The Andersson-Ulvaeus Chronology | Part 8 | 1987-1993

After 20 years of being a prolific songwriter, Benny finally released some solo albums. Returning to his folk roots, he - with the help of new friend Kalle Moraeus - rounded up some fiddlers to accompany Benny on accordion. The fiddlers (Kalle Moraeus, Per-Erik Moraeus, Olle Moraeus, Nils-Erik Göthe, and Leif Göras) would become known as Orsa Spelmän.

Only a handful of Benny's compositions from this era have lyrics by Björn, however there are some instrumentals credited to the duo. 'Lottis Schottis', for instance, is derived from a rejected ABBA demo known as 'Hamlet III'.

Some old friends can be seen in the 'Klinga mina klockor' choir including Frida, Karin Glenmark, Lena Andersson, and Lil Babs; amongst other famous Swedes Lena Philipsson, Eva Dahlgren, and Carola to name a few. Also Benny's future daughter-in-law Nanne Nordqvist (later Grönvall).

'Someone Else's Story' was the main addition to Chess on Broadway and later inserted itself into the West End run. I had originally intended to include some other Broadway additions but recently reconsidered based on their melodies being too similar to other Chess songs.

In 1990, after Benny's wife Mona noticed girl group Ainbusk on tv, Benny approached Josefin Nilsson with an offer to collaborate. Initially she didn't want to leave Ainbusk behind, so Benny ended up working with them all.

By 1993, Josefin was ready to do a solo album and insisted on doing it in English. The resulting Shapes is one of the strongest albums in the Andersson-Ulvaeus collection.


On a personal note, the cross-fade between 'Beatrice' and 'Surprise Surprise' is my favourite transition in the whole series.


The Andersson-Ulvaeus Chronology | Part 8 | 1987-1993

[196] Benny Andersson / Lottis Schottis (BA, BU)
[197] Benny Andersson / Födelsedagsvals till Mona (BA, BU); Benny Anderssons Orkester / Birthday Waltz For Mona (BA, BU)
[198] Benny Andersson / Trolskan (BA, BU)
[199] Benny Andersson / Klinga mina klockor (BA, BU)

[200] Chess (Broadway) / Someone Else's Story (BA, BU, Tim Rice)

[201] Benny Andersson feat. Tommy Körberg & Världsungdomskören (World Youth Choir) / The Conducator (BA, BU)
[202] Svenska Ryttarlandslaget & Tommy Körberg / Upp till kamp (BA, BU)
[203] Kalle Moraeus / Beatrice (BA, BU)

[204] Josefin Nilsson / Surprise, Surprise (BA, BU)
[205] Josefin Nilsson / Heaven And Hell (BA, BU)
[206] Josefin Nilsson / We Won't Be Going Anywhere (BA, BU)
[207] Josefin Nilsson / Where The Whales Have Ceased To Sing (BA, BU)
[208] Josefin Nilsson / High Hopes And Heartaches (BA, BU)
[209] Josefin Nilsson / Midnight Dancer (BA, BU)
[210] Josefin Nilsson / Leave It To Love (BA, BU)
[211] Josefin Nilsson / When I Watch You In Your Sleep (BA, BU)
[212] Josefin Nilsson / Now You See Him, Now You Don't (BA, BU)
[213] Josefin Nilsson / The Film I'd Like To See (BA, BU)

0:00 Folk
0:54 Theatre
1:52 Pop

See also

https://www.icethesite.com/2017/06/be...
https://www.abbaontv.com/programmes/2...