ABBA’s Most Underrated Songs: Hidden Gems and Forgotten ABBA Tracks

Introduction: Why These Hidden Gems Matter

ABBA’s catalog is full of global hits — “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo” — but the group’s full artistic range is best heard beyond the singles. This guide aims to shine a light on forgotten ABBA songs and hidden gems in ABBA discography that reveal subtler songwriting, daring arrangements, and emotional depth often missed by casual listeners.

The appeal of forgotten ABBA songs

There’s a special thrill to discovering an ABBA song you didn’t know: the payoff of hearing a familiar voice in a surprising setting, or a lyric that reframes the band’s pop persona. Deep cuts can reveal influences (folk, cabaret, art-pop) and themes (melancholy, mature relationships) that the hits rarely expose. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, these tracks prove ABBA was more than chart dominance — they were masterful songwriters and studio craftsmen.

How this article differs from greatest-hits rundowns

This article deliberately avoids recycling the usual top-10 singles. Instead, it focuses on deep cuts from ABBA albums, B-sides, regional releases, and seldom-played fan favorites. Think of this as a curated map for the curious listener who’s heard the singles and wants to dig deeper.

How we define “underrated” and “hidden tracks by ABBA”

For this piece, “underrated” includes:

• Album tracks that never became singles but show exceptional craft.
• B-sides and non-album tracks released in limited markets.
• Regional or compilation-only songs and actual hidden tracks by ABBA (rare studio snippets, demos, or pieces tucked into reissues). We draw a line between “underrated” and simply “unknown”: chosen tracks must have enduring musical or lyrical value and at least some recognition among fans or critics.

Criteria for Selection: What Makes a Track a Hidden Gem

Musical quality and songwriting depth

We prioritized tracks that demonstrate:

• Strong melody or chordal sophistication (unexpected modulations, rich harmonies).
• Lyrical nuance or narrative ambition (mature subject matter, clever turns of phrase).
• Production choices that add texture (strings, unusual percussion, inventive stereo work).

A good hidden gem should reward repeat listens: the first listen might intrigue, but repeated plays reveal new details.

Historical and cultural context

Some songs were overlooked because of timing: albums released during market saturation, singles that overshadowed album cuts, or regional release strategies that limited exposure. For example, the late 1970s saw ABBA releasing multiple albums and singles annually; naturally, not every strong song could be promoted worldwide. We factor in chart performance, release history, and notes from contemporary reviews.

Fan reception vs. mainstream recognition

To balance subjective taste and objective signals, we used:

• Fan polls and forums (e.g., ABBA fan communities).
• Streaming popularity relative to singles (where available).
• Critical notes from established music publications. This is why the list mixes cult favorites and objectively strong album tracks that never hit the mainstream.

Deep Cuts from ABBA Albums: Standout Tracks by Era

Early era deep cuts (1972–1975)

• “I Am Just a Girl” (from Ring Ring, 1973): A modest early recording that showcases ABBA’s knack for tight pop arrangements and harmonies that hint at later sophistication.
• “Disillusion” (from Ring Ring, 1973 / Lycka-era): Darker in tone, this song offers an early glimpse of melancholic storytelling that would recur in later work.
• “Intermezzo No. 1” (from Ring Ring/early recordings): An instrumental demonstrating the group’s willingness to include purely musical statements alongside pop songs.

Why these matter: The early era finds ABBA experimenting with styles and building the melodic toolkit that produced their later masterpieces. These tracks are valuable for hearing the band’s formation.

Mid-period favorites (1976–1979)

• “The King Has Lost His Crown” (from Arrival, 1976): A brooding, dramatic track that trades the band’s usual sparkle for theatrical melancholy.
• “Tiger” (from Arrival, 1976): A taut, pulsing rocker with unexpected lyrical cynicism; it shows ABBA reconciling pop accessibility with edgier rhythms.
• “My Love, My Life” (from Arrival / Greatest Hits era): A deeply felt ballad that often plays second fiddle to the album’s singles but rewards emotional attention.

Why these matter: 1976–1979 was ABBA’s creative high point. These songs reveal narrative and textural layers—strings, keyboard colors, vocal interplay—that mainstream radio rarely emphasized.

Later-period discoveries (1980–1982)

• “Soldiers” (from The Visitors, 1981): A sombre, synth-laced commentary on the Cold War era showing ABBA’s turn toward modern production and darker themes.
• “The Day Before You Came” (1982 single, included on later compilations): A haunting, conversational ballad notable for its minimalist arrangement and narrative ambiguity; often overlooked as a major single but hugely influential in tone.
• “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room” (from The Visitors sessions / The Singles: The First Ten Years in different versions): An intimate, almost experimental track emphasizing space and subtle vocal phrasing.

Why these matter: ABBA’s final studio years are often framed as “less commercial,” but they contain some of the band’s most musically adventurous and emotionally complex work.

Abba Underrated Songs List: Best Lesser-Known ABBA Tracks

Top 10 best lesser-known ABBA tracks (short list with one-line hooks)

1. “The King Has Lost His Crown” — Operatic drama and commentary wrapped in a precise pop arrangement.
2. “My Love, My Life” — A tender ballad where Agnetha & Frida’s voices create unforgettable intimacy.
3. “Soldiers” — Synth-driven, politically tinged, and surprisingly prescient.
4. “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room” — Minimalist and haunting; a late-career experiment in restraint.
5. “Tiger” — Rock-inflected groove with sharp lyricism and energy.
6. “I Am Just a Girl” — Early charm and vocal interplay that foreshadowed later polish.
7. “Disillusion” — Darker storytelling standing apart from the band’s brighter singles.
8. “The Day Before You Came” — Narrative pop with cinematic space and subtle tension.
9. “Should I Laugh or Cry” (from Super Trouper sessions) — A bittersweet closer that balances melody and rueful lyrics.
10. “Hey, Hey Helen” (from Voulez-Vous, 1979) — A quirky, funky track that challenges ABBA’s expected sound.

