Synth-pop that captivated the world: a-ha’s classic and popular songs

The Wakea-ha

A-ha – The Wake (Cast in Steel)

The album Cast in Steel, released with great anticipation by a-ha after their 2015 reunion, features a particularly popular track among fans: The Wake.

Although it appears as the third track on the album, the first and second tracks had their music videos released before the album came out, so listeners encountering the third track for the first time may have felt especially moved—perhaps one reason for its popularity.

The song also has a strong ’90s synth-pop feel, which likely resonated even more with longtime fans.

If you’re just starting to explore a-ha’s music, I recommend listening to their albums in chronological order to experience a similar sense of excitement.

Love Is Reasona-ha

Love Is Reason

Among a-ha’s songs, the one you hear especially often in clubs is “Love Is Reason.” It’s a track from their debut album, Hunting High and Low.

In the UK, it was included as the B-side to the famous “Take On Me.” Just listening to its poppy melody is enough to lift your spirits! However, in contrast to the tune, the lyrics tell a poignant story of a man suffering from heartbreak.

The blend of synthesizers and the chorus is also excellent, so pay attention to that as well.

Analoguea-ha

Analogue

“Analogue” is the title track from the album of the same name released in 2005.

The striking thing is how it surges from a quiet piano melody into an intense chorus, isn’t it? The song was originally produced under the title “Minor Key Sonata,” and apparently had a much rougher tone at first.

However, changes were made to give it a gentler feel, resulting in the version we know today.

With that in mind, the contrast between the calm parts and the intense parts might be a remnant of those changes.

Dark Is The Night For Alla-ha

a-ha – Dark is the Night for All (Official Video)

Released as the lead single from their fifth album, “Dark Is The Night For All” ended up being their final single in the United States.

The song has a slightly reduced synth-pop feel and leans more toward a rock sound.

If you’re introducing a-ha to a friend who likes rock, this might be a good track to start with.

The original music video that was filmed was shelved due to its overly provocative content, and the current video was reportedly re-shot.

Minor Earth Major Skya-ha

a-ha – Minor Earth Major Sky (Official Video)

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.

Under The Makeupa-ha

A-ha – Under The Makeup (Goldene Henne 2015 – MDR HD 2015 sep05)

“Under the Makeup” is a track from a-ha’s tenth studio album, Cast in Steel, released in 2015, and it was also issued as a single.

It’s a grand ballad colored by flowing, film soundtrack–like strings, and Morten Harket’s vocals—delivering the melody with restraint without tipping into excess—fit perfectly.

While it departs from their early, breezy synth-pop to present the assured sound of seasoned veterans, it still exudes that unmistakable “a-ha-ness” in every moment—truly impressive!

There’s Never A Forever Thinga-ha

a-ha – There’s Never A Forever Thing (Official Music Video)

It’s a song written by the band’s guitarist, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, for his grandmother after his grandfather passed away.

It’s described as a soulful, tear-jerking perfect song.

It was released as a single only in Brazil to promote A-ha’s third album, “Stay on These Roads.”