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A review by debs_shelves
The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover by Jan Gradvall
informative
4.0
Thanks to @stmartinspress for the advance copy and the adorable disco ball keychain!
As someone who fell in love with ABBA’s music as a teen (and still can’t resist belting out “Dancing Queen” at full volume), this deep dive into their legacy was fascinating.
Through exclusive interviews and more than a decade of research, music journalist Jan Gradvall offers a unique look behind the glitter and harmonies. What makes this book stand out is how intimately it captures the personal journeys of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.
Gradvall doesn’t just chronicle ABBA’s rise from Swedish stardom to global phenomenon. He unpacks why their music still resonates today. He weaves together pop history, Swedish culture, and the shifting tides of fame. And yes, the melancholy is very real.
If you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or just curious about the inner workings of iconic pop music, this is a must-read. It’s more than just the story of a band. It’s the story of cultural transformation, emotional endurance, and the enduring magic of a perfectly crafted pop song.
As someone who fell in love with ABBA’s music as a teen (and still can’t resist belting out “Dancing Queen” at full volume), this deep dive into their legacy was fascinating.
Through exclusive interviews and more than a decade of research, music journalist Jan Gradvall offers a unique look behind the glitter and harmonies. What makes this book stand out is how intimately it captures the personal journeys of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.
Gradvall doesn’t just chronicle ABBA’s rise from Swedish stardom to global phenomenon. He unpacks why their music still resonates today. He weaves together pop history, Swedish culture, and the shifting tides of fame. And yes, the melancholy is very real.
If you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or just curious about the inner workings of iconic pop music, this is a must-read. It’s more than just the story of a band. It’s the story of cultural transformation, emotional endurance, and the enduring magic of a perfectly crafted pop song.