Agnetha the Ace

Singer Agnetha Fältskog: A shining voice

Welcome. (Bienvenue. Välkommen. Wilkommen.)

Straight to it: If you don't know her (or remember), ex-ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog possesses a crystal-clear, sweet and expressive voice. (Rangy too.) It's a euphonious delight, and it's helped sell 375 million records worldwide (for the '70s pop 'supergroup'). Even if not your particular "genre", solo Agnetha is well worth a listen.

Please don't take my word. Enjoy the following YouTube (unofficial) sample playlist: These songs sound even better on CD/DVD/vinyl recordings. 

 

(link) http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF1E367911859E577

2011-12 update: Unfortunately for the rest of us, 'SME' (Sony Music Entertainment) has slapped playlist restrictions on a couple of the fine videos included below. (Mostly fan-created tribute videos for not-widely-known songs (which were) recorded decades ago.) But ultimately it is the copyright holder's right to do such things. Many "home-made" playlists are currently affected by SME's heavy-handed policy. (A bit more about Sony itself here (worthwhile link).)

Most songs presently remain available via the playlist; blocked ones may be skipped (or not).   

(Returning to more pleasant items (previously written):) It's mainly about the (critically-acclaimed) voice and music here... but photogenic/videogenic Agnetha is an attraction too.  So thank you to the included tribute video creators, especially '2Shaymcn'. And note: One of the latter music videos (in the playlist, #10 ) features a solo song from 1974 that Ms.Fältskog may want to forget. But there's no denying she was (also) a sexy performer at times. (Example: Young Agnetha's playful "buh-buh's" and (other) voice antics in 'Golliwog '....fascinating.          BTW: Outstanding YT video compilation/edit for Golliwog by 'Sinny1992'. Used with (the producer's) permission in the playlist.  Here is a direct link (new window) provided to that original video compilation (watch out for record company bans): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fovue12GyZU

 A quick 'bonus' via YouTube: Hear snippets of every Agnetha solo song, plus photos and clips via the following link (below). The prolific singer's voice matures beautifully over time...(Brief comment: Upon close listening (to this song sampling), it is intriguing to note the fairly distinct "upgrades" - i.e., general improvement - in Ms.Fältskog's voice.. and singing. (Note: Agnetha worked on this; taking singing lessons.)  One of these seems to occur around the mid-1970s (song examples: "Dom Har Glömt" and certain others from 1975's "Elva kvinnor i ett hus" solo album. (E.g.,  "Och Han Vantar Pa Mej".) Another, in the early/mid-1980s, as a mature '30-something'. (Example: Several songs from Agnetha's 1985 Eyes of a Woman solo album.)   I may not be describing this aspect fully...but part of the perceived improvement is that the singer's voice seems to become more 'womanly'.  (Perhaps not surprising. Also note that 1980s+ solo Agnetha displayed her strong and appealing "lower voice" more frequently (than with ABBA).    (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI6yhNalm-0     Although this singer (apparently) had an impressive lower voice component even when younger. (Link to one YT example:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA4g76iSqgM&fmt=18)) 

UPDATE: Want a finer appreciation of Ms.Fältskog's wide vocal range? Link to a helpful YouTube video analysis (new window opens): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4lNdora_PU

 ALSO: One long-time fan/expert's comprehensive listing and appraisal of 134 solo Agnetha songs. Fans will enjoy it: (link) http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932.html

 

 

Have an open mind? Want to learn more (link follows) about this self-limited star's music and beyond? (The artist is mainly a private citizen nowadays....and a proud grandmother.) Can't seem to get enough of the captivating singer (originally) from Jönköping, myself.  If there is a popular music artist from the time period who should consider releasing a DVD/Blu-ray of her best performances (incl. Agnetha's commentary and insights), this is the one.... Note: There is even a petition about an Agnetha DVD, which could use more signatures. Link to that site.

Much more about Ms. Fältskog's special voice (and more)  starts here (off-site link).  An enjoyable alternate introductory post is linked here.

 

 Also, a few suggested links: (There presently appears to be no official website dedicated to the bright-voiced singer, but many excellent unofficial ones exist.)

• Nicely done reviews of all of Ms.Fältskog's solo efforts: http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annasolo.html

• "Agnetha and ABBA, Belatedly" in-depth blog (from a 'rock die-hard' convert, including reviews and music details (ref. above)). Learn more about a 'golden' lady with a golden voice.

