Introduction
Soaring High: An Introduction to ABBA’s “Eagle”
“Eagle,” a track by the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA, holds a special place in their discography for a few reasons. Released in 1978, it marked a couple of milestones for the band.
Firstly, “Eagle” was the opening song on their fifth studio album, simply titled “ABBA: The Album.” This record held two UK number-one hits, “Take a Chance on Me” and “The Name of the Game,” but “Eagle” itself achieved European success.
Another interesting fact is that “Eagle” holds the title of ABBA’s longest song ever released, clocking in at over 5 minutes and 50 seconds. This extended format allowed the group to explore a more intricate musical arrangement compared to their usual pop anthems.
The songwriting duo of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the mastermind behind most of ABBA’s hits, penned “Eagle.” There’s a little-known detail about the song’s creation – it was written as a homage to another band they admired, the American rock icons, the Eagles. The influence can perhaps be heard in the song’s structure and instrumentation, with a focus on powerful guitars and soaring vocals.
While not achieving the same level of global recognition as some of ABBA’s other mega-hits, “Eagle” remains a fan favorite. It’s a song that showcases the band’s versatility, their ability to craft a captivating melody within a longer format, and their admiration for other musical styles. So, put on your headphones and prepare to take flight with ABBA’s “Eagle.”