Introduction
A Pre-ABBA Gem: She’s My Kind of Girl
“She’s My Kind of Girl” might surprise some ABBA fans. While undeniably sung by the iconic duo of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, it predates the official formation of ABBA by a couple of years. Here’s the fascinating story behind this catchy tune:
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Origins in Songwriting: Composed in 1969, “She’s My Kind of Girl” was the brainchild of the songwriting partnership that would become the heart of ABBA – Benny and Björn.
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Pre-ABBA Release: The song wasn’t originally an ABBA track. It was released in 1970 as the first single by just Benny and Björn, showcasing their musical chemistry before forming the full band with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
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Unexpected Success: “She’s My Kind of Girl” achieved moderate success in Sweden upon release. However, its true claim to fame came in 1972 when it became a number one hit in Japan. This unexpected success, with sales reaching half a million copies, paved the way for Benny and Björn, along with Agnetha and Anni-Frid, to be invited to perform at the Tokyo World Music Festival. This trip is believed to have been a catalyst for the official formation of ABBA later that year.
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An ABBA Connection: Despite predating the group, “She’s My Kind of Girl” holds a special place in ABBA’s history. The song later appeared as a B-side to their single “Ring Ring” in Sweden and even made it onto the international “Ring Ring” album in some territories. It stands as a reminder of the duo’s songwriting talent that would propel ABBA to international superstardom.
So, as you listen to “She’s My Kind of Girl,” keep in mind that it’s not just a catchy pop song, but a fascinating piece of music history – a delightful pre-ABBA gem that hints at the musical magic to come.