• Useful for all ABBA fans;  Ian Cole's "Ten ABBA websites I visit ...": http://abbaomnibus.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/ten-abba-websites-i-visit-regularly/

• Ms. Fältskog' s "original" website (It is fan-created. Includes links to the singer's albums, compilations, etc.)

 

(Note: Attribution for the black-and-white photo of Ms. Fältskog at the top-left of this blog: "Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977, Author: Helge Øverås". No website endorsement implied.)

 

Disclaimers: This blog and its author are not associated with Ms.Fältskog or her recording companies in any way. This web site is for entertainment and enjoyment purposes only. It is not official. No guarantees re off-site linked material. Music/videos linked or featured here are not mine; the rights to these songs do not belong to me. No copyright intended.

The original portions of this tiny, 'free' blog are copyrighted, 2009-2012. No revenue is earned by the author via this web site. Updated/edited occasionally, as warranted. Except for the weather-related post, this introductory research/information effort focuses upon Ms.Fältskog's voice, music, interviews and  (mainly solo) performances, as an adult singer. Use of  (linked) example/sample videos  in this context may constitute "fair use".  Thank you for reading.

More Agnetha:

FWIW: A close approximation of the pronunciation of the Swedish singer's first name is: ahng-EH-tah. Better yet...hear young Ms. Fältskog pronounce it in this short, funny clip (link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18

 
Agnetha the "Ace"?? Along with her "impressive pop instrument" (ref. her voice, subscription required for full article), Agnetha at her utmost: A stellar and winsome performer.  A singing siren (definition #2 via link). An appealing, early example is linked here. An apropos one is here. And a later one is here. There is more here....as well as via this post, below.  (Plus there is this intriguing old video....an 'ace' in a different sense -- at least that day... (link, new window).)

As can be seen (now, by many) via "time machine" YouTube: Captivating (an enjoyable ABBA example - both ladies)... and engaging in front of the camera. Starting with the 'more mature' crowd (incl. me): It is easy to forsee lasting - even increasing - (nostalgic) acclaim for the charming (but private) Swedish star. (Link to a winning (1988) TV interview.)

Plus, a wonderful, multi-component speaking voice....Hear more of it in this rare, 1976 Swedish radio interview of a -  for once -  open, unwary Agnetha. (Demo song playing (in background) is 'Monsieur, Monsieur': Agnetha's beautiful soprano voice (although in a bit of a high key here)...contrasting with the prominent, lower resonance within her speaking voice.) This is the current You Tube link, pls. watch your volume.

 

(photo is an off-site link to the singer's 1983 solo album) 

 

 

A bonus: An angel sings? Why more than a few say that about this (former) artist. One example: Have 1973 Agnetha "tuck you in"  (so to speak) with this angelically-sung one (in Swedish, YT link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ&fmt=22

- Like more sweetness?? I don't think it can get any more (sweetly sung): (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=22

- I think the Swedish star has a sweet voice...is that noticeable??  Agnetha composed this one (link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dtp-0-KdUI&fmt=18

- More samples: "Where are those happy days..." Agnetha's exquisite, first top-charting lead vocal with ABBA: Pop song extraordinaire, 'S.O.S.' (English version, embedded below. (A commercial might have to be endured.) Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvChjHcABPA)    Also worth a look:  Stunning Agnetha performing S.O.S. in this 1975 gem (link, new window): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OOrleE6wfc&fmt=18

 

 

- Even more: Ms. Fältskog's Swedish version of "S.O.S." is sweetly done, also. As beautiful-in-Swedish as it is, I believe that this effort also reminds us of the superb combination of Frida's and Agnetha's voices within ABBA.  (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxHIz-eg5UQ&fmt=22 

- "Some" 22-year-old Swedish soprano 'builds it up' nicely for us (link follows below). A distinct voice: Crisp...clear...plenty of power....angelic sweetness....shiny brightness....emotion (at the expense of perfect control once in awhile; love it!). A voice of distinction. There's only one popular singer (i.e., not classically trained) who sounded like this:  (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_nX8xFfPn4                      (Extra: She "did alright" on this familiar one from the same (Swedish) production. (Excellent job...also by producer B. Ulvaeus)) (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leUyMJJT3qA

 - (One more:) What is plaintiveness? (Another tremendous (solo) example of this special capability of Ms. Fältskog's is here (link)...) What is wailing lament...via the shiniest voice? (Ref.: Chorus.)  Please have a listen....a stellar 1975 effort.  (Agnetha also composed this one.)   (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg&fmt=18

- Can't stop: Any time Agnetha hums, la-las, buh-buhs (etc.) in her songs...pretty close to heaven on earth. (Link to another (in-) Swedish beauty:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5T5TaQCCV8     And yet another, Agnetha-composed winner: (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI 

 

(If you care to, there's much more here (link)....here (incl. an Agnetha "top ten+")....and here.)

