The Story of ABBA: Uncovering Their Hidden Melancholy | #125

Go behind the music and uncover the secrets of one of the world's most iconic supergroups. In this episode, award-winning Swedish music journalist Jan Gradvall joins us to reveal The Story of ABBA, drawing from his new book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover." We explore the fascinating human drama, the cultural clashes, and the surprising musical genius that propelled a band from Sweden to global domination. What is the shocking truth behind their happiest songs? Jan Gradvall, who has interviewed all four members, pulls back the curtain on the legends.

From their formation as two couples who stumbled into a magical sound, to their complex journey through the pop world, this is The Story of ABBA as you've never heard it before. We start with their detailed ABBA Eurovision History, from the 1973 competition they lost in Sweden with "Ring Ring" to their game-changing 1974 victory with "Waterloo"—a glam-rock-infused pop track that broke the mold. Jan explains how the band faced intense opposition from the ABBA Progg Movement, a left-wing cultural force in Sweden that despised their commercial, capitalist sound and questioned their art. This deep dive uncovers the core of their unique sound, a concept Benny Andersson calls "Melancholy Undercover." Learn how the long, dark Scandinavian winters infused their music with a deep Swedish Melancholy in Music, creating a bittersweet feeling even in their most upbeat anthems, a sound rooted in Swedish folk traditions and Benny's accordion.

Beyond the cultural context, we explore the incredible and often overlooked talent of Agnetha Fältskog, musician. While many focused on her looks, Agnetha was the only member who could read music, an accomplished classical piano player, and a prolific songwriter in her own right. Jan Gradvall shares insights from his personal interviews with all four members, revealing why Björn Ulvaeus can't remember being on tour and how the rhythm for "Take a Chance on Me" came from the sound of him jogging. We discuss how the band never officially broke up, the 90s revival sparked by the gay community and artists like Kurt Cobain, and the origins of global phenomena like the musical Chess and the stage and film sensation Mamma Mia. This is the definitive inside look at the band's journey, their conflicts, their creative process, and how they became more popular today than ever before.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Jan Gradvall is an award-winning writer and one of Sweden's most respected music journalists. With over 40 years of experience, he has cultivated a close journalistic relationship with ABBA, having been the first journalist to conduct in-depth interviews with all four members for a single story. He is also an instrumental founder of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. His book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover," is built on his decades of work and unique access to the band.

TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Introduction to ABBA's Hidden Story
(02:09) ABBA's Eurovision History: From 'Ring Ring' to 'Waterloo'
(07:30) Clashing with the Culture: ABBA vs. Sweden's 'Progg' Movement
(10:26) Before the Supergroup: ABBA's Roots in Swedish Folk and Rock
(12:44) Melancholy Undercover: The Swedish Soul of ABBA's Music
(14:43) Decoding 'Tourist English': The Charm of ABBA's Lyrical Style
(16:50) More Than an Image: The Overlooked Musical Talents of Agnetha Fältskog
(30:09) A Hiatus, Not a Breakup: ABBA's Unofficial Split and 90s Revival
(34:55) The Mamma Mia Phenomenon: From a Daring Idea to a Global Sensation
(40:39) The Enduring Legacy: The ABBA Museum and the 'ABBA Voyage' Experience

Get Jan Gradvall's Book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover":  https://amzn.to/46M3Qpn