Agnetha and ABBA, Belatedly

"Better late than never": After decades of ignoring 'em, one American rock die-hard's introduction to legendary ABBA and underrated star Agnetha Fältskog. *This blog is Agnetha-focused.* Revelations, honest commentary, mini-reviews, +sample links to YT videos. No claims/guarantees re off-site links. DISCLAIMER: This exploration by/for discerning fans *is not* an authorized expression or account of ABBA/Agnetha Fältskog. NOTE: An *unofficial* site.. Very occasionally updated.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Agnetha Fältskog: Selected songs in Swedish

"The most exciting place to discover talent is in yourself." -- Ashleigh Brilliant

This quick post is entirely 'owed' to and based upon some knowledgeable postings in the 'abba4ever' forum. It's a brief "nod" here to a few, standout Swedish-language songs from Agnetha Fältskog. Most are pre-ABBA (or early-ABBA period). (I.e., 1969-1975; a generally happy time of life for the singer per her biography, "As I Am".)

I am learning, but admit to know very little about Swedish music output from the prolific recording star.
So here a couple of forum links (open in new windows) for more selections from fan/experts:

http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8827.html

http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8825.html

(Link to image source)

And here are a few YouTube links (presently available) for some early Agnetha songs in Swedish. I chose uptempo ones as my current favorites. (Thank you to YT video posters/creators.) Note: Ms. Fältskog's recent compilation "My Very Best" contains 18 of her top Swedish-language songs.

The sweet- and bright-voiced singer sounds good in any language. Actually, these samples are many of the best that are linked via this entire blog/effort. (Not surprisingly, the singer (often) seems a bit more comfortable singing in her native language.) In modern vernacular; an "awesome" voice (in her own way): (Headphones are best; watch the volume on some....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=IE&hl=en-GB&v=qd1svpn4hjU&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2qAzUM1lo&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TQxDOG2oo&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsHt15ib9E&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbbzerhe4Yk&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpt5e19Ksgk&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdaXqnayOBU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwqKl2yJuWI&fmt=18

(A sadder one, but Agnetha's "la-la's"-- heavenly:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5T5TaQCCV8

Many, many excellent efforts to choose from. Agnetha-composed, from 1971: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtXEAyW0bI

Another wonderfully-sung (Agnetha-composed) beauty from "Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus" (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI

As a bonus, an angelic slower song from 1973: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ&fmt=18

The sweet, Swedish version of the hit "S.O.S": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxHIz-eg5UQ&fmt=18

Can't find a sweeter voice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18

Agnetha's on piano in this beautiful song (composed by her as well:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdf75BZwAv4&fmt=18

Worthwhile bonus for fans: A link to one fan/expert's comprehensive Agnetha solo song list, with comments:
(link) http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932.html

Note: This post is backdated to better fit in the order of entries here. Updated, 2011.

Link to my full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/

No comments:

(Previously written:) Thank you Agnetha for the music .(Tack så mycket.) ...And thank you, readers!

4/13 update: Smitten: A captivating artist and her collective admirers renew the affection (link)....

Blogger closing comments:
(7/13 update - It's early, and it will be the singer's prerogative, of course. (And I have no 'insider' information...:) IF Ms.Fältskog decides to record again in the future I will return to discuss music/singing aspects of that.... Planning that will hopefully not preclude future music from the star singer...:-)

(Continuing, previously written:) Somehow, she's just that 'kind' of woman....The kind to be a little crazy about.
Maybe that's an ultimate reason for writing this entire blog effort. (Here are a few others for those who may not have seen (link, new window) http://star4abba.blogspot.com/p/about.html)

Agnetha Fältskog: I did not even know who the singer was (specifically) just a few years back. ("Discovered" by accident, while looking into another singer (listen here...))

Now - via her new 2013 album, 'A' - vast sections of the planet may become (re-)acquainted with 'The Queen of Hearts'.

Believe it or not I've enjoyed creating this unofficial website. It's been a pleasure - not work - learning/writing (from afar, of course) about its primary subject. (It was (I hope) an unobtrusive way to learn a little about the star, without knowing her...(Plus positive presentation of such information. Plus: Probably giving a few 'non-believers' some laughs (at my expense...(Whatever.)))
The blog's overarching theme?
For those willing to look and listen -- when she steps into the spotlight -- Ms.Fältskog is a star. An appealing popular music artist who can really sing, and with a distinct sound (of her own). (Has 'always' had that...)

So; I have said what I had to say. There is little reason to continue on with the 'blog' at this point. (Pls. see a couple of more recent updates near the top of the page, though.):

Like many I'm astonished that Agnetha has come back to record another album. (Though - from an obscure platform - we implored the talented singer to try....(Link)... is to an important post for (better) 'understanding' both the performer and this independent blog effort.)

The new album is not quite out yet, but hearing just one song 'snippet' (the first post at left) is already enough for this fan to be sure that he will enjoy it.
(The (full) "The One Who Loves You Now" is a knockout (of an) effort by the mature performer. Please view comments below the top-most post (at left) here.)

The stellar singer even cared enough to take a couple of refresher singing lessons...Amazing. (Find out more about the reason(s) via this fan forum link (new window opens) Update: That forum is now closed; no link.).

They say everyone has at least one book in them. This website more or less has been mine. Focus upon an inspiring person and you too may come up with one.

