"ABBA" is the third studio album by the Swedish pop group of the same name. It was released by Polar Music on 21 April 1975. Its release coincided with ABBA’s victory at the Eurovision the previous year, which immensely helped propel the band to international fame. The album contained songs like "Mamma Mia", that reached the top spot on the UK charts, and "S.O.S.", a tune that has since become one of the group's signature songs. Other notable songs from the album include "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" and "Bang-A-Boomerang". In general, the album was well-received and was a hit in numerous countries. It topped the charts in Sweden, Norway and Australia, while reaching the Top 20 in several other markets, including the United States.
As for the background, the process of recording ABBA was originally started in August 1974. It included some experiments with new sounds and styles that gave a new dimension to the band’s established sound. The album reflected a change in style, departing from the folk-tinged tunes of the group’s early days. Instead, it embraced more pop and dance music elements, foreshadowing the direction the group would take in the upcoming years, which eventually became their signature sound famous around the world. The album proved that ABBA was not just a Eurovision one-hit-wonder, but a serious pop group to be reckoned with.
