Amazon.co.uk Review
Lifelines follows on from the critical and commercial success of A-ha's 2000 comeback album
Minor Earth, Major Sky. Produced by legend Stephen Hague (
Blur,
Pet Shop Boys and
New Order) and top production duo Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley (
Elvis Costello and
Morrissey), the album represents a further maturing of style.
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
CD Description
This is the seventh album by the Norweigan pop trio who shot to fame in the 1980's. The track 'Forever Not Yours' has reached the no.1 single spot in seven countries. Eight of thetracks on the album were written by keyboardist, Magne Furuholmen - four of which were collaborations with frontman, Morten Harket.