Released 40 years ago
Scoundrel Days
a-ha · 1986
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · pop rock
Synth-driven melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a lush soundscape of longing and introspection.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- lush soundscape of longing
- thoughtful introspection during listening
- morning coffee contemplation vibes
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified a-ha's status in synth-pop after their debut, gaining international recognition.
- Themes
- Manhattan skyline· synth-pop nostalgia· heartbreak balladry
- Career context
- Released on October 6, 1986, 'Scoundrel Days' was a pivotal moment for a-ha as their follow-up to the highly successful debut album 'Hunting High and Low'. The band aimed to expand their sound while maintaining the synth-pop essence that brought them fame, showcasing more mature themes and complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· The Human League
- If this clicks, go next to
- Stay on These Roads — Continues the introspective themes with rich synth melodies.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Black Celebration by Depeche Mode — Shares dark, introspective themes with synth-driven arrangements and emotional depth.Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me by The Cure — Combines lush soundscapes with longing lyrics, creating a similar emotional resonance.Rio by Duran Duran — Features vibrant synth melodies and an exploration of relationships, paralleling a-ha's pop sensibility.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Scoundrel Days".
- 1 Scoundrel Days Start here 4:02
- 2 The Swing of Things 4:14
- 3 I’ve Been Losing You 4:23
- 4 October 3:56
- 5 Manhattan Skyline 4:52
- 6 Cry Wolf 4:06
- 7 We’re Looking for the Whales 3:43
- 8 The Weight of the Wind 3:59
- 9 Maybe, Maybe 2:36
- 10 Soft Rains of April 3:12
What to play next
This album is considered a Breakthrough in a-ha's catalog. Solidified a-ha's status in synth-pop after their debut, gaining international recognition.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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