Plus, information about ABBA: Let the Music Speak -- a well-written book by a professional musician that includes detailed facts/impressions about the two wonderful voices of ABBA -- may be found here (link).)

Agnetha: A singer to delight in....but no aim for 'worship'

An intriguing quotation (below) from Agnetha Fältskog's 1996 As I Am biography (with Brita Ahman). Though the singer was mainly referring to her live, on-stage singing with ABBA (page 137), the words can easily be more broadly applied. (I.e., to her career:)

"The driving force wasn't so much to be visible as a person as to show my talent."

 
 (Link to image source)

And from this at-times reluctant star*, another interesting view re Agnetha's post-ABBA successes and being in the "spotlight". (Close approx. of 'Agnetha' pronunciation: ahng-EH-tah) :

(Excerpt from a 1999 Dutch TV magazine interview, reprinted at the "ABBA The Articles" blog. (Assuming that these quotations are legit.)):

"I want to show my talent, my aim is not to be worshiped by loads of people. After the immense success of the group, I wanted to prove I was more than ABBA's Agnetha....."

(Further on in the same interview, re time with ABBA:) "I enjoyed the success, but had the feeling that I was torn in two. On one hand, I was a star, and on the other I was a mother...."

Care to have one fan's brief 'take'? FWIW: Career ambition.....but with self-imposed limits. And within a business (i.e., entertainment, music) where the talented or gifted cannot easily shield themselves (and family). Or; withdraw....

Apparently conflicting "aims" (at times, for Ms.Fältskog): I.e., motherhood and (successful) performing. Demonstrating talent, but no taste for adulation or other burdens of those who rise to the top (in music entertainment). For this individual in general, there seems to be a profound separation (wall?) between the private, family-oriented parent and the singer/performer manifestation. (Incarnation.)

(Side note: Publicity-averse Agnetha might not even enjoy a little, public blog such as this one - though (it's) appreciative/music-oriented. Likely no "worry" here: We're microscopic (but entertaining), and it's rumored the artist herself is too occupied to "surf ". Official word of any real problem and corrective action will be taken. (One wonders that if she knew about the many unofficial websites "out there" (about her), whether Agnetha might find it all a bit ridiculous (nowadays)...)  

More about this fairly complex subject for the singer is included here (link).  And two revealing articles from the early-1980's are also linked (via the 'ABBA: The Articles' site). The first (link) is credited to 'Bravo' magazine from 1981, and appears to have been written by Agnetha herself. (Note: Unverified.) If so, it displays characteristic candor. (And may provide us with a bit of a glimpse of the person (from the time)...) The second portrays a forging-ahead Agnetha, from 1983.

 

 

  
(Sweden's M-Magasin, 12/10)

  And a late-2010 update:  English translation of a nice, casual 'M-Magazine' (Sweden) interview with Ms.Fältskog (by Amelia Adamo) is linked here. (Completed in Dec., 2010. Although, Agnetha again indicates that she prefers "to be left alone" as part of the 'chat'. (E.g., as we non-celebs. are.)  But she also notes that she is singing/playing piano a little...) : http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/12/agnetha-shows-off-her-favourite-clothes-and-talks-about-being-60.html

BTW: A standing offer from this (far-away) blog writer, offering "help" with any English lyrics for the following as described by Ms.Fältskog in the 2010 interview:   "...I have  a suitcase with half finished songs. I invent these really beautiful melodies, but then I don't follow through."  (Quote; emphasis added.)  ☻☺  (Yes; it's a fanciful jest...)

Unfortunately, as Agnetha makes clear in this 2009 Aftonbladet interview (link) with former singing partner Frida, the likelihood of additional recordings is not high. (Another link covering a different article, but similar message is here.) Ms.Fältskog appears to be most comfortable/successful when working with caring producers and capable lyrics writers. (Sounds much like Björn Ulvaeus, e.g...) It (also) seems that the RRHOF inductee (with ABBA) no longer has desire or energy to produce her own recordings, as the singer did with this solo album back in 1975. Or, to write lyrics.  Perhaps tellingly, adult Ms.Fältskog noted years ago that she preferred "...being a little star (etc.)." (Vs.  a bigger one.)  Further; in her 1996 biography (As I Am) Agnetha concluded that while she had not "closed any doors", she did not want to "...be compelled to live up to a world-wide reputation...or to what other people expect of you." (Page 149.)

