Search - Abba :: Super Trouper (Dig)

Superb album

barry | Boston, MA United States | 06/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Abba is a very underrated music group. Not to say that they weren't hugely succesful and that they didn't have major hits. They certainly did. But the hits were so huge they often overpowered the brilliance of each album they released. When listening to a greatest hits collection you miss out on the total true artistry of this musical group. Thet were famous when dance music was in its prime and that is what many of their hits were. But they were also superb at pop-rock and their albums had no filler and were all definite cohesive works with underlying messages.



Abba was a swedish group and consisted of two married couples. Their were problems in the interpersonal relationships at the time of SUPER TROUPER and rather than make for a lackluster release it raised the bar with music about love, relartionships, loss and friendship. There is a purity and beauty to their music. SUPER TROUPER was their second to last release and considered their best release by many including me. The biggest single here THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL is a beautiful, heart-wrenching ballad and sets the tone for the whole set. Whether optimistic, thought provoking or melancholy these songs are all superb. The title track, ON AND ON AND ON and ME AND I are all excellent. The slower tracks do rule here and are timeless - HAPPY NEW YEAR, OUR LAST SUMMER and THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO show a more mature thoughtful Abba. The trend on this release is much more in the pop-rock category. Only LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME is a traditional Abba dance track and it fits in perfectly.



Abba is a group where greatest hits collections are great but each individual album should in no way be ignored. Much of their best work will be missed and this group had a bigger message and purpose than hits colections show. Pure raw talent and musicianship reign here. This cd is poignant and resonates perfectly, standing the true test of time being in no way dated. The digital remastering is superb and sound clarility impeccable. Packaging is also very inventive and a large booklet of liner notes and pictures is enclosed. There are also two superb bonus tracks. I highly recommend this cd. You will be doing yourself such a treat to delve deeper into the musical history of Abba. And your music collection will thank you."