The Song That Won Eurovision
Released in 1974, Waterloo is the high-energy hit that launched ABBA into global superstardom. Winning the Eurovision Song Contest, it blends glam rock, jazz, and pop into a wall of sound that demands vocal stamina and precision.
Unlike a ballad where you have time to shape every note, Waterloo is about rhythmic attack and relentless energy. You need to maintain a bright tone throughout the verse and chorus without sounding nasal. Let's break down the techniques required to master this classic.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathing
The tempo is approximately 148 BPM. Beginners often run out of air in the chorus. Plan your breaths specifically after "refuse" and "lose" to ensure you have enough support for the sustained "Waterloo" belts.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:15 - 0:40)
The song starts in D Major. The verse vocals ("My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender") are sung in a staccato, almost spoken style. The pitch isn't extremely high here (hovering around A3-D4), but the challenge is rhythmic precision.
The Trap: Sliding into notes (scooping) will make you sound tired and off-beat. Attack each note cleanly. The AI Coach analyzes your onset timing here to ensure you are right on the beat.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:40 - 0:50)
The energy builds on the line "And how could I ever refuse, I feel like I win when I lose." The melody ascends, and you need to start mixing your chest and head voice.
Avoid shouting the word "Refuse." Instead, use 'twang' (narrowing the vocal tract slightly) to get that piercing pop sound without straining your vocal cords.
Phase 3: The Chorus (0:50 - 1:15)
This is the iconic hook. The melody jumps up to D5. It requires a confident, open-throated belt. The vowels in "Waterloo" should be modified slightly towards "Water-LO H" (dropping the jaw) to facilitate the higher pitch.
- Promise to love you: Keep this light and bouncy.
- Couldn't escape: This syncopation trips many singers up. Tap your foot to the snare drum to stay locked in.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody hits a sustained D5 during the chorus. There are harmonies that go even higher depending on the arrangement.
Originally sung by two women (Agnetha and Anni-Frid), the original key is high for most male singers (Tenors/Baritones). You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it down -4 or -5 semitones to make it comfortable.
The ABBA sound relies on singing with a smile. Literally smiling while you sing lifts the soft palate and brightens the tone, giving it that classic pop sheen.
