Compilation Captures ABBA in Their Native Tongue Superbly
New to my albums on Spotify is the compilation "Pa Svenska" by Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anni-Frid, collectively known as ABBA. It's a unique gathering of Swedish recordings both as a group and individually. I had been aware of this one for quite a while but only listened to it this morning (so much music, so little time).
"Pa Svenska" features native versions of ABBA's hits "Ring Ring", "Waterloo", and "Honey Honey" while solo versions of "Fernando" (Anni-Frid aka Frida) and "SOS" (Agnetha) are also included.
Bjorn and Benny's music as a duo are represented from their only album together, "Lycka", recorded in 1970. One of these, "Hej Gamle Man", was the first recording to officially feature all four ABBA members. Another one, "En Karoussel" later became "Merry-Go-Round" and the B-side of "He Is Your Brother" in 1972.
The solo work of Agnetha and Frida is restricted to just their 70s material, as is this entire compilation. Highlights include a cover of Charlie Rich's "The Most Beautiful Girl" by Frida and Middle Of The Road's "Union Silver" by Agnetha in Swedish.
Being an ABBA fan since 1977, I'm inclined to believe they were at the top of their game in any language.