Founded in 1972, Swedish supergroup ABBA has established themselves in the music industry, boasting 20 chart-toppers and an induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, their “prime” was between 1974 and 1982, when they were consistently releasing new music. Since then, the band has gone quiet, until the release of their new album “Voyage” on November 5, 2021.

ABBA’s last public performance was in 1982, and until last week, their most recent release was “ABBA Gold” in 1992. For the first time in decades, ABBA released an almost entirely new set of tracks titled “Voyage.” To me, this album brings forth nostalgia while also extending their present-day relevance, leaving fans of every generation anticipating this release. ABBA’s “prime” is said to have been before our time. We experience them through their musical “Mamma Mia!” and some lucky PHS students’ vacations to their museum in Sweden, but our ABBA exposure has been fairly limited. Since most of the tracks were constructed by established songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, fans can expect an album reminiscent of the past — with an addition. Many of the tracks have callbacks to previous hits, whether it be in the opening chords or in a comparable melody. Look at “Keep an Eye on Dan” — find the closing melody, and how it matches the opening of the chart-topping “S.O.S.,” which is also featured in the film. Similarly, the flutes in the opening of the new “Bumble Bee” pay homage to those in “Fernando,” from the 1976 album “Arrival.”

I think the band does a great job of sharing their sunny, light emotion in a wistful and romantic tone. I can’t think of a single ABBA song that makes me sad. Even when the lyrics are melancholic, like those in fan favorite “Chiquitita,” something about their delivery makes the music feel hopeful. Despite the band’s own internal conflicts, such as relationship drama a ABBA continues to produce uplifting music that listeners turn to for comfort.

I first saw “Mamma Mia” when I was ten, and in turn my adoration for ABBA’s sentimental sound began. The movie does an excellent job of taking ABBA’s lovable discography and reimagining it for a new generation. Our generation grew up on the songs of Sophie and Donna Sheridan, and in our hopes to run off to a Greek island, we embraced ABBA’s sound as our own. Though their music may seem outdated, their style is timeless and is enjoyed by people of all ages.