By this time, a-ha – Norway’s finest New Wave pioneer – no longer needs a long-winded introduction. Formed in 1982, in Oslo, Norway, the trio might be known for big ’80s hits such as “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.,” but are far more extensive and prolific. Continuing to create at a high level, the band has an impressive 11-album studio discography to their name; from the masterpiece debut, 1985’s Hunting High and Low, to the recently unleashed True North.
Released on Friday, October 21, 2022, via Sony Music, True North is the long-awaited follow up to their 2015 album Cast in Steel. Their second album since reuniting following their farewell tour of 2011, True North is accompanied by a documentary film of the same title featuring a-ha recording the album during November of 2021 in Bodø, Norway. Giving more insight into the work behind the songs, it also gives you a more personal look into a-ha, the musicians themselves, and their work together through the years. Furthermore, the album itself is a polished gem thematically focusing on the natural world, its beauty, and preservation.
Complete with a dozen tracks, it all starts with the all-too-familiar romantic ballad, and lead single, “I’m In.” From here the album slides up with the impassioned sheen of “Hunter in the Hills.” Then after a couple more Sophisti-pop songs, “As If” and “Between the Halo and the Horn,” a-ha then launches into the album’s title-track.
All very engrossing, the highlight of True North has to be “Forest for the Trees” which showcases the band’s flair for orchestral arrangement, with the accompaniment of Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra. That in mind, another heartrending, soulful track follows next with “Bluest of the Blue.” Then, after three more ear-catchers – “Make Me Understand,” “You Have What It Takes,” and “Summer Rain” – a-ha then wrap up their latest effort with the delightful “Oh My Word.”
The enduring trio of Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals, Magne Furuholmen (keyboards, piano, programming, guitar, backing vocals), and Morten Harket (vocals) have long proven that they are not only poster boys, but more so prolific songwriters. Still going strong after some gaps in-between as a collective band, True North is yet another wreath of laurels on their shoulders. The saccharine sensibilities of its songs will make you reach the end without even knowing it. Time to press repeat and play again. And that is why Cryptic Rock gives True North 4 out of 5 stars.
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