Jude Rogers is a little harsh in her review of Abba’s new album, Voyage (No thank you for the music, 5 November). Musically the songs are as skilful as ever: beautiful harmonies that build each song to their big-hook choruses, but Rogers’ criticisms focus on lyrics. Björn Ulvaeus has always worked to turn the prosaic into epiphany, and this collection is no exception, though it now deals with co-parenting, recovered love and subjects you might expect from an older lyricist.
The painfully earnest lyrics do become a little gawky in the weaker songs, but sometimes those who deploy the word “cheesy” are saying more about their own cynicism and discomfort with the unrepentantly joyous. Artistic depth is not owned by the dark side.
Neil Barber
Edinburgh
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