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ABBA were a four piece male/female Swedish group. The band’s name is an acronym of the members; Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog. The band shot to fame following their triumph in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, with Waterloo.

Waterloo gave the band their first UK number one single. This was followed by two singles, Ring Ring & I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do which both failed to hit the top 30. There was growing speculation that the group were Eurovision one hit wonders. However, the fourth UK single, S.O.S. shot in to the top 10 and with the three singles that followed all reaching number one, the group were firmly secured a place in the UK citizen’s hearts.

Throughout the rest of the 1970’s, the band had successive top 5 hits, and 3 more number one singles. Two Greatest Hits album’s were release in this period along with three studio albums. All reached the top spot. The band also made a movie during this time. The group’s success carried on into the 1980’s with two number one singles and three number one albums. By the end of 1982 however, the group’s UK career had faded.

Following family breakdown’s between the members, the group entered their last recording sessions in 1982. Only six tracks came of the sessions, and none were to reach the UK top 20. It was a sad end to a fantastic career. Many of the die hard fans however, believe that the final recordings are the group’s best musically.