A-ha, the Norwegian trio that burst onto the global music scene in the 1980s, crafted a distinctive synth-pop sound that was both catchy and emotionally resonant. Their music, characterized by Morten Harket’s soaring vocals, Magne Furuholmen’s intricate keyboards, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy’s melodic songwriting, has left an indelible mark on popular music. Often referred to as “Aha Songs” by fans worldwide, their discography is a treasure trove of hits and hidden gems.
Influenced by the likes of Chris Martin of Coldplay and Adam Clayton of U2, A-ha’s impact extends far beyond their initial era. With 10 studio albums and over 40 singles to their name, their catalog offers a rich tapestry of sound.
Embark on a sonic exploration of this celebrated band’s work as we delve into their top tracks. From chart-topping anthems to lesser-known masterpieces, these “aha songs” are essential listening for both longtime devotees and new listeners eager to discover the magic of A-ha.
1. Take On Me
Morten Harket performing Take On Me, A-ha's signature song, with iconic synth riff and high notes.
‘Take On Me’ is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon and arguably the most iconic of all “aha songs”. This track, instantly recognizable from its unforgettable synth riff and Morten Harket’s breathtaking high notes, cemented A-ha’s place in music history.
Originating from Pål Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen’s earlier band, Bridges, as a tune called ‘The Juicy Fruit Song’, it underwent a significant transformation to become ‘Take On Me’. After an initial version in 1984 failed to chart, producer Alan Tarney reworked the track in 1985, unleashing the global hit we know and love.
The groundbreaking music video, with its innovative rotoscoping animation blending live-action and pencil sketches, captivated audiences globally. Directed by Steve Barron, it became MTV staple and has now surpassed 1.5 billion views on YouTube, making it a testament to the enduring appeal of this quintessential “aha song”.
2. The Sun Always Shines on TV
A-ha performing The Sun Always Shines on TV on stage, a melancholic yet infectious song inspired by television's influence.
‘The Sun Always Shines on TV’ stands out as a brilliant example of A-ha’s ability to fuse melancholic undertones with irresistibly catchy melodies. This 1985 release quickly became another signature “aha song” and a fan favorite.
The inspiration for the lyrics struck Pal Waaktaar and Mags Furuholmen while in a hotel room, watching English television on a rainy day. An announcer’s phrase, “It’s a rainy day, but, as always, the sun always shines on TV,” sparked the song’s exploration of television’s powerful influence on our perception of reality.
This track showcases A-ha’s sophisticated songwriting and their talent for crafting pop songs with depth, making it a cornerstone of their impressive collection of “aha songs”.
3. Hunting High and Low
Morten Harket in the Hunting High and Low music video, a ballad exploring themes of longing and searching for love.
‘Hunting High and Low’, released in 1986 as the fifth single from their debut album of the same name, is a beautifully crafted ballad that highlights A-ha’s versatility beyond their upbeat hits. While not as commercially successful in the US, it resonated deeply in the UK and Ireland, reaching the top five.
The original album version, produced by Tony Mansfield, features a prominent synth sound. However, for its single release, a remix enhanced the track with additional production by Alan Tarney and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, adding a richer, more orchestral dimension to this poignant “aha song”. It perfectly captures the feeling of yearning and the relentless pursuit of love.
4. The Living Daylights
A-ha performing The Living Daylights, the James Bond theme song, capturing the intrigue and action of 007 films.
‘The Living Daylights’ is A-ha’s foray into the world of James Bond, serving as the theme song for the 1987 film of the same name. Written by guitarist Pål Waaktaar, it successfully encapsulates the suspense, drama, and action inherent in the 007 franchise.
This track coincided with Timothy Dalton’s debut as James Bond, and ‘The Living Daylights’ effectively set the tone for his grittier and more serious portrayal of the iconic spy.
A-ha’s collaboration with legendary Bond score composer John Barry, though reportedly tense (Barry famously compared working with them to “playing ping-pong with four balls”), resulted in a memorable and powerful theme song, solidifying its place within both Bond lore and the catalog of essential “aha songs”.
5. Stay on These Roads
A-ha in the Stay On These Roads music video, a synth-pop ballad about resilience and enduring love through hardship.
‘Stay on These Roads’, the lead single and title track from their 1988 album, is a hauntingly beautiful synth-pop ballad. It transcends simple heartbreak, exploring themes of resilience, human connection, and unwavering companionship in the face of adversity.
