Introduction
ABBA’s “King Kong Song,” though not as widely known as their mega-hits like “Dancing Queen” or “Mamma Mia,” holds a curious place in their discography. Released in 1974 on their debut album “Waterloo,” the song sparked debate among fans for its unique sound and lyrical themes.
While ABBA carved a niche with catchy pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, “King Kong Song” leaned towards a more playful, almost childlike rock sound. The simplistic, repetitive melody and lyrics about the mighty ape climbing a skyscraper stood out from their usual ballads and dancefloor anthems.
There’s no confirmed information on the exact inspiration behind the song, but some speculate it might have been a lighthearted take on the 1976 remake of the classic “King Kong” film. ABBA themselves weren’t particularly fond of the song. Benny Andersson, a songwriter for the group, reportedly considered it “immature” compared to their other work.
Despite its reception within ABBA, “King Kong Song” serves as an interesting anomaly in their early career. It showcases their willingness to experiment with different sounds, even if it didn’t quite resonate with them or all their fans. So, put on your dancing shoes, suspend disbelief for a moment, and prepare to be charmed by the quirky, infectious energy of ABBA’s “King Kong Song.”