There are a handful of songs that are so iconic that you can recognize them just by their opening bars.
These mega-hits are some of the world’s most famous songs, and include rock ‘n’ roll classic like The Eagles' “Hotel California,” all the way up to Aretha Franklin’s soul hit “Chain of Fools.”
In a totally different category from both of these songs, but no less classic, is ABBA’s massively popular single “Mamma Mia.” The song, which just about everyone can recognize from its simple piano opening and iconic guitar riffs, is probably one of the most famous pop songs to come out of the ’70s.
After all, it’s a very elite handful of songs that can carry not just an adoring public reception, but an entire Broadway musical destined to be turned into a Meryl Streep film.
What makes it even more remarkable is that the band never intended to release the song as a single. The runaway popularity of the catchy tune was a surprise to everyone, even the Swedish pop act that wrote it.
But it took off quickly, particularly in Australia, where the Scandinavian pop group attracted attention on the program Countdown. For the first time since they won Eurovision in 1974, ABBA was everywhere, even releasing a “Greatest Hits” album in 1976.
Listen to the quintessential seventies pop stars perform their iconic hit in Australia in the video below.
And if you loved seeing Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny, and Björn performing their classic, please SHARE on Facebook!
