The relentless calls for of the music trade’s 70s launch protocol meant the concept of not issuing at the very least a few singles throughout 1978 would have been unthinkable. “Take A Chance On Me” had been lifted from ABBA: The Album that January however it was clear the group’s subsequent studio album was nonetheless a way off. To fill the hole, they took “Summer Night City” from classes begun in Could of that 12 months and launched it as a standalone single on September 6, 1978.
Writing and recording classes
The Bee Gees’ monumental success that 12 months had an apparent affect on “Summer Night City,” which, in its earlier incarnation, had the odd working title of “Charlie The Abuser” (the title is a playful pun on the work of in style comic Kalle Sändare). Written in homage to Benny and Björn’s dwelling metropolis of Stockholm – well-known for its balmy summer season nights – the tune started life on the band’s typical base of Metronome Studios however was one of many first cuts later accomplished at Polar Music Studio, the recording facility arrange by the group in Stockholm.
Agnetha and Frida sang their solo elements first earlier than overdubs from the entire group have been added. “Summer Night City” then lay within the vaults till that August, when the monitor was combined for launch. A number of makes an attempt at perfecting the ultimate model have been tried, and several other variations now sit within the band’s archive.
The unlikely selection of B-side was a covers medley of American requirements. It had been recorded greater than three years earlier for a charity mission however, newly dusted down, allowed “Summer Night City” to get to the urgent plant with out the group having to hurry one other new tune to completion earlier than it was prepared.
Launch and reception
“Summer Night City” grew to become the final No.1 single for the Swedes of their homeland, however its surprising No.5 UK peak was seen as one thing of a failure by the group’s super-league requirements. The tune ended up being left off Voulez-Vous however was included on the band’s second best hits assortment, issued the next 12 months. It says one thing {that a} tune as robust and profitable as “Summer Night City” was marked as a misfire. For a lot of acts, it could have been a game-changer.
Store for ABBA’s music on vinyl or CD now.
