⯈ Download WebView2 Runtime⯈ Download WebView2 RuntimeWritten by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, "Arrival" was the closing title track of ABBA's fourth studio album. It is a wordless, choral-driven piece deeply influenced by traditional Swedish folk music, particularly from the Dalecarlia region.
A 1983 French-language version with lyrics, performed by Daniel Balavoine and ABBA's own Anni-Frid Lyngstad for the musical ABBAcadabra . Abba & Mike Olfield - Arrival
An English-language lyrical version recorded by Frida and B.A. Robertson in 1983. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, "Arrival"
During production, the track was known as "Fiol" (Fiddle), "Ode to Dalecarlia," and "Arrival in Dalecarlia". An English-language lyrical version recorded by Frida and B
In a deliberate nod to ABBA, the artwork for Oldfield's single is a recreation of the original Arrival album cover. Instead of the four ABBA members in a Bell 47G helicopter, it features Oldfield alone—fittingly, as he is a licensed pilot. He even mirrored the "K" in "MIKE" to mimic ABBA's famous ambigram logo. Key Comparisons ABBA (Original) Mike Oldfield (Cover) Release Year Primary Genre Folk-inspired Pop / Eurodisco Progressive Rock / Pop Vocal Style Wordless choral harmonies Synthesized and multi-layered instrumental Album Arrival QE2 Other Notable Versions
Released on his sixth album, QE2 . Oldfield's version reflects his transition toward shorter, pop-influenced songs in the early 1980s.