He Is Your Brother
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"He Is Your Brother" is a song recorded in 1972 by Swedish folk group "Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid" (which became the pop group ABBA soon after).
The song continued on the lyrical theme from the band's previous single "People Need Love" - reaching out to your fellow man.[1] It was issued as a single in Scandinavia (Polar Music POS 1168),[2] New Zealand (Family Label FAY 1054).
The song only charted in Scandinavian countries. In Sweden, it did not reach the sales chart but was a big radio hit reaching #1 on the Tio i Topp singles chart.[3]
The four musicians involved soon formed "ABBA". The song appeared on the group's debut album Ring Ring, which was released in 1973 in Scandinavia and a few European countries, (and not the United Kingdom).
Background
"He Is Your Brother" was written and composed by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus. The recording sessions for the group’s debut album commenced on 26 September 1972,[3] with this song being recorded in October 1972. All four band members share lead-vocals on this recording.[3] A downwards glissando is used in the introduction of the song, similarly used in "Dancing Queen".[1]
The song was one of the early favourites among the group's members, and was the only song from the group's first album which was performed during the group's 1973 Folkpark tour,[3] 1977 tour of Europe and Australia.[1] The song was therefore featured live in the film ABBA: The Movie (1977).
In January 1979, "He Is Your Brother" was part of the opening medley, performed by artists (along with ABBA), during the Music for UNICEF Concert.[1][4]
Santa Rosa
The B-side of the single, "Santa Rosa" had the working title "Grandpa's Banjo" and was originally recorded in 1972 with the intention of releasing it as single in Japan. It was considered a "Bjorn And Benny" track. The writers have explained their dislike of the song, saying that the lyrics were clumsy due to the fact they only put the name "Santa Rosa" in because it fit the song; they actually came from Stockholm.
In 1972, the Björn and Benny single, "She’s My Kind of Girl" was released in Japan in 1972.[5] This single proved to be a success and several singles had been released including "En Carousel".[5] With the inclusion of all ABBA members, the band entered and performed "Santa Rosa" in the 1972 Yamaha World Popular Song Contest. This took place in Japan on 17 November 1972, without any success.[5]
Track listing
- A. "He Is Your Brother" - 3:17
- B. "Santa Rosa" - 3:02
Personnel
- Agnetha Fältskog – lead and backing vocals
- Anni-Frid Lyngstad – lead and backing vocals
- Björn Ulvaeus – electric guitar and lead
- Benny Andersson – piano and backing vocals
Additional musicians
- Jan Bandel – drums
- Stefan Brolund – bass
- Janne Schaffer – electric guitar
- Håkan Jansson – Baritone saxophone
Charts
| Chart (1972–1973) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Sweden (Tio i topp)[6] | 1 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Title | Label | Format | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden, Norway | 1 Nov 1972 | "He Is Your Brother" / "Santa Rosa" | Polar | 7-inch vinyl | POS 1168 |
| New Zealand | 1972 | Family | FAY 1054 | ||
| Europe | 19 May 2023 | Polar | 7-inch vinyl, picture disc | 00602448459480 |
References
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