Introduction
ABBA on New Album ‘Voyage’: “We Don’t Need to Prove Anything” – BBC News
After nearly four decades of silence, iconic Swedish pop group ABBA stunned the world in 2021 by announcing their long-awaited reunion and the release of a brand-new studio album, Voyage. In a heartfelt interview featured on BBC News, the band spoke openly about their return to the spotlight, their creative journey, and why they felt no pressure to prove anything after all these years.
The announcement, made on 2nd September 2021, marked one of the most anticipated comebacks in music history. For many fans, it was a dream come true — the beloved group that gave the world hits like “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, and “The Winner Takes It All” had finally reunited to create new music.
But for Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the decision to record again wasn’t about topping charts or chasing fame. Instead, it was about friendship, curiosity, and the joy of making music together again.
“We don’t need to prove anything,” Benny Andersson told BBC News. “We’ve already done that. This is something we’re doing because it feels right, because it’s fun — not because we’re trying to be number one again.”
Voyage, released on 5th November 2021, features 10 new songs, including the lead singles “I Still Have Faith in You” and “Don’t Shut Me Down”. The tracks capture ABBA’s signature sound — rich harmonies, emotional storytelling, and masterful melodies — while also reflecting the maturity and life experience of four artists who have lived full lives outside the spotlight.
Björn explained that the process of making the album was both emotional and creatively fulfilling. “When we started working on the new songs, it felt like no time had passed,” he said. “The voices, the chemistry — it was all still there.” Agnetha added that there was “a magic” in the studio that reminded them of the early days, even though they all acknowledged how different life is now compared to the 1970s.
The group also spoke about how their reunion was never guaranteed. In fact, for years, they resisted calls to perform or release new material. But after reuniting for a private event in 2016 and realizing the musical spark was still alive, the idea of making a new album slowly began to take shape.
“We wanted it to be genuine,” said Anni-Frid. “No pressure, no expectations. Just four old friends seeing if we could still do this — and it turns out we could.”
Voyage became an instant global success, topping charts across Europe and breaking records in the UK and Australia. More importantly, it reminded fans of the timelessness of ABBA’s music — and of the powerful emotions it continues to stir.
In their BBC interview, the members made it clear that Voyage may be their last album, but it’s a celebration, not a farewell. “We’ve done what we wanted to do,” said Björn. “We’re proud. And that’s enough.”