Introduction
ABBA’s “Angeleyes”: A Look Beneath the Surface
Angeleyes, a captivating song by the Swedish pop group ABBA, arrived on the music scene in 1979 as part of their iconic album Voulez Vous. This song, penned by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the songwriting duo behind ABBA’s greatest hits, tells a cautionary tale disguised in a shimmering pop melody.
The genesis of Angeleyes can be traced back to late 1978 when recording sessions for Voulez Vous began at Stockholm’s Polar Studios. Intriguingly, the song’s title wasn’t always “Angeleyes.” Early drafts referred to it as “Angels’ Eyes”, hinting at the potential innocence the song initially explored.
Lyrically, Angeleyes weaves a story of dangerous allure. The narrator warns of a captivating someone with “angeleyes” – a mesmerizing gaze that draws the unsuspecting victim in. This attraction comes at a cost, with the lyrics hinting at a manipulative character lurking beneath the surface – “one look and you’re hypnotised…he’ll take your heart and you must pay the price.” The song progresses, revealing a darker truth – “one day you’ll find out he wears a disguise.” The angelic facade crumbles, leaving the listener with a newfound awareness.
Angeleyes, with its danceable beat and deceptively sweet melody, stands out on the Voulez Vous album. While other tracks reveled in the celebratory spirit of disco, Angeleyes offered a glimpse into the complexities of love and deception. This contrast only added to the song’s intrigue, making it a favorite among fans who saw beyond the surface sheen.
So, as the infectious melody of Angeleyes washes over you, take a moment to heed the narrator’s warning. Sometimes, the most beautiful eyes can hide the deepest darkness.