91. Rock'n Roll Band (Ring Ring 1973)

 
Like Santa Rosa, Rock'n Roll Band is essentially a Björn & Benny track rather than a proper Abba recording. It was recorded by the duo for the Japanese market and was brought into the lineup Abba's first album when, after the success of Ring Ring in the Swedish selection for Eurovision Song Contest, they needed enough songs to fill the album of the same name. The vocals by the group were re-recorded for the Abba version, but the result is still very Björn Ulvaeus -heavy with the female backing vocals almost inaudible. The song is not generally liked by Abba fans for this reason, it really doesn't sound like an Abba song.

I have always had a soft spot for this song as the final track of Ring Ring album, which is very close to my heart. But in my ranking it is still quite low, as I don't love it as I love the bulk of the "real" Abba catalogue. 

First thing that must be said about this song is that it is a song about Rock'n'roll band rather than being a real rock song itself. It is a rather generic pop song with only hints of rock. The first thing that catches my ear when listening to this song is the stinging guitar by Janne Schaffer, which in all honesty is the only thing that rocks in this song and actually is the highlight of this track overall. This also is the biggest difference from the original Björn & Benny recording of this song, which lacked the Schaffer guitar passages completely and was therefore rather bloodless and tired.

The rock guitar is by no means the only good thing in this song. Björn Ulvaeus gives a decent lead vocal, and the vocal harmonies work well too, although I would have had the voices of Frida and Agnetha mixed louder. If the girls had been given a verse or two to sing, it would have made a huge difference.

The recording is well done and the melody is good enough. Rock'n Roll band is a decent way to end the Ring Ring album, but a classic Abba track it isn't.

Pay attention to:
  • Janne Schaffer's guitar all trhough the track
Coming up...Hej gamle man (by Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson)

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