Top 10 ABBA Songs We're Excited For in Mamma Mia 2
The sequel to Mamma Mia is coming back and we can't wait! For this list, we're looking at the ABBA songs that have been confirmed or mentioned to appear in the “Mamma Mia! sequel, set for a July 2018 release. We're basing our choices on a mix of fan favorites, as well as amazing melodies and lyrics that we think will be standouts in "Here We Go Again." We're excluding songs that already appeared in the first film - unless they were deleted from the final cut or in the credits.
#10: "I Wonder (Departure)" ABBA: The Album (1977)
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It's only fitting that the sequel to one of the most popular musicals around features a song about moving from the familiar to the unknown. Starting off softly with a beautiful piano melody, lead vocalist Frida sings almost hesitantly about her fear of striking out on her own. However, as she gains confidence in herself, the music begins to swell, culminating in a triumphant climax before subsiding back to the more delicate style of the beginning. The track's sweeping range of emotions and grandiose production lend themselves perfectly to a musical, and it's appearance in "Here We Go Again" is sure to be a showstopper.
#9: "When I Kissed the Teacher" Arrival (1976)
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Though ABBA is great at telling stories with their music, 'When I Kissed The Teacher' is an especially ideal track for a musical. The song follows a woman's emotional rollercoaster with her teacher, and what ultimately leads her to kiss him. The song's upbeat sound is reminiscent of 'Grease' and 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and easily lends itself to similarly grand visuals. Thankfully, a sneak peak of the film shows a young Donna taking over her school graduation with a fun and energetic performance that definitely does the song justice.
#8: "Thank You for the Music" ABBA: The Album (1977)
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Though you may have heard a cast recording of 'Thank You For The Music' under the credits of 'Mamma Mia,' it left us wanting more from the song. The track's mix of group vocals and notable solos are great for a big film musical, and would let characters have moments to shine. The lyrics are also full of humor and some strangely meta lines about musicals and singing as a whole. While 'Thank You For The Music' was technically in the original, it would be heartwarming to see a full production of the song as a closing number in the sequel.
#7: "If It Wasn't for the Nights" Voulez-Vous (1979)
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Despite its disco dance grooves, 'If It Wasn't For The Nights' would be most appropriate for a breakup scene. The song talks about being happy during your work day while you're distracted and busy. Though the narrator is stressed by their job, being alone with their thoughts at night is arguably way worse. 'If It Wasn't For The Nights' could fit one of Donna's breakups and the piles of work that her or her partner went through to cope with their loss. While it's one of ABBA's darkest tracks lyrically, the song is also catchy and detailed enough for a film.
#6: "Angeleyes" Voulez-Vous (1979)
'Angel Eyes' is a song that warns women about beautiful and sweet men who are hiding dark secrets. Though the track does carry a certain romanticism in its lyrics and melodies, there's clearly bitterness and regret in there as well. 'Angel Eyes' would be a perfect cautionary tale from one mother or grandmother to their daughter about dating, though it could also be about an estranged father. In terms of instrumentation, the song feels like a mix of their sound over the years in a way that would help it to tie a larger soundtrack together. With ABBA's visual lyrics, the song could also be filmed in a wide variety of ways.
#5: "Summer Night City" "Summer Night City" single (1978)
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Though 'Summer Night City' might not stand out as obviously as ABBA's many other singles, it works as a commentary of city life, and seems particularly suited for film. The song's lyrics talk about the instant pleasure of nights on the town and the release they can give you in a stressful life. Despite its energetic sound however, the track also speaks to how you can't sustain yourself on a life of partying alone. 'Summer Night City' could easily score a trip to the city, and would be perfect for a club dance-off. Since it doesn't fit ABBA's usual sound, it could even work as the soundtrack to a character acting out.
#4: "One of Us" The Visitors (1981)
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With both couples divorced or divorcing, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus wrote a devastating breakup song steeped in real, relatable pain. 'One Of Us' finds our singer realizing they were wrong about the troubles in their relationship, and regretting their rash decisions. The song even goes on to try and reconcile things, as our protagonist admits her mistakes. 'One Of Us' was already in the Broadway version of 'Mamma Mia!' so it wouldn't be a stretch to film it. Though it needs to be adapted to a new love story for the sequel, it would provide a tear-jerking moment no matter the character.
#3: "Fernando" "Fernando" single (1976)
With its epic lyrics, 'Fernando' is one of ABBA's greatest songs - inspiring emotion and conjuring up moving imagery in the minds of listeners. The song follows two worn out veterans reminiscing about their time in war, and the battles they faced to survive. The lyrics detail the sounds of drums and gunfire around them, and paints a picture of their many travels. Sophie's grandmother, played by Cher, sings this classic tune in the sequel and if the previews are anything to go by, it's gonna be one hell of a number. …
#2: "The Name of the Game" ABBA: The Album (1977)
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'The Name Of The Game' is a song about learning from a new person in your life, whether they be a lover or a family member. The song also speaks to opening your heart up to someone - which could easily tie into half the narratives of a 'Mamma Mia!' film. 'The Name Of The Game' was such a great fit for 'Mamma Mia!' that it was filmed for the first film, but was ultimately cut from the first movie. Though the track was originally meant for Sophie and Bill, it could easily be adapted for Sophie and her grandmother or another pair.
#1: "Knowing Me, Knowing You" Arrival (1976)
Before their own breakups tore the band apart, 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' showed that ABBA understood the pains of losing love. The song reflects on knowing a person so well that it's clear that things won't work out. The song is an easy choice for a musical production thanks to its chorus harmonies and the conversational story it tells in its lyrics. 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' already appeared in the Broadway version of the story, for a scene about romantic advice. The trumpets at Sophie and Sky's wedding even play a section of the song in the first film.
