Introduction
Another Town, Another Train: A Journey Through ABBA’s Early Days
“Another Town, Another Train” might not be one of ABBA’s biggest hits, but it holds a special place in their history. Released in 1973, the song predates their international success and offers a glimpse into the band’s sound before they became synonymous with catchy pop anthems.
Composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the founding members of ABBA’s songwriting duo, “Another Town, Another Train” showcases a different side of the group. Influenced by folk-rock acts like Simon & Garfunkel and The Bachelors, the song leans towards a melancholic ballad style. The lyrics paint a picture of a restless soul, constantly on the move, leaving behind a lover and past dreams.
While not a major release in Sweden, “Another Town, Another Train” served as a promotional single for their debut album, “Ring Ring,” in Japan and Venezuela. It also found its way to the US and South Africa with different B-sides. This international push hints at the band’s early ambition to break out of the Swedish music scene.
Although commercially overshadowed by later hits, “Another Town, Another Train” is a valuable piece of ABBA’s musical journey. It showcases the songwriting talents of Benny and Björn before they embraced the infectious pop melodies that would define their career. The song offers a chance to appreciate the band’s versatility and the evolution of their sound that would take the world by storm just a few years later.