The Name Of The Game by ABBA

Album: The Album (1977)

Charted: 1 12

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson were both admirers of Stevie Wonder and had been listening to his then-current album Songs In The Key Of Life. They began work on a new song, with a working title "A Bit Of Myself," in which the bass line was similar to a slowed down version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." This formed the core of the song and the rest was then built up as a 6-part harmony structure, becoming their most complex composition yet. When the band's manager Stig Anderson heard the backing track, he suggested "The Name Of The Game" as the song's new title. It topped the UK charts but in all the other territories where ABBA were at the time successful it fell short of the top spot.
The Fugees sampled the bass and synthesizer from this for their 1997 hit "Rumble In The Jungle." This was the first time ABBA allowed one of their songs to be sampled.

Comments: 6

George Pope from Vancouver BcThe lyrics are plainly referencing a gameplaying boyfriend that she wants to know what's his goal with her; being so forthright wasn't unusual in the 1970s, as it would be now.
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenI hated the fact that the single release lopped an entire verse off the song. It never sounded right, since the refrain still referenced the missing verse ("Your smile and the sound of your voice...").
Aiken Nutz from Tahlequah OkMy late mom was a huge ABBA fan starting with their #1 Dancing Queen when mom was younger. Later, I became a fan listening to mom's LP/singles collection from the 60s and onward. Especially, the ABBA records she accumulated. Now, I realize that ABBA didn't release a lot of their international hits in the USA & it was difficult to hear their songs on the radio at various times. This hit is one I missed. Then when their CD "ABBA--#1s" came out I found this jewel. The tempo gets into your soul & the lyrics are great. A big jewel indeed !!
Dane from Green Cove Springs Fla., Fl"and you make me show what I'm trying to conceal..."So awesome.Ultra sweet harmonies.It still melts my brain 30+ years later.
Charles from Charlotte, NcThis song made it to no. 12 in the US.
Don from San Antonio, TxABBA were robbed from the top spot on this one. I remember it WAS rare to hear it on the radio, and when it was played it was pure bliss.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Feel It StillPortugal. The Man

"Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man deals with lead singer John Gourley becoming a "rebel just for kicks" after having a daughter and settling down. "It's hard to be a punk when you're thinking about your baby daughter at home," he says.

Where Everybody Knows Your NameGary Portnoy

The TV show Cheers was nearly canceled after its first season, but the theme song, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," was very popular. To satisfy viewer demand, the theme was made into a full song and released as a single.

Everything ZenBush

References to David Bowie, Tom Waits and Allan Ginsburg are peppered into the Bush song "Everything Zen."

Live Like You Were DyingTim McGraw

Tim McGraw recorded "Live Like You Were Dying" just two weeks after his own father passed away.

LandslideFleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks wrote "Landslide" before she joined Fleetwood Mac. She was considering going back to school when she and her boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham were asked to join the group.

Mr. Blue SkyElectric Light Orchestra

It was never a big hit, but the uplifting "Mr. Blue Sky" has endured as Electric Light Orchestra's most popular song. Group leader Jeff Lynne wrote it when after two weeks of gloomy weather, the clouds parted to reveal a beautiful day.