Introduction
How ABBA’s “Waterloo” Conquered Eurovision and Pop Music
In the early 1970s, it seemed unimaginable for a non-English-speaking group to achieve consistent chart success in English-speaking markets. Yet, ABBA, with their iconic hit “Waterloo,” not only transcended these expectations but also revolutionized pop music history by blending an infectious American disco groove with Euro-pop.
Breaking the Mold at Eurovision
Before ABBA, Eurovision costumes were largely conservative. However, in 1974, four Swedes took the stage in bold, glam-rock inspired outfits—from Agnetha’s platform heels to conductor Sven-Olof Walldow’s Napoleon costume—making an unforgettable visual splash. This striking appearance, combined with their music, marked a pivotal moment for both European and pop music history.
The Influence of Glam Rock
ABBA’s “Waterloo” and their stage attire were deeply influenced by glam rock, a movement spearheaded by acts like David Bowie and T. Rex in the early 70s. While glam rock had taken the UK by storm, its flamboyant style hadn’t yet reached mainland Europe’s pop scene, which was still rooted in an older generation of crooners. ABBA recognized this void and aimed to fill it.
The Road to Eurovision
To reach Eurovision, ABBA had to win Sweden’s annual qualifying competition, Melodifestivalen. Songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus initially faced rejections in 1971 and 1972. By 1973, they had formed ABBA with their wives, and their song “Ring Ring” (inspired by Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique) secured third place, earning them domestic acclaim.
“Waterloo”: A Fusion of Sounds and Styles
In 1974, ABBA returned to Melodifestivalen with “Waterloo.” Like “Ring Ring,” its production drew from Spector’s “Wall of Sound,” particularly evident in the chorus. However, “Waterloo” also heavily incorporated glam rock elements, specifically inspired by the English glam band Wizzard’s “See My Baby Jive.” ABBA refined this sound into a cleaner, more polished pop, highlighting the perfectly complementary voices of Agnetha and Frida, and Benny and Björn’s knack for catchy melodies.
Originally titled “Honeypie,” the song’s lyrical change to “Waterloo”—a comparison of love to Napoleon’s downfall—was a unique and unforgettable concept proposed by lyricist Stig Anderson. Furthermore, “Waterloo” was the only Melodifestivalen entry sung in English, signifying ABBA’s ambition for global domination, as they viewed Eurovision as their “only route” to international success.
Victory and Lasting Impact
“Waterloo” won Eurovision by six points, topping charts across Europe and beyond, including becoming ABBA’s first and only US number one hit in April 1977. This initial success propelled ABBA into the stratosphere, leading to a string of international chart-toppers like “SOS,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando,” and “Dancing Queen.” They revolutionized the pop scene, and their influence on modern pop music, with its hook-driven sounds and glam-rock aesthetics, is still evident today. In 2005, “Waterloo” was named the best song in Eurovision’s history, an honor it repeated in 2021.
When ABBA left the stage after Eurovision 1974, celebrating in Brighton’s Napoleon Suite, they were well on their way to becoming true emperors of pop music.