ABBA - Gold

Pop music has never been one of my favorite genres. I discovered my love for rock when I was only 10 years old – although it has to be said that my first musical love, Queen, has numerous pop gems in its back catalogue alongside proto-metal and hard rock, so my introductory statement needs to be put into perspective on closer inspection.

When we talk about pop music, there is one band that cannot be ignored: ABBA! Yes, I am one of those people who denied it for a long time, but now I have come to the point where I can say with full conviction: the best pop songs of all time were all written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. You can't really escape the magic of milestones like “Dancing Queen“, “Super Trouper“ or “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)“, even if you want to.

I don't want to (anymore): No matter how dreary a day is, when the voices of Agnetha Fältskog, who I had a crush on as a child, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad sound, I feel good - and all worries are forgotten.

This compilation, of which 30 million copies are said to have been sold worldwide, is a hit fireworks show that is second to none. It is particularly remarkable how timeless the compositions of the duo Andersson/Ulvaeus are. I am sure that this music will still be moving people in 100 years. I am really looking forward to combining my trip to the two Iron Maiden concerts in Stockholm next year with a visit to the ABBA museum – and I don't think I'll be the only metal fan to do so...

Note: As part of this special, I am posting my 100 favorite records. Full-length albums, compilations and EPs are all included. Live albums will be considered in another special. The first 75 records will be posted in no particular order. The top 25 will be ranked.