No one thought it would take a global tragedy such as a pandemic to do it, but pop music’s favorite Swedes are back with their ninth studio album after a 40-year hiatus.

Being one of the most beloved music groups of their time, ABBA did not have anything to prove with the release of this new album, but they somehow managed to show the world just how timeless they are.
Voyage has the familiar sound ABBA has claimed since they started their career in the 70s: bright, synth pop with just enough disco influence to keep you dancing no matter what song is playing.
However, this time around the group of four bring a less flashy version of their craft to highlight their maturity as artists.
Now all in their seventies, it is no surprise that slower-paced songs seem to make up more of this album when compared to their predecessors. This version of ABBA is highlighted on “When You Danced with Me,” the second track off the record.
While still bringing the right amount of energy, this song remains fairly simple for an ABBA song. However, simple is not automatically synonymous with boring in this case. The simplicity found in some of these songs gives the album a reflective and wise feel to it.
Despite these tracks, “Voyage” would not be a proper ABBA album without its fair share of pop anthems.
The lead single titled “Don’t Shut Me Down” brings the same energy as some of ABBA’s classics, like “Dancing Queen”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “SOS,” and “Take a Chance on Me,” and personally, has become a favorite of mine among their songs. Overall, ABBA’s comeback album is more comforting than anything. Even though it does not bring the same originality other ABBA albums have in the past, it reminds listeners to continue and pursue their passions, and no matter what, the comfort of nostalgia can always catch you.