Introduction
ABBA’s “Just A Notion”: A Lost Treasure Unearthed
“Just A Notion” by ABBA might sound brand new, but its origins stretch back over four decades. Originally recorded in September 1978 during the sessions for their iconic album “Voulez-Vous,” the song had a near miss at superstardom.
Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the songwriting duo behind ABBA’s greatest hits, were initially enthusiastic about “Just A Notion.” However, despite progressing beyond the demo stage, they encountered a hurdle. The mixing process proved challenging, leading them to deem the song “unmixable.” With a heavy heart, they shelved “Just A Notion,” leaving it unreleased for years.
The song wasn’t entirely forgotten though. Snippets of a rough mix by ABBA’s engineer Michael B. Tretow circulated among fans, keeping the memory of “Just A Notion” alive. In 1994 and 1999, resurfaced versions of the song sparked renewed interest.
Finally, in 2021, with advancements in audio technology, ABBA revisited “Just A Notion.” This time, the mixing hurdle was overcome. The song received a fresh instrumental update, while retaining the original vocals, allowing a new generation to experience the infectious energy of this hidden gem.
Released in October 2021 as the third single from ABBA’s comeback album “Voyage,” “Just A Notion” wasn’t just a lost song – it was a joyous reunion. Described by Bjorn Ulvaeus himself as a “ridiculously happy song,” it offered a burst of sunshine during challenging times, proving that good music truly transcends time.