ABBA – She’s My Kind of Girl: A Folk-Pop Gem from the Early Days
For those who know ABBA primarily for their mega-hits of the late 70s and early 80s – the infectious dance beats of “Dancing Queen” or the soaring balladry of “The Winner Takes It All” – the song “She’s My Kind of Girl” might come as a delightful surprise. Released in 1973, nestled within their debut album Ring Ring, this track offers a glimpse into the earlier sound of the Swedish pop group, a sound rooted in the folk-pop sensibilities of the late 60s and early 70s.
Background
Composed by the songwriting duo of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who would later become the creative backbone of ABBA, “She’s My Kind of Girl” showcases a charming simplicity. Unlike the more layered productions of their later work, this song relies on a gentle acoustic guitar and a warm melody that carries the listener along. Bjorn Ulvaeus himself takes on lead vocals, his youthful tenor imbued with a sincerity that perfectly complements the song’s message of admiration.
The lyrics paint a picture of a budding romance, with the narrator describing a woman who captures his heart. There’s a sweetness and innocence in the way he describes her – “Look at her face it’s a wonderful face and it means something special to me” – a far cry from the more complex emotional landscapes explored in later ABBA hits.
Despite its seemingly simple theme, “She’s My Kind of Girl” is not without its complexities. The folk-pop style, with its roots in storytelling and emotional honesty, allows for a genuine vulnerability in the lyrics. The narrator’s admiration borders on a touch of shyness, evident in lines like “Maybe someday I’ll find the words to say/Just what I feel about her every day.” This vulnerability adds a layer of depth to the song, making it more than just a lighthearted ode to a pretty face.
“She’s My Kind of Girl” serves as a valuable reminder of ABBA’s artistic evolution. While their later hits established them as pop superstars, this early gem showcases their talent for crafting heartfelt melodies and relatable stories within a simpler musical framework. It’s a song that resonates with listeners of all ages, offering a glimpse into the roots of a band that would go on to dominate the global music scene.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- Released in 1973 on the album Ring Ring
- Composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
- Sung by Björn Ulvaeus