As enduring Pop forces go, few can rival the resonating impact of ABBA.
The Swedish quad, made up of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid, debuted almost 50 years ago and have gone on to etch themselves into the history books with their colossal collection of infectious Pop classics. Indeed, from ‘Mama Mia’ to ‘Waterloo,’ who doesn’t have a favourite ABBA track?
And now, after a 35-year hiatus, the group are reuniting for the release of not one but two new songs in December. With ‘I Still Have Faith in You’ being first up.
As anticipation builds, let’s reflect on the immeasurable impact the ensemble had on the UK during the height of their heyday.
The rigors of the road can be rough on even the most seasoned performers. Case in point Pink, who has been admitted to a hospital in Sydney, Australia today.
Saturday saw Britney Spears slide into Brighton, England to rock fans with a show built for gay pride as she gears up to return to Vegas for another residential outing!
Only right then, that she celebrate what may be her most-celebrated LP, ‘Blackout’, with fans during the performance.
How? By offering her LGBT supporters a fresh look at its standout tracks with help from new arrangements, moves and mashups.
Rihanna‘s brilliant spread in the September issue of ‘British Vogue’ leads the way for her next studio album and the projects she is launch to support its unveiling shortly.
Sound exciting? Well, get a load of this. ‘Vogue’ has now released footage from the meeting the superstar took with its Ghanaian editor Edward Enninful to plan the shoot!
It makes for a great watch.
Why? Its showcasing of the musician turned mogul’s input and involvement in and with the career-defining moment.
Today From The Vault salutes the one and only Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul. This week’s pick is Mary J Blige with the R&B classic ‘Just Fine.’
After finally finding love and peace, MJB felt it time to switch things up and record more upbeat songs.
‘Fine’ was exactly that and was released as the first single from Blige’s 2007 album ‘Growing Pains.’
The cut was helmed by Tricky Stewart and The Dream with additional production from Jazze Pha.
It was a critical home-run, earning multiple Grammy nods, and was also a moderate chart hit peaking at #22 in the US and #16 in the UK.
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Chris Applebaum directed the song’s visual which was nominated for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2008 VMAs. The clip depicted Mary showcasing her signature dance moves in front of various backdrops, and rocking high fashion couture. Although she is the only protagonist in the vid, her charisma and all around swag are alone to make it a highly enjoyable moment.
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Though recent years haven’t been her most prolific on the chart front, it seems Mary’s legendary status has only grown stronger.
25 years + later, she hasn’t lost any of what made her a class act — unlike some of her peers.
At a time where power ballads are as big as turn up anthems, maybe Mary can score herself another big track a la ‘Be Without You’ or ‘No More Drama’? Or, given how versatile she is, perhaps a fun song akin to ‘Just Fine’ is what the comeback doctor ordered?
