Introduction
“From A Twinkling Star To A Passing Angel” is not a standalone, officially released ABBA song in the traditional sense. It’s actually a fascinating medley of demo versions related to their 1981 track, “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room,” found on The Visitors album. This medley offers a unique peek into ABBA’s creative process and the evolution of a song from its initial ideas to the final, polished product.
This medley surfaced officially on the 2012 deluxe edition reissue of The Visitors. It was compiled by Benny Andersson himself, who has expressed that “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room” is one of the best songs he and Björn Ulvaeus ever wrote. However, he also admitted uncertainty about whether the released version is the definitive one. This sentiment is shared by Agnetha Fältskog, who described listening to the song as “waiting for something that never comes,” hinting at the potential that lay within the various demo versions.
“From A Twinkling Star To A Passing Angel” showcases these different approaches. It presents various stages of the song’s development, including versions with different arrangements, tempos, and even lyrical variations. There’s reportedly a disco-infused take and a more stripped-down version with just piano accompaniment. This medley allows listeners to appreciate the intricacies of ABBA’s songwriting and production. It reveals how they experimented with different musical styles and ideas before settling on the final version we know.
The release of this medley is a treat for ABBA enthusiasts. It’s more than just a collection of outtakes; it’s a window into the creative minds of the band, offering a deeper understanding of their music and the meticulous work that went into crafting their iconic sound. It emphasizes that even with a song as beautiful and poignant as “Like an Angel Passing Through My Room,” there were other paths explored, each with its own unique charm.