This website is -- for the most part -- an in-depth appreciation of Ms.Fältskog's special voice and solo music career. (Up through "A" (2013).)

Thank you for visiting. Please enjoy.

-- Jon B.

P.S. A recent, brief 'biography' for the singer is now available at her official site. You'll even find a few adjectives, etc. employed right here -- there.

So it goes....Such words/thoughts are (probably) accurate descriptors for Ms.Fältskog, and are universally available.

A caring 'bio'-- sure to garner many 'reads'(link): http://www.agnetha.com/biography/

OH. FWIW; Agnetha's beautiful voice HAS changed/matured somewhat since the 1970's-80's; contrary to assertions in the promo-bio. But (as per comments posted here), it is still distinct and appealing in its own naturally-evolved way. It still "gets" you.

Updated P.S.: Please see the end of this post (link) for one bold 'prediction' re Agnetha....

Welcome. Bienvenue. Välkommen. Willkommen.

Thank you to readers who have stopped by. This music (enthusiast's) blog is a detailed research and communication effort. It's something like a "lens" upon Ms. Fältskog's English solo music, her special voice, and portions of her public career. (Not the ambivalent star's private life. There is likely much untold, there...) Please enjoy; newer ABBA fans especially. (And skeptics from the USA, try another look. )

Links are in purple or light blue. (YouTube-based videos may/may not be available. Off-site links are not maintained.) A summary page for the blog is linked here. (FWIW: Researching and writing this (unofficial) homage? Like sifting out pure gold...☻)

All observations and insights contained are my own, except where otherwise noted/credited. (More info. at the bottom of the page.) Carl Magnus Palm has written a definitive ABBA biography, Bright Lights, Dark Shadows. His excellent book was first read by me between 7/11 -- 7/21/2009. Also, for plenty of good ABBA information, etc., try the various forums of: www.abba4ever.com/ (Update: That forum will close in October, 2014, which will also render related hyperlinks here non-functional.)

Updated note (2010): I'm currently - belatedly - reading another excellent book: ABBA: Let the Music Speak (link) by Christopher Patrick. Christopher is a professional musician, and writes in a descriptive and accessible style. Independently, Mr. Patrick and this blog seem to be on roughly the same "wavelength" re Ms.Fältskog's voice. However, if you want to appreciate ABBA's songs and its wonderful female singers in a new and enlightened way, please enjoy Chris' detailed, 2008 book. The best analysis of ABBA's music and singing that there is.

Some voice- and music-related insights/analysis from this blog (re Ms.Fältskog)? Links to key posts follow:

- A mini-review of 1987's I Stand Alone solo album (plus more)

- ABBA's "Disillusion" (1973)

- Three excellent forum posts describe Ms.Fältskog's special voice

- Ms. Fältskog's best voice: "One Way Love" (plus additional voice analysis/insights)

- The best post-ABBA songs for solo Agnetha? Many.

- Agnetha: What happened? (2009 summary post)

- Bonus: Sexy Agnetha.

- Bonus: Agnetha: A few similarities with a singer named Carole.

- Plus, for those interested: "So why did I write all of this??"

A few excerpts from this blog:

1.) Re Agnetha Fältskog's voice:

"Even without enhancement, a clear, "metallic" voice that also can be beautifully softened, packed with emotion, etc., etc... At times it features ringing "brilliance" (sharpness and clarity of tone)."

2.(link)) "The impossibly sweet, plaintive, refrain unleashed in "Stand By My Side" is one-of-a-kind. A siren's cry....arrowed straight at us. Only Agnetha could sound like that.
Ms. S. and P. Sweet and Plaintive..."

3.) "As expertly noted by Christopher Patrick in his detailed 2008 book ABBA: Let The Music Speak, just how high could pop soprano Agnetha Faltskog reach with her voice? Try the very last sung/(mostly) "screamed" word "tiger" at the 2:47-2:48 mark of the linked YT video for ABBA's "Tiger"... Employing the virtual piano keyboard again, a guess is that she briefly reaches the D# above "high C". "

4.) Another excerpt, from my "salient blog points" summary post:

"If I could somehow speak for her fans everywhere I'd offer this view, which the self-effacing star perhaps does not acknowledge, herself. For many, one meaning for Agnetha's life is quite clear: Despite being at times a shy and sensitive person, a "purpose" of her life may have been to "let it shine". I.e., show and share her considerable gifts with many - even the world."

5.) Re 1996's "As I Am" biography:

"...of particular importance to understanding the Swedish singer are her entries on page 121 of As I Am. Where Ms. Fältskog resolutely refutes (part of) her "image" that she believes has been propagated by tabloid/gossip media: "... I have never been forlorn!", she contends. (Referring to some stories allegedly portraying her as being alone and forlorn.) A "...topsy-turvy picture of me...""

And, 6.) (Re the wonderful "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind" single from Ms. Fältskog's 2004 comeback My Colouring Book:) "Very few can instill genuine emotion in their voice as this artist can. And...where does that sweet 'ring' in her voice (to the fore in the song's finale) come from....?? (I.e., it is hardly just technical (recording) 'wizardry'...)"

Agnetha and ABBA, Belatedly

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Agnetha Fältskog: Selected songs in Swedish

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