Introduction
“Just Like That” is arguably one of ABBA’s most famous “lost” songs. Recorded in 1982 during the sessions that would ultimately be their last before their hiatus, it was never officially released as a single or included on a studio album at the time. This has contributed to its mystique and cult following among ABBA fans.
The song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and it features Agnetha Fältskog on lead vocals. It’s a classic ABBA pop song with a catchy melody and sophisticated arrangement, incorporating elements of saxophone, which was somewhat unusual for their typical sound. The lyrics tell a story of a chance encounter and a fleeting connection, capturing the feeling of instant attraction and the possibility of what might have been.
Despite its strong musical qualities, “Just Like That” was ultimately shelved. There are various reasons speculated for this decision, including the group feeling it didn’t quite fit with the direction they were heading at the time. However, fragments of the song have surfaced over the years, keeping it alive in the minds of fans.
A snippet of the song, featuring the iconic saxophone intro, was included in a 1980s television special. This brief glimpse fueled speculation and desire for a full release. Later, in the 1990s, a longer version with alternate lyrics appeared on a bootleg. Finally, in 2021, a reworked version of “Just Like That” was officially released as part of ABBA’s comeback album, Voyage. This new version featured a slightly different arrangement and some updated production, but it retained the core elements that made the original so intriguing. The long and winding journey of “Just Like That” from unreleased track to officially released song has solidified its place as a fascinating chapter in ABBA’s history.