What About Livingstone?
"What About Livingstone?" is a song by ABBA, released on their 1974 album Waterloo.
"What About Livingstone?" | |
---|---|
Song by ABBA | |
from the album Waterloo | |
Released | 4 March 1974 |
Genre | Pop |
Length | 2:54 |
Label | Polar |
Songwriter(s) | Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus |
Producer(s) | Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus |
Synopsis
The Guardian article Abba, The Complete Studio Recordings described it as a song that "admonished Swedish youth for their disinterest in great explorers".[1]
Composition
The vocals are provided by Agnetha and Frida. The song has a "catchy bass synth riff" in the chorus. An "innovative vocal countermelody" in these choruses marks the start of a "steady rise in complexity when it came to vocal arrangements".[2]
Critical reception
The Guardian said the song had "weird lyrics".[3] The Telegraph seems baffled that such a song exists, commenting "believe it or not, there’s an Abba song called What About Livingstone?".[4] Bright Lights Dark Shadows: The Real Story of Abba says both songs "get by on their whimsical charm".[5] Abba - Uncensored on the Record suggests What About Livingston? and King Kong Song were novelty songs. It said What About Livingston? was "catchy" and "nice", though adds that there is nothing special about it.[6]
References
- Petridis, Alexis (2005-10-28). "CD: Abba, The Complete Studio Recordings". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-10-28.
- 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. 16. ISBN 9780646496764.
- Petridis, Alexis (2005-10-28). "CD: Abba, The Complete Studio Recordings". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-11-07.
- Spencer, Charles (2009-03-22). "Vicky Cristina Barcelona: Woody Allen's new film comes highly recommended". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2017-10-28.
- Palm, Carl Magnus (2008-09-01). Bright Lights Dark Shadows: The Real Story of Abba. ISBN 9781847724199.
- Tobler, John (2012-01-04). Abba - Uncensored on the Record. ISBN 9781908538239.