ROBERT O'CONNOR

Six months after the release of his wistful Scandipop gem “Been & Gone”, Robert O’Connor gets a little closer to his Swedish inspiration with “The Last Time”, a hi-NRG version of the 1987 Agnetha Fältskog ballad. 

Set for release on May 27, the same day ‘ABBA Voyage’ opens its doors at London’s ABBA Arena, the idea to record the track came from producer Gareth Shortland (Steps, Will Young), after Robert declared his love for the Swedish four-piece, but was disinclined to cover any of the classics they had released as a band. 

Produced by Shortland, with vocal production by Richey McCourt (Aimée), “The Last Time” has been reimagined to fit perfectly into O’Connor’s recent catalog – it pops and sizzles in all the right places before hitting you right in the feels when you least expect it. “Let the heartaches fade away, give them back to yesterday”, Robert sings above a hypnotic beat that’s reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys. 

Speaking of the track, Robert said: “I’ve always had a fascination with uptempo pop songs that make you feel euphoric, but actually have the saddest lyrics. Benny & Björn excelled at this, and I wanted to tap into that”. 

Discussing the recording process, the singer explained: “Gareth and I have a love for the pure pop music that we grew up listening to, and we bonded over that. I think the joy we have making this music translates into the tracks – and I think people respond to that!” 

“The Last Time” is released May 27