Few bands in music history have achieved the level of global adoration and enduring popularity as ABBA. This Swedish quartet, with their catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, and relatable lyrics, dominated the airwaves throughout the 1970s and continue to captivate audiences today. Picking their 20 greatest songs feels almost sacrilegious, given their extensive catalog of hits, but we’ve embarked on this daunting yet delightful task. Join us as we revisit the magic of ABBA, ranking their 20 most iconic tracks that have become timeless anthems of love, heartbreak, and pure pop euphoria.
1. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)
Kicking off our list is the pulsating beat of “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight),” a song that embodies ABBA’s signature blend of infectious energy and melancholic undertones. Originally titled “Under My Sun,” this track gained a second life as the theme song for the popular 1990s British sitcom Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, starring Kathy Burke. Its enduring appeal was further solidified when Madonna sampled its irresistible groove for her 2005 chart-topper, “Hung Up,” introducing ABBA’s timeless sound to a new generation.
2. Thank You for the Music
“Thank You for the Music” is a heartfelt ode to the power of music, a theme deeply resonant with ABBA’s own journey and impact on the world. Initially featured on their 1977 album The Album, this poignant track gained greater recognition when released as a single in 1983 to promote a compilation album of the same name. Ironically, this celebration of music became ABBA’s final single, unknowingly marking the end of an era for the band but leaving fans with a timeless expression of gratitude for the gift of their music.
3. Does Your Mother Know
Breaking away from their usual formula, “Does Your Mother Know” features Björn Ulvaeus taking the lead vocals instead of Agnetha Fältskog or Anni-Frid Lyngstad. This playful track, with its catchy rhythm and cheeky lyrics, is a playful take on the classic rock and roll sound of the 1950s and early 1960s. The song’s narrative, centered around a man responding to the advances of a much younger woman, adds a layer of intrigue and has sparked debates about its underlying message. “Does Your Mother Know” even found its way into popular culture through a memorable scene in the comedy film Johnny English, where Rowan Atkinson’s titular character hilariously sings along to the song, showcasing its widespread appeal.
4. Waterloo
No ABBA greatest hits list would be complete without “Waterloo,” the song that launched them into international stardom. This triumphant track secured their victory at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, forever etching their name in music history. Drawing a clever parallel between Napoleon’s surrender at the Battle of Waterloo and the surrender to love, ABBA crafted a song that was both catchy and historically referential, a testament to their songwriting prowess.
5. Money, Money, Money
ABBA masterfully captured the universal desire for financial security with “Money, Money, Money.” Sung from the perspective of a hardworking woman struggling to make ends meet, the song resonated with audiences worldwide. The track’s captivating melody, paired with its relatable theme, made it an instant classic. The accompanying music video, drawing inspiration from the film Cabaret, showcased Frida in a glamorous 1920s-inspired look, further adding to the song’s allure.
6. Slipping Through My Fingers
“Slipping Through My Fingers” tugs at the heartstrings with its poignant lyrics about a mother’s bittersweet realization of her daughter growing up. Inspired by Björn and Agnetha’s own daughter, Linda Ulvaeus, the song captures the universal emotions of parenthood and the passage of time. Its simple yet powerful message resonated deeply with listeners, making it one of ABBA’s most emotionally resonant tracks.
7. The Name of the Game
ABBA’s musical ingenuity shines through in “The Name of the Game,” a song that seamlessly blends pop sensibilities with intricate musical arrangements. The track’s opening riff, inspired by Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish,” showcases the band’s diverse musical influences and their ability to weave them into their own unique sound. “The Name of the Game” became another UK number-one single for ABBA, solidifying their status as global pop icons.
8. The Day Before You Came
Released towards the end of their reign as a band, “The Day Before You Came” stands out as one of ABBA’s most distinct and haunting songs. With lyrics penned by Björn to Benny’s melancholic melody, the song tells a story of a woman reflecting on the mundane routine of her life before a significant, albeit ultimately unhappy, love affair. Agnetha’s emotive vocals perfectly convey the bittersweet longing and regret embedded in the lyrics.
9. Super Trouper
ABBA’s dominance throughout the 1970s continued with “Super Trouper,” a soaring anthem that topped the charts in 1980. The song’s title, referring to a type of follow-spot lighting instrument often used in concerts, adds a layer of symbolism, highlighting the band’s own experiences under the bright lights of fame. Anni-Frid takes center stage with her powerful vocals, delivering a performance that is both exhilarating and emotionally charged.
