“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“She’s My Kind of Girl” began as a heartfelt duet by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson before ABBA’s official formation, yet it already carries the signature warmth and melodic charm that would define the group’s sound. Recorded in late 1969 for the Swedish film Inga II: The Seduction of Inga, the song first appeared as Björn & Benny’s debut single in March 1970. More than just a movie tie-in, its gentle folk-rock arrangement and earnest lyrics hinted at the songwriting magic these two would soon unleash on the world.
Conceived to underscore the soft-core drama of Inga II, “She’s My Kind of Girl” was tracked at Europa Film Studios in Stockholm during November–December 1969. Neither Agnetha Fältskog nor Anni-Frid Lyngstad participated in these sessions, making it one of the rare Björn & Benny recordings without the future ABBA vocalists. At just 2:39 in length, its concise structure wraps a sweet narrative—“she makes me feel fine, who could ever believe that she would be mine”—in upbeat guitar and subtle harmony.
When the single debuted in Sweden in 1970, it enjoyed only modest attention, but two years later Japanese audiences fell in love with its gentle sincerity. Released there in early 1972, it soared to the top of local charts, ultimately selling over half a million copies and winning a coveted invitation for Björn and Benny to perform in Tokyo. The Japanese triumph demonstrated that even a pre-ABBA slice of folk-rock could bridge cultures and languages, relying purely on the song’s heartfelt message.
Though later relegated to the B-side of ABBA’s 1973 “Ring Ring” single, “She’s My Kind of Girl” remains a cherished footnote in the group’s history, capturing a moment when two friends chased a simple idea of love through melody. Its unique “fake stereo” mix stands alone in ABBA’s catalog, giving the track a distinct sonic signature that collectors still seek. Whenever I listen, I’m reminded how raw sincerity—even before worldwide fame—can resonate across decades and continents.
Have you ever stumbled upon an early recording by a famous artist that surprised you with its fresh honesty? What hidden gems have you discovered that feel like private letters from musical legends? Share your stories below and keep the conversation warm and personal.
Video
Lyrics
Look at her face, it’s a wonderful face
And it means something special to me
Look at the way that she smiles when she sees me
How lucky can one fellow be?
She’s just my kind of girl, she makes me feel fine
Who could ever believe that she would be mine?
She’s just my kind of girl, without her I’m blue
And if she ever leaves me what could I do, what could I do?
And when we go for a walk in the park
And she holds me and squeezes my hand
We’ll go on walking for hours and talking
About all the things that we plan
She’s just my kind of girl, she makes me feel fine
Who could ever believe that she would be mine?
She’s just my kind of girl, without her I’m blue
And if she ever leaves me what could I do, what could I do?
She’s just my kind of girl, she makes me feel fine
Who could ever believe that she would be mine?
She’s just my kind of girl, without her I’m blue
And if she ever leaves me what could I do?
She’s just my kind of girl, she makes me feel fine
Who could ever believe that she would be mine?
She’s just my kind of girl, without her I’m blue
And if she ever leaves me what could I do?