Foot of the Mountain
a-ha · 2009
40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Gentle synth melodies entwine with reflective lyrics, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary soundscape that embodies a-ha's enduring artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Foot of the Mountain — The title track captures the essence of the album with its lush synths and contemplative lyrics about life's journeys and challenges.
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The Bandstand Start here — Opening the album with a vibrant arrangement, this track sets the tone for a reflective exploration of nostalgia and personal history.
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Shadowside — This song showcases the band’s ability to blend melancholy themes with an upbeat melody, illustrating their signature style effectively.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and introspective lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace with gentle synth melodies and reflective lyrics.
- The title track features a prominent chorus that contrasts with the verses, creating a dynamic shift in energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative evening reflections
- steady, consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Represents a significant return and showcases continued artistry before their farewell tour.
- Themes
- nostalgic journeys· farewell reflections· synth-pop roots
- Moods
- Nostalgic· Introspective
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Foot of the Mountain marked a significant return for a-ha after a hiatus following their 2005 album, Analogue. This album came as they prepared for their farewell tour, representing a culmination of their career and showcasing their maturation as artists while still embracing the synth-pop roots that defined them.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· The Human League
Tracklist
- 1 The Bandstand Start here 4:02
- 2 Riding the Crest 4:16
- 3 What There Is 3:43
- 4 Foot of the Mountain 3:57
- 5 Real Meaning 3:40
- 6 Shadowside 4:55
- 7 Nothing Is Keeping You Here 3:17
- 8 Mother Nature Goes to Heaven 4:08
- 9 Sunny Mystery 3:30
- 10 Start the Simulator 5:17
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Give Up
The Postal Service
Combines gentle synth melodies with reflective lyrics, evoking nostalgia and introspection.
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
M83
Features lush synth landscapes and themes of nostalgia, creating a dreamy yet contemporary sound.
Walking on a Dream
Empire of the Sun
Merges upbeat synth-pop elements with reflective themes, capturing a sense of whimsical nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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