Additional update: Also worthwhile is a visit to this ABBA forum page (link, new window) to enjoy a fan's English translation of a 2009 interview with Agnetha. The family-focused lady is a sweetheart in it. But it is also possible to discern that the singer  -- along with ABBA partner, Frida -- realize that they set a high standard with their (singing) work in the 1970's and '80s, both with ABBA and solo. I.e., it is possible that they may wish to let those efforts stand as being their best/most representative....

 

(Continuing:) If her bright voice is in good shape we'll (still) hold out hope for something like a single song duet ... or perhaps some selected Swedish songs**. The lady has been a prolific artist though. There is much to enjoy, already.

 

 

(Agnetha Fältskog. Author: Daniel Åhs Karlsson, 4/7-2008. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. In short: you are free to distribute and modify the file as long as you attribute its author(s) or licensor(s). Inclusion in no way constitutes an endorsement of this website.)

(Here is a (forum) link to a more recent photo of the star: http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-11183.html)

2012: And more lovely pictures as our heroine (mine (in music) anyway (maybe yours too)...) garners an award: http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-11968-120.html)

Note Ms.Fältskog's speaking voice near the end of this embedded/edited YT clip (from the ELLE event). Still sounds pleasant and quite youthful.  

(Fans implore:) Can this "fashion legend" still sing??

 

(Thanks to YouTube's Engelauge for the video-edit:)

(link to clip, new window) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_7iVx96VME

Some English translations from the award event are available via this fan forum, thanks to user "AnneB".  Links here and here (new windows).

* Attribution for the descriptor (of Agnetha) used here: Carl Magnus Palm, Bright Lights, Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA (2008 edition), page 443, etc.

**  Same author/publication, page 540. There is also a more in-depth examination (by Mr. Palm) re apsects summarized in the last full paragragh (written) above; on pp. 486-489.

Agnetha: 1979's stormy Boston concert flight

(Blogger note: The following post is not music- or performance- oriented, but may still be of interest to ABBA and Agnetha fans...Additional music-related posts follow.)

Many ABBA fans know the general story: In the final stages of ABBA's 1979 North American concert tour, Agnetha Fältskog and other members of the band's entourage boarded a small private jet to fly from New York to Boston. (Pronounced [aŋˈneːta] , or ahn-EH-tah.) 

(An example of a similar jet is shown below. ABBA's borrowed jet may have been somewhat smaller....))

(Old image from Google/LIFE archives: Dec. 1991, "Actress Jane Fonda, carrying framed pic, boarding husband, CNN media king Ted Turner's private jet, w. Turner dogs, leaving Atlanta, GA." Photographer: Ted Thai)

Unfortunately their October 3, 1979 afternoon flight possibly came near what became one of the worst storms in modern Connecticut history. (Or just following it.) The band's small (borrowed) jet was buffeted by wind and squally conditions and had to change course more than once. All aboard were shaken as the plane was finally able to effect an evening landing at Manchester, NH.
 

Want to learn more about this flight and the extreme weather conditions that afternoon?

Much detail is provided at the linked blog that follows. Suffice to say: It was an awful afternoon to be flying in New England: (Link) http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html

(http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0493(1987)115%3C1655%3ATWLCTO%3E2.0.CO%3B2&ct=1 This image is in the public domain because it contains materials that originally came from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties.)

Additional reference material used: Carl Magnus Palm's "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" ABBA biography, pages 414-415

Agnetha Fältskog: 1985

The singer/actor was "on top of her game" in (solo) public interviews, TV and certain music singles. (And generally, the period 1983-85 in her solo career. Although she was also about ready to step back from the limelight for extended periods. The link is to an essential 1985 interview for understanding Ms.Fältskog's direction and feelings at the time.)

Much more about Agnetha's various 1985 efforts, here (link). (Pronounced [aŋˈneːta] ) 

 One sample video from that year: The artist trying a little different look/concept. Though perhaps not her absolute best song effort, an edgy video that could have been something of a hit at the time, IMO. (Wonder if she got to keep those 'MJ' glitter gloves.) A charismatic performer, almost no matter what (even in old vids., or with a play arrow on her nose): We're treated to the pop soprano's (aside: Is it correct to "classify" pop voices?)... sexy lower voice at moments here. Plus, good Swedish-tinged English (language skills) on display in the fast-paced song:

 

And a better-looking/sounding version of the song is currently here (though truncated), as part of the nice 1985 TV special "A is for Agnetha". ("Click Track" is near the end:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8D1sOklwiw

 

Bonus: As long as it remains posted on YouTube another glimpse of the singer as a solo artist, from 1985 Belgian TV (link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTl0wAUDWQ

Engaging Agnetha

(Note to readers: For this aspect of Agnetha the performer we are going to travel back to the ABBA years. The singing star also displayed the characteristics described below as a solo artist.)

