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Benny Andersson Band

Benny Andersson Band
Story of a Heart

Campus Correspondent CD Review by Andy Argyrakis,
Campus Correspondent coordinator

If the name Benny Andersson looks familiar, that’s because he’s one fourth of ABBA who’s face was plastered all over the news once again when that group was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Though this offshoot troupe’s been recording in Sweden for the past decade, its debut American release Story of a Heart (Decca) finds the composer/pianist turning a creative corner that isn’t likely to spread like wildfire.

In other words, expect a mixture of folk songs, polka, waltzes and even big band pieces, all performed with precision, but lacking continuity and pop sensibility. However, ABBA faithful won’t find the album to be a total waste, thanks to lyric writing contributions from that act’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, who helps elevate the title cut (sung sweetly by Helen Sjoholm) into an instantly memorable smash, at least for those patient enough to sift through the more weighty sentiments.