This song acts as a quiet anthem for perseverance, offering solace to those facing challenges. A-ha songwriter Pal Waaktaar-Savoy drew inspiration from his long-distance relationship with his wife, Lauren, imbuing the lyrics with a message of hope and the enduring power of love despite physical distance. It’s a deeply moving “aha song” that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
6. Crying in the Rain
Morten Harket singing Crying in the Rain in the music video, A-ha's cover of the Everly Brothers classic, showcasing their interpretive skills.
‘Crying in the Rain’ is a testament to A-ha’s versatility and their ability to reinterpret existing songs. While originally written by Carole King and Howard Greenfield and made famous by The Everly Brothers in 1962, A-ha released their own rendition in 1990.
As the first single from their fourth album, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, A-ha’s version of ‘Crying in the Rain’ became a hit in its own right. Its success even led to a close relationship with The Everly Brothers, who gifted the band members guitars, which A-ha continued to use – a charming anecdote linked to this notable “aha song”. A-ha’s take brings a signature synth-pop sensibility to the classic melody, proving their skill in interpretation.
7. Analogue (All I Want)
A-ha performing Analogue (All I Want), a radio-friendly hit from their Analogue album, showcasing their adaptability.
‘Analogue (All I Want)’ from their 2005 album Analogue demonstrates A-ha’s capacity to evolve and remain relevant in the 21st century. Originally titled ‘Minor Key Sonata (Analogue)’, this track was transformed into a radio-friendly hit with the help of pop maestro Max Martin.
While the album was produced by Martin Terefe, the band brought in Max Martin to refine ‘Analogue’ for broader appeal. Martin streamlined the lyrics, making them less abstract, and crafted a more impactful chorus, resulting in the catchy and successful ‘Analogue (All I Want)’. This “aha song” highlights their adaptability and willingness to collaborate to create contemporary hits.
8. I’ve Been Losing You
A-ha performing I've Been Losing You live, a song exploring themes of regret and relationship breakdown.
‘I’ve Been Losing You’, the lead single from their second album Scoundrel Days (1986), is a powerful and emotionally charged track. It achieved significant chart success, reaching number one in Denmark and Norway and top ten in the UK.
Lyrically, the song delves into the painful themes of regret, loss, and the disintegration of a relationship. The narrator reflects on the gradual erosion of connection with a partner, conveying a sense of heartbreak and resignation. This “aha song” showcases their ability to tackle complex emotions within a pop framework.
9. You Are the One
A-ha in the You Are The One music video in New York City, a lighthearted song about unrequited love with a charming 80s vibe.
‘You Are the One’, released as the fourth single from their Stay on These Roads album in 1988, offers a lighter and more upbeat contrast to some of their heavier material. Remixed by Justin Strauss, the song exudes a charming, feel-good vibe typical of 80s pop.
The music video, filmed in New York City, particularly around the iconic Moondance Diner in SoHo, perfectly complements the song’s cheerful tone.
Despite its upbeat sound, ‘You Are the One’ explores the theme of unrequited love. The lyrics depict a narrator deeply in love with someone who appears indifferent, creating a poignant tension beneath the surface of this catchy “aha song”.
10. Forever Not Yours
A-ha performing Forever Not Yours live, a melancholic synthpop track about the bittersweet nature of memories.
‘Forever Not Yours’, the lead single from their 2002 album Lifelines, is a beautifully melancholic synthpop track that encapsulates A-ha’s signature sound in the new millennium.
The song’s melody is both uplifting and tinged with sadness, perfectly capturing the lyrical themes of longing and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics poignantly emphasize the pain that good memories can inflict, sometimes hurting more than bad ones. Morten Harket’s emotive vocals further amplify the song’s heartfelt message.
Filmed in Cuba, the music video draws inspiration from biblical floods and Noah’s Ark, adding a layer of visual symbolism to this evocative “aha song”. The VIP entrance scene, humorously revealed as a crew work area, subtly critiques celebrity culture.
In conclusion, these top 10 “aha songs” represent just a glimpse into the vast and impressive catalog of A-ha. From their groundbreaking hits to their more introspective album tracks, A-ha has consistently delivered music that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. Their enduring popularity and influence solidify their status as synth-pop pioneers and creators of truly unforgettable “aha songs”.
