ABBA
Under Attack

THE REVIEW

The last period of the Swedish supergroup is linked to a surprisingly darker production and less positive compared to the earlier part of their career. Listening to all the records up to "Super Trouper" gives the impression that the authors Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus created music to survive in a harsh period with strong contrasts, as if to say: "okay, the world is a mess, but we must try to bring some lightness and freshness to carry on".

Their music, in fact, is positive and strikes directly at the limbic system; just the opening of "Mamma Mia" can bring a touch of joy to the darkest thinker. With the 1980 album, accompanied by the end of the relationships that bound the four, everything is resized, the music is always interesting, ingenious in its construction, but the fresh pop of the early days (unfortunately never equaled by any other artist in this field) is replaced by a cold electronic new wave with dark shades. "The Visitors" emerged in '81 and clarifies everything, the light and captivating band is no more. 

"Under Attack" is the last chapter of ABBA, the last single recorded to promote their entire collection of 45s in 1982. A song with an unsettling opening, cold synth notes paint a menacing atmosphere, Agnetha's voice is scared, and the singing is marked by a strong sense of unease. The song's video shows the four wandering desperately in the dark of a warehouse searching for an exit. The opening of the chorus is melancholic, with Frida's accompaniment, the music changes to a catchy motif which, however, when sung, leaves only a great chill inside. A synth solo breaks everything, the reprise returns, and slowly the fade-out closes the career of this extraordinary band. 

The group will try to return to the studio to put together "Opus 10", the new album that, almost finished, will be put aside and forgotten.