Abba "Ode to Freedom" - first time reaction 

Abba came, saw and conquered the world. Their influence and popularity was enormous.... they came from the 20th into the 21st century and brought a piece of the Past into this tumultuous world. Music remains, artists and composers disappear... but their music keeps the dream alive: creating something that brings feelings in our hearts. Thank you Abba, thank you for the music. As Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Burt Bacharach,and others passed away, their music is still a place, an island, where you can enjoy the meaning of life. Thank you Lukas for this reaction. An Ode to popular music, a gift for all of us. Belgian greetings.

Timeless masterpiece not only this one. They will be heard in 100 years.

I feel the same ! OTF, if in fact turns out to be the last ever song from their last ever album, is pure perfection....simple yet deep, thought provoking, spiritually moving. I just can't imagine any more grand and elegant bookend song. Thank you for the music ABBA, much love and respect from USA !

Remember hearing this on the album release day. The music does evoke images of a ship (maybe a spacecraft) slipping away from its port and heading off to new lands and worlds and brighter future. Bon 'Voyage' ABBA.

Classical and very emotional seems to be for a lot of people knowing this could be their last song ever .

And what a swansong from the greatest group that ever was....loved them since 1975.....Ireland 👏

Lukas....remember the Under Attack video where ABBA just walked away into the light and as you say left unfinished business? I went to the Voyage show in London and it was a very emotional experience. This song is a favorite of mine....and to me speaks to the values of this wonderful group of people and with a war again in Europe is such a timely and poignant song.

Two highpoint: 1. The way old friends do, 2. Ode to freedom! Eternal goose-skin!

I've listened to this song countless times, yet, each time the song starts, I gasp at its beauty.

The lyrics, the voices and most of all the honesty! Thank you for the music ABBA!

Ode to freedom nd The day before you came are both heart wrenchingly beautiful Masterpieces by The Gods of pop ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This song is simply sublime, and I enjoyed your reaction and comments. Thank you.

Abba at their ultimate best

Thank you Lukas. There"s so much more to this song than I originally gleaned. It has brought closure in the most dignified manner. There has never been a band that has impacted my life as they have. Xx.

An astounding final too the incredible ABBA what a journey.👏👏🙏🙏

My favourite ABBA song I think. Just so moving...

I bought the cassette of The Visitors while in Trieste, Italy in December 1981. I was anticipating their next album. A year later in November 1982 while in Huntingdon, UK, I heard Under Attack and The Day Before You Came on Top of the Pops. Then I won an autographed ABBA The Singles The First Ten Years from a London radio station. Then came the news ABBA was taking a break, but not officially ending. Voyage is an astounding gift from ABBA. It's like the return of dear, absent friends. Ode to Freedom is such a moving masterpiece. I can't get through it without a dry eye. If it's their farewell song, it's been done with such class and indeed dignity. And it causes me to wonder what my 'ode' will be that I leave after my time comes to say 'goodbye'. I really enjoyed your reaction video. Thank you.

Rereading these comments I feel so privileged to be in the company of folk who adore this wonderful quartet.

Simple, beautiful, profound. As a huge fan of ABBA also I welcome them back with open arms and heart. Thank you for this reaction video, Lukas. Hugs!

Thank you ♥ABBA♥ I do feel freedom listening to this song.... heartwarming embracing souls in those days a valuable special gift for the human family ♥ABBA♥ Merci ....

They saved the best of the very best until the last. Masterpiece is the right word. I've played this more times than I care to recount and it's a beautiful tearjerker and musically, a masterpiece. Classical music is so called because it lasts long enough to cross over generations. This belongs with the best of the classics and the most beautiful parting gift they could have left us with.

I was amazed to see ABBA when they played a concert at the Seattle Coliseum on Sept. 17th, 1979. I was beyond fortunate to be seated in the front row directly in front of the stage. One of the best concerts I ever saw. I am beyond happy that they released this music after so long from the previous music. Thanks for sharing this music!!! Take care!

Great song - so beautiful, dignified and humble! And a really nice and warmhearted reaction from you!

As you say. simple and powerful. It's a song for a world that needs to hear AND understand it. It makes me cry, and I'm not sure if they are tears of hope, despair or maybe both.

