Mamma Mia! How Can I Resist You?: The Inside Story of Mamma Mia! and the Songs of ABBA

by Judy Craymer, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus

In the 1970’s, the Swedish musical phenomenon known as ABBA—Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—succeeded in reinventing the world’s perception of pop. They produced hit after catchy hit, each one instantly recognizable, infectious, and irresistible. Nearly a quarter of a century later, these beloved songs gave birth to the blockbuster musical MAMMA MIA! , which became a legend in its own right. It opened in 85 cities and has since been seen by more than 20 million people throughout the world. This officially sanctioned book tells the double story of the band and the play—and it’s told by those know it two of the group’s singer/songwriters and MAMMA MIA! producer Judy Craymer. It’s colorful literally and figuratively, and jam-packed with illustrations from the group’s own archives. Through first-person recollections from ABBA members, intertwined with commentary from the MAMMA MIA! team, Thank You for the Music cuts through the thicket of myths and misconceptions that have grown up around ABBA to reveal what actually happened.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Theatre

264 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2006

Reviews

[rose ❄ · Rating 5 out of 5]

shoutout to my college library for having this hard-hitting scholarly tome

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of the music of ABBA and all the effort that went into creating the stage show and ultimately the movie. The book reads like the transcript of an interview with the key players (which did take some getting used). I would have liked to know more about the creation of the movie and how certain things were done, because that is why I bought the book in the first place. However, I would still say that this is an essential for any ABBA lover, as it delves into all the details surrounding the creation of their songs and many behind-the-scenes information and photographs. Very enjoyable, and quick and easy to read. 4 stars.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read the section on “The Songs“ because that’s all that’s good about the show Mamma Mia;: the ABBA songs! It was great to read what Benny and Björn had to say about the origins of the songs. Too bad not one input from Agnetha or Frida.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight from Benny and Björn into the creation of many of Abba's most famous songs (those used in the musical), which also provides a chronological history of the group itself. I really liked the way the book was written as a sort-of conversation, in the words of the subjects, with the only editorial commentary contained in the photo captions. The second part of the book covers the creation of MAMMA MIA! the musical, from conception right through to the first discussions of a possible movie. I was expecting this bit to be less interesting, but actually it was a pretty frank and open discussion of what goes on to create a West End show, and then a Broadway show, and then how a musical can be rolled out worldwide. I feel like I've gained quite an insight into both how pop music is/was created and how musicals work. And the fact that I saw MAMMA MIA! in London midway through the book enhanced my enjoyment of both!

[chucklesthescot · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was interesting but not what I thought it was going to be. I expected it to be mostly about making the stage show and the film but it wasn't! There were only a few pages about the film itself which was a bit disappointing. Most of the book is focused on the Abba songs-how they were written, how the track was put together, instruments used and how the song did. It was kinda interesting but not what I really wanted to read about. The section about the stage show wasn't bad. Overall a decent read but not one for the keep pile.

[Mike Aragona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining and informative book. A history of the ABBA songs used in Mamma Mia as well as the journey of how the musical finally became a reality. Perhaps not a book for everyone, but if you have an interest in the band or even how difficult (and amazing) a process it can be to get your dream up on stage, this book will delight you.[return]This edition has a small piece on some thoughts about the making of the movie, but the core of the book is the creation of the musical.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that any "Mamma Mia" or musical theater fan will enjoy. After the book goes through the history of the group "ABBA" who's songs are the basis for the musical, "Mamma Mia", the book talks about the production of the show, including the worldwide productions. This book even includes the early history of the movie, which was released after this book.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, first of all, is a coffee-table size book. Huge and heavy. The songs used in the play are covered as well as what led up to the production of the play, and then information on the play itself. This is before the movie version was done.
The book points out just how successful the play ha
s been and how it has kept ABBA's music in front of people.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

All you ever wanted to know about Mamma Mia. And then a little bit more.

[Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUN