Disco 80s - Secret Service ( Secret Service). VIDEO

The Swedish band Secret Service became famous in the late 70s, but it was the 1982 song "Flash In The Night" that made the group famous.

The 1982 single "Flash In The Night" became the calling card of the Swedish group Secret Service.

Secret Service - Flash In The Night

(English: "Secret Service") - one of the most famous musical groups Sweden in the genre of popular music in the 80s.

At the end of 1979, a new star lit up on the European stage - Secret Service. The group was brought together by performer Ola Hakansson, who had previously worked with other groups for almost two decades (he started in 1963 with the group The Janglers). Part new group included many musicians familiar from Ola Hakansson’s previous projects. Their debut single“Oh Susie” did not go unnoticed and won high ratings both in Europe and beyond.

Secret Service - Oh, Susie

The next single “Ten O'Clock Postman” further strengthened Secret Service's popularity, reaching the top of the charts in Germany and even Japan. Sonet Grammofon AB opens a special sublabel SEC, which subsequently released all Secret Service maxi-singles. And soon the group’s first album, “Oh Susie,” appeared, backed by already popular hits and also having great success.

Secret Service - Ten O'Clock Postman

An interesting fact is that all Secret Service albums, with the exception of the last one, additionally existed in some Spanish-language versions. Records for Spain, Venezuela and Argentina were published with Spanish song titles. Unfortunately, little is known about these releases, and it is not entirely clear whether all the compositions on these albums were actually performed on Spanish, or there was a simple translation of the titles on the covers. Although, the second Spanish single “Ye Si Ca” (“Carnaby MO 2045”) clearly supports the version about the existence of espacol versions of at least some Secret Service songs.

This was followed by several more successful singles - “L.A. Goodbye" and "Ye Si Ca", the latter of which gained solid popularity in South America. In 1981, the second album “Ye Si Ca” was released, an equally interesting and successful release. It can be noted that the author of the song “Angelica & Ramone” was the above-mentioned musician from Ola & The Janglers - Claes Af Geijerstam.

The vast majority of Secret Service's songs were written by Tim Norell (music) and Bjorn Hakanson (lyrics). Some of the lyrics were written by Ola Hakansson under the pseudonym Oson, taken because it resembles the surname of the main poet Bjorn Hakanson. It is interesting that Tim Norell, being the author of almost all the melodies of Secret Service songs, for some reason was never photographed with the group, did not appear at various shows and concerts, and he is not on the covers of Secret Service records! What caused such mystery on Tim’s part is unknown.

In 1984, Secret Service recorded their next album, Jupiter Sign. The song “Sign of Jupiter” differs from other compositions with its mysterious, stylish sound, combining both electric sound and live instruments, such as a violin. The next year was marked by the release of the next, fifth Secret Service record - “When The Night Closes In” (“When Night Comes”).

Secret Service - When The Night Closes In

By 1987, the band's lineup had thinned out considerably - both Leif and Tonny Lindberg, as well as the main lyricist Bjorn Hakanson, left. But their place was taken by newcomers - Anders Hansson (keyboards, programming) and Mats Lindberg (bass). With this line-up, Secret Service recorded the album “Aux Deux Magots”. The record has a slightly changed sound, which is not surprising - the appearance of new people is immediately felt - Anders Hansson added many interesting effects to the band's music. Ola Hakansson became the main lyricist; Among the songwriters of “Aux Deux Magots” you can see Alexander Bard, leader of the Army of Lovers. He subsequently worked closely with Hakansson and Norell, co-authoring both a few of the later Secret Service compositions and many other projects.

In general, by the end of the 80s, Secret Service members spent less and less time on their own creativity, focusing more on promising young performers. Hakansson, Norell and Hansson even formed a creative team, called The Megatrio in the Swedish press, working to create hits for new stars from Scandinavia. The Megatrio has become a kind of Swedish equivalent to the English Stock-Aitken-Waterman. The album “Aux Deux Magots” also includes an extended-version of the composition “The Way You Are” - a joint duet of Ola Hakansson and famous singer Agnetha Faltskog from ABBA. The song was recorded in 1986, and, according to some information, was featured in one of the films dedicated to the upcoming 1992 Olympics.

