Introduction
“Rubber Ball Man” is an unreleased track by the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA, recorded during the sessions for their 1979 album *”Voulez-Vous.”* While the song never made it onto an official album, it remains a subject of interest among ABBA fans and collectors due to its catchy melody and unique place in the band’s history.
The song was written by ABBA’s principal songwriters, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who were known for their ability to craft infectious pop melodies. “Rubber Ball Man” was part of the creative process during a period when ABBA was experimenting with different sounds and styles, particularly influenced by the disco trend of the late 1970s. The song’s bouncy rhythm and playful lyrics reflect the band’s interest in creating upbeat, danceable music that could appeal to a wide audience.
Although “Rubber Ball Man” was never officially released, parts of the melody and structure were later reworked into the song “Under My Sun,” which also remained unreleased, and ultimately into “Under Attack,” one of the last singles ABBA released before their break in 1982. This process of reworking material was not uncommon for ABBA, as Benny and Björn often revisited unused ideas and fragments from earlier sessions to create new songs.
Despite its status as an unreleased track, “Rubber Ball Man” has been bootlegged and shared among fans, becoming part of the lore surrounding ABBA’s extensive back catalog. The song provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of the world’s most successful pop groups and illustrates how ABBA continuously evolved their sound by experimenting with different musical ideas.
For ABBA enthusiasts, “Rubber Ball Man” represents a hidden gem—a piece of the puzzle that helps to complete the picture of the band’s prolific output during their peak years. While it may never have reached the same level of fame as their biggest hits, the song remains an intriguing part of ABBA’s musical legacy.