Album Info
| Artist: | ABBA |
| Album: | The Visitors |
| Released: | Europe, 2011 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Visitors | 5:49 |
| A2 | Head Over Heels | 3:45 |
| A3 | When All Is Said And Done | 3:20 |
| A4 | Soldiers | 4:38 |
| B1 | I Let The Music Speak | 5:20 |
| B2 | One Of Us | 3:55 |
| B3 | Two For The Price Of One | 3:36 |
| B4 | Slipping Through My Fingers | 3:51 |
| B5 | Like An Angel Passing Through My Room | 3:25 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
ABBA's 1981 album The Visitors stands as a fascinating and poignant chapter in the legendary Swedish pop group's discography. Released on November 30, 1981, it was their eighth and final studio album, marking the end of an era for the band. By this point, ABBA had already cemented their place in music history with a string of global hits, but The Visitors showcased a more mature and introspective side of their artistry.
The album is often noted for its darker and more reflective tone compared to ABBA's earlier, more exuberant work. This shift in mood can be attributed to the personal and professional challenges the group members were facing at the time. Both couples within the band—Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—had divorced, and the strain of these changes is palpable in the music. The themes explored on The Visitors delve into topics such as political oppression, personal isolation, and the complexities of relationships, giving the album a depth that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
The title track, "The Visitors", opens the album with a dramatic and almost foreboding energy. Its lyrics, inspired by the fear and paranoia of living under a totalitarian regime, are set against a backdrop of pulsating synths and a driving rhythm. This song immediately sets the tone for the album, showcasing ABBA's ability to tackle serious subject matter while maintaining their signature melodic sensibility.
Another standout track is "One of Us", which became the album's lead single and a commercial success. The song's bittersweet melody and heartfelt lyrics about the aftermath of a breakup reflect the personal experiences of the band members, making it one of their most emotionally resonant pieces. The vulnerability in Agnetha's vocal delivery is particularly striking, drawing the listener into the song's narrative.
"Slipping Through My Fingers" is another highlight, a tender ballad that captures the bittersweet emotions of watching a child grow up and the fleeting nature of time. This track, with its delicate arrangement and poignant lyrics, has become a fan favourite over the years, resonating with parents and anyone who has experienced the passage of time.
The production on The Visitors is a testament to ABBA's evolution as artists. The album incorporates a more sophisticated and layered sound, with the use of synthesizers and electronic elements adding a modern edge to their music. This was a departure from the more traditional pop arrangements of their earlier albums, showcasing their willingness to experiment and adapt to the changing musical landscape of the early 1980s.
Despite its critical acclaim, The Visitors marked the end of ABBA's recording career as a group. The band members decided to take a break in 1982, and while they never officially disbanded, they did not release any new material together for decades. This sense of finality adds an extra layer of poignancy to the album, as it represents the closing chapter of a remarkable journey.
In retrospect, The Visitors is often regarded as one of ABBA's most accomplished and underrated works. Its introspective themes and innovative production have earned it a special place in the hearts of fans and critics alike. The album's legacy has only grown over time, with many recognising it as a bold and mature statement from a band at the height of their creative powers.
For anyone exploring ABBA's discography, The Visitors offers a unique and rewarding listening experience. It captures a moment of transition and transformation, both for the band and for the world around them, making it a timeless and deeply affecting piece of art.