Mapping out their universe one album at a time
I've always thought it a shame that A-ha disappeared from the American airwaves (radio and television) as well as disappeared from the record store shelves with the exception of the occassion tape (usually one of their first three albums) in the cut-out bin or the occassional cd in the incredibly highpriced Import section, of Tower Records. I still pay the price for the imports because the band hasn't dissappointed me yet, not even memorial beach with the messed up cd jacket or the undecided sound of Stay on These Roads. I have enjoyed each and every one of the a-ha cds that I have. Their first two albums I bought on Vinyl, then cassette and finally on cd. The lyrics are well thought, the instrumentation with or without synth (earlier albums synth based, later guitar and piano based) matches the sounds perfectly (a couple odd songs on Stay on These Roads but the album as a whole works and is quite charming). I love Memorial Beach; Minor Earth, Major Sky; but this cd and their second, Scoundrel Days are still my two favorites. Their first album has the best overall crafting of songs but that was the age of synth and everything was synthetic and crafted, yet a-ha's sound was a bit beyond that because of the lyrics and Morten Harket's vocals, his delivery is always stunning. That man just amazes me when he opens his mouth.
If all you know is "Take On Me" then you should really stop and listen to some of their later material, give them a chance and you won't regret it. You should check out "Savoy" Pal Waaktaar's other band and Morten Harket's one solo album- both are simply wonderful albums, each different from the a-ha sound which emphasises the true talent of each member of the a-ha but also the amazing chemistry the three members of a-ha have when they are together.
A-Ha's Finest Hour
When this music was released back in the early 90's it sort of shook things up. I picked this disc up in Europe, where A-Ha has had most of their post "Take on Me" success. America definitely missed out on a great thing, because this album is not only A-Ha's finest, but is also one of the best discs of the 1990's. The first four songs on this disc are simply excellent. Their cover version of "Crying in the Rain" is probably the best one out there. "Slender Frame" and especially "I Call Your Name" are extremely poignant and surprisingly emotional songs that get your feet stomping and heart pumping. The band has so clearly found a groove in this material and it really, truly shows; it puts a smile on my face every time I hear that saxophone on "I Call Your Name."
Shame on MTV and VH-1 for only playing A-HA's mid 1980's work when this band has been and continues to be so much more.
I highly recommend this album to open minded music fans who want to be pleasantly surprised, like some of the other reviewers.
Excellent
This is my favorite A-HA CD. Great songs, big/rich sound, great singing. Have to say this CD is in the top 10 of my entire cd collection. Although every A-HA CD is excellent in my opinion, this one has something about it which is special.
Great Album.....
Well composed...the only song that takes a skip being "Cold River"..."Crying in the Rain", "Rolling Thunder", "East of The Sun","Waiting For Her","Non-Stop July", "Slender Frame", " I Call Your Name" and " The way we talk"..are all excellent...dealing with love and the lack of it...relationships and their ups and downs....excellent music...and with the added clips of stormy weather...brilliant.....
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It appears as though A-ha is a band that will keep surprising. It sounds like they are a band, now more than ever with the addition of a regular bassist and drummer. Not only that, the songs are smooth and very rootsy. This could almost be labeled the A-ha "acoustic album". It opens with a haunting rendition of Carole King's "Crying In The Rain" and if that isn't all, it winds up being a 1-2 punch with "Early Morning" right after, which plays like one of those European spy movies. To add to the surprise of such a band-oriented sound, Morten hands over lead vocals to Magne "Mags" Furuholmen for "The Way We Talk". The only criticism I have for this album is the overuse of the thunderstorm sounds. High points: "Early Morning", "Slender Frame", "Waiting For Her", "(Seemingly) Nonstop July".
Considerably Less Synth, More Traditional Rock-Oriented 1991 Release from the Norwegian Trio that Brought You the 1985 Hit 'Take on Me'. crying in the Rain – an Everly Brothers Top-20 Hit – is Included.
