Released in late 2022, is not just a-ha's 11th studio album; it is a sprawling, cinematic letter to the Arctic. Moving away from the synth-pop textures that defined their 80s peak, the band—Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy—delivers a soul-stirring orchestral project recorded in Bodø, Norway, 90 miles above the Arctic Circle. 1. A Cinematic Concept
True North is arguably a-ha’s most cohesive and ambitious work since their 2000 comeback, Minor Earth Major Sky . It demands to be heard as a whole, ideally while watching the film to fully grasp the synergy between the music and the environment. It is a triumphant, sophisticated late-career masterpiece that proves a-ha is far more than a nostalgia act. Released in late 2022, is not just a-ha's
: While Magne and Paul’s signature melodies remain, they are draped in lush orchestral arrangements. It evokes the spirit of Hunting High and Low but matured—replacing the "plastic" sheen of the 80s with the wood and wire of a full orchestra. A Cinematic Concept True North is arguably a-ha’s
: At over 60, Morten Harket’s voice remains a marvel. On tracks like "I'm In," he moves from a rich baritone to that iconic, crystal-clear falsetto with effortless grace, capturing the vulnerability of the lyrics. 3. Key Tracks and Themes : While Magne and Paul’s signature melodies remain,
The album is split almost equally between Magne’s and Paul’s compositions, creating a balanced dialogue between their two distinct songwriting styles: