"Soldiers" is an ABBA song, released on their 1981 album The Visitors. Its working title was "Peasants".
| "Soldiers" | |
|---|---|
| Song by ABBA | |
| from the album The Visitors | |
| Released | November 29, 1981 |
| Genre | Europop |
| Length | 4:38 |
| Label | Polar |
| Songwriter(s) | Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus |
| Producer(s) | Andersson, Ulvaeus |
| Audio | |
| "Soldiers" on YouTube | |
Synopsis
editThe song is a critique of militarism.
Billboard explains: "emphasizing that although there seems to be so little one can do to prevent the machinations of soldiers and those who control them [...], we must 'not look the other way/taking a chance/cause if the bugler starts to play/we too must dance'".[1] The UK's Daily Telegraph describes the premise of the song as "how warmongers convince themselves they are noble men".[2]
Composition
editThe entire song rests upon a "simple two-note" statement". The song has a "string-ensemble synth arrangement". Agnetha uses a "subdued yet stoic vocal", and "the chorus vocals, while typically multi-tiered, are somewhat 'murkier' and less liberated in texture".[3]
Critical reception and analysis
editABBA's ABBA Gold describes the song as "bleak-yet-catchy".[4] Billboard notes its "simple yet ominous metaphors that envision impending nuclear holocaust". It goes on to explain: "the offbeat cadence of the drumming holds dark, somber verses and the sing-song quality of the chorus together", and concludes by saying "certainly very few groups can effectively handle a subject as serious as this, and still imbue it with all the qualities of a great pop song".[1] Billboard listed the song under the "Best cuts" section of an album review, along with four other songs from the album.[5] ABBA: Let The Music Speak says the song has an "unsettling caution" and also "heart and humanity". The synths "gently inflame the sense of yearning throughout, driving along a backing track which features ...bass courtesy of Rutger Gunnarsson".[3]
Cover versions
editScottish singer Barbara Dickson covered the song on her 1985 album Gold.
References
edit- ^ a b Billboard. 1982-02-13. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
- ^ Personal View. "How do you follow up a blockbuster like Mamma Mia?". Telegraph. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
- ^ a b Tesch, Christopher Patrick ; editor: Matthew (2008). ABBA : let the music speak : an armchair guide to the musical soundscape of the Swedish supergroup (1st ed.). Fairfield Gardens, Qld.: Christopher J N Patrick. p. 79. ISBN 9780646496764.
{{cite book}}:|first=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Abba's Abba Gold - Elisabeth Vincentelli - Google Books. 2004-03-31. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
- ^ Billboard. 1981-12-12. Retrieved 2013-09-25.