“One of Us” was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, ABBA’s main songwriting duo. It was release as the single in December 1981 with “Should I Laugh or Cry” on the B-side. It was also included on ABBA’s final studio album, “The Visitors,” which was released in the November of the same year. The album was notable for its darker and more mature sound, reflecting the band’s desire to move beyond their earlier, more upbeat pop music.
“One of Us” is a reflective and melancholic ballad, featuring the lead vocals of Agnetha Fältskog. The song’s lyrics deal with the end of a relationship and the sense of loneliness and regret that follows. The instrumentation is relatively understated, featuring gentle piano chords and atmospheric synthesizer tones, with a more dramatic and powerful chorus section.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including #1 in Germany, Ireland and on Eurochart Hot 100.
Today, “One of Us” remains a popular and well-regarded song in ABBA’s discography, and it is often cited as a highlight of the band’s later period. The song has been covered and remixed by various artists over the years, and it continues to be played on radio and in other media.