Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again - The Movie Soundtrack

Ten years ago, "Mamma Mia! The Movie" became an instant smash and reminded audiences of the lasting power of ABBA's music, producing a soundtrack that has sold nearly eight million copies internationally. Many of the same cast members are back for its sequel, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." Like the first film, this is a live-action musical. EDGE Media recently reviewed the film. While the soundtrack roughly outlines the story, it also serves as an enjoyable listening experience in and of itself.

As to be expected, a few songs overlap between the two films, but with different performers this time around - "Waterloo" (an energetic performance by Hugh Skinner and Lily James here), "I Have a Dream" (James gives a stately rendition this time around), "The Name of the Game" (James again), "Mamma Mia" (James with Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alexa Davies as the film's fictional pop-vocal trio The Dynamos), "Dancing Queen" (by the cast leads), and "Super Trouper" (by the whole cast).

What is notable here is how this film soundtrack makes use of ABBA's lesser-known songs ("Why Did it Have to Be Me?" and "Angel Eyes") with some of their most famous ("Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "Dancing Queen"). And because ABBA's primary songwriters Benny Andersson and Bj�rn Ulvaeus have a strong knack for melody, use of the band's more obscure album tracks in this film still feels strangely familiar to more casual listeners like me. So, the integration of lesser-known material works well in this context, rounding out the story and complimenting ABBA's hits.

Similar to the first film, the musical accompaniment here is tastefully provided by live musicians, with a foundation of piano, acoustic and electric guitars, bass and drums. The result is not dissimilar to the original ABBA recordings - a mixture of danceable disco-influenced pop and tender, introspective ballads with the focus placed firmly on the vocalists.

Highlights include the jubilant album opener "When I Kissed the Teacher" (performed here by James, Wynn, and Davies as The Dynamos). "Kisses of Fire" (from ABBA's 1979 "Voulez Vous" collection) is another of the film's highly energetic numbers. "Angel Eyes," performed here by Julie Walters with Wynn and Davies, carries all the disco-inflected feel of ABBA's original version.

Aside from the opening verse of "Super Trouper," "Fernando" is Cher's only lead vocal on this soundtrack (in duet with Andy Garcia). Recent news of her ABBA covers album due later this year will doubtlessly satisfy those who long for more of the legendary diva here. Cher's performance of "Fernando" is quite beautiful, her lead vocal intertwining effortlessly with the primarily acoustic, Latin American-influenced accompaniment.

Meryl Streep's solo turn on "The Day Before You Came" (originally from ABBA's 1981 album "The Visitors") closes out the soundtrack. A piano-based ballad with orchestral accompaniment, Streep's vocal is tender and vulnerable, encapsulating the reflective nature of the song. Updated lyrics include references to author Margaret Atwood and the TV show "House of Cards" (replacing Marilyn French and "Dallas" in ABBA's original 1981 version). The latter is somewhat awkward in its reminder of Kevin Spacey and the sexual assault allegations leveled at the actor (who has nothing to do with this film). However, it's likely the lyrics were updated prior to the start of filming in mid-2017, before news about Spacey emerged, and doesn't really detract from Streep's beautiful rendition.

James' three solos - "I Have a Dream," "Andante, Andante" and "The Name of the Game" - are striking performances, the dynamic range of her voice perfectly suited to these songs. In another appearance, James trades lines with Streep and Amanda Seyfried on "My Love, My Life." In the film, James plays the younger version of Streep's character, and Seyfried plays Streep's daughter. With this in mind, the song becomes a tender expression of maternal love and devotion.

Overall, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" is an enjoyable musical experience, reminding audiences of ABBA's infectious melodies and utilizing a broader range of material from the band's catalog to support the film's story.

"Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"
Capitol Records
$11.88 (CD) and $11.49 (digital)
https://www.amazon.com