With their infectious melodies and captivating harmonies, ABBA remains an iconic force in the history of popular music. It is, therefore, appropriate to look at, and rank, their albums from worst to best.
Formed in Stockholm, Sweden, during the early 1970s, the quartet consisting of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad shot to international stardom and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From their humble beginnings to becoming one of the best-selling bands of all time, ABBA's journey is a testament to their unparalleled talent and innovation.
Throughout the years, ABBA's music style underwent a fascinating evolution. Their early releases reflected the upbeat, feel-good vibes of the 1970s pop scene, characterised by catchy hooks and vibrant arrangements. As the decade progressed, their musical palette expanded, and their compositions became more intricate, incorporating elements of disco and rock.
By the time the 1980s rolled around, ABBA’s musical style underwent a further shift with a greater emphasis on maturity and introspection. The band's swan song album, for some four decades, The Visitors, exhibited a darker and more mature tone, addressing themes of political unrest and the complexities of relationships.
Despite disbanding in 1982, ABBA's impact on the music industry continued to reverberate, with their timeless hits remaining a staple in pop culture and inspiring countless artists for decades to come. They would also return with the release of Voyage some four decades later; an album that appealed to longtime fans but ultimately failed to deliver the same memorable nature as those albums that adorned their most successful years. Voyage is subsequently included in this ranked list as it is an official album release but, and many may disagree, I’ve never felt that it’s worthy of the ABBA moniker.
9. Voyage (2021)
Be careful what you wish for seems quite appropriate when talking about Voyage for we were all desperately wanting more music from ABBA. Yet, we never stopped to think about what it would sound like. If Voyage had been just another album in a long legacy, it would be mildly acceptable, but after four decades it is too disjointed from their legacy works to be captivating. Yes, it received much attention upon its release, sold well, and scored considerable critical acclaim, but it’s severely overrated with Don’t Shut Me Down being the only song worth listening to. As a lifelong fan of ABBA, I appreciate their desire to record with each other again, but that doesn’t mean that those sessions should have been shared and released with the world as Voyage ultimately detracts from their exceptional back catalogue.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
8. Waterloo (1974)
While it may not rank as high as their later releases, Waterloo was a breakthrough release that set the stage for ABBA's international success. The title track, Waterloo, is an absolute showstopper that captured the hearts of millions worldwide and secured their victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. Beyond that monumental track, the album showcases ABBA's remarkable versatility, offering a delightful blend of catchy and feel-good tunes.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Waterloo.
7. Ring Ring (1973)
Though it didn't achieve significant commercial success upon release, Ring Ring features some delightful tracks that showcase the group's early potential. Songs like Ring Ring and People Need Love offer glimpses of the magic to come and serves as a charming introduction to ABBA's musical journey.
The album, as a whole, features a mix of upbeat, catchy, and whimsical tunes; many of which have not only stood the test of time but remain some of the most beloved by fans.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
6. Voulez-Vous (1979)
Not disco per se, yet ABBA, and Voulez-Vous, will get you on the dance floor. Released in 1979, ABBA's sixth studio album, Voulez-Vous, rose to the top of the charts with a solid line-up of songs including Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Angel Eyes, and the title track Voulez-Vous.
While the disco influence is strong, this album also displays the band's musical skill, transitioning smoothly between upbeat rhythms and heartfelt ballads.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Voulez-Vous.
5. ABBA (1975)
ABBA’s self-titled album, their third, is a landmark release that broke away from the somewhat whimsically juvenile B-sides that littered their first releases. No, ABBA isn’t a serious album but it remains a fun listen due in part to the higher production values and additional confidence the band members had garnered over the previous years.
ABBA is one of their very best releases and is, unfortunately, one of their most overlooked albums; a shame considering how many stellar songs came from this single release.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of ABBA.
4. Super Trouper (1980)
Super Trouper is an incredible album from start to finish that not only needs to be heard, but shared, for it’s a timeless classic that will continue to be appreciated for as long as intelligent music-loving life exists.
While it does lack some of the merriment aspects of ABBA’s previous releases, there’s something special about Super Trouper that encourages me to come back and enjoy it time and time again.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Super Trouper.
3. ABBA: The Album (1977)
ABBA’s fifth studio release, The Album, stands as one of the Swedish pop group’s most iconic and enduring records. Filled with infectious melodies, harmonious vocals, and a blend of disco and pop influences, The Album was destined for classic status due, primarily, to its masterful collection of songs, but also its production qualities.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of ABBA: The Album.
2. The Visitors (1981)
With a unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic influences, The Visitors stands as a testament to ABBA's enduring legacy. It’s deeply introspective and musically diverse, showcasing ABBA's ability to create memorable pop songs while tackling deeper themes. This makes The Visitors a must-listen for both ABBA fans and those looking to explore the evolution of ABBA’s transition beyond pop conventions in the early ‘80s.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of The Visitors.
1. Arrival (1976)
Arrival, ABBA’s fourth studio album from 1976, is a seminal recording and in many ways can be considered a pinnacle moment of ABBA’s career as it signified a change in style from the more whimsical to a more thoughtful and highly polished musical style. It is, therefore, fitting to place it not only amongst the greatest albums released in 1976 but as ABBA’s greatest album. A true masterpiece!
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Arrival.
ABBA's discography offers a treasure trove of timeless music that has captivated audiences for generations. From their early pop gems to their more profound and contemplative later works, ABBA's legacy stands as a testament to their unforgettable melodies, performances, and songwriting capabilities. Regardless of which order you would subjectively rank ABBA’s albums in, one thing is for certain; ABBA has brought joy to millions of music lovers from around the world.