: The collaboration with the Arctic Philharmonic adds a cinematic sweep to tracks, though some critics at Under the Radar Magazine find it occasionally verges on overly restrained or "grayish".
The album represents a shift from the band's classic 1980s synth-pop roots toward a more mature, organic, and symphonic sound . Reviewers from Albumism note that while orchestral elements have always been part of a-ha's DNA, the intensity here creates an immersive, elemental experience. a-ha - True North.zip
: The album flirts with jazzy influences on songs like "Hunter in the Hills" and "Bumblebee". Track Highlights & Critical Perspectives : The collaboration with the Arctic Philharmonic adds
Released in 2022, is the eleventh studio album by the iconic Norwegian band a-ha . This ambitious project is more than just a collection of songs; it serves as a "musical letter from Norway," recorded 90km above the Arctic Circle in Bodø with the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra . The album is accompanied by a companion film that captures the recording process amidst the dramatic northern landscapes. Musical Direction & Sound : The album flirts with jazzy influences on
: Morten Harket's voice remains a "secret ingredient," with Americana Highways praising his unfaltering performance, particularly his trademark falsetto on the title track.
The songwriting is split evenly between Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, leading to a diverse—if sometimes fragmented—listening experience. Review: A-ha Find Inspiration at Home with 'True North'