Introduction
“Voulez-Vous” (French for “Do you want?”) is a disco anthem by the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. Released in 1979, the song became a signature tune for the band, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive within the ever-evolving music scene.
The song’s origins lie in the warm embrace of the Bahamas. While vacationing there, songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus soaked in the sounds of American radio, particularly the infectious energy of disco. Inspired, they returned to the studio with a newfound enthusiasm for the genre.
Breaking tradition, “Voulez-Vous” marked a departure from ABBA’s usual recording process. Their past albums were primarily created at their home base, Polar Studios in Stockholm. However, for this disco venture, they ventured to Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida. There, they collaborated with American session musicians from the group Foxy to lay down the instrumental backing track, infusing the song with a distinctly American disco flavor.
Back in Sweden, “Voulez-Vous” took its final form. Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad shared lead vocals, their harmonies perfectly complementing the driving rhythm and catchy melody. The song became the title track for ABBA’s sixth studio album, released in April 1979.
“Voulez-Vous” was an instant hit. Released as a single or a double A-side with “Angeleyes” depending on the region, the song dominated charts worldwide. It became a ubiquitous presence on dance floors, solidifying ABBA’s reputation as a musical powerhouse capable of captivating audiences with any genre they touched. Despite the disco craze eventually fading, “Voulez-Vous” has endured as a timeless classic, a testament to ABBA’s enduring legacy.