Hunting High and Low
a-ha · 1985
37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Synth-driven melodies intertwine with soaring vocals, creating anthemic pop soundscapes that define the essence of 1980s new wave.
Top tracks — play these first
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Take On Me Start here — This track's innovative use of synths and dynamic vocal delivery propelled it to international fame, becoming a defining anthem of the decade.
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The Sun Always Shines on T.V. — With its lush arrangements and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies a-ha's ability to blend pop sensibility with emotional depth.
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Hunting High and Low — The title track captures the album's essence, weaving themes of love and longing into an uplifting melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production typical of its era, with memorable melodies and cohesive themes.
What we noticed
- Several tracks, such as 'The Sun Always Shines on T.V.', utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, anthemic sound.
- The final track, 'Here I Stand and Face the Rain', closes the album with a slower tempo and reflective lyrics, providing a contrast to the earlier high-energy songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- poignant melodies for reflective moments
- uplifting energy for bright days
- consistent flow with satisfying resolution
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike synth-driven soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that established a-ha's international reputation and success.
- Themes
- 80s synth nostalgia· childhood dreams· emotional yearning
- Career context
- Released as a-ha's debut album in 1985, Hunting High and Low marked the band's arrival on the international stage after their initial success in Norway. Following the breakthrough single 'Take On Me', the album solidified their reputation and showcased their unique blend of synthesizers and catchy hooks, propelling them to global stardom.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· The Human League
Tracklist
- 1 Take On Me Start here 3:49
- 2 Train of Thought 4:14
- 3 Hunting High and Low 3:45
- 4 The Blue Sky 2:36
- 5 Living a Boy's Adventure Tale 5:02
- 6 The Sun Always Shines on T.V. 5:08
- 7 And You Tell Me 1:52
- 8 Love Is Reason 3:07
- 9 I Dream Myself Alive 3:10
- 10 Here I Stand and Face the Rain 4:30
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Some Great Reward
Depeche Mode
Shares a synth-driven sound and introspective lyrics that capture the emotional essence of the 80s.
Vienna
Ultravox
Combines lush synthesizers and dramatic melodies with poignant themes, echoing a similar atmospheric depth.
Rio
Duran Duran
Features vibrant synth-pop melodies and evocative lyrics that align with the energetic spirit of 80s music.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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