Introduction
Another Town, Another Train: A Journey Before ABBA Took the World by Storm
“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, it predates their international explosion and offers a glimpse into their early sound.
Composed by the songwriting duo Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the song leans towards a folk-pop style reminiscent of artists like Simon & Garfunkel and The Bachelors. This softer sound differed from the catchy pop anthems ABBA would become known for.
“Another Town, Another Train” was originally released as a single in Japan to promote their debut album, “Ring Ring.” Interestingly, it wasn’t released in their home country of Sweden until their “Greatest Hits” compilation in later years. The song also saw limited releases in other countries with different B-sides.
The lyrics paint a melancholic picture of a restless soul compelled to leave a lover behind. The narrator, depicted as a wanderer, boards a train at dawn, knowing his departure will cause heartbreak. Despite the sadness, he feels an unyielding need for a life on the move.
While “Another Town, Another Train” may not have topped the charts, it serves as a valuable time capsule. It showcases ABBA’s early musical influences and songwriting skills before they embraced the infectious pop melodies that would propel them to global superstardom.