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mahatmakanejeeves

(64,456 posts)
Tue Mar 4, 2025, 10:58 AM Mar 4

On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."

This Day in Music

What Happened Today In Music

March 4th

1974 - ABBA

ABBA released 'Waterloo' the first single from their second album and the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. It later became the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and a No.1 hit in several countries. It reached the US Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles in history.

Waterloo (ABBA song)


US single of the English version

Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 17 December 1973
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm

"Waterloo" is the first single from the Swedish pop group ABBA's second album, Waterloo, and their first under the Epic and Atlantic labels. This was also the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. The title and lyrics reference the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, and use it as a metaphor for a romantic relationship.

On 6 April 1974, the song was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. The victory began ABBA's path to worldwide fame. The Swedish version of the single was backed with the Swedish version of "Honey, Honey", while the English version usually featured "Watch Out" on the B-side.

The single became a No. 1 hit in several countries. It reached the U.S. Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies.

At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, it was chosen as the best song in the competition's history. It received the same honour in a 14-country open vote in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, placing first above Loreen's "Euphoria" and Måns Zelmerlöw's "Heroes".

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Waterloo


Studio album by ABBA

Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 24 September 1973 – 20 February 1974
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm

Waterloo is the second studio album by the Swedish pop group ABBA, and the first released internationally. It was originally released in Sweden on 4 March 1974 through Polar Music. The album's title track won ABBA the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became a global hit, launching the group's career.

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Mon Mar 4, 2024: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."

Sat Mar 4, 2023: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."

Thu Feb 9, 2023: On this day, February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.

Fri Mar 4, 2022: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."

Mon Apr 7, 2014: How did the 70s get framed as the ultimate bad time?
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