10. I Have a Dream
“I Have a Dream,” a song of hope and longing, showcased ABBA’s ability to craft ballads that resonated deeply with listeners. Though narrowly missing the coveted Christmas number one spot in 1979, losing out to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” the song’s message of dreaming of a brighter future continues to inspire. The track’s enduring legacy was further cemented when Irish boyband Westlife released a successful cover version in 1999, introducing the song to a new generation.
11. Voulez-Vous
ABBA embraced the infectious energy of disco with “Voulez-Vous,” the title track from their 1979 album. The song’s pulsating rhythm, catchy hooks, and flirtatious lyrics made it a staple on dance floors worldwide. Recorded partly at Criteria Studios in the Bahamas, a studio famed for its association with the Bee Gees’ disco hits, “Voulez-Vous” solidified ABBA’s place at the forefront of the disco era.
12. One of Us
ABBA explored the complexities of love and heartbreak with “One of Us,” a song that reflected the personal turmoil within the band as their own marriages began to crumble. The song’s melancholic tone and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners who had experienced the pain of a lost love. “One of Us” marked a departure from ABBA’s typically upbeat sound, showcasing their versatility and emotional depth as songwriters.
13. Fernando
Originally released by Anni-Frid Lyngstad for her Swedish solo album Frida ensam, “Fernando” quickly became an ABBA classic when they re-recorded it in English. The song’s timeless melody, coupled with its lyrics evoking memories of past love and revolution, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. “Fernando” became one of ABBA’s biggest hits, topping charts in numerous countries and solidifying its place as a timeless ballad.
14. Chiquitita
ABBA’s ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics is showcased in “Chiquitita,” a song offering comfort and support to a heartbroken friend. Despite its upbeat tempo, the song’s lyrics carry a message of empathy and encouragement, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles. The song’s release around Christmastime and its snow-filled music video have led to its association with the holiday season, adding to its enduring appeal.
15. Take a Chance on Me
“Take a Chance on Me,” with its instantly recognizable rhythm and pleading lyrics, is a testament to ABBA’s ability to craft songs that are both catchy and emotionally resonant. Inspired by Björn’s running routine and the rhythmic chants he would sing to himself, the song’s unique structure and harmonies set it apart from their other hits. “Take a Chance on Me” became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing its place as a karaoke favorite.
16. Mamma Mia
The song that lent its name to the hugely successful musical and film franchise, “Mamma Mia,” is a testament to ABBA’s enduring legacy. This infectious track, with its catchy chorus and relatable story of a mother and daughter navigating love and life, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s hard to imagine that “Mamma Mia” was initially rejected by British band Brotherhood of Man, proving that even the most iconic songs can sometimes be overlooked.
17. SOS
“SOS,” with its distinctive piano riff and soaring vocals, marked a pivotal moment in ABBA’s musical evolution. Released in 1975, the song showcased a more mature and introspective side to the band, exploring themes of vulnerability and the need for connection. “SOS” became a massive hit, topping charts in several countries and demonstrating ABBA’s ability to evolve their sound while retaining their signature pop sensibility.
18. Knowing Me, Knowing You
ABBA tackled the complexities of a relationship breakdown with “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” a song that foreshadowed the personal turmoil the band members would soon face in their own lives. Released in 1977, the song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody resonated with listeners who had experienced the pain of a love lost. “Knowing Me, Knowing You” remains a testament to ABBA’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with emotionally resonant storytelling.
19. The Winner Takes It All
Few ABBA songs are as emotionally raw and powerful as “The Winner Takes It All.” This heartbreaking ballad, sung with devastating emotion by Agnetha, captures the pain and finality of a relationship’s end. While Björn has denied that the song is specifically about his divorce from Agnetha, the lyrics’ rawness and vulnerability make it a universal anthem for anyone who has loved and lost.
20. Dancing Queen
No ABBA celebration would be complete without mentioning “Dancing Queen,” arguably their most iconic and enduring hit. This joyous anthem to youthful abandon and the liberation of the dance floor has transcended generations, becoming a staple at weddings, parties, and gatherings of all kinds. Its infectious energy, relatable message, and timeless melody have secured its place as one of the greatest pop songs ever written, solidifying ABBA’s legacy as true music icons.