..."hope you enjoyed the reaction/its not for everybody"..i'll put it the other way.."it's almost for everybody" due to ABBA''s huge multi-varied fan base.From pop n classic music lovers to metalheads and rappers.They can be a big hug of consolation to everyone.Iliked your reaction esp when nearly went wet-eyed.Ihope you like even more "Voyage"now cause it's not an instant catcher but an addictive grower.Frida slightly sounds louder to OTF but the vocals are mainly "polyphonal-choral" scented just like they did in the "ARRIVAL" instrumental.Song is the farewell closer of lp,maybe the definite goodbeye from them.It still leaves me a feeling of desperation as if 'i've lost them again but this time its forever, as i think...Gosh... they've gone...and now what?....

Ahh it just so tragical that this is the ultimate last melody from them. But so appropriate. They have always been so humble and submissive in spite of their musical success. Tears in my eyes to realize this is the end.

A simply wonderful song....

Pure brilliance

This is their wisdom as a gift to the world. They are really smart. They totally get it. Thanks ABBA!

Thank you, Lukas, for bringing this "song" up. So great that it "reappeared". I didn´t know it and it touches me deeply. The humbleness, pureness and love of ABBA is always shining through brightly. Connecting in this imagery the duality trough this bright golden light is huge. The music in the end raising a little higher leaves me hopeful and direction giving... ABBA also during my childhood made so many songs as a gift to increase joy in my and so many others lives, Tears of joy. Thank you.

Beautiful ending with a beautiful song

Everytime I hear this, my tears are coming. It's soo beautiful. ❤

hey Lukas, you are right, the piece has an unusual rhythm. There are some bars in 3/4 with the melody on beat, mostly though it is an off beat melody over 4/4 bars. It took me a while to figure that out myself ;o) As the lyrics don't claim to 'be the ultimate ode to freedom' either , I suppose the off beat melody kind of corresponds with the idea of not wanting to 'set anything on stone' here. I really admire the musical and lyrical maturity shown on all the album, but on this track in particular. Love that you chose to react on it. keep up your great and uplifting comments.

My Nº 2 favorite song from "Voyage" 😊

I went and brought two copies of the album on day one. I was sooo excited!! And still am. I've listened to this amazing song at least 20 or so times so far and everytime is like hearing it for the first time. It gets me so emotional and what a beautiful way to say goodbye to us all 🥺

The opening reminds me strongly of the Waltz from Act 1 of Swan Lake.

Absolutely beautiful. so are your eyes Lukas

This lovely composition is the sound of Bennys heart . It's my favourite track on the album - a hymn - so swedish, so folky, so classical and full of harmony. This wonderful piece of music goes straight to my swedish heart and to my soul. ❤️🇸🇪🎶🙏❤️

Thanks for reacting! I also feel like this song is a cross between Ave Maria, Enya and Lord of the Rings, making it a memorable ending to the album. And yes, I still have to focus while singing it, otherwise I end up weeping like a girl..

I grew up listening to ABBA in the '70s and they remain my evergreen fave. This is a bittersweet goodbye song of some sorts and it is absolutely beautiful music. I'm glad that they lived long enough and graciously came together to give us the joy of listening to them once more. And I agree, it's kind of like when Frodo was leaving song. Thank you for sharing your reaction.

Jag älskar dem🥰 Their muskic is so timeless. Thanks for your sweet reaction.

Thank you for a heartfelt and thoughtful review of this beautiful song. I’m still moved every time I hear it, months later. If it truly is their farewell song, it couldn’t have been more dignified and lovely.

Sir Lukas Hassel, i have not read any reaction of the measure or beat of this song. Absolutely its a finale song from the ABBA yet its heart wrenching.

A stunning masterpiece

This is my favorite song on the album, as a classical musician raised on Abba. You're right, they do play with the rhythm, I could go into a detailed analysis, but it plays with expectations and feels unpredictable but not jarring. I love the cello section solo for the first verse, and I love the women singing in octaves, and the only harmonies are on the words "Ode to Freedom." It talks about prose, not pretentious, dignity. You're right, it's honesty, it's humility. I think when they say there's no ode to freedom truly worth remembering, they mean that we're still struggling with the concept.