Honorable mentions and regional obscurities

• “Hasta Mañana” (original single mix in some territories) — Known but with interesting variations.
• “Summer Night City” (single edit vs. album version) — A disco experiment with alternate mixes that circulated regionally.
• “En hälsning till barnen” (Swedish-only or charity releases) — Examples of regional or language-specific tracks that rarely appear outside Scandinavia.

B-sides and non-album tracks worth hearing

• “Gulliga små gubbar” / Swedish-language B-sides — Offer raw, local glimpses into the band’s roots.
• “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” B-side variations and extended mixes — Collectible versions that can reshape perception of a familiar song.
• Non-album single B-sides included on later compilations — often overlooked but essential for completists.

Songs You May Have Missed: Hidden Tracks and Fan Favorites

Official hidden tracks and rare releases

ABBA didn’t have many true “hidden tracks” in the modern CD sense, but the band’s reissues and box sets introduced rarities and previously unreleased pieces. The 1994 “Thank You for the Music” box set and later “The Complete Studio Recordings” included rehearsals, alternate takes, and mixes that function like hidden gems.

“Hidden” in ABBA’s case often meant limited release or language-specific material rather than a literal unlisted track.

Live versions, demos, and alternate takes

• Demos reveal early songwriting sketches where Björn & Benny’s arrangement choices become visible.
• Alternate mixes (e.g., 7″ singles vs. album versions) often differ in length, instrumentation, or vocal balance — sometimes providing a more direct or raw experience than the polished album mix.
• Live recordings from radio sessions or TV appearances capture ABBA’s vocal blend in a different acoustic setting; these can show how the group adapted arrangements in real time.

How to find these songs today (streaming, reissues, box sets)

• Streaming platforms: Most mainstream deep cuts are available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music — search album pages like Arrival, The Visitors, and Voulez-Vous rather than curated hits playlists.
• Official reissues: “The Complete Studio Recordings” box set and anniversary reissues include rarities and alternate takes. Check ABBA’s official store for box set details.
• YouTube & archival uploads: Official channels and fan uploads host rare performances and TV appearances.
• Collector communities and third-party sellers: For out-of-print vinyl or region-specific singles, Discogs is a helpful resource.
• Library & academic archives: Some broadcasters’ archives (e.g., BBC sessions) have been digitized and are available via official channels.

Why These Deep Cuts Still Resonate

Influence on later musicians and pop songwriting

ABBA’s craft—clear melodic focus, sophisticated chord progressions, studio layering—has influenced generations of pop artists. Musicians from indie pop to electro-pop cite ABBA as a touchstone for hook writing and production clarity. Even lesser-known tracks reveal techniques (counter-melodies, mic placement for vocal separation) now studied by producers.

• Example stat: ABBA’s catalog continues to generate strong streaming numbers; some album tracks see steady monthly plays on streaming platforms, reflecting long-tail interest beyond hits (ABBA on Spotify — artist page).

Emotional and musical qualities that endure

What makes the abba underrated songs list enduring is emotional honesty married to craft:

• Intimacy (e.g., “My Love, My Life”) that resonates with listeners beyond the dancefloor.
• Ambiguity and narrative specificity (e.g., “The Day Before You Came”) that invite interpretation.
• Production creativity that ages well: lush strings, tasteful synths, and production restraint in later works.

Turning hidden gems into playlist staples

Practical tips:

• Build themed playlists: “Melancholic ABBA,” “ABBA: Studio Experiments,” or “ABBA B-Sides.”
• Alternate a well-known single with a lesser-known track to encourage listeners to stay (e.g., “Dancing Queen” → “My Love, My Life”).
• Use shuffle strategically: group songs by era to preserve sonic continuity.

Conclusion: Rediscovering ABBA Beyond the Hits

Quick recap of must-hear hidden gems

• Essential picks: “The King Has Lost His Crown,” “My Love, My Life,” “Soldiers,” “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room,” and “The Day Before You Came.”
• Explore B-sides, regional releases, and reissue extras to find truly rare pieces.

Final encouragement to explore deeper cuts from ABBA albums

If you love ABBA’s hits, giving time to deep cuts from ABBA albums is a rewarding next step. These songs reveal emotional nuance and production daring that complement — and sometimes redefine — what you thought you knew about the group.

Further resources and suggested listening

• ABBA official site and store for reissues and box sets: abbasite.com.
• Streaming playlists: Search “ABBA deep cuts” on Spotify or Apple Music for fan-curated lists.
• Discogs for rare physical releases and collector info: discogs.com.
• Background reading: ABBA history and influence in Britannica and Rolling Stone:
  • Britannica — ABBA entry: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ABBA
  • Rolling Stone — ABBA features and album reviews: https://www.rollingstone.com

Call to action: Pick one song from the “Top 10” above, add it to your favorite playlist, and listen to the track three times — then come back and tell us which lyric or production detail hit you hardest. Rediscovering ABBA is a journey — and the rewards are well worth the trip.