Secret Service - Don't You Know, Don't You Know

Aux Deux Magots was Secret Service's last full-length album. Apparently, work on other projects got the better of the musicians, and own creativity there was no time left. Only occasionally did various collections of hits appear, although in 1990 an interesting Megamix release was released, released on 7" and 12" records. Also in 1992, Secret Service recorded the song "Bring Heaven Down" for the Swedish film "Ha Ett Underbart Liv", which for a long time remained one of the band's most obscure songs.

Secret Service - Megamix

In 1992, Ola Hakansson founded own company Stockholm Records (at the end of 2004, Ola left its management, settling in a new place - the production label TEN Productions). Stockholm Records, part of the Universal Music Sweden group of companies, still exists successfully, having become the “native” studio for many artists from Scandinavia (A-Teens, The Cardigans, Stakka Bo, Army of Lovers, etc.).

After the release of the single with "Antiloop remakes", there were rumors for a long time that Secret Service had reunited and were working on new records, but there was no clear confirmation of this fact. However, in 2000, the rumors became reality - Stockholm Records released the most interesting collection “Top Secret Greatest Hits”, the main surprise of which was not the remastered hits of the group from past years, but truly new songs - “The Sound of The Rain” and “Destiny of Love." And there were quite a few other pleasant gifts on the disc - just look at the remixes of “The Dancer” and “Rainy Day Memories”! But the sudden appearance of new Secret Service songs did not at all mean their reunion. However, Secret Service appears in public from time to time - for example, on December 16, 2006, the group updated composition, took part in the “Legends of Retro FM” festival.

In 2007, the musicians of the Secret Service group began recording a musical called “Flash in the night.” The musical takes place in Russia, but is all based on the tunes of Secret Service. This is a drama that took place in Leningrad in the early 80s, telling about love, hatred, grief and happiness. It includes all the hits of the group “Secret Service”. The musical is written in three languages ​​at once: Swedish, English and Russian.

Released June 12, 2012 new album group - “The Lost Box”, which included only previously unknown, old compositions, which, according to the authors, were accidentally found and previously unpublished.

Secret Service discography:

1979 - "Oh Susie"
1981 - “Ye-Si-Ca”
1982 - "Cutting Corners"
1984 - "Jupiter Sign"
1985 - “When the Night Closes In”
1987 - “Aux Deux Magots”
2012 - “The Lost Box”

Secret Service singles:

1979 - “Oh, Susie”
1980 - “Ten O'Clock Postman”
1981 - “Ye-Si-Ca”
1981 - “L.A. Goodbye"
1982 - “Flash In The Night”
1982 - “Cry Softly”
1982 - “Dancing in Madness”
1983 - “Jo-Anne, Jo-Anne”
1984 - "Do It"
1984 - “How I Want You”
1985 - “Let Us Dance Just A Little Bit More”
1985 - “When The Night Closes In”
1985 - “Night City”
1986 - “The Way You Are”
1987 - “Say, Say”
1988 - “I’m So, I’m So, I’m So (I’m So In Love With You)”
1988 - “Don’t You Know, Don’t You Know”
1989 - Megamix
2000 - “The Dancer”

