ABBA

After winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, ABBA achieved levels of international fame that no pop act from a non-English-speaking country had ever attained before. The Stockholm, Sweden band were named after the initials of the four members' Christian names (Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and sole Norwegian Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad) and dominated world charts in the late 70s with a series of classy Europop singles.  At one point, they were generating more export income for the Swedish economy than any other company other than the Volvo car company.  They even starred in their own film, set in Australia, where they were especially popular.  By the 80s, the band, now consisting of two divorced couples, recorded much darker, downbeat material, and they split for good in 1983.

Thank You For The Music

1983, UK. Epic Records (WA 3894)
1. Thank You For The Music
2. Our Last Summer

This shaped picture disc shows off the familar Abba logo, which is symmetrical around a vertical axis. Thank You For The Music was originally a much-loved album track, about the restorative power of music, from the 1977 release ABBA: The Album. It was released in single form here to promote a new greatest hits album.