About The Song
If ABBA‘s 2021 return with the album Voyage was a multifaceted journey revisiting various aspects of their sound, then “No Doubt About It” represents a confident stride back onto the familiar ground of high-energy, emotionally charged pop. Emerging from the same sessions that brought us the delicate introspection of tracks like “Bumblebee,” this song immediately distinguishes itself with its driving rhythm and assertive stance. It serves as powerful evidence that the collaborative magic between Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus remained fully potent, capable of igniting the kind of musical spark that defined ABBA‘s original reign. Released as part of the much-anticipated Voyage collection, “No Doubt About It” feels like both a comforting return to form and a vibrant demonstration that the group’s dynamism was far from a relic of the past.
The creation of “No Doubt About It” within the context of the Voyage project highlights ABBA’s intention to deliver a well-rounded listening experience. While the album certainly explores new emotional depths and reflective themes appropriate for artists revisiting their legacy after four decades, it also understands the pure, uplifting energy that is intrinsically linked to the ABBA name. This track fits squarely into that latter category. Composed by Andersson and Ulvaeus, it carries the unmistakable hallmarks of their craft – infectious melody, rich harmonies, and polished production – but infuses them with a rock-inflected edge that gives the song a particular punch. Its placement within the album sequence provides a surge of momentum, proving that the architects of some of pop history’s most enduring anthems could still construct compelling, radio-ready tunes in 2021.
Musically, “No Doubt About It” is built on a foundation of propulsive energy. A strong, assertive beat drives the song forward from the outset, underpinned by a robust bassline and insistent keyboard chords typical of Andersson’s style. Notably, electric guitars play a more prominent role here than in many classic ABBA tracks, contributing crunchy rhythmic chords and short, effective melodic lines that add to the song’s slightly gritty texture. This creates a sound that feels both familiar in its pop structure and slightly updated, acknowledging contemporary production aesthetics without sacrificing the core ABBA identity. The melody is instantly catchy, particularly in the explosive chorus, designed for maximum impact. Harmonic layers, a cornerstone of the ABBA sound, are present in abundance, especially in the powerful backing vocals that lift the chorus to anthemic heights. The arrangement skillfully builds tension in the verses, releasing it in the satisfying rush of the refrain, showcasing a mastery of pop dynamics.
The lyrics, attributed to Ulvaeus, delve into the territory of interpersonal friction and the subsequent admission of fault. The narrative depicts a scenario where tempers have flared (“I blew it sky high”) leading to a moment of candid self-reproach (“And I messed it up alright / And there’s no doubt about it”). The song captures that moment of acknowledging one’s own role in a disagreement, the slightly sheepish but firm recognition of having made a mistake. It portrays a relatable dynamic of conflict and the process of owning up to one’s actions, moving towards reconciliation. The lyrical perspective is direct and unambiguous, conveying the emotional weight of the situation – the frustration, the regret, and the finality of the admission. It’s a narrative focused on the emotional arc of messing up and fessing up, a theme delivered with a conviction that matches the music’s energy.
The lead vocal is delivered with characteristic power and conviction by Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Her voice, always possessed of a dynamic range and emotional depth, is perfectly suited to the track’s slightly rockier feel and assertive lyrical stance. She conveys the frustration and eventual forceful admission within the lyrics effectively, injecting the performance with energy and believability. Complementing her lead, the signature harmonies of both Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog soar through the chorus, providing that rich, layered vocal sound that is quintessentially ABBA. This vocal arrangement is crucial to the song’s impact, amplifying the emotional stakes and lodging the catchy chorus firmly in the listener’s mind.
Upon its release with the Voyage album, “No Doubt About It” was frequently singled out by listeners and critics as one of the most energetic and immediately satisfying tracks. It was hailed as proof that ABBA could still tap into the vein of pure pop exhilaration that made them icons. While perhaps not breaking new ground stylistically, its significance lies in its confident execution and its role as a bridge connecting the band’s legendary past with their surprising present. It reassured fans that the musical chemistry and pop instincts of Andersson, Ulvaeus, Fältskog, and Lyngstad were remarkably preserved across the decades. “No Doubt About It” stands as a vibrant, unapologetic pop song, a burst of familiar energy within the remarkable tapestry of the ABBA comeback, delivered with the conviction and craftsmanship that only they could provide.