Introduction
A Long-Lost Gem: ABBA’s “Just A Notion”
“Just A Notion” by ABBA might sound brand new, but it carries a fascinating backstory spanning over four decades. Originally recorded in September 1978, the song was intended for their iconic album “Voulez-Vous.” Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the songwriting duo behind ABBA’s greatest hits, crafted “Just A Notion” during these sessions.
Despite progressing beyond the demo stage, the song hit a roadblock. ABBA expressed dissatisfaction with the mix, deeming it “unmixable.” This technical hurdle resulted in “Just A Notion” being shelved, leaving it unreleased for over 40 years.
The song wasn’t entirely forgotten though. A snippet of a rough mix surfaced in 1994 on the compilation “Thank You for the Music.” Then, in 1999, an ABBA tribute band called Arrival released their rendition of the full song, keeping the spirit of ABBA’s original recording alive.
Fast forward to 2021. ABBA’s grand return to music with “Voyage,” their first new album in four decades, brought a twist. “Just A Notion” was finally given its official release, not as a relic of the past, but reborn. The song features the original 1978 vocals, masterfully blended with newly recorded instrumentation. This unique approach highlights the timelessness of ABBA’s music while offering a fresh perspective.
“Just A Notion” stands as a testament to ABBA’s songwriting prowess and a reminder that sometimes, even the greatest hits take a detour before reaching our ears. Now, with its official release, this long-lost gem can finally take its rightful place among ABBA’s classics.