Though the mark of Swedish pop supergroup ABBA was by far most pronounced during the '70s, the pop genius behind the band continued to pay dividends for '80s music, particularly in the form of this great tune from 1983. This solo effort from the generally brunette member of ABBA's lead vocals tandem always seemed like a pretty major '80s hit to me growing up, but it actually fell just short of making the Top 10 on either Billboard's pop or mainstream rock charts. As such, it has likely been left behind a bit when it comes to '80s pop standards, both in terms of reputation and airplay.
Any resulting obscurity surrounding this song is quite a shame, as "I Know There's Something Going On" is an example of a great confluence of '70s and '80s talents. Written by former Argent member and capable songwriter-for-hire Russ Ballard, the track benefits also from clean yet appropriately foreboding production by superstar Phil Collins. Though quite distinct from the ABBA sound, the synthesizer foundation of the song employs the best of Frida's hitmaking past and yet forges ahead with a lyrically downbeat exploration of suspicion and anxiety that can certainly be connected to her group's impending breakup the same year. For some reason I always used to think this was a Bananarama tune, but truly its sinister edge should have alerted me immediately to the falsehood of that notion. Luckily, it's never too late to benefit from '80s music's enlightenment.
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Epic Records
Comments
I was a big ABBA fan ever since my elder brother had sent me a 45rpm from Frankfurt to Karachi in 1974 containing “Watchout” on one side and “Waterloo” on the other. I was immediately hooked to the Swedish band. Frida’s “I Know There’s Something Going On” was one of my big favourites in 1983 and I am sure it was on heavy rotation on MTV those days. I totally agree with you that there was something ‘sinister’ about the song and I could hear it again and again and again. Simply fabolous to say the least.
And once again, Steve, I truly love going through your jottings. So keep the power of your pen flowing and keep smiling. Mohsin
This song is one of my all-time favorites and I only recently learned that Frida was one of the ABBA singers. While many 80s New Wavish hits have been remade by others, I have yet to hear a new version of this one.