East of the Sun, West of the Moon
a-ha · 1990
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · pop rock
Melodic synth lines intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric and emotive soundscape.
Why this album works
The album achieved notable commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and solidifying a-ha's status in the international music scene. Critics recognized its departure from purely upbeat synth-pop towards a more sophisticated blend of rock and electronic influences, contributing to discussions about the evolution of the genre in the early '90s.
- Best for
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments introspective soundscapes for solitude melodic synths for quiet evenings
- Context
- East of the Sun, West of the Moon marked a pivotal moment in a-ha's career as their fifth studio album, following their commercial peak with 1988's 'Stay on These Roads.' By this time, the band was transitioning from mainstream pop hits to exploring more mature themes and complex arrangements. This evolution reflected their desire to push artistic boundaries while still appealing to their established fanbase.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Beck· Kaizers Orchestra· Björk· Madrugada· Neil Young· Green Day· Radiohead· Moby
- If this clicks, go next to
- Headlines and Deadlines – The Hits of A-ha — This album offers a collection of hits, maintaining the melodic synth sound while providing variety.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Crying in the Rain".
- 1 Crying in the Rain Start here 4:24
- 2 Early Morning 2:58
- 3 I Call Your Name 4:53
- 4 Slender Frame 3:42
- 5 East of the Sun Standout 4:47
- 6 Sycamore Leaves 5:21
- 7 Waiting for Her 4:48
- 8 Cold River Standout 4:41
- 9 The Way We Talk 1:31
- 10 Rolling Thunder 5:43
- 11 (Seemingly) Nonstop July 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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