.
Search

Follow Us

Edit Content
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
Facebook Instagram Spotify Tiktok
RPM031 Menu-3
  • NEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    D-Ream Do It Anyway Press Handout 2025-4

    D:Ream announce new album Do It Anyway

    Due July 25, the LP is preceded by its title song, out now, and dates back 30 years, when singer Peter Cunnah pitched the track to Kylie Minogue. 

    Haim (Handout); Stevie Nicks (Handout)-5

    Haim tease Stevie Nicks collaboration: ‘The song is really good’

    The sibling trio hailed the Stand Back hitmaker as “the greatest human being on this planet”.

    Mariah Carey Type Dangerous Press Handout Credit Ethan James Green-4

    Mariah Carey has finished recording new album: ‘Coming soon’

    The diva launched the project earlier this summer with lead single, Type Dangerous, which rocketed to the top of the US iTunes Singles Chart upon its release. 

    Deacon Blue Credit Cameron Brisbane

    Deacon Blue star James Prime dies aged 64

    The musician was rushed to hospital last week, at which time it was confirmed that he would be exiting Deacon Blue’s upcoming tour.

  • EXCLUSIVES
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Cascada Studio 24 Handout-4

    Cascada on her Studio 54-inspired new album and 20 years of global hits [Exclusive]

    As they return with their fifth album, Cascada’s Natalie Horler looks back on 20 years of hits and reacts to her recent interview that went viral online.

    Nicki French Who, What, Where Handout Energise-4

    Nicki French considered Eurovision return with new album track: ‘Would they really go for a 60 year old singer… again?’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her new album, Nicki French reveals she almost submitted one track into the running for next year’s Eurovision.

    Pixie Lott Encino Press Handout-4

    Pixie Lott talks new album Encino: ‘When you fall into your authentic self, that’s when the magic happens’ [Exclusive]

    A decade after releasing her self-titled third album, Pixie Lott returns with a body of work that reflects the place she’s at in her life today.

    Betty Boo Rip Up The Rulebook Credit Sandro Hyams-4

    Betty Boo: ‘It’s a philosophy that I have to not let anybody tell you that you can’t be who you want to be!’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her epic new album ‘Rip Up The Rulebook’, Betty Boo opens up about creating her most diverse work to date.

  • NEW MUSIC
  • REVIEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Tom Aspaul Cabin Fever Artwork

    Tom Aspaul – Cabin Fever

    Kim Wilde Closer Artwork Cherry Red

    Kim Wilde – Closer

    Gwen Stefani Bouquet

    Gwen Stefani – Bouquet

    Cascada Studio 24

    Cascada – Studio 24

  • CAUGHT LIVE
  • FUTUREPOP
  • RELEASE RADAR
Home Reviews

a-ha – True North

Connor Gotto by Connor Gotto
October 21, 2022
in Reviews
aha True North

RCA

131
SHARES
1.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Released: October 21

a-ha lean into their Nordic roots on their superb new album ‘True North’. 

Don't Miss...

Sugababes unleash latest banger Shook

D:Ream announce new album Do It Anyway

Composed of 12 songs – six by Magne Furuholmen, six by 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 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. 

Opener and lead single I’m In is, according to Magne, “a song about total commitment and a show of support for someone who is troubled. Real commitment is a leap of faith. 

“Everyone knows how difficult it can be to offer commitment and support unconditionally, but this is what it takes to make anything worthwhile happen – love, friendship, change, self-improvement, careers, a better world.

“Without this attitude everything just gets bogged down with conflicting thoughts, doubts and fear. Just say it: ‘I’m in’,” he shares.

It’s a bold statement from a group whose band politics have become the stuff of pop legend, but on ‘True North’ they sound more united than ever, with the trio holding their own against the stunning orchestration that conjures a soundscape and a world in which the album exists. 

Generally speaking, Paul’s contributions are more visual in their lyrics, with narrative tracks such as Hunter In The Hills and Bumblebee showcasing his on-point storytelling and opening up the Nordic culture in which they were raised for all to experience. 

Meanwhile, Magne’s compositions are more contemplative in addressing his concerns on the state of the planet, with moments like Between The Halo And The Horn a stunning contemplation on the choice we face between light and dark, right and wrong, good and evil. 

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 masterpiece of their golden years. 

‘True North’ is available now.

READ MORE: a-ha’s Morten Harket working on new solo album as group return with epic ‘True North’ project

Connor Gotto

Connor Gotto

Founder and editor of RETROPOP. Self-proclaimed pop aficionado. Usually seen with a wine in hand.

More Like This

Sugababes Press When The Rain Comes 2023
New Music

Sugababes unleash latest banger Shook

by Connor Gotto
July 9, 2025
D-Ream Do It Anyway Press Handout 2025-4
News

D:Ream announce new album Do It Anyway

by Connor Gotto
July 9, 2025
Haim (Handout); Stevie Nicks (Handout)-5
News

Haim tease Stevie Nicks collaboration: ‘The song is really good’

by Connor Gotto
July 9, 2025
Mariah Carey Type Dangerous Press Handout Credit Ethan James Green-4
News

Mariah Carey has finished recording new album: ‘Coming soon’

by Connor Gotto
July 9, 2025
Deacon Blue Credit Cameron Brisbane
News

Deacon Blue star James Prime dies aged 64

by Connor Gotto
June 20, 2025

Follow Us

The RETROPOP Edit

Never miss a story - sign up to RETROPOP's Daily Edit newsletter for free!

Please wait...

You're in! Keep an eye on your inbox for all the latest!

The Latest

Sugababes Press When The Rain Comes 2023

Sugababes unleash latest banger Shook

July 9, 2025
D-Ream Do It Anyway Press Handout 2025-4

D:Ream announce new album Do It Anyway

July 9, 2025
Haim (Handout); Stevie Nicks (Handout)-5

Haim tease Stevie Nicks collaboration: ‘The song is really good’

July 9, 2025
RETROPOP No. 31 : Sept '24
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Change privacy settings
MEDIA KIT

RETROPOP participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Copyright © 2025 Irresistible. All rights reserved.

  • Home
    • Home – Layout 1
    • Home – Layout 2
    • Home – Layout 3
  • News
  • Fashion

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

CloseMenu

New issue out now

SHOP HERE