 Pioneering ABBA used the song "promo" video to great effect in the 1970s. Years before MTV, the supergroup produced recorded videos and TV show appearances to better connect with their worldwide audience.

The band's telegenic front singers were excellent song performers. Both ladies (Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad) worked at their camera presentation. (Agnetha even appeared in a feature film (1983). Link to a current YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOupFgnZBpc#t=8m30s) ABBA knew that the appealing young women were a powerful attraction for the group. (Head-turners Frida and Agnetha surely knew "what they were doing" too....)) Miming their words, both ladies would often stare directly into the camera conveying various emotions in close-up. (Please see reference, below.)

Their dance moves and outfits are legendary, but also watch the ladies act for (or "work") the camera in old videos available on YouTube. The two women (later said that they regularly) competed with each other for an audience's attention. (Ref., pages 322-23, cited below.)  I am partial, but the super-attractive Agnetha seemed particularly adept at finding and engaging viewers via the "live shot"; with her eyes and great smile. (More such observations and video examples can be found via this link. Personally, I can't seem to find a more alluring, close-up music video performer from the time. (Aside: Olivia Newton-John; perhaps. Ms. Fältskog possesses the much stronger voice (of the two). A different 'genre',  but Renaissance's Annie Haslam:  Wonderful. The B-52s talented Kate Pierson; another favorite.      Or since, really....(Many others seem to agree. Linked site may be 'down'.)  Obviously, Agnetha may have been one of those women who's (just about)  "every guy's 'type'".

Some good ABBA promo clip examples from the 1970s now reside on YouTube. I could have selected a number of representative samples. As the year 1975 may have been a peak for young ABBA (for several reasons, including both couples in the band still being close), two YT performance videos follow from that time. Both songs from American Bandstand are mimed to playback. Those super-short "cat" outfits for the women: incredible. The various  choreographed routines done to SOS here by the ladies....no words. 

In particular, watch the stunning Ms. Fältskog engage the viewers in certain shots. And at least try to find the 'red light' (live) camera with those beautiful eyes.

(screen cap from 1975 YT video, below)

  She was good at this, and even better examples exist. (Many to choose from....) Agnetha (and ABBA) definitely "hammed it up" some in certain video performances, but still; a natural actor/performer when the lights came on.

(Aside: Unbelievably, Agnetha is attributed as saying (at one time): "I am not beautiful and not sexy...")

2010 update: YouTube-based videos are regularly removed for various reasons. The two originally included (now dark at the end of this post) are no longer available.  

2012 update: It's back! Thanks to "2Shaymcn" for the current YT upload. Here is a link (new window): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OOrleE6wfc&fmt=18  

 

 Alternate, 1975 video currently posted via YT:  Find me as attractive of a music performer as the green-caped "wonder" (on Don Kirshner's '70s show).  A dazzling star... and a vision from long ago here:

Hope this stays posted, pls. watch your volume....(link)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w--fKtTwjRg&fmt=22#t=6m29s    (Link to the entire YouTube poster's segment, incl. a heavenly SOS lip-synched/performed by Agnetha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w--fKtTwjRg&fmt=18)

And, FWIW, one more brief video (from YouTube,'ABBAVIDEOEDITS') focused upon the sensational blonde star at 1974's Eurovision song contest. A great looking lady at different ages, but she really seemed to come into her own after the (1973) birth of her daughter, Linda.  1974 into 1976: My personal favorite 'Agnetha look' of all, with the resplendent, long blonde hair.  How about yours?

(link to the recently posted YT video, pls. watch your volume) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHfdgAlMZ-I

 FWIW: A blurry, low-res. screen cap., from 1974's Eurovision song contest, pre-show:

(Note: This link includes a few better-quality captures.... 'Waterloo' wasn't the only 'smash' presented by at Eurovision.)

 

... There's more "retro"-enjoyment (of this singing star) here (off-site link, new window).

 

 

 

 

 

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Note: Reference material used; Carl M. Palm, Bright Lights, Dark Shadows, 2008. Pages 265-266.

Also please see: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html