25 cover

25

a-ha · 2010

226 min · 56 tracks · alternative rock

A nostalgic blend of synth-pop and soft rock that encapsulates a-ha's emblematic sound across decades.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take On Me Start here — This iconic track not only defined a-ha's early success but also serves as a timeless anthem, showcasing their innovative blend of catchy melodies and synth-driven sound.
  • →
    The Sun Always Shines on TV — This song exemplifies the band's lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics, representing the emotional depth that characterizes much of their work during the height of their popularity.
  • →
    Crying in the Rain — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this track illustrates a-ha's ability to convey vulnerability and emotion, making it a standout ballad in their discography.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic synth- anthems
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • for reflective moments
  • sing-along nostalgia with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A compilation reflecting on their career, not a standout entry or breakthrough.
Themes
nostalgic synth-pop· 25 years of influence· emotional balladry
Career context
When a-ha released '25' in 2010, they were revisiting their past while celebrating 25 years since their breakthrough hit 'Take On Me.' This compilation album served as both a retrospective of their influential career and a showcase of their enduring appeal in the pop landscape. It marked their return to the mainstream after a prolonged hiatus, highlighting their evolution from 80s pop icons to seasoned artists.
Stylistic neighbors
Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· The Human League
New to a-ha? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Take On Me Start here 3:49
  • 2 The Blue Sky 2:36
  • 3 The Sun Always Shines on TV 5:07
  • 4 Train of Thought (7" remix) 4:15
  • 5 Hunting High and Low (7" remix) 3:48
  • 6 I’ve Been Losing You 4:26
  • 7 Scoundrel Days 4:00
  • 8 Swing of Things 4:15
  • 9 Cry Wolf 4:06
  • 10 Manhattan Skyline (edit version) 4:21
  • 11 The Living Daylights 4:12
  • 12 Stay on These Roads 4:46
  • 13 Touchy! (UK DJ edit) 3:38
  • 14 There's Never a Forever Thing 2:51
  • 15 You Are the One (7" remix) 3:50
  • 16 The Blood That Moves the Body (Two-Time Gun remix) 4:08
  • 17 Crying in the Rain 4:21
  • 18 Early Morning 2:59
  • 19 Slender Frame 3:43
  • 20 I Call Your Name 4:29

Disc 2

  • 1 Move to Memphis (single version) 4:17
  • 2 Dark Is the Night for All 3:45
  • 3 Cold as Stone (remix) 4:32
  • 4 Angel in the Snow (edit) 4:07
  • 5 Shapes That Go Together 4:14
  • 6 Summer Moved On 4:37
  • 7 Minor Earth Major Sky (Niven's radio edit) 4:02
  • 8 The Sun Never Shone That Day (radio edit) 3:31
  • 9 Velvet 4:20
  • 10 Forever Not Yours 4:06
  • 11 Lifelines 4:17
  • 12 Did Anyone Approach You? 4:11
  • 13 Celice 3:40
  • 14 Analogue 3:49
  • 15 Cosy Prisons (radio mix) 3:58
  • 16 Foot of the Mountain 3:57
  • 17 Nothing Is Keeping You Here (single remix) 3:05
  • 18 Shadowside (single edit) 3:31
  • 19 Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah) 4:10

Disc 3

  • 1 Take On Me (1985 Version) 3:47
  • 2 The Sun Always Shines on TV 3:56
  • 3 I've Been Losing You (original version) 4:26
  • 4 Manhattan Skyline 4:22
  • 5 Stay on These Roads 4:46
  • 6 Crying in the Rain (alternate cut) 4:25
  • 7 Dark Is the Night for All ("Banned" version) 3:47
  • 8 Move to Memphis 4:05
  • 9 Shapes That Go Together 4:15
  • 10 Angel in the Snow 4:17
  • 11 Summer Moved On 4:07
  • 12 Minor Earth, Major Sky 4:28
  • 13 Lifelines 4:24
  • 14 Did Anyone Approach You? 4:12
  • 15 Velvet (European cut) 4:09
  • 16 Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah) 3:39
  • 17 Take On Me (1984 version) 3:22

What to play next

Cast in Steel
Listen next

Cast in Steel

2015

Continues the nostalgic synth-pop sound with modern touches.
Foot of the Mountain
Go back to

Foot of the Mountain

2009

Sets the stage for '25' with a similar blend of styles.
Full a-ha discography Where to start with a-ha Artists like a-ha
alternative rock new wave pop rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Sounds of the Universe

Sounds of the Universe

Depeche Mode

Shares a nostalgic synth-pop sound with emotional depth and reflective lyrics.

Yes

Yes

Pet Shop Boys

Combines lush synth textures and introspective themes, echoing a-ha's melodic sensibility.

All You Need Is Now

All You Need Is Now

Duran Duran

Features a blend of 80s-inspired synth-rock with a modern twist, reminiscent of a-ha's nostalgia.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata