Introduction
“I Let the Music Speak” by ABBA arrived in 1981, nestled on the B-side of their introspective album, The Visitors. This melancholic song stands as the group’s fifth-longest recording, surpassed only by a handful of other tracks known for their epic soundscapes.
The Visitors itself marked a shift in tone for the Swedish supergroup. Known for their infectious pop anthems like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia!, ABBA delved into darker themes on this album. Cold War anxieties, relationship strains, and a sense of impending change permeated the lyrics.
“I Let the Music Speak” embodies this shift. While retaining the group’s signature synth-pop sound, the song moves at a slower pace, with Agnetha Fältskog and Frida Lyngstad’s vocals taking on a more melancholic quality. The lyrics themselves become a plea, with the singers suggesting that when words fail, music can convey the true depths of emotion.
This song serves as a bridge between the joyful pop of ABBA’s earlier work and the introspective themes explored on The Visitors. It’s a poignant reminder of the group’s artistic evolution and their ability to weave complex emotions into their music. So, put on your headphones, press play, and “I Let the Music Speak” take you on a journey through the heart of ABBA.