Introduction
“Felicidad” is a song by ABBA, released in 1982 as a single, primarily aimed at their Spanish-speaking audience. The song was part of ABBA’s The Singles compilation, which included their greatest hits. It was a Spanish-language version of their hit song “Happy New Year,” originally written in English by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.
“Felicidad” was recorded during a period when ABBA had begun to experiment with reaching broader international markets, including Latin America and Spain. They had previously released songs in other languages, such as French and German, but “Felicidad” marked one of their most prominent ventures into the Spanish-speaking world. The decision to release the song in Spanish was part of a strategy to expand their global appeal, as they already had a significant fanbase in Spain and Latin America.
The song itself retains much of the melody and structure of “Happy New Year,” but the lyrics are altered to fit the Spanish language and culture. While “Happy New Year” has a reflective and bittersweet tone, Felicidad offers a more hopeful and celebratory take on the passing of time. The lyrics in Spanish celebrate the joy of life, happiness, and love, echoing the themes of the original English version but with a more uplifting twist.
Although “Felicidad” was not a major chart success compared to some of ABBA’s other hits, it holds a special place in their international discography. The song is particularly beloved by their Spanish-speaking fans, showcasing the band’s ability to connect with a wide range of listeners through both language and music. The official video, which accompanied the song’s release, further emphasized ABBA’s global appeal and cemented their status as international pop icons.