I Am Just a Girl
"I Am Just a Girl" is a song by ABBA released on their 1973 album Ring Ring.
Background
"I Am Just a Girl" was originally written by Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Stig Anderson in Swedish language, titled "Jag är blott en man". This version was recorded by Jarl Kulle and released as a single in November 1972. The song served as the theme tune from the movie "Ture Sventon".The song was later recorded by Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid in English language using the same backing track. The song was released on ABBA’s debut album Ring Ring on 26 March 1973 and as a B-side to several singles internationally including "Love Isn't Easy " in Denmark, "Another Town, Another Train" in the USA, "Ring Ring" in South Africa and "Nina, Pretty Ballerina" in Austria. The song spent three weeks in Swedish chart Tio i topp and peaked at number six.
"I Am Just a Girl" was released in Japan as a single in September 1973. The single was used to promote the upcoming album Ring Ring, released in December 1973 in an unusual way. Nippon Phonogram/Philips launched a photo contest, inviting the public to submit photos to be used for the cover of the album. With the theme of "I Am Just a Girl", the public had to submit colour photos. With 20-30 photos submitted everyday, the successful candidates were allegedly presented with cassette recorders, watches, badges and records.
Critical reception
Hans Fridlund of Swedish tabloid newspaper Expressen said the song "has a sweet sing-along friendly melody".Abba - Uncensored on the Record said, "ABBA with trumpets and other horns - something they were to do way better in years to come however". "Not one of ABBA’s finest moments"