ABBA: Bjorn Ulvaeus (vocals, guitar); Benny Anderson (vocals, keyboards);

Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog (vocals).

Producers: Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Anderson

Compilation producer: Marko Soderstrom

Recorded between 1972 and 1982. Includes liner notes by Carl Magnus Palm.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Audio Remasterers: Jon Astley; Michael B. Tretow.

Liner Note Author: Carl Magnus Palm.

Photographers: Ola Lager; Anders Hanser; Bengt H. Malmqvist.

Released to coincide with the arrival on Broadway of Mamma Mia!, (a musical based on the songs of Abba), THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION packs two CDs with every single ever released by this Swedish guilty pleasure between 1972 and 1982. Chronologically arranged and expertly remastered, this package kicks off with the flower-power sentiments of "People Need Love" and "He Is Your Brother." These preceded the breakthrough "Waterloo" that won the 1974 Eurovision competition and proved to be Abba's springboard to international superstardom.

From there, it's an infectious ride overflowing with hooks, harmonies and stellar arrangements that bubble over from much-loved songs like "Fernando," "Dancing Queen," "SOS," Take A Chance On Me," and "Winner Takes It All," chronicling Abba's move from Europop to impressive Wall-of-Sound flavored disco. Capped off with a 1974 remix of "Ring Ring" that's getting its American debut and a 1979 extended dance remix of "Voulez-Vous" that was never commercially available, THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION is pure pop manna for die-hards and novices alike.

Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.136) - Ranked #180 in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time"