Synth-pop that captivated the world: a-ha’s classic and popular songs

Lifelinesa-ha

a-ha – Lifelines (Official Video)

“Lifelines” is the title track of a-ha’s seventh album.

When you think of a-ha, you might imagine a poppy sound, but this song has an overall relaxed tempo.

Many fans were likely shocked that the album begins with such an unhurried track.

Incidentally, the music video for this song won a short film award at a Norwegian film festival.

The blend of beautiful imagery tracing the cycle of the four seasons with the music gives it a truly unique presence.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Love Is Reasona-ha

Love Is Reason

Among a-ha’s songs, the one you hear especially often in clubs is “Love Is Reason.” It’s a track from their debut album, Hunting High and Low.

In the UK, it was included as the B-side to the famous “Take On Me.” Just listening to its poppy melody is enough to lift your spirits! However, in contrast to the tune, the lyrics tell a poignant story of a man suffering from heartbreak.

The blend of synthesizers and the chorus is also excellent, so pay attention to that as well.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Analoguea-ha

Analogue

“Analogue” is the title track from the album of the same name released in 2005.

The striking thing is how it surges from a quiet piano melody into an intense chorus, isn’t it? The song was originally produced under the title “Minor Key Sonata,” and apparently had a much rougher tone at first.

However, changes were made to give it a gentler feel, resulting in the version we know today.

With that in mind, the contrast between the calm parts and the intense parts might be a remnant of those changes.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Dark Is The Night For Alla-ha

a-ha – Dark is the Night for All (Official Video)

Released as the lead single from their fifth album, “Dark Is The Night For All” ended up being their final single in the United States.

The song has a slightly reduced synth-pop feel and leans more toward a rock sound.

If you’re introducing a-ha to a friend who likes rock, this might be a good track to start with.

The original music video that was filmed was shelved due to its overly provocative content, and the current video was reportedly re-shot.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Minor Earth Major Skya-ha

a-ha – Minor Earth Major Sky (Official Video)

A-ha had been on hiatus from band activities since 1993.

In 1998, they were invited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, and the song they produced for the occasion was “Minor Earth Major Sky.” It’s also memorable as the track that sparked the band’s restart.

In Japan, it’s also known by the title “Harukanaru Sora to Daichi” and is frequently used in commercials.

Even people in Japan who don’t know A-ha have likely heard this song.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Under The Makeupa-ha

A-ha – Under The Makeup (Goldene Henne 2015 – MDR HD 2015 sep05)

“Under the Makeup” is a track from a-ha’s tenth studio album, Cast in Steel, released in 2015, and it was also issued as a single.

It’s a grand ballad colored by flowing, film soundtrack–like strings, and Morten Harket’s vocals—delivering the melody with restraint without tipping into excess—fit perfectly.

While it departs from their early, breezy synth-pop to present the assured sound of seasoned veterans, it still exudes that unmistakable “a-ha-ness” in every moment—truly impressive!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

There’s Never A Forever Thinga-ha

a-ha – There’s Never A Forever Thing (Official Music Video)

It’s a song written by the band’s guitarist, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, for his grandmother after his grandfather passed away.

It’s described as a soulful, tear-jerking perfect song.

It was released as a single only in Brazil to promote A-ha’s third album, “Stay on These Roads.”