AGNETHA FÄLTSKOG CLP 64 (-68) SWEDEN

For more on her early ABBA connection check post on the "Vol. 2" LP.   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2015/10/agnetha-faltskogvol-2-clp-80-69-mono.html  The cuts on this debute were recorded 1967-68 before she met Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid, already securing her place as one of Sweden's most successful female pop artists by own means. It's more or less a compilation album with ten of the twelve tracks (five A:s + five B:s) also issued on single 1967-69. Music is of the northern schlager type popular in Scandinavia and Germany at the time - orchestrated ballads and pop, a couple with 3/4 or 2/4 beat - and most lyrics about love gone good or bad (translations to some of the titles would be - "I Was So In Love", "I've Lost You", "Without You My Life Goes On", "Reconciled", "A Summer With You" and "The One I've Been Waiting For"). Four of the songs self-penned and she also wrote lyrics to six of the others. Best thing with it is her vocals - the beautiful blend of teen timbre and mature confidence makes it secure and sparkly at the same time - while the backing could be perceived as passee. Good for us oldies who lived valve radio or visited dance parlours at that time, but I doubt it can make any of today's young and restless much happier. Originally released in Sweden only. First vinyl reissue 1974 on Cupol (CLPL 1002), second through Record Store Day 2016 (Cupol Legacy 88697355801). Dutch 1999 CD on Royal Records (199990001) came with three bonus tracks. Premiere Swedish had label as shown here and thin fully laminated cover. (FÄV*) (CCÖ*) (SCÄ*)(ÄBBÖ*) (ÄGFÅ*)