Take a listen to Abba's "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A man after midnight)" (1979) and Madonna's "Hung Up" (2005), and what do you notice? Almost immediately, you notice this distinct flute riff that frames both songs. This riff was originally associated with Abba's music. What's it doing in Madonna's music? I wondered if Madonna had the rights to use a part of Abba's song in her own, and if Abba knows that she did so, especially since the members of the band are still alive. Apparently, she did. It was reported that she wrote a letter to the Sweedish superstars Abba, asking them for permission to sample their music on her latest album (1). Abba's songwriters Benny and Bjorn did not agree to Madonna's request straight away. But they finally said yes because of their admiration for Madonna and her music.

(1) "Madonna 'begged' Abba for samples". BBC News. (October 18, 2005).