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The instant synth-pop formula songs of their 1980s golden years are once again replaced by a style which is more serious and solid. The sweeping title track, "Lifelines", opens the album, establishing from the start a philosophical, self-questioning theme continued on "There's a Reason for It" and "Less Than Pure". Despite the push towards a darker sound, the lyrics remain simple but sharp, competently tackling other long-standing issues close to their heart (for instance "Oranges on Apple Trees"). "Turn the Lights Down" is an exquisite duet between Harket and Anneli Drecker, which could easily propel the group back to the top of the charts. But as the tone of the release suggests, the older, wiser A-Ha appear to no longer crave the mass adoration of the past and instead are moving towards a more dynamic and credible musical future. --John Galilee
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But then most people would go out and buy Oasis' 'Heathen Chemistry' like record-buying sheep. While the Gallagher brothers songwriting seemed to stall in 1994, A-ha have been onwardly progressing to ever more mature and distinctive sound.
It was clear they benefited from the years away with their previous album 'Minor Earth, Major Sky' full of lushness and melodic quirkiness, and while 'Lifelines' may not have the immediate impact of the single off that album, it's altogether more satisfying.
The genius for melody and rich string accompaniement, exemplified on the title track is bolstered by harder-edged production. 'You wanted more' is a kind of Norwegian 'I will survive' melodrama that shows the looser, more experimental approach in 'Major earth..' has continued, but 'Forever Not Yours' utilises classic Morten harmonising that is typically A-ha.
The experimentation sometimes gets edgy, on the pan-sexual paean, Oranges on Appletrees. But what is always refreshing is that A-ha seem to only care about making music, not how it is perceived.
Although Pal Waaktar Savoy is underepresented in terms of writing credits, Morten and Magne show they are just as capable in that department. Often it is the most unassuming and apparently simplistic work, like 'Leave your lights on' that become the most memorable and returned to tracks.
Just about everything on 'Lifelines' merits its inclusion - there is no real filler, and so much stylistic ground is covered, you feel the band have earned their money. Attention to detail is one of their most endearing traits: witness the briefest flourish of Spanish guitar at the climax to 'You wanted more' and a host of others. Craft over bombast ever time.
if you have a mind of your own when it comes to musical taste and want something with maturity and breadth, at least try out Lifelines.
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