100. King Kong Song (Waterloo 1974)

If there ever was an Abba "novelty record", then this must be it. If there ever was "a song they must have been drunk when recording" it must be this. King Kong Song must be the most over the top and outrageous Abba recording there ever was, and to new fans that have soothed themselves with Dancing Queen or The Winner Takes It All it must have been a shock the first time they listened toWaterloo album and heard this. A headbanger, maybe, a serious Abba recording, hell no.


The second Abba album Waterloo was a mixed bag, an album of experiment and fun. Among the bona fide Abba tracks like the title track, Hasta Mañana and Honey Honey there are good and not that good tracks that are far from what is usually thought of what Abba sounds, or should sound.

I bought Waterloo album sometime in the early 1980's after being immersed in their later catalogue. I remember being disappointed at first, when it didn't sound as I had expected. But then slowly I started to appreciate what the album has to give. This album has always been and still is my least favourite of their core 1973-1982 catalogue, but kind of fun all the same.

Many people hate King Kong Song and say it is their worst song. I don't hate it, and as you can see I have about ten songs that I like less. The key to my liking (or tolerating) this song is not to listen to it too often. I think it is a fun track with an interesting vocal arrangement (particularly the bom bom bass vocal line). I like Abba loosening up their high bar and having fun, and sometimes I wish they had done it later as well. But after listening to King Kong Song I must wait at least a year to listen to it again.

Pay attention to:

  • good musicianship
  • backing vocals

 Coming up... Bumblebee

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