I don't think I have ever heard a POP band sound so hard-core LIVE on stage.

Ever.

It doesn't surprise me because I alway knew the 4 members of ABBA were truly talented individuals. But this CD may surprise those ABBA detractors who love to hate them and brand them as a "sugary" pop band.

Anybody who is an ardent ABBA fan will know that they covered various styles of music throughout their 10 year career but for those close-minded critics who listen to track's like MAMMA MIA and DANCING QUEEN and state that ABBA was only capable of executing bouncing pop ditties underestimates the talent of this group and not many artists are able to pull off a LIVE recording CD so successfully.

ABBA LIVE only proves that ABBA could rock even better than most rock bands.

These were truly skilled musicians and there talents is evidenced on this recording. From the girls solid vocals to the blistering guitars and the hard-core drums.

Frida's vocals are superb during her solos- I HAVE A DREAM, FERNANDO, SUPER TROUPER and MONEY MONEY MONEY. Her voice is soulful and strong and when combined with Agnetha's unique sound, the result is sublime.

And speaking of Agnetha, her voice rocks during her solo in TAKE A CHANCE ON ME, GIMME GIMME GIMME and her lovely intro to CHIQUITIA is gorgeous but her rendition of THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC is where she reigns supreme. The live version is almost as good as the studio recording.

Several of the songs are given a harder edge, making them sound less ABBA-esque but still retain their original charms due to the girls unique sound. Most notably WATERLOO, THE NAME OF THE GAME/EAGLE and ON AND ON AND ON. The latter especially is quite different from the studio version. The pace and beat is faster, the sound is edgier and the girls hard vocals makes this one of the standouts of the album.

The vocal harmonies are also outstanding. Agentha's harmony on Fernando is spot on and the acapella intro to SUPER TROUPER is spine-tingling.


This is a great CD and I encourage everyone, not just ABBA fans to purchase this CD. It is a rare opportunity to listen to one of the greatest pop bands that ever graced the world stage on top of their game.

I also recommend getting their LIVE DVD's, ABBA LIVE (some of the songs are featured here) and ABBA-THE MOVIE. ABBA didn't need any hi-teck pyro-technic's and on stage special effects or lavish stage set's. Aside from some colourful costumes, it was just their music and voices that made their live shows exciting.

This CD only proves what us ABBA fans knew all along, that ABBA rocks and their music is unparralled.

This CD gives me the chills everytime I listen to it. I feel like I am right there in the audience seeing ABBA on stage. If you are contemplating buying this CD, buy it now! You won't regret it one bit.

Before I bought this CD I read a review saying that this Album sounded too crisp and "prerehearsed" to be considered a live album. Being a true fan, I still bought this CD and I tell you I don't regret it. Yes, the recordings are crisp and clear, but that is the beauty of the Album. The crowd noise can still be heard in the backgroud, but does not take away from the beautiful vocals which made this group famous. You can almost see the smiles on the singers faces just by listening to the joy they express in their songs. My favorite "Take a Chance on Me" is a joy to listen to live. Alas I am too young to have ever experienced AbbA in person myself, this album allows me to share what so many others were able to in the late 70's. 4 out of 5 stars only because it left me wanting more.

Anyone who has written ABBA off as a lightweight pop group who somehow got lucky with a few hits is in for a big surprise when they hear "ABBA Live", a 15 track sampling of what the Swedish superstars could do in concert.

If this album proves anything, it's that - and I'm not putting this lightly - can rock. If ABBA sounded restrained behind the studio walls, then the raw energy that drives this record proves that they were capable of being just the opposite. As one reviewer pointed out, just listen to the version of "Does Your Mother Know": the loud guitars, the crashing drums, the screeching vocals - this epitomizes everything ABBA isn't. Similarly, the added intensity to the live versions of "Dancing Queen" and "Take A Chance On Me" easily make these the definitive versions of these songs. While the whole album is a wake up call to all of ABBA's critics, the real surprise of the album may well be the "Name Of The Game/Eagle" medley. I mean, here's a group known for three minute straightforward pop tunes doing an epic nine minute workout, complete with a blistering guitar solo. Shocking.

Though I think I may have gotten carried away in my praise of the album, I still think that this album will change a lot of peoples' opinions on ABBA, as well as appeal to the group's fans. Definitely worth owning.

ABBA LIVE is a great collection of live recordings from one of the finest acts of all time. What I think is best about this CD is how much their live performances are true to their studio recordings. Nothing I hate more than hearing your "favorite band" in concert brutally alter (or butcher) the way their songs sound!

If you like ABBA, you'll love this CD. This CD will be a constant "LISTEN" and one you will be playing for years. You won't be putting this one up on EBAY, but you might wear it out!