a-ha – True North (2022)

One of the greatest pop acts from the ’80s – a-ha – are back with a new album where they lean into their Nordic roots; the superbly crafted ”True North”. Composed of 12 songs – six by keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, six by guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – the collection marks a new beginning for the group, who recorded the LP during November 2021 in Bodø, the Norwegian city located 90km above the Arctic Circle.
“First, we had the idea to record a studio session live,” explains Paul. “Then, to film a studio session. That grew into more of a production with the Norwegian orchestra, the Arctic Philharmonic, who we have collaborated with.”
The resulting album is a multi-layered piece of wonderful melodies that explores not only the state of the world today, but also the group’s place on a post-pandemic planet plagued by climate concerns.

The foundations of ‘True North’ may be rooted in real-life concerns, but laced throughout the LP is an overarching optimism for the future – and scattered among the sweeping set is several glorious pop moments that showcase the magic of a-ha, almost four decades into their career.
Notable highlights include Morten Harket and Magne’s stunning harmonies on ‘Bluest of Blue’, while ‘Make Me Understand’ starts slow and builds to a groovy chorus that proves irresistible and an immediate highlight on the album.

For a group whose foundations lie in synth-heavy new wave, ”True North” is a bold move, but the result is a standout album in their catalogue and one that’s sure to be remembered as a highlight of their golden years.
Highly Recommended

01 – I’m In
02 – Hunter In The Hills
03 – As If
04 – Between The Halo And The Horn
05 – True North
06 – Bumblebee
07 – Forest For The Trees
08 – Bluest Of Blue
09 – Make Me Understand
10 – You Have What It Takes
11 – Summer Rain
12 – Oh My Word

Morten Harket – lead vocals
Magne Furuholmen – keyboards, synth, guitar, backing vocals
Pål Waaktaar-Savoy – guitars, backing vocals, keyboards

BUY
www.amazon.co.uk/True-North-ha/dp/B0B5Q6V4CL