In the vast and glittering history of European pop and soft rock, some musical moments—though less known—deserve special recognition for their quiet significance and emotional richness. One such moment came in 1983, when two iconic voices from different musical worlds briefly came together: Agnetha Fältskog, the cherished voice of ABBA, and the British soft rock group Smokie, known for their smoky harmonies and radio-ready ballads. Their collaboration on the song “Once Burned Twice Shy” may not have made waves on international charts, but for those who have heard it, it remains a hidden gem of melodic storytelling and emotional resonance.
At this time, ABBA had just entered a period of hiatus, with members pursuing individual paths following years of intense global fame. Agnetha, known for her crystal-clear vocals and emotional nuance, had already begun carving out a solo career that leaned into softer, more introspective pop. Meanwhile, Smokie, fronted in this era by Chris Norman, had built a devoted European fanbase with hits like “Living Next Door to Alice” and “If You Think You Know How to Love Me.” Their music blended rock sensibilities with pop arrangements, making them a natural counterpart to Agnetha’s tender vocal style.
“Once Burned Twice Shy”, released in 1983, stands out for its gentle, melancholic mood. It is a mid-tempo ballad about emotional caution, the kind of lyrical theme that speaks to anyone who has learned, sometimes painfully, from love’s lessons. The title itself is a familiar saying—referring to the way heartbreak can make one wary of opening their heart again—and the song beautifully captures that balance between vulnerability and self-protection.
Musically, the track is a blend of soft rock instrumentation and delicate pop sensibilities. The arrangement allows Agnetha’s voice to shine in close harmony with Chris Norman’s, creating a warm, textured vocal blend that carries the weight of the song’s message. It’s not a duet in the conventional, theatrical sense, but rather a conversation in song—two voices echoing the same emotional truth from different angles. The result is a piece that feels deeply personal, yet universally relatable.
What makes this collaboration particularly noteworthy is how seamlessly Agnetha steps into the soft rock space, traditionally more associated with Smokie’s sound. At the same time, Smokie shows a sensitivity in their delivery that complements Agnetha’s more introspective tone. It’s a meeting point between genres, but more importantly, between artists who know how to tell stories through melody and mood.
Though “Once Burned Twice Shy” was never released as a major single and is often overlooked in mainstream retrospectives, it has since found appreciation among fans of both artists, especially those who seek out the lesser-known corners of their catalogs. For listeners who grew up with ABBA’s polished pop or Smokie’s guitar-driven romance, this song offers a mature, grounded reflection on love—not the thrill of its first spark, but the complicated quiet that follows once the flame has burned you.
There’s a certain charm in discovering a song like this—not wrapped in marketing or image, but presented simply, as a moment between musicians. And in that moment, Agnetha Fältskog and Smokie captured a sentiment that is timeless: the way love, once it has both lifted and hurt you, leaves behind a cautious heart. “Once Burned Twice Shy” doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers truths, the kind you only hear when you’re ready to listen.