Please do more ABBA reactions- so enjoyed this. Thank you

It trully is there Ode to us fans 💕 So simplistic but hauntingly stunning clarity within Frida and Agnethas voices you can hear both BB aswel 😉 With Voyage ABBA has stayed to who they are and how they’ve evolved absolutely amazing that after 40 yrs Frida 76 and Agnetha 71 Bjorn 76 Benny 75 they still have it in them 🙌💕

Unpretentious, uplifting and deep, and without pomp yet of eternal beauty. A crystal clear counterpoint to everything unbearable the world currently has to offer. Love from Germany

this should be the Hymn of earth, we only need freedom and peace

this song is right up there with "Imagine" by JL and "Bridge over troubled water" by S&G and "what's goin on" by MG. It cuts through all the other noise of regular songs. It touches your soul in a profound way. It rises above all others.

This song as well as the entire album is a new step forward. It would be strange to expect the second Dancing Queen or Mamma Mia because the latter has been already done before. It is not a teenagers-oriented album because of its maturity and wisdom, which this album is literally oozing. No need for them to prove this world anything because they had already proven everything multiple times before. This album is like a summarizing of what they have created during these years, and I find it truly decent. It's different but at the same time recognizable ABBA, and I love it irrespective of age or any haters' opinions. They have done what I exactly expected and they didn't disappoint me.

Benny writing the melodies and björn the lyrics with the two ladies singing - they did it again. Ode to freedom is an instant classic. But I'm sure, ABBA could do it yet again, as there is no limit to creativity, especially such a duo in composing music as Benny and Björn.

I just can't stop listen to this song. Beautiful. Perferction.

Eyes drift off into the beauty of the music. Mine do the same.

Прошло 2 года с момента появления этого альбома, а я до сих пор очень эмоционально реагирую именно на эту песню. Невероятный финал!

Tak for a great and emotional reaction. I think that the high pitched voice in the background is a combination of Agnetha's soprano and Frida's falcetto. There has been some dicussion about that, but I'm quite convinced that it's both of them singing behind Frida's tremendously deeeep voice 🙂

All this deep, deep basses explodes in my hearth in screaming silence. All those layers of melody here takes me very high. This song sounds with the ending writings of ABBA's last carreer chapter. They are one of the greatest music phenomenon ever! Deep bow and Thank you for all your Music! Salute with fireworks from Bulgaria!

I just watched your reaction video, as it appeared when I was searching for more AꓭBA videos. Your honest, and emotional reaction to this song, is the same shared emotion, feeling, and sentiment that I, and so many others, feel. You have the ‘look of love’ in your eyes. These four marvelous human beings have given us, more than we could have ever hoped for. If you have not yet traveled to London, to see ‘VOYAGE’…. ‘GO!!!!’ Your heart and soul will soar through the rafters, and you will not be disappointed. Just be prepared for MORE emotion. Thank you, for sharing… MC

I love this song I didn't listen for a long long time, and it still moves me like the very first time, it gives me peace, love but most of all the understanding of how simple, short, and beautiful life can be. It's full of emotion, and this song will remain in time, in its own simplicity is a masterpiece

From Beethoven's Ode To Joy to ABBA's Ode To Freedom, we have come to a full circle, specially at this trying time for Europe and the world.

Thank you for your gentle emotional reaction. Me, as an ABBA fan for 44 years, know what you feel and Voyage is just an amazing gift indeed. It just washes your soul clean! Thank you.

Hello Lukas Greetings from Germany and many thanks for this song recommendation. The song is simply beautiful and I wish it would never end. It exudes an incredible calmness. I still remember the first ABBA song in my youth Memories awake.. it was a wonderful, crazy time.

Dear Lukas,I think this is the first time I've listened to your reactions on RU-vid ( maybe except for the song '' Monsters'' with James Blunt), when I can't comment. Maybe I'll come back in the next few days with a comment, I don't know, because the emotions are too big now.That's all can say, that you were wonderful and you can never hide what you feel !...Thank you for ABBA.

"Ode To Freedom" quite appropriate in these tumultuous time we are living in. This tune makes me feel we still have a good future in store. Thanks ABBA!

The next album will be called 'Under Way' . Once the show is a world wide smash, why not make another? Maybe it will be another giant release, and add some new songs to the show.

I have the great privilege of traveling to London and seeing them ”live” at ABBA Arena in early June❣️🇸🇪

Che dire: ti rilassi e sogni. Quant' è bella.

Dear Lukas, thanks for your authentic video. Just a little remark, the album The Visitors was released in 1981 not in 1982. 🤗

Gosh you just talk right out of my heart!

