a-ha Popular Song Rankings [2026]
They’re a trio of nice guys from Norway, known for their beautiful falsetto vocals.
They’ve had numerous hit songs and even worked on an Olympic theme song.
This time, we’re shining a spotlight on them.
We’ve listed their songs in a ranking based on play counts.
You might discover some surprising results.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to them, we hope you find this helpful.
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a-ha Popular Song Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Soft Rains of Aprila-ha21rank/position
A track included on a-ha’s second album, famous for “Take On Me.” It has the romantic synth-pop feel characteristic of their early days, but the lyrics are rather suggestive.
Even in early spring, when starting a new life can bring a lot of anxiety, a day will surely come when you feel as clear and bright as after the rain stops.
In that way, it stirs the listener’s heart and lifts their spirits.
The Living Daylightsa-ha22rank/position
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!
The Sun Always Shines on T.V.a-ha23rank/position
Also known by its Japanese title “Shine On TV,” “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” was the single released after “Take On Me,” and it’s a hugely popular number that can be counted among early a-ha’s signature songs, having topped the charts in the UK and Japan.
It’s fantastic in that quintessential “THE 80’S” way: starting like a ballad with weighty piano accompaniment and standout vocals, then unfolding into a flashy sound driven by a 16-beat danceable rhythm, alluring synths, and a guitar with a strong rock edge roaring to life.
Interestingly, U2—the Irish-born heroes and globally renowned rock band—reportedly drew inspiration from “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” when crafting their 2000 classic “Beautiful Day.” With that anecdote in mind, it might be fun to listen to both tracks side by side and compare!
Angel In The Snowa-ha24rank/position
This piece appears on a-ha’s fifth album, Memorial Beach, released in 1993 by the Norwegian pop band that took the world by storm in the 1980s.
Written by guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy as a wedding gift for his wife, the lyrics evoke the image of an angel—someone who stays by your side wherever you go and dispels your troubles.
Set to a gentle, steady tempo, it’s a lyrical song that tenderly expresses devoted love for a cherished person.
It’s a perfect work for a quiet night spent watching the snow fall and thinking of someone dear.
Celicea-ha25rank/position
This is a track where the magic of synth-pop truly shines.
Released in November 2005, it’s characterized by its enchanting beats and catchy melodies.
Morten Harket’s soaring vocals beautifully capture the subtleties of complex human relationships.
You can also feel the Nordic lyricism that is so characteristic of Norway’s a-ha.
The music video drew attention as well, and the song topped the charts in Norway.
It’s a track that can light up the dance floor yet is also perfect for quiet, attentive listening.
A must-hear for anyone captivated by ’80s synth-pop.
Cosy Prisonsa-ha26rank/position
This is a track released in 2006 by a-ha, masters of classic synth-pop.
It’s included on the album “Analogue” and made waves on the charts as the third single.
Hailing from Norway, the band delivers their signature lush melodies and Morten Harket’s crystalline vocals, singing about the constraints of modern society and the importance of self-discovery.
The music video, filmed on March 4, 2006, also creates a distinctive atmosphere, set in a sewage pumping station from the 1860s.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone looking to break free from the routines of daily life and explore new possibilities.
Early Morninga-ha27rank/position
Included on the 1990 album “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.” A three-piece pop band from Norway formed in 1982.
The mid-tempo, moody rhythm and the soft, melancholic melody line set the stage for Morten’s high-toned vocals, which put you in a great mood.
Foot of the Mountaina-ha28rank/position
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.
Minor Earth Major Skya-ha29rank/position
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.
Summer Moved Ona-ha30rank/position
Released in July 2000 by Norwegian artist A-ha, this work is a gem of synth-pop that broke a long silence.
The lyrics, sung over a bittersweet melody, brilliantly intertwine the changing of the seasons with shifts in human relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
The lyrics, which symbolically depict the end of summer, evoke a sense of wistfulness toward relationships that change over time, while Morten Harket’s soaring vocals further heighten the emotion.
Released as their first new song in six years, the track ranked high on the charts across many European countries.