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"SOS" was written by Benny Andersson, Björn
Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson. The title itself
was coined by Stig, though the lyrics he
provided were rewritten by Ulvaeus. "SOS" was
among the first three songs recorded for the
group's upcoming 1975 album, ABBA.
Despite the song's catchiness, it was passed
over as the lead single from the album; the
track "So Long" was chosen instead. "So Long"
was chosen primarily because it had the same
uptempo beat as their 1974 hit single,
"Waterloo."
The descending chords and ominous synthesizer
melody line of the introduction set the tone
for Faltskog's vocals, sounding almost as if
she were breaking down in tears."SOS" was the
song that put the group back on the worldwide
charts. It was their UK comeback, peaking at
No.6, and a U.S. Top 20 hit. It continued the
craze of "Abba-mania" in Australia, where it,
along with other singles, "I Do, I Do, I Do,
I Do, I Do" and "Mamma Mia," occupied the top
spot for record weeks at the time. "SOS" also
topped the charts in New Zealand, Mexico,
South Africa, Belgium and West Germany, and
reached the Top Five in Italy, Austria, the
Netherlands, Norway, Zimbabwe (then
Rhodesia), Switzerland and Ireland. The track
was also the group's first charting single in
Canada, peaking at No.9. From this point on,
ABBA were guaranteed recognition as a force
in 1970s popular music and were no longer
regarded as Eurovision one-hit wonders."SOS"
has a number of musical fans: John Lennon and
Pete Townshend had both declared that it was
one of their favourite pop songs. Pretty
credible endorsement if you ask me. ABBA
Rocks and I Love them with all my heart. Hope
you do also. Click on my username 7ABBA7 or
subscribe for access to all my ABBA vids. 973
million coming. :P Peace ABBA Fans! :)
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