ABBA – “Ring Ring”: The Sound of a Beginning
Before the world knew ABBA as international superstars, before “Dancing Queen” and Voulez-Vous lit up dance floors across the globe, there was “Ring Ring.” Released in 1973 on the album of the same name, this track marked the true starting point of the group that would go on to dominate pop music for the rest of the decade. Though the name ABBA had not yet fully crystallized in the public mind, the sound that would define them was already beginning to take shape — bright, melodic, and irresistible.
The year 1973 was a moment of ambition and experimentation for Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida). Having all enjoyed careers in Sweden before joining forces, the quartet began recording under the name “Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid,” a rather unwieldy banner that would soon be replaced by the simple acronym ABBA. “Ring Ring” was their breakout attempt to move beyond Sweden and capture a broader European audience, and though its path to success was not straightforward, it provided the foundation for everything that followed.
The song itself is a plea wrapped in pure pop sunshine. Built around an infectious chorus, it tells the story of someone waiting desperately for the phone to ring, longing for a call from a lover. Its lyrical simplicity gives it universal appeal, while the melody, crafted by Benny and Björn with help from manager Stig Anderson and American songwriter Neil Sedaka (who assisted with the English lyrics), carries the unmistakable stamp of Scandinavian pop craftsmanship. From its opening moments, the track is full of energy, driven by ringing guitars, playful piano, and the radiant harmonies of Agnetha and Frida.
Musically, “Ring Ring” is fascinating because it bridges eras. Its structure is rooted in the bright, melodic pop of the late 1960s, but its production hints at the polish and precision that would become ABBA’s signature. The vocals are layered with care, giving the song a fullness that stands apart from many European pop singles of the time. Even then, the hallmarks of ABBA’s brilliance were visible: melodies that refused to leave your head, harmonies that felt both effortless and intricate, and lyrics that conveyed vulnerability through simple words.
When entered into Melodifestivalen 1973, the Swedish contest to choose the country’s Eurovision entry, “Ring Ring” became an immediate favorite among the public, though it ultimately finished in third place. That loss did not deter the group. Instead, it galvanized them, teaching them the importance of persistence and international appeal. Released as a single, the song quickly became a hit in Sweden and across parts of Europe, reaching the top of the charts in Sweden, Norway, and Belgium. Though it didn’t yet make the group household names outside of Scandinavia, it established them as serious contenders on the global pop stage.
Looking back, “Ring Ring” feels like the first sketch of a masterpiece — the moment when four talented individuals discovered the alchemy of their combined sound. Within just a year, they would refine their approach and win Eurovision 1974 with “Waterloo,” catapulting them to worldwide fame. But it was “Ring Ring” that proved the formula worked, that the voices of Agnetha and Frida, paired with the writing genius of Benny and Björn, could create something unique and irresistible.
Today, “Ring Ring” retains its charm as one of ABBA’s most joyful and unpretentious songs. It may not have the grandeur of “The Winner Takes It All” or the polish of “Mamma Mia,” but it carries a freshness that still makes it a delight to hear. It is the sound of possibility, of doors about to open, of a group on the verge of conquering the world. More than anything, it is the beginning of a story — and for that, it remains an essential part of ABBA’s legacy.