Released: October 21
a-ha lean into their Nordic roots on their superb new album ‘True North’.
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
