Album of the Week: Cher’s Dancing Queen
October 10, 2018
After playing Ruby Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cher covers ABBA once again with the release of Dancing Queen on Sept. 28. The album features 10 well-known songs such as “Chiquitita”, “The Name of the Game”, and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”. From fast-paced tempos to moving ballads, Cher puts her own unique spin in each track.
“When you know, you know. When you fall, you fall. And when you’re defeated by love, you’re utterly defeated,” Harry Bright (Hugh Skinner) said in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Similar to this sentiment, “Waterloo” and “Mamma Mia” reveals the effects of falling hard for someone. The singer surrenders to the powerful force of love, yet there is not one ounce of regret towards that outcome. Compared to ABBA’s original version, Cher modernizes the two tracks with autotune and synth beats. Through these changes, she emphasizes the balance between defeat and happiness.
Despite the fun and carefree spirit portrayed within multiple songs, Cher also shows the downside of falling in love. “One of Us” and “The Winner Takes It All” narrates the story of danger and vulnerability within relationships. While “The Winner Takes It All” is given a fast tempo, “One Of Us” is stripped completely of its original upbeat rhythm. Cher’s powerful vocals add onto the somber and heartfelt tone of the music.
The album is diverse within its sound, each song leaving a memorable impression. However, there is one track that stood out from the entire collection: “Dancing Queen”. This 70’s classic is difficult to recreate because of its timelessness, yet Cher successfully captures the feeling of the original version. Even though she inputs a contemporary melody, Cher paints a picture of a young woman underneath a bright disco ball. It’s fast, engaging, and it encourages people of all ages to become their very own dancing queen.
Dancing Queen leaves audiences, especially ABBA enthusiasts, wanting more. The album was filled with multiple hits, yet 10 songs is not enough to showcase all of ABBA’s iconic music. Dancing Queen volume 2, perhaps?
The album is available on iTunes and all music streaming services.
I struggled for the longest time writing this because Nathalie Sibal is a multitude of things: smart, creative, strong, honest, kind, hilarious – but above all, she’s unique, and not many people can claim to be.
Nathalie’s creativity and passion knows no bounds. She has an innate ability to create complex characters and capture them in diverse moments, whether they inhabit the luxurious lifestyle of the Victorian era or the simple, naturalistic setting of Greece. No matter what story she drafts, they all possess a deep love and understanding of the human experience. Her immense talent, coupled with her confidence, is unmatched by no other and I can’t wait to see her break barriers in Hollywood.
More than a screenwriter, Nathalie is the greatest friend anyone can ask for. She came at a transitional point in my life where I was unsure of the future, but with her by my side, change didn’t seem as petrifying. Her wit and resilience inspire me, her kind and carefree nature lift me up. She is the Louise to my Thelma, the Venom to my Eddie Brock. There are not enough words in the English language I can use to express how lucky and grateful I am to have her as my best friend.
-Oscar Flores
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