Introduction
ABBA’s “Put on Your White Sombrero” might not be a chart-topping hit, but it offers a glimpse into the band’s creative process and a taste of sunshine-filled melodies. Recorded during sessions for their iconic 1980 album “Super Trouper,” the song never quite made the final cut.
Originally sporting working titles like “Spansk II” (“Spanish II”) and the more whimsical “Pig Party On Mallorca,” “Put on Your White Sombrero” hints at its lighthearted theme. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, ABBA’s songwriting duo, even considered “Padre” as a title, suggesting a touch of Spanish flair.
Despite being fully recorded, the song was ultimately deemed not strong enough to be a single, and it was shelved in favor of the album’s title track. However, “Put on Your White Sombrero” wasn’t forgotten entirely. It eventually saw the light of day in 1994 on the massive box set “Thank You for the Music,” much to the delight of dedicated ABBA fans.
Since then, the song has become a beloved bonus track on reissues of “Super Trouper,” offering a chance to experience a different side of the album. Notably, the music from “Put on Your White Sombrero” was even repurposed for another song, “Cassandra,” which was intended for a later ABBA project that never came to fruition.
So, while “Put on Your White Sombrero” might not have the fame of some of ABBA’s greatest hits, it serves as a fascinating footnote in their story. It’s a testament to the band’s prolific creativity and a delightful escape into a world of summer vibes and catchy melodies.