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"It's Nice to Be Back" is a song written by Benny Andersson and originally released by the Hep Stars.

Background

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In 1967, The Hep Stars made their feature film, titled Habari Safari, which shot in Nairobi but it 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.

Anni-Frid Lyngstad version

"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". A new backing track, which was more pop-oriented was recorded with the same tempo. Including Lyngstad and Andersson, all four ABBA members provided their backing vocals, resulting in the chorus being boosted by the energetic backing vocals. The strings and horn had been overdubbed on 23 July 1971. 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).

This error was corrected on 18 August 1971. By this point, success was around the corner. Lyngstad had been performing in the Lasse Berghagen Show until 29 August 1971, receiving positive feedback. On 10 August 1971, Lyngstad's duet with Lasse Berghagen "En Kväll Om Sommarn" entered the Svensktoppen chart in 9th place, 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 and 17 October 1971 in 16th place before shooting up to the Svensktoppen charts in 3rd place the following week. On 7 November 1971, "Min Egen Stad" peaked in first place. This gave Lyngstad a self-confidence boost.

Due to the success, a picture sleeve was released with just the title "Min Egen Stad". Lyngstad's debut album Frida was re-released on 19 November 1971, with "Min Egen Stad" opening the B-Side of the album. Lyngstad's compilation Anni-Frid Lyngstad was also released on 27 November 1971, with both "Min Egen Stad" and "En Gång Är Ingen Gång" included.

Track listing

7” single (4E 006-34462 M)

A. "En Gång Är Ingen Gång"

B. "Min Egen Stad"

Charts

References

1. ^ van Drongelen, Remko (2022). Frida Beyond ABBA. rvD. pp. 177–189. ISBN 978-90-9035304-3.
2. ^ Palm, Carl Magnus (2009-10-28). Bright Lights, Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-057-1.
3. "How Eurovision made ABBA: From introducing Benny and Ani-Frid to their breakthrough with 'Waterloo'". Gold Radio. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
4. ^ Team, uDiscover (2020-02-27). "Frida Lyngstad". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
5. Anni-Frid Lyngstad - En Gång Är Ingen Gång, August 1971, retrieved 2025-01-02
6. "En Kväll Om Sommarn av Lars Berghagen & Anni Lyngstad". NostalgiListan (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-02.
7. biblioteket, Kungliga. "EXPRESSEN 1971-10-03". Svenska tidningar (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-02.
8. biblioteket, Kungliga. "GT 1971-10-17". Svenska tidningar (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-02.
9. ^ "Min Egen Stad av Anni-Frid Lyngstad". NostalgiListan (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-02.

• 1967 songs
• Hep Stars songs
• Works by Benny Andersson
• 1971 singles
• Anni-Frid Lyngstad songs