• Interview
• date: 09.09.2009
  – According to the Music Encyclopedia, Secret Service broke up in the late 90s...
  – Ulf Wahlberg:– Believe your eyes, not the Music Encyclopedia (laughs). Secret Service has existed since 1979 and has never disbanded in its history. Perhaps they gave up on us because at the end of the past - the beginning this century We practically didn’t perform. But the group, I repeat, existed during that period - then we worked a lot in the studio. We are alive and have been touring quite actively for the last three or four years. Of course, our team has been replenished with new musicians, but this is still the same Secret Service, as you had the opportunity to see for yourself during today’s concert.
• – What is your former vocalist Ola Hakansson doing now?
  – Tim Norell:- Why ex? Ola is still with us. He could not come to Simferopol only because he is currently busy recording his solo album.
• – Is Mikael Erlandsson a full member of Secret Service?
  – Tim Norell:- Certainly! He joined our team five years ago. By the way, it was Ola who insisted on inviting Mikael - he had worked with him a lot before. Mikael is a talent, he has an inimitable voice that fits perfectly with the music of Secret Service. Plus, Mikael is great on stage!
• – Question for Mikael. When did you first become acquainted with the music of Secret Service and what did being invited to join this legendary group mean to you?
  – Mikael Erlandsson:– You noticed correctly: Secret Service - legendary group! I’ve been a fan of these guys since childhood, and now, of course, I’m incredibly happy to create with them!
• – How different is the Secret Service music of the late 70s and today?
  – Ulf Wahlberg:- There is no difference! We have created a new direction in music and remain true to it. I would say that we were ahead of our time once and now it has caught up with us, which is why our music from the late 70s is now so popular all over the world. This is not bragging: we understand this by communicating with our fans live after concerts, receiving thousands of emails e-mail…
• – It’s hard to believe that the patriarchs electronic music indifferent to modern music technology…
  – Tim Norell:- Oh, of course, they are not indifferent. We try to use modern possibilities in our music (in particular, we diversify it with new sounds), but, unlike young teams, our music still remains alive. That's why we're playing more rock 'n' roll now.
• – What kind of music did you grow up listening to? musicians Secret Service?
  – Tim Norell:- Of course, on The Beatles, on The Rolling Stones... And we were all fond of the classics. For me, for example, there is nothing more inspiring than the music of Rachmaninov. Perhaps it was precisely the passion for two seemingly completely alien musical directions - rock and roll and classical - that allowed us to open electronic music to the world in the late 70s with the development of technology.
• – Secret Service is called the second calling card of musical Sweden after ABBA. Has this ever offended you?
  – Tim Norell:- Well, what are you talking about! ABBA are giants and have fantastic music! By the way, we have never competed with them, if only because we work in different directions. And all our supposed disagreements with ABBA are fictions yellow press. ABBA are not just our colleagues, but also close friends. At one time we had joint projects, now we still maintain good relations.
• – What about your projects Stakka Bo, Army of Lovers, The Cardigans?
  – Tim Norell:– All these teams exist, but we have let them float freely (laughs). Some manage to stay at the top of the world charts, while others now perform exclusively in Sweden (I won’t say who).
  – Ulf Wahlberg:– Tim’s songs are now performed not only by world stars, but also by yet-to-be-ignited Swedish talents. They will definitely make themselves known - it’s a matter of time.
• – Do you know about your popularity in the former Soviet Union and how can you explain it?
  – Ulf Wahlberg:– Three years ago we were very persistently invited to Moscow. To be honest, we didn't understand why. But the answer to this question was given by the concert: it turned out that in former USSR we are super popular. It's nice. And the popularity can only be explained by one thing: people like our music.
• – Today at the concert you presented the Crimeans with your new song. Does this mean that a new album will be released soon?
  – Tim Norell:– Yes, the new album will be released, hopefully by Christmas. His working title- "Disappeared." The fact is that not so long ago in our archives we found a whole box of old Secret Service recordings, which for unknown reasons were never released - they were included in the new album (of course, in a modern interpretation). In addition to the song performed today at the concert, the album contains ten more compositions. We have no doubt that “The Disappeared” will be received with a bang by our fans.
• – Are you planning to organize a presentation tour after the release of the new album?
  – Ulf Wahlberg:– We haven’t thought about it yet. Unfortunately, Tim's illness (during the Simferopol concert he moved to wheelchair. - Ed.) does not allow you to make long-term plans. But in principle the idea is good.
  – Tim Norell:– I would like to say that we are now also working on a musical based on the music of Secret Service. I really liked your audience today: I promise that Simferopol residents will be among the first to see our new creation.
• – Did you have the opportunity to get acquainted with Crimea?
  – Ulf Wahlberg:- Unfortunately no. Before coming here, of course, we looked on the Internet. We know that Crimea is a resort, so we are a little upset that we didn’t swim in the sea...
  – Tim Norell:– (Smiling) Well, it’s okay, we’ve already paved the path here, so everything is still ahead of us.

