Inside Story

On this day in 1975, a song that was never meant to be a single began its journey to global fame. ABBA’s Mamma Mia—recorded as the final track for their self-titled third album—would soon defy expectations, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the band’s most iconic hits.

Sometimes, the biggest hits come from the most unexpected decisions. That was the case for ABBA’s Mamma Mia, a song that was never meant to be a single but ended up topping charts around the world.

Recorded at Metronome Studio in Stockholm, Sweden, Mamma Mia was the final track laid down for ABBA’s self-titled third album in 1975. At the time, the band had no plans to release it as a standalone single. However, RCA Records, ABBA’s Australian label, saw something special in the upbeat, marimba-driven track and pushed for its release.

Polar Music, ABBA’s Swedish label, initially resisted. But with growing demand, they eventually gave in—and it turned out to be the right call. Mamma Mia stormed to No. 1 in multiple countries, cementing ABBA’s status as global superstars.

What started as a last-minute addition to an album became one of ABBA’s most iconic songs, later inspiring a hit musical and two blockbuster films. Not bad for a song that almost never made it to radio!