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It's Nice to Be Back
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"It's Nice to Be Back" is a song written by Benny Andersson and originally released by the Hep Stars. It was released as the B-side to their non-album single "Malaika" in April 1967, and was later released on their compilation album, Hep Stars, 1964-69!, in 1982. The song would later be covered by Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA (a band Hep Stars members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus are also a part of) and released as the second and final single for her debut studio album Frida, released in March 1971.
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In 1967, The Hep Stars made their feature film, titled Habari Safari, which shot in Nairobi but was never completed. Two songs resulted from this project: "Malaika" and "It's Nice to Be Back". The latter was intended for the closing song for the Hep Stars movie, upon their return to Stockholm. "Malaika" was released as a single and "It's Nice to Be Back" was the B-Side.
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Anni-Frid Lyngstad version
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"It's Nice to Be Back" received a Swedish translation by Peter Himmelstrand titled "Min Egen Stad" (Translation: My Own Town) recorded by Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who alongside Andersson was a member of ABBA.
"Min Egen Stad" was recorded in the EMI Studios, Stockholm on 12 July 1971 alongside "En Gång Är Ingen Gång".[1] A new backing track, which was more pop-oriented was recorded with the same tempo.[1] Including Lyngstad and Andersson, all four ABBA members provided their backing vocals, resulting in the chorus being boosted by the energetic backing vocals.[2][3][4] The strings and horn had been overdubbed on 23 July 1971.[1] On 9 August 1971, "En Gång Är Ingen Gång" was released with "Min Egen Stad" on the B-Side, mistakingly titled "I Min Egen Stad". (Translation: In My Own Town).[5]
This error was corrected on 18 August 1971.[1] By this point, success was around the corner. Lyngstad had been performing in the Lasse Berghagen Show until 29 August 1971, receiving positive feedback.[1] On 10 August 1971, Lyngstad's duet with Lasse Berghagen "En Kväll Om Sommarn" entered the Svensktoppen chart in 9th place,[6] as well as Lyngstad's songs from her debut album “bubbling under” in the Toppentipset charts throughout August. "Min Egen Stad" appeared in the Toppentipset charts on 3 October 1971 in 14th place[7] and 17 October 1971 in 16th place[8] before shooting up to the Svensktoppen charts in 3rd place the following week.[9] On 7 November 1971, "Min Egen Stad" peaked in first place.[9] This gave Lyngstad a self-confidence boost.[2]
Due to the success, a picture sleeve was released with just the title "Min Egen Stad".[citation needed] Lyngstad's debut album Frida was re-released on 19 November 1971,[1] with "Min Egen Stad" opening the B-Side of the album. Lyngstad's compilation Anni-Frid Lyngstad was also released on 27 November 1971,[1][4] with both "Min Egen Stad" and "En Gång Är Ingen Gång" included.
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Track listing
7” single (4E 006-34462 M)
B. "Min Egen Stad"
Charts
References
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