Introduction
“The Name of the Game” is a song by ABBA, released as a single in 1977. It was the lead track on their album The Album, which marked a significant step in the group’s musical evolution. Written by band members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the song is known for its introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love, vulnerability, and emotional uncertainty.
The song’s lyrics revolve around the complexities of relationships, with the narrator grappling with the dynamics of love and trying to understand the deeper “game” at play. The opening lines “I’ve seen you twice in a short time, only a week since we started” set the tone for a reflective examination of a developing relationship, where one person feels uncertain and is trying to make sense of the emotions at play.
Musically, “The Name of the Game” blends disco, pop, and soft rock elements, with lush instrumental arrangements and the distinctive harmonies of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The song features a unique bridge and melodic structure, which set it apart from some of ABBA’s more straightforward pop hits. The track became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the UK.
“The Name of the Game” is often praised for its emotional depth and complexity, showing a more mature side to ABBA’s songwriting. It stands as one of the highlights of the band’s 1970s catalog, blending pop sensibilities with thoughtful, introspective lyrics that continue to resonate with listeners today.