A-Ha (Hunting High And Low)
The Album
A-Ha (hunting High And Low) is the Norwegian band’s first studio album. This multi-award-winning album was released on 28 October 1985 by Warner Brothers. The Album was a huge success and went on to sell more than 11 million copies worldwide. In 1986 the band became the first Norwegian band to be awarded a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
“Hunting High and Low,” remains a timeless classic that effortlessly blends catchy pop melodies with sophisticated new-wave sensibilities. Released in 1985, this album catapulted the Norwegian band to international stardom, and it continues to captivate audiences with its melodic hooks and emotive vocals.
From the moment the opening track, “Take On Me,” begins, listeners, are transported to a world of infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling. Morten Harket’s distinct and powerful vocals instantly stand out, giving the album a signature sound that would become synonymous with A-ha’s music.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, “Hunting High and Low,” a tender and evocative ballad that showcases Harket’s emotive vocal range and the band’s ability to craft heartfelt and relatable lyrics. Other notable tracks like “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” and “Train of Thought” continue to highlight the band’s talent for crafting captivating pop songs with a touch of melancholy.
The album’s production, overseen by Alan Tarney, is impeccable, with each instrument complementing the other to create a cohesive and polished sound. The synthesizers and electronic elements blend seamlessly with the more traditional rock instrumentation, resulting in a lush and dynamic sonic landscape.
“Hunting High and Low” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, earning A-ha numerous accolades and awards. The album’s success was further solidified by its commercial performance, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, the US, and Norway.
One of the album’s most notable achievements is the chart-topping success of “Take On Me,” which became an iconic ’80s hit and is arguably one of the most recognizable songs in popular music history. The music video for “Take On Me” also garnered significant attention, winning several awards and becoming one of the most iconic videos of the era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Hunting High and Low” by A-ha is a masterclass in ’80s pop music, showcasing the band’s undeniable talent and craftsmanship. With its blend of infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocals, the album has rightfully earned its place as a classic of the era. It remains a beloved and timeless gem that continues to captivate new generations of listeners, cementing A-ha’s status as one of the most influential and enduring bands of their time.
The album spawned 5 singles. It peaked at number fifteen on the US Billboard 200. The video for “Take On Me” won eight nominations at the 1986 MTV Awards, taking six. “The Sun Alway Shines On TV” was also nominated for three awards and won two. “Take On Me” on me reached a billion views on Youtube on 17 February 2020.
Track Listing
- Take On Me
- Train Of Thought
- Hunting High And Low
- The Blue Sky
- Living A Boy’s Adventure Tale
- The Sun Always Shines On TV
- And You Tell Me
- Love Is Reason
- I Dream Myself Alive
- Here I Stand And Face The Rain
The Sun Always Shines On TV
Lyrics
Touch me, how can it be?
Believe me, the sun always shines on T.V.
Hold me close to your heart
Touch me and give all your love to me, to me
I reached inside myself and found
Nothing there to ease
The pressure of my ever worrying mind
Oh, oh-oh-oh
All my powers waste away
I fear the crazed and lonely
Looks the mirror’s sending me these days
Oh, oh-oh-oh
Touch me, how can it be?
Believe me, the sun always shines on T.V.
Hold me close to your heart
Touch me and give all your love to me
Please don’t ask me to defend
The shameful lowlands of the way
I’m drifting gloomily through time
Oh, oh-oh-oh
(Touch me) I reached inside myself today
Thinking there’s got to be some way
To keep my troubles distant
Touch me, how can it be?
Believe me, the sun always shines on T.V.
Hold me close to your heart
Touch me and give all your love to me
Hold me close to your heart
Touch me and give all your love to me, to me