Top 10 ABBA Songs of All Time

#10: Fernando

Greatest Hits (1975)

Although technically an ABBA song, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Fernando actually debuted on Anni-Frid Lyngstads solo album Frida ensam. The Swedish lyrics are about heartbreak, while the English version follows two ex-soldiers reminiscing about a war. Or, if you go by the Mamma Mia! approach, its about an old flame. Apparently, Fernando was the name of a bartender at a local brewery, so honestly, he could be whoever you want him to be. The song blew up, selling over 10 million physical copies, topping charts globally, and even winning Best Studio Recording of 1975. Whether its the harmonies, the nostalgia, or just the sheer ABBA-ness of it all, it still slaps.

#9: Take a Chance on Me

ABBA: The Album (1977)

If this song isn't on your running playlist, why not? The rhythm reportedly came from a beat Ulvaeus would repeat to himself while out jogging. It's peak ABBA: energetic, irresistibly catchy, and emotionally sincere. That take-a-chance hook grabs you instantly and doesn't let go. The driving beat, and tight harmonies create a polished but playful sound. It became one of their most successful tracks, giving ABBA their seventh UK chart-topper, following straight on from Knowing Me, Knowing You and The Name of the Game. UK sales sent the song Platinum, too. The song also tipped them over the edge into becoming the biggest chart-topping group of the decade. It's smart, timeless, feel-good pop. Basically, it's musical serotonin.

#8: Super Trouper

Super Trouper (1980)

Believe it or not, this was the last song written for the Super Trouper album. It was almost complete, then this song took form in the nick of time and became the perfect title track. Its bright, infectious, packed with tight harmonies, and full of everything that made ABBA ABBA. Its also deceptively sad, masking loneliness and longing under that pure pop shimmer. There are mixed stories about whether the song was written for Björn's then-wife, Agnetha Fältskog, or his new fiancée. Either way, its catchy enough to make us forget the melancholy and scan for someone in the crowd to dance with under those Super Trouper lights.

#7: Knowing Me, Knowing You

Arrival (1976)

There are countless break-up songs out there, but few tackle the subject as calmly and matter-of-factly as this one. Sometimes, things just dont work outand thats life. When such a universal truth is set to music this beautifully, its hardly surprising that it will strike a chord with so many. It kept ABBAs UK number one streak alive and became one of the biggest hits of 1977. Musically, Knowing Me, Knowing You balances the brightness of a major key with the ache of personal loss. ABBAs layered harmonies, clever arrangements, and emotional restraint make it one of their most quietly devastating and most sophisticated takes on heartbreak.

#6: SOS.

ABBA (1975)

From the opening piano riff to that pleading chorus, this song wears its heart on its sleeve. Fältskogs vocals sound raw, urgent, and utterly heart-wrenching. The title is known around the world as a call for help, which instantly gives the song its emotional weight. It starts out soft and sad, then suddenly bursts into something big and dramatic. Every shift feels smooth but striking. That contrast gives it a powerful, almost operatic or theatrical feel, but it still sounds like classic ABBA pop. It was also the first single to really relaunch them after Eurovision fame and helped kickoff the start of their golden era.

#5: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)

Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1979)

This songs been covered or sampled by everyone from the A-Teens to Cher, Ava Max, and Madonnaand who can blame them? That synth intro is one of the most iconic in pop history: dramatic, instantly recognizable, and pure groovy disco. Inspired in part by Donna Summers Hot Stuff, it captures the four-on-the-floor beat, lush strings, and pulsing bassline of the era. But its more than just a dance track. Its emotionally vulnerable, too. Underneath the discoballs, its about longing for connection. The song was a hit across Europe and Japan, becoming ABBAs most popular song in the latter. Even disco skeptics cant help but bop along when this one plays.

#4: The Winner Takes It All

Super Trouper (1980)

Although written roughly around the same time as Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskogs divorce, Ulvaeus often denied the song was about thatthough he later admitted he poured his real feelings into it. He also said he wrote it while drinking, and the words just flowed out in about an hour. Maybe thats why it feels so real. Björn wrote it, Agnetha sings it, and the emotion is almost unbearably intimate. Anyone whos seen it liveor in Mamma Mia!knows how much it hits. Meryl Streep captures that pain brilliantly, too. The arrangement builds slowly, steadily, and perfectly controlled. Its about heartbreak, sure, but its also the strength it takes to lose with grace.

#3: Waterloo

Waterloo (1974)

Ah, the song that put ABBA on the global map! They won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with this onethough lets not forget the UK, now home to some of their biggest fans, gave it nil points at the time. Outrageous. The group almost entered with Hasta Mañana but chose Waterloo because it gave both lead vocalists their moment. The lyrics use the Battle of Waterloo to tell a love story, and from the very first second, it explodes with piano rushes and a stomping beat. No slow build, just instant pop adrenaline. Catchy, confident, and glam, it still gets audiences on their feet in theatres and parties around the world.

#2: Mamma Mia

ABBA (1975)

Mamma Mia is one of ABBAs best because it has everything that makes their music unforgettable: catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and that energy that makes you want to dance. The opening riff is unmistakableit grabs you before a single word is even sung. It was their first UK number one after Waterloo, went double platinum, and charted all over Europe, Oceania, and North America. Plus, it lent its name to an Olivier- and Tony-nominated musical and one of the most successful movie musicals of the 21st century so far. Even now, when those first few notes hit, its hard not to smile and think, My, my how can I resist you?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Lay All Your Love On Me, Super Trouper (1980)

To This Day, Fans (Especially in the UK) Continue to Lay All [Their] Love on This Track

Slipping Through My Fingers, The Visitors (1981)

How Can This Song Inspired by Ulvaeus & Fältskogs Daughter Not Pull at Your Heartstrings?

Voulez-Vous, Voulez-Vous (1979)

Voulez-Vous to Dance Along to This Funky Beat? We Know We Do!

Money, Money, Money, Arrival (1976)

Wed Put Our Money, Money, Money on This Being on Your Feel-Good Playlist

Does Your Mother Know, Voulez-Vous (1979)

One of the Rare Occasions the ABBA Ladies Werent on Lead Vocals

#1: Dancing Queen

Arrival (1976)

If theres one song that could get you on your feet faster than Mamma Mia, its this one. No matter how long ago 17 was for you, this track takes you right back, young, carefree, dancing like no ones watching and having the time of your life. Its joy in song form and has become a lasting anthem of freedom, youth, and self-expression, especially among the LGBTQIA+ community. Its also the only ABBA song to top the US charts, along with hitting number one in Australia, Canada, and across Europe. Its topped countless best of lists and, rumor has it, was even a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. Well, if the tiara fits!

Which ABBA song has you saying Thank You for the Music? Let us know in the comments