I
ABBA!
"The Winner Takes It All"
Though it's hurting me, now it's history...
Carpenters "Solitaire"
A little hope, goes up in smoke...
I *loved* ABBA, even before the big-screen adaptations came out.
My first exposure to the band was in "Muriel's Wedding."
Fun story. I was waiting for a valet in Hollywood and Rachel Griffiths (whose been in many wonderful things but "Muriel's Wedding" was one of her breakouts) was standing right next to me smoking.
I normally don't say anything but I loved her in that film and "Brothers & Sisters" and I mustered up the courage to say, "Excuse me Ms. Griffiths. I loved you in 'Muriel's Wedding.'"
Anyway, this song makes me cry:
and this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7oiWbA6hDc (Agnetha is gorgeous here)
Like The Carpenters, ABBA has timeless songs, beautiful harmonies and lyrics.
Also, I know there's not a lot of opera in this thread, but watching the late, great Jessye Norman singing "Samson & Delilah" is a life-changing experience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP3-xk9aaik