37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting new direction, yet still familiar, November 8, 2005
With their 8th studio album, a-ha has come up with something that will both surprise and reassure long-time fans. Three of the first 4 tracks sound like nothing the band has ever done. The sensual urgency of "Celice" and "Don't Do Me Any Favours" is underscored with driving guitars. . .something different indeed for the keyboard-driven pop stars. The title track rocks in a similar vein as well. These changes may be a bit jarring at first for fans, but they are a great opening statement.
Things settle down with the lovely "Birthright" and "Holyland", the latter of which has quickly become my favorite track on the album. The a-ha we know and love is back in place throughout the rest of the album, with Morten Harkett in fine vocal form with the heartfelt material. This latter half has much in common with the LIFELINES album, which is not a bad thing at all.
ANALOGUE does occasionally bog down in the middle, with the lukewarm "Over the Treetops," and the lenghty "Halfway Through the Tour" and its sleepy final 3 minutes of instrumentation. It's epic length without epic strength.
Still, there's much to recommend here, and a-ha fans are sure to enjoy it. If you're new to the band (or just rediscovering them), I'd recommend you first get their 2000 masterpiece, MINOR EARTH MAJOR SKY. But ANALOGUE is a fine addition to their catalogue, and hopefully one that will bring them continued international success.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A-HA's Prime'd for Major Comeback, will anyone even notice?, November 27, 2005
This review is from: Analogue (Bonus Dvd) (Chi) (Audio CD)
I've been a long time fan of this talented Norway trio and
have watched their ups and downs since Hunting High and Low.
I can't recall a group that has been giving such disrespect
from the music critics over the years. A-ha came back in 2000
and have given us 3 studio cd's and a live set, all containing
some of the most moving, commerically accessible tunes most
bands would die to write and perform yet they are still regarded
here in the states as one hit wonders? "Analogue", the 8th A-ha
collection finds this band making the best music of their
lengthly careers. Morton Harket's vocals on this effort are
nothing but exceptional start to finish, no wonder bands like
Keane, U2 and Coldplay speak out so highly of this band, its a
shame, music with so much style and craft must take the back
seat. A-ha needs a big push from their new label Universal-Polydor, and some AIRPLAY and help from MTV and VH1, a great
video to push, some great reviews and some good old fashioned
concerts all around the country. This band deserves a chance
like they are getting in England and a fan base like they've
had in Germany. They need to push the songs "Analogue", "Birthright", "Cosy Prisons", "Celice",
"Don't do me any favors" as well as the other excellent cuts
"The summers of our youth", "A fine blue line", "White Dwarf",
"Keeper of the flame". With help from an old pro, Graham Nash
lending backup vocals on "Over the treetops" and "Cosy Prisons" this I
would agree has so many Beatles classic sounds and give this
effort the much needed credibility to promote. Music that is
written so well, sounds so good and is so heartfelt needs to be
heard.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a-ha full, rich, organic sound with a touch of Graham Nash, May 23, 2006
This album is yet another accomplished effort from the Norwegian trio. Since the 80's, a-ha has gone from synths and drummachines to more guitar and piano in the 90's and now to a more rich and organic sound for their albums of the new millenium. This is especially true with their latest effort, Analogue.
The sound might be somewhat different, but the typical melancholic and well written songs are there together with Morten's excellent voice, wich he on this album takes to a bit of a different level.
The album includes two songs with the legendary Graham Nash ( from the Crosby Stills and Nash ) on backing vocals. The two songs are " Cosy Prisons " and " Over the Treetops ". The latter has a bit of a 60's feel to it and cool guitar work. Something that perhaps is a bit surprising to people, but a-ha grew up with 60's music and was very much influenced by that before they started with a-ha.
Other stand outs are: " Analogue ", " Celice ", " Don't Do Me Any Favours ", " Keeper of the Flame ", " White Dwarf ", " A Fine Blue Line ", " Holy Ground ", " Birthright " and " Summers of Our Youth ", wich is a duet between Morten Harket and Magne Furuholmen.
AND these songs sounds even better live. Get the maxi singles of " Celice " and especially " Analogue " wich includes live versions from Frognerparken concert in their hometown of Oslo in Norway ( audience of 150 000 !! )
Next a-ha album is said to be ready in 2007.
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