As far as debuts go, ABBA’s Ring Ring is highly compelling, offering a glimpse of a band that would ultimately take the world by storm. Naturally, at the time, it would have been just another release, by another band, but with the benefit of retrospect, we can see the origins of ABBA’s undeniable sonic characteristics that would continue to appeal to music lovers the world over.
While Ring Ring may not have the spit and polish heard on some of their later albums, there’s a natural charisma to this debut that remains captivating and, in some ways, as bewitching as the record’s artwork. Okay, so the cover art may be a little corny by modern standards, but the mirrored snapshot works exceedingly well in capturing your attention. It’s also far more appealing on the larger vinyl canvas; an impactful aspect that no streaming service can match.
While I thoroughly appreciate the Apple Music stream, presented as an Apple Digital Master, I’m also fortunate to own the 2020 vinyl reissue of The Studio Albums. I am pleased to report that that too is sonically beautiful and, as it pertains to track listing and artwork, it honours the original Swedish release whereby the Swedish version of Ring Ring (Bara Du Slog En Signal) is positioned as the album’s opener and the additional track on international versions, She’s My Kind Of Girl, remained absent as in it’s position on the original release was the English language version of Ring Ring.
Yes, dear reader, for those of us interested in the artist’s original intent, the plethora of reissues has complicated things. Interestingly, no matter which version you listen to, they’re all sequenced perfectly. It’s as if it was always meant to be that way. Still, the confusion associated with the various releases does little to appease one’s mind for the ultimate edition of Ring Ring is still a, somewhat, elusive proposition. With that in mind, however, this review will focus on the more readily available 12-track international edition, minus the bonus tracks that are included in the Bonus Tracks release; you’ve got to draw the line somewhere and I feel the core 12-track international release is ideal as it pertains to the flow and overall sense and style of Ring Ring.
As to which is sonically preferred, based on the two editions I have access to, I’ll give the stream a slight advantage, mainly due to the lack of surface noise and convenience it offers. Regardless, either of these options are about as good as you’re ever likely to hear Ring Ring sound and, yes, I have experience with earlier vinyl reissues that weren’t up to par and the CD Deluxe Edition, from 2013, that’s noticeably more shrill and fatiguing to listen to. Contrast that with the aforementioned versions and I can easily listen to Ring Ring for hours on end.
Ring Ring is corny, cliché, and quintessentially ABBA. Sometimes an addictive pop number is all that’s required and the lighthearted musical styling offers a perfect opening to the record and showcases ABBA’s knack for crafting, catchy, timeless tunes.
Another Town, Another Train may slow the tempo a little, but despite the more sombre styling, Another Town, Another Train, hints at the emotional depth and acoustic arrangements that would meld into ABBA’s more ballad-folk-styled ambitions. Regardless, this is a magnificent tune and showcases just how incredible the four core members were together, even in their early days.
Disillusion focuses on the vocal aspects of the recording and is amongst Agnetha Fältskog’s finest recordings. Coincidentally, Disillusion is the only song to have been penned by Fältskog that was recorded by ABBA for a studio release. Stunning is certainly one way to put it for while it may not be one of ABBA’s most well-known hits, and has never been included on a compilation release, it’s without a doubt, one of the greatest ballads ABBA ever recorded and deserves far more respect and attention than it often receives for this heartfelt performance is a standout.
People Need Love is a solid tune with an upbeat tempo, harmonious vocals, and a positive perspective; an aspect that isn’t always at the forefront of music, but is a message that is needed now, more than ever, as contemporary society marches towards an uncertain future.
I Saw It In The Mirror is a tune that you’ll likely find yourself turning down if other people are within earshot. It isn’t a fundamentally bad song, it’s just that the vocal presentation is jarring and isn’t great while the tempo is also a little too slow for my liking.
Nina, Pretty Ballerina is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. Call it a guilty pleasure, but each time this song comes on, I’m captivated from the first note to the last. Yes, on some masterings of this song, the chorus can be too shrill, thereby making it marginally unlistenable, but thankfully the Apple Music stream has no such audible issues and you’ll find yourself toe-tapping and head-bopping along to this classic tune. The playful melody, vivid storytelling, and excitement of the song make it a standout on not only Ring Ring but also within ABBA’s illustrious career. The only disappointment is that it has been somewhat forgotten, outside of this album’s linear structure, that is.
Love Isn't Easy (But It Sure Is Hard Enough) is a solid tune that will see you toe-tapping and head-bopping along, but its strength lies in the fact that it isn’t pushing new ground, instead playing into the sound that would ultimately make ABBA famous; with a touch of country influence, for good measure.
Me And Bobby And Bobby's Brother is another of ABBA’s cringeworthy recordings, but I’ll be damned if I don’t have a smile from ear to ear every time Me And Bobby And Bobby's Brother comes on. Sometimes the corniest of songs are the most memorable and while it may not be a landmark release, for there are so many from ABBA, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable tune.
He Is Your Brother is uplifting and the song’s message of unity is thoroughly appreciated. It’s also a song that I need to remind my children to listen to for most siblings, regardless of gender, could benefit from solidarity at certain points in life.
She's My Kind Of Girl is an incredible tune that, as mentioned earlier, was originally omitted from the original Swedish releases. With a Hollies’ feel to the recording, She’s My Kind Of Girl will likely appeal to many who have an appreciation for 60s-era recordings.
I Am Just A Girl is beautiful! Fältskog, yet again, shines on this delicate number. It's so memorable that you’ll find yourself returning to the album for this song alone as it becomes a pleasurable earworm that will stay with you long after the album has concluded.
Rock'n Roll Band closes the core album structure on an energetic note with a rock and roll flair that will encourage you to spin the record again for Ring Ring can never be listened to only once.
Ring Ring is a wonderful opening chapter for the storied career of ABBA, and while it may be ranked as my seventh favourite studio album by the Swedes, it’s only that the latter albums are so incredible that Ring Ring takes somewhat of a backseat. Nevertheless, every time I play the record I thoroughly enjoy every moment and can say with all honesty that it’s as good a place as any to introduce newcomers to the band; although the same could be said for ABBA Gold. Either way, it’s ABBA, you can’t go wrong!