I listend to this again today ❤❤❤

Listening to this song nearly everyday since the release. One of the most enchanting melodies I´ve ever heard, Benny really did something extraordinary here. Frida and Agnethas voices are at their best. And Björns lyrics are so spot on!

Какой красивый мужчина, с ума сойти!

I love this Lucas! Did you know they wrote it 20 yrs ago? I recently went to see Abba Voyage concert....I wish they had ended the concert with this but having shed more than one tear through the show it would have broken me hearing this....I still havent got over it..

Thank you Lukas for this great reaction-video! I smiled when you made the Lord Of The Rings comparison. And I agree, it is such a beautiful finale of ABBA Voyage. It could easily fit into an Italian opera. My friend Bart actually made me realize the following: Beethoven ended his ninth symphony in 1824 with Ode To Joy which was originally called Ode To Freedom, but the composer changed the title because of political reasons at the time. Now in the present day; ABBA’s finale of their ninth(!) studio album is also called Ode To Freedom… Coincidence? I don’t think so. No Doubt About It. Thank you ABBA!

Floating around the dance floor 💃

I am a first time viewer but really enjoyed your reaction. I will check out more of your stuff

The most beautiful voices in recorded music

I agree with a comment below. ABBA are good but , still not near their peak. In another 100 years we will understand them - just like we do today with Beethoven and Hayden. ABBA are yet to peak …… X

Love this song

👍👍👍👍👍❤ I love all ABBA songs, especially Arrival 🙏🙏🙏🇰🇿 23.03.2023

The humanist quality of the lyrics, profound but accessible, makes you see a common concept from a different angle - reminds me of Anthem from Chess.

One of my favorite songs from the Voyage Album

You will hear covers of this 10 years later

We are all free, except we have imagined shackles. So, I wonder if that is the meaning behind "truly worth remembering". If someone did write an ode to freedom, would they just be trying to convince everyone of something which is already true? PS, beautiful song 💗

A waltz 🌈💚

there are many "best songs" on this album, but this and Faith are the best. These are definitely "message" songs. They resonate with me powerfully. I don't have the sheet music in front of me, but it seems that it alternates between 1/4 measures and 3/4 measures, with maybe some 6/8. But as they always say when trying to get performers to play correctly "the eighth note stays the same." ABBA used to do a lot of that shifting back and forth, but it was done so well that unless you listened for it, you wouldn't even notice it. One of the underappreciated skills that Benny has.

I lukas. I am also A Huge Abba fan . So that fact combined with your beauty and charm … I want to marry you now ! Love from Portugal 🇵🇹

No, both girls are the lead, not just Frida. Even, we can say the complete band has the lead.

Perfectly put into words from a fellow ABBA 'fan' (although I don't like this word!) ... and ... as of my previous comment, you are gorgeous! :-D

Fabulous end too a _ fabulous artistic career. 🎉❤❤❤❤

As an ABBA's music fan I personally think this song is the only one from Voyage that captures their original essence, despite Just a Notion (for obvious reasons). The rest of songs do have some elements, typical from the group, but not as a whole piece. And examples like Don't Shut Me Down are tributes to themselves, with "samples" and formula to an ABBA song. But don't forget that a released ABBA song was never similar to another, and that's why you have to know their magical composition style to recognize them in a sea of tributes, imitations and copies.

For our freedom...

Nice reaction making good points and speaking from an insightful point of view. Great song, great reaction. But there's more to come, I promise.

"Ode to Freedom" (2021) is an extraordinary ending to what may be ABBA's extraordinary musical and group journey I believe that the last thing ABBA has done is to be aware of its Legacy and to be faithful to it, to perpetuate it to the new generations That is why I believe that this new album "Voyage", perhaps the last of ABBA, is a trip to eternity in the history of music. In particular, I feel that this song is sung by the four of them together from beginning to end, although Frida stands out strongly in the lower tones and Agnetha appears as a beautiful second voice in the treble, the men do the background voices My best regards to You from Buenos Aires , Argentina

Wow...what beautiful eyes you have!!! Now what were you talking about?? lol

Do check out Tears For Fears stirring new single (No small thing) and opening track for their upcoming new album, as it tackles the vexing concept that is freedom.

We are a truly advanced species, yet also a sad one.

Abba is timeless!!

🇧🇷❤🇧🇷❤🇧🇷

I was just thinking about what this measure is. You can count it 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2 / 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2... But I don't know how to notate it as a bar.