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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A better choice than the UK release, 30 Aug 2005
I got this edition of the greatest hits over the British release on the strength of another reviewer on this site. It replaces the rather insubstantial "You Are The One" with "Move to Memphis" and "Minor Earth, Major Sky". While this version lacks the bonus video for "Take on Me", I still think it is the better release.Once their hey-day passed, A-Ha were often dismissed as a trivial pop band. The truth is somewhat different - while they were definitely a sort of pop, it was more mature than the 80s pretty-boy bands they were so often compared to. Some of their work could be pleasantly throwaway, and sometimes the synth/drum-machine production weakened the material, but often there was a dark, cinematic, even epic undertone to their music. Witness the magnificent "Hunting High and Low", with its orchestral climax, or "Manhattan Skyline", even UK number 1 "The Sun Always Shines on TV". Morten's voice is beautiful, dripping with melancholy. This is adult pop, but not boring. Even the most disposable track (the weak "Touchy!") has its moments. Thankfully this collection includes their recent singles - at least as strong as the older stuff. Standouts include "Summer Moved On" with Morten hitting a beautiful long note that takes your breath away; "Minor Earth, Major Sky", an excellent, enigmatic track; and "Lifelines", one of the simplest, most beautiful songs they've ever made. This was the first A-Ha CD I bought, but not the last. Already I've got their most recent albums, "Minor Earth, Major Sky" and "Lifelines", both of which I heartily recommend.
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