Nearly 40 years after ABBA’s (“Dancing Queen”) breakup, the popular music group has reunited to bring fans their newest album, “Voyage.”

Released Nov. 5, “Voyage” is a nostalgic album containing songs which will remind fans of the qualities that made ABBA successful in its heyday. However, with few memorable tunes aside from its three singles, the album feels more like a modest sampler, rather than the triumphant return the band might have hoped for.

Without its singles, the album would give listeners little reason to revisit it. Though these songs are far from ABBA’s best, their upbeat qualities and nostalgic subject matter are sure to delight diehard fans.

Headlining the album is “I Still Have Faith in You,” a heartfelt power ballad which hearkens back to the strong bond shown by ABBA’s members during the band’s glory days. Reminiscent of tunes like “Chiquitita,” the song contains an uplifting sound which is sure to warm the hearts of listeners with its evocative lyrics.

The album’s next single, “Don’t Shut Me Down,” comes off as a less fun, yet more thoughtful, version of the ABBA hit “Take a Chance on Me.” A toe-tapping disco number, the song proves to be the most exciting of the album’s songs. With lyrics like “I’m not the one you knew/I’m now and then combined/And I’m asking you to have an open mind,” the song alludes to ABBA’s downfall because of failing inner-band marriages, while also highlighting its members willingness to forgive one another.

Though originally produced in 1978, “Just a Notion” received a much delayed release as the final single of “Voyage.” Pairing the original recording’s vocals with updated instrumentals, the song transports fans to the past with an optimistic melody and lyrics which could only have been produced by ABBA in its prime.

Aside from “No Doubt About It,” the album’s remaining tracks are slow, reflective ballads. Though songs of the type make up some of ABBA’s best, those found in the album are bound to put listeners to sleep with their drawn out, hazy compositions.

The band, which is known for letting personal and group experiences influence their songs, does not shy away from doing so with “Voyage.” However, whereas their past works are more nuanced and accessible in this regard, songs from the new album like “Keep an Eye on Dan” feel a little on the nose with their messages.

Despite its shortcomings, the band behind “Voyage” deserves praise for coming together after so many years to put it together. Having remained friends and collaborators since ABBA disbanded, backup vocalists and songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus join once again to produce an album which overall shows the heart of the band’s popular works. With them, lead singers Agnetha Faltskög and Anni-Frid Lyngstad pick up where they left off with the band through their assured performances.

In celebration of the album’s release, a series of ABBA concerts will take place in London from May to Dec. 2022. Rather than the band itself, performances will be carried on by a group of digital avatars designed to resemble its members.

Image from ABBA via YouTube