Hunting High and Low

Hunting High and Low is the debut studio album by the Norwegian band a-ha. It was released on 1 June 1985 by Warner Bros. Records. The album was a commercial success. It had several hit singles, including "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.". The album's success helped a-ha gain international recognition. It established them as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s.

Background and production

a-ha formed in 1982 and spent several years refining their sound and recording demos. After signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1983, the band began recording Hunting High and Low with producer Tony Mansfield. The album has a mix of synth-pop and new wave styles. It has a distinctive sound characterized by Morten Harket's soaring vocals, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy's guitar work, and Magne Furuholmen's keyboard melodies.

Release and reception

Hunting High and Low was released on 1 June 1985. It received widespread acclaim. Critics praised the album's polished production, catchy melodies, and the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with emotional depth. The album reached the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Singles

The album produced five singles. "Take On Me" was the most successful. The song's innovative music video, which combined live-action and animation, played a significant role in its success and won several awards.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (except where noted).

No.TitleLength
1."Take on Me"3:47
2."Train of Thought"4:14
3."Hunting High and Low"3:44
4."The Blue Sky"2:36
5."Living a Boy's Adventure Tale"5:00
6."The Sun Always Shines on T.V."5:08
7."And You Tell Me"1:52
8."Love Is Reason"3:04
9."I Dream Myself Alive"3:06
10."Here I Stand and Face the Rain"4:30

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

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