• Interview
• date: 06.12.2007
  – According to the laws of hospitality, I should have asked if you were frozen in our Far Eastern frosts, but I looked at the Swedish weather on the Internet - it is no different from ours, which means you are all hardened people. So let's talk about music right away. What song will you perform at the “80s Disco” party and why exactly?
  – First we will play “Flash in the night”. Of course, we will play "Oh Susie" and others. That is, everything that we ourselves love.
• – The date of birth of the “secret service” is 1979. Your songs immediately appeared at the top of the charts. It feels like you didn't have to fight for success. Was everything really that smooth?
  - No. It didn't happen that easily, but it was great. We found ourselves at a time when the music that was being played was new because there was nothing like it. That is, we were lucky. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
• – The group emerged at the end of the golden age of rock music. It is enough just to list such commands as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd. You are from its heyday. Who did you listen to, who influenced you, who were you shaped by?
  – We listened to, say, Blondie. This is a mixture of rock and synth music. We listened to music that had a beautiful melody. The most important thing is the melody. Let's not forget about The Beatles.
• – What Russian drink do you prefer?
  - This complex issue. But it's probably vodka.
• – Russian song folklore says: “A song cannot be composed, songs are born on their own.” When you write songs, is it a production process with set parameters, or do the songs come from space or the heart?
  – I sit and write and write and write. Days pass, nothing is born. And then within ten minutes the music appears.
• – The whole world knows that Swedes and Russians sing the best. But for some reason, performers from England are more famous. In your professional opinion, why did this happen? What did you do to infiltrate the musical Olympus?
  - I think that English language very melodic. It is precisely because the English language is understandable to everyone, and also melodic, that music sounds more beautiful in it.
• – What language do you sing in at home?
  – In Swedish and English.
• – Not many Swedish bands have become famous in the world. I'll call you ABBA, Shocking Blue, Secret Service. Is it because there is no group music movement in Sweden, or because there are not enough musicians? If there is enough, then why are there so few known ones?
  – Europe, Roxette, Ace of Base.
• – Which Swedes did you call worthy? As far as I know, the Nobel committee decided to award Nobel Prize in the field of music. Who would you give the second prize to if you were on this committee? It is clear that Secret Service takes first place.
  - Of course, ABBA.
• – Russians and Swedes have a lot in common. You are descendants of Viking explorers. And for a long time we have explored all the far corners. You are a peace-loving country, and we are supporters of peace and harmony. Both you and I sing well. Are there any differences between us? For example, in our frosty conditions we warm ourselves by dousing ourselves with cold water and dancing in circles. How do you keep warm?
  – We drink vodka and keep warm.
• – It turns out that there are no differences between us?
  - Yes.
• – You have traveled, in fact, the whole world. Maybe you haven't been to several countries. Do you agree that the most beautiful women in Sweden and Russia?
  – I think that Russian women are more beautiful than Swedish ones.
• – In principle, I also agree with this. This is not your first time in Russia, you know our National dishes- borscht, vinaigrette; shoes - bast shoes; a toy - a matryoshka, instruments - a balalaika. Name the national differences of the Swedes.
  – There is a national toy that all Swedes know. This is a red horse made of wood. It is painted, like the matryoshka doll, with flowers. This is the symbol of Sweden. I am sure that many Russian houses have this horse. Because all Russians, when they come, buy this horse.
• “Live horses in our houses are no longer a novelty.”
  - And we have one more national distinction. We dance on the holiday of Ivan Kupala. We call this holiday midsummer. We put up a tree entwined with flowers and dance around it like little children.
• “I told you there are no differences between us.” We also organize this for Ivan Kupala! They say there is new project Secret Service group and Russia. The first concert of this project will be held in Russia. How soon will this happen?
  – We are currently recording music in the studio. We are writing a musical. The action takes place in Russia, but everything is based on the Secret Service tune.
• – The action takes place in the 80s, there are lovers from Sweden and Russia, the KGB is active. Do you write music?
  – We write the music, and the lyrics for this musical are written by a Russian girl who lives in Sweden. All our hits will be included there, we will even sing in Russian.
• – In the 80s, during the so-called Iron Curtain, we knew not only our “Gems”, Kobzon, but also your Marishka Veresh and also Secret Service. Who did you know? Have you listened to the smuggled "Time Machine", Sofia Rotaru and Children's choir CT?
  – The biggest contraband that was brought to Sweden was Alla Pugacheva. She was very popular.

