"Voyage" by ABBA (2001)

Abba has returned to say goodbye. Return of the Swedish superstars was probably the one good thing about 2001 and no doubt after so much sadness, suffering and hurt, it appeared as a God-sent gift to the world. In reality, this album has quietly been prepared for some time already and could have been released years ago - its just accidental that it came out now and is perceived as a perfect timing. It is also a testament to their musicianship that time has absolutely nothing with their music - it is still fresh, magical and thrilling like when it was recorded in 2016. or for that matter as anything they have recorded 40 years ago. As we all know now, they have worked on some Avatar performances when they decided to add two completely new songs and satisfied with the results, completed the whole new album. Simultaneous introduction of these two new songs - poignant "I Still Have Faith In You" and "Don't Shut Me Down" exploded around the world like a hit of a comet and even I must admit that I cried my eyes out from sheer joy and recognition of hearing two familiar voices together. Apparently I was not the only one, since millions around the world are still bawling on youtube and there is a huge, across-the-generation affection for now elderly Swedes. 

The first thing that strikes me, is how unique they still sound. Abba always had their original sound that came not just from combination of ladies voices but layers of harmonies swirling around - it is still here, instantly recognisable as ever. On the press conference, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus explained they had no interest in updating their sound, since they don't understand current pop music - they simply worked in their own Abba bubble, creating music as they know it and it shows. Bare in mind that last time we heard Abba, it was in 1981 (exactly 40 years ago!) and it sounds exactly as it could have been sequel to that album. Not old-fashioned or dated, just a magical sound preserved like ancient mosquito in a piece of Amber. Another thing to consider is that back in 1981 they were two divorced couples whose private dramas reflected in their melancholic music - well, now they are in their seventies but this time there is noticeable excitement about working together again, just don't expect any of the giddiness of early pop singles. To understand this album, you must go back and hear what did it preceded it - "Super Trouper" and "The Visitors" - it is a sound of grown up, mature Abba, not a young band who pranced around singing "Waterloo" or "Mamma Mia".

Here perhaps lies the reason why reactions are so confused and divided about this long awaited return. We simply have nobody comparable who had re-grouped 40 years later and kept their integrity intact - Abba recorded again on their own terms and insist "we are older now, we have no interest in pretending otherwise" - so there are people who just don't get it that these are not same people known for their classic, exuberant sound. Critics, as always, were brutal and virulent, but than again, they always were - you would think that after 40 years they would learn to appreciate Abba's gifts but there is still an enormous resentment of omnipotent Swedes - while audience welcomed "Voyage" with open arms, critics are still finger wagging over everything that makes Abba in the first place. I have been listening it for days now, sure it can't have resonance of past hits but new music is still enormously satisfying and it has a great emotional impact. Since previously they never officially said goodbye, this is a classy way to sign off and leave. And no one has done it before like this.