Bandstand, which was their first time performing on American television...
He/Him
...on the German show Musikladen... (BEWARE: shoddy live vocals here)
...and a better live performance on a British Seaside Special.
In 1975 Swedish singer Lena Anderson recorded a German language version of the song, using the exact same backing track as the original...
...with French singer Marie recording a version in French that same year.
In 1977 the song was performed during their world tour and a performance from their show in Sydney was featured in ABBA: The Movie...
...and a better live performance on a British Seaside Special.
In 1975 Swedish singer Lena Anderson recorded a German language version of the song, using the exact same backing track as the original...
...with French singer Marie recording a version in French that same year.
In 1977 the song was performed during their world tour and a performance from their show in Sydney was featured in ABBA: The Movie...