In 1979, Ola Håkansson (b. 03/24/1945), former vocalist of Ola & the Janglers and then manager of the music label Sonet Records, teamed up with Tim Norell and Ulf Wahlberg under the working name called Ola+3 to record several songs they performed at the Melody Festival, a popular Swedish music competition show. And although that... Read all

In 1979, Ola Håkansson (b. 03/24/1945), former vocalist of Ola & the Janglers and then manager of the music label Sonet Records, teamed up with Tim Norell and Ulf Wahlberg under the working name called Ola+3 to record several songs they performed at the Melody Festival, a popular Swedish music competition show. And although they didn't win that time, collaboration inspired the trio members so much that they decided to continue together under the name Secret Service. In addition to vocalist Håkansson and keyboardists Norell and Wahlberg, the lineup soon included guitarist Tony Lindberg, bassist Leif Paulsen and drummer Leif Johansson.

Norell, who together with Håkansson wrote most of the band's compositions, nevertheless remained in the shadow of his comrades, not appearing with them on the covers of Secret Service albums. The first single of the young ensemble “Oh Susie” became a hit in Sweden as well as in some countries in Europe and South America (#9 Germany, #2 Sweden). The 1979 self-titled album, which included another hit, "Ten O'Clock Postman" (#5 Germany), went gold in Scandinavia.

Second disc of the group next year Ye Si Ca (1980), like its predecessor, was in a dance-pop vein and sold worse than its predecessor, but also contained the hits “Ye Si Ca” (#9 Germany) “L.A.Goodbye” (#23 Germany). The third work followed after a year's lull. Cutting Corners (1982) turned out to be very hip and contained electro-pop compositions, among which was perhaps their most popular synth-pop single, "Flash in the Night", which topped the charts throughout continental Europe.

By the mid-'80s, Norell and Håkansson began writing and producing songs for other artists. Performed as a duet with former soloist ABBA Agnetha Fältskog's single "The Way You Are", included on the band's next LP, went gold in Sweden.

In 1987, Håkansson, Norell and Wahlberg recorded Aux Deux Magots, Secret Service's final album. Multi-instrumentalist Anders Hansson and bassist Mats A. Lindberg also participated in the work. Recorded, as always, in a Euro-pop vein, it became a worthy conclusion to the almost ten-year career of Secret Service.

Subsequently, Alexander Bard, composer and producer, creator of the groups Army of Lovers and Vacuum, joined the creative union of Håkansson and Norell. This is how the megatrio Norell Oson Bard appeared - the Swedish answer to the English songwriters Stock-Aitken-Waterman. In 1992 they founded the Swedish branch of PolyGram, called Stockholm Records, which produced such famous bands, like Army of Lovers, the Cardigans, etc.

Sweden is considered a musical power because a large number of masterpieces were created in this country. The popularity of Swedish works is that the positivity and sincerity of the musicians can be heard through the notes.

Significant dates

One of famous people Stockholm, popular singer, producer, born in 1945, March 24 - Ola Håkansson. His biography is full of numerous events, which are also interesting to fans of his work.

