Synth-pop that captivated the world: a-ha’s classic and popular songs
Even if you don’t recognize the name of the group a-ha, you’ve probably heard their iconic pop classic “Take On Me” at least once.
That said, some people might only know a-ha for “Take On Me.”
In this article, we’ll introduce a slew of masterpieces released by a-ha—the world-famous Norwegian synth-pop group—whose documentary film “a-ha THE MOVIE” had a limited release in Japan in May 2022 and generated plenty of buzz.
It’s a must-read not only for fans, but also for anyone looking to understand the 1980s synth-pop sound that’s trending again in the 2020s.
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Synth-pop that captivated the world: a-ha’s greatest and most popular songs (1–10)
Crying In The Raina-ha
“Crying In The Rain” is a track included on a-ha’s fourth album, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, released in 1990.
Did you know it’s actually a cover? The original is a song of the same name released in 1961 by the American brother duo, the Everly Brothers.
While the original has a country flavor, a-ha’s cover turns it into a stylish piece.
Be sure to compare the two versions.
I’ve Been Losing Youa-ha
Scoundrel Days is the second album released by A-ha in 1986.
The song released as the lead single from this album is “I’ve Been Losing You.” With the previous year’s “Take On Me” becoming a worldwide smash hit, many people were surely paying attention.
And as you know, it went on to become a mega-hit, selling over 1.1 million copies worldwide.
The heartbeat-like guitar solo section gives you goosebumps!
The Living Daylightsa-ha
The James Bond film series is still loved by many people today.
Did you know that a-ha once produced one of its theme songs? a-ha handled the theme for the 15th film in the series, The Living Daylights.
The song shares the same title, The Living Daylights.
Now that you mention it, doesn’t the track sound more tense than usual? The intro in particular feels very much crafted with the film in mind.
Be sure to check out the special movie-collaboration music video, too!
Synth-pop that Enchanted the World: a-ha’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs (11–20)
You Are The Onea-ha
Among a-ha’s songs, “You Are The One” stands out as the most exhilarating.
Its melody has a curious power that sticks in your head after just one listen.
It’s also notable for featuring many high notes.
The track was included on their third album, “Stay on These Roads,” and was later remixed and released as a single.
The music video, which follows the band around New York, perfectly matches the song’s sense of speed, so I highly recommend checking it out.
Foot of the Mountaina-ha
a-ha has produced many great songs, but perhaps the most memorable for fans is “Foot of the Mountain.” It’s the title track from their ninth album, released in 2009, and is also known for marking a return to synth-pop for the band.
Commercially, it became their biggest hit since “Stay on These Roads.” It was also the final album before their 2010 breakup.
The song’s somewhat wistful melody is especially captivating, so I recommend giving it a listen first.
The Wakea-ha
The album Cast in Steel, released with great anticipation by a-ha after their 2015 reunion, features a particularly popular track among fans: The Wake.
Although it appears as the third track on the album, the first and second tracks had their music videos released before the album came out, so listeners encountering the third track for the first time may have felt especially moved—perhaps one reason for its popularity.
The song also has a strong ’90s synth-pop feel, which likely resonated even more with longtime fans.
If you’re just starting to explore a-ha’s music, I recommend listening to their albums in chronological order to experience a similar sense of excitement.
Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah)a-ha
With its refined vocals, melancholic and lyrical melodies that appeal to Japanese tastes, and synth-pop-style electro beats, this is a quintessential masterpiece with the classic feel of European synth-pop.
“Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah)” was released in 2010 and included as a new track on a-ha’s best-of album “25,” which came out the same year, and it was also issued as an advance single.
Beyond the song’s high quality, the music video is also fascinating, featuring footage from their past works, so longtime fans in particular should definitely check it out.
