What makes The Blood That Moves the Body by a-ha notable?

This album includes the hit single 'The Living Daylights', which was featured as the theme for the James Bond film of the same name, significantly boosting its profile. The record showcases a-ha's evolution in sound and lyrical content, contributing to its lasting influence within the new wave genre as they navigated a changing musical landscape. By 1988, a-ha was transitioning from their explosive debut success with 'Hunting High and Low' to more mature themes in their music. 'The Blood That Moves the Body' served as their third studio album, following the commercial peak they reached earlier in the decade. This period marked a shift as they began to explore deeper emotional narratives while maintaining their catchy pop sensibilities.

How many songs are on The Blood That Moves the Body?

The Blood That Moves the Body has 4 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

The Blood That Moves the Body

a-ha · 1988

16 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and rock, layered with lush melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of late '80s pop culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Blood That Moves the Body — The title track embodies the album's exploration of emotional vitality through its pulsating beat and reflective lyrics, making it a standout opening statement.
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There's Never a Forever Thing — This track highlights a-ha's ability to blend poignant lyrics with catchy melodies, showcasing their songwriting prowess while addressing themes of transience.
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The Living Daylights — As the official theme for a James Bond film, this song encapsulates a-ha's cinematic sound, merging dramatic orchestration with their signature synth-pop style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The record showcases a-ha's evolving sound but lacks strong cohesion due to its brief tracklist.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat with layered synths that create a rich, atmospheric soundscape.
The second track employs a more subdued tempo and introspective lyrics, contrasting with the energetic opener.
The extended version of the title track adds additional instrumental sections, lengthening its runtime and enhancing its complexity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Includes the hit 'The Living Daylights', boosting a-ha's profile significantly.
Themes: late '80s introspection· transience of relationships· cinematic soundscapes
Moods: Ethereal· Introspective
Career context: By 1988, a-ha was transitioning from their explosive debut success with 'Hunting High and Low' to more mature themes in their music. 'The Blood That Moves the Body' served as their third studio album, following the commercial peak they reached earlier in the decade. This period marked a shift as they began to explore deeper emotional narratives while maintaining their catchy pop sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· The Human League