• In the 60s, the young musician became part of the young group The Janglers. Soon the soloist, thanks to his talent, took a leading place in musical group, and the group became known as Ola & The Janglers.
• Late 70s concert activity the team began to fade away. Ola Håkansson did not limit himself to participating in the group; at the same time, he recorded solo concerts. At the same time, the musician heads the recording studio Sonet Grammofon.
• In 1979, a vocal group was created.
• In 1986, the duet The Way You Are was recorded together with Agnetha Fältskog.
• 1992 was the year when Stockholm Records was founded.

Ola Håkansson and Secret Service

Ula, teaming up with Tim Neroll and famous musician Ulf Wahlberg, participated in famous show Sweden. Despite the fact that they failed to win, the singers continued to develop and compose new songs.

In 1979, three musicians, including Håkansson, created Service. Over time, the number of team members began to increase. Guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer joined the existing lineup. The famous single Ten O'Clock Postman reaches the top of the charts in Japan and Germany. Most of the lyrics were written by Håkansson.

In the 80s, many musicians were interested in electronic instruments. The members of the famous group were no exception. Therefore, a synthesizer is added to the existing instruments, and it prevails over all. The songs become more melodic and interesting.

Band Highlights

In 1984, the performers released a new album, Jupiter Sign. The songs differ from previous masterpieces in the subtlety of their sound, thanks to the combination of electric instruments and live violin. In 1987, the composition of the close-knit team changed. Ola Håkansson is now the main author of the subsequent repertoire. Each of the musicians in the group was simultaneously engaged in other projects, working with beginning performers, so less and less time was devoted to joint creativity.

From 1992 to 2004, Ola Håkansson headed her own company called Stockholm Records. Although the group released new songs, it is difficult to talk about its further development. The team periodically appeared on stages with new compositions. In 2004, the famous Swedish musician joined the production company TEN Productions, which searches for young talents. In 2006, the new team was invited to the “Legends of Retro FM” festival. A new one was released in 2012 album The Lost Box, which included old unpublished masterpieces.

The popularity of Swedish music is very easy to explain: easy-to-understand motives, a positive attitude and enthusiasm coming from legendary performers. In Sweden it is constantly held great amount various celebrations and events that the listeners are incredibly happy about.

- Hello Tim! USecret Service there are many songs that have become popular in the world. But which track, in your opinion, played a decisive role in the band's fame?

- Well, it's hard to say... Of course, our first hit Oh Susie was the song that made us famous. But also songs like Ten O'clock Postman, which was super popular in Germany and Japan for example, and our biggest hit Flash In The Night, which made people look at us as a synth band, were very important for us.

— From the first “star” castSecretService now has two people left: you and Ulf Wahlberg. Are you dating other members of the 80's band?

— Our bassist Mats "Limpan" Lindberg has currently been a member of the band since 1985, so I think he, along with me and Ulf, belongs to what you call the "star line-up".

I often talk on the phone with Ola, the original singer, who was the founder of the group with Ulf and me. He's a true friend of mine and still a member of our band, even if he's too busy to join us live now.

— Tim, you have a Russian wife, Elena Efron, who, as you know, played a very important role in your life. How did your first meeting happen?

- This will be discussed in my new musical Secret Service Ten O'clock Postman, until then it is a “secret” (play on words - Secret Service - secret (secret) - Sputnik)! This is a story about me and my wife Lena, when she I was young and lived in Leningrad, about how we met and about Secret Service. Most of the events are real, but some may not be... And of course, there will be all my Secret Service songs, which have become unforgettable, many of them in Russian. language. I promise that it will be a very funny and very romantic musical.

— Nowadays a lot of attention is paid to Eurovision. As you know, it was this competition that brought popularityABBA. What do you think about the latest competition, which took place in May in Kyiv? Who did you like?

— I think that the level of advanced technology on stage has increased significantly in last years, and at the same time the quality of the songs gets worse and worse. I'm waiting for the new ABBA hit.

— This year, for the first time in its history, Belarus presented a duet at EurovisionNaviBand with a song on Belarusian language. What can you say about the number? What is your impression?

— The NaviBand song was one of the few that I liked. Good artists and positive energy. But even if I like your language, I'm sure it would have more chances to win if at least one refrain was sung in English.