a-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band that was formed in 1982. The band consists of Morten Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards), and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar). Over the years, a-ha has produced many hit songs that have become timeless classics. Their music is known for its catchy melodies, memorable hooks, and innovative use of electronic instrumentation. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best a-ha songs of all time, and explore what makes them so iconic.
The list includes some of the most beloved and successful songs of the band, such as “Take on Me,” “The Sun Always Shines on TV,” and “Hunting High and Low.” These songs have become staples of 80s pop culture, and continue to captivate audiences today. We will delve into the origins of these songs, their lyrical and musical content, and how they have influenced the music industry. Whether you’re a long-time a-ha fan or a newcomer to their music, this article will provide an in-depth analysis of their most popular and enduring tracks.
1. Train of Thought
“Train of Thought” is a synth-pop classic from a-ha’s debut album, “Hunting High and Low”. The song was released as the band’s third single in 1986 and quickly became a fan favorite. The upbeat tempo, driving bassline, and catchy chorus make it an irresistible track that will have you dancing in no time. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of confusion and indecision, as the narrator struggles to make sense of his thoughts and emotions. The music video for “Train of Thought” features the band performing the song in a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired setting, with the iconic imagery of a flying train soaring through the clouds. Overall, “Train of Thought” is a perfect representation of a-ha’s unique brand of synth-pop, with its combination of catchy melodies, innovative instrumentation, and introspective lyrics.
2. Stay On These Roads
“Stay on These Roads” is the title track from a-ha’s third studio album, released in 1988. The song is a slow ballad with hauntingly beautiful vocals from Morten Harket, backed by a simple yet effective piano melody. The lyrics speak of a longing for a sense of belonging and stability in life, and the struggles we face in trying to find our place in the world. The song’s music video features the band performing in a desert landscape, with images of a lonesome traveler wandering the empty roads. “Stay on These Roads” is a poignant and introspective track that showcases a-ha’s versatility as a band. Despite being a departure from their signature upbeat synth-pop sound, the song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the band’s most emotional and evocative tracks.
3. Move To Memphis
“Move to Memphis” is a synth-pop gem from a-ha’s fourth studio album, “East of the Sun, West of the Moon,” released in 1990. The song features a driving beat and catchy hook, with Morten Harket’s soaring vocals delivering the chorus in a way that is sure to get stuck in your head. The lyrics speak of a longing to escape the monotony of everyday life and start anew, with Memphis serving as a metaphor for a place of hope and opportunity. The music video for “Move to Memphis” is a colorful and energetic affair, featuring the band performing the song in various locations around the titular city. The song’s infectious energy and uplifting lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and it remains a staple of a-ha’s live performances to this day.
4. Celice
“Celice” is a synth-pop track from a-ha’s eighth studio album, “Analogue,” released in 2005. The song features a driving beat and a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. Morten Harket’s vocals are as captivating as ever, with a soaring falsetto that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. The lyrics speak of a love that is forbidden or out of reach, with “Celice” serving as a metaphor for a person or a feeling that the narrator can’t quite grasp. The music video for “Celice” is a stylish and visually stunning affair, featuring the band performing the song in an abandoned building while surrounded by dancers and acrobats. “Celice” is a standout track from one of a-ha’s most underrated albums, and is a testament to the band’s continued relevance and creativity.
5. The Sun Always Shines on T.V.
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is one of a-ha’s most beloved and iconic songs, released as the second single from their debut album, “Hunting High and Low,” in 1985. The song features a memorable keyboard riff, a driving bassline, and Morten Harket’s soaring vocals, all coming together to create a perfect slice of 80s synth-pop. The lyrics speak of the power of television to transport us to another world, and the feelings of longing and heartbreak that come with watching a distant love on the small screen. The music video for “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is a stylish and visually stunning affair, featuring the band performing the song on a rotating platform while surrounded by a chorus of singers and dancers. “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences to this day.
6. Summer Moved On
“Summer Moved On” is a mid-tempo pop rock track from a-ha’s seventh studio album, “Minor Earth Major Sky,” released in 2000. The song features a driving rhythm section and a soaring chorus that showcases Morten Harket’s vocal range. The lyrics speak of the passing of time and the bittersweet memories of a lost love, with the changing of the seasons serving as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. The music video for “Summer Moved On” is a visually stunning affair, featuring the band performing the song in a snowy landscape while surrounded by dancers and acrobats. “Summer Moved On” marked a return to form for a-ha after a period of relative commercial and critical decline, and is a testament to the band’s continued relevance and creativity. The song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of a-ha’s most emotionally powerful tracks.
7. Take On Me
“Take On Me” is undoubtedly one of a-ha’s most famous and beloved songs, released as the first single from their debut album, “Hunting High and Low,” in 1985. The song is instantly recognizable for its iconic keyboard riff and Morten Harket’s soaring falsetto vocals. The lyrics speak of the power of attraction and the desire to connect with someone on a deeper level, with the music video telling the story of a young woman who is pulled into a comic book world and falls in love with the protagonist. The music video for “Take On Me” is a groundbreaking piece of animation that remains one of the most memorable and innovative music videos of all time. “Take On Me” has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and timeless melodies.
8. Crying In The Rain
“Crying in the Rain” is a ballad originally written by Howard Greenfield and Carole King, but it was popularized by a-ha in their 1990 album, “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.” The song features Morten Harket’s powerful and emotive vocals, which perfectly capture the song’s melancholic tone. The instrumentation is minimalistic, with acoustic guitar and piano complementing Harket’s vocals to create a hauntingly beautiful track. The lyrics describe the feelings of heartbreak and loneliness that come with the end of a relationship, with the rain serving as a metaphor for the narrator’s tears. The music video for “Crying in the Rain” features the band performing the song on a dark and moody set, with the rain pouring down around them. “Crying in the Rain” is a timeless classic that showcases a-ha’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own.
9. The Living Daylights
“The Living Daylights” is the title track of the James Bond film of the same name, released in 1987. The song was performed by a-ha and was a departure from the band’s signature synth-pop sound, featuring a more orchestral and cinematic style. The song’s lush instrumentation, soaring vocals, and powerful chorus make it a standout track, with Morten Harket’s vocal performance capturing the film’s themes of danger, intrigue, and romance. The music video for “The Living Daylights” features footage from the film, as well as the band performing the song in a snowy landscape. “The Living Daylights” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 5 in the UK charts, and remains one of a-ha’s most beloved and iconic tracks. The song is a testament to the band’s versatility and ability to create music that transcends genres and mediums.
10. Forever Not Yours
“Forever Not Yours” is a beautiful and emotionally powerful ballad from a-ha’s seventh studio album, “Lifelines,” released in 2002. The song features a haunting melody and Morten Harket’s soaring vocals, which perfectly capture the song’s theme of love, loss, and longing. The lyrics describe a relationship that has come to an end, with the narrator struggling to come to terms with the fact that the person they once loved is no longer a part of their life. The music video for “Forever Not Yours” is a visually stunning affair, featuring the band performing the song in a dreamlike landscape while surrounded by dancers and acrobats. “Forever Not Yours” is a testament to a-ha’s continued relevance and creativity, and remains one of their most emotionally resonant and evocative tracks. The song is a fitting tribute to the enduring power of love, and the pain that comes with letting go of something that was once so meaningful.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
