ABBA – “Honey, Honey” (1974): A Sweet Slice of Early Pop Brilliance

Before ABBA became one of the most iconic pop groups of all time, they were already laying the foundation for global superstardom with sparkling early singles — and “Honey, Honey” was one of their first real pop triumphs.

Released in 1974 as the immediate follow-up to their Eurovision smash “Waterloo,” this track captures the youthful energy, playful spirit, and catchy melodic charm that would soon define the ABBA sound. It’s flirtatious, upbeat, and irresistibly fun — the kind of song that practically winks at you as it plays.

Fronted by the delightful vocal interplay between Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, with Björn Ulvaeus chiming in on harmonies and adding a cheeky male perspective, “Honey, Honey” feels like a musical conversation between lovers. The lyrics are lighthearted and full of innocent longing, wrapped in a sugar-rush melody that bounces along with glittering piano lines and subtle glam-rock influence.

Though it didn’t chart high in the U.S. at the time (the American market was slower to embrace ABBA), it became a solid hit across Europe — topping charts in several countries and proving that “Waterloo” wasn’t just a one-off success.

But more than just chart numbers, “Honey, Honey” helped define the early ABBA formula: tightly arranged pop with romantic tension, strong female leads, and a polished yet playful sound. It may not be as well-known as “Dancing Queen” or “Mamma Mia,” but for fans, it’s a treasure — one of the first golden threads in the fabric of ABBA’s legacy.

“Honey, Honey” is more than just a love song — it’s a time capsule of a group on the verge of greatness, sweet and infectious, with a twinkle in its eye and a melody that still makes hearts skip.