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
: 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.
: 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 Released in late 2022, is not just a-ha's
The album serves as the soundtrack to a companion film of the same name. Unlike a traditional documentary, the film captures the band recording live with the . This "live-in-the-studio" approach translates into a record that feels organic, breathy, and deeply connected to the rugged landscape of Northern Norway. 2. The Sound: Orchestral Grandeur
: A Magne-penned opener that sets a supportive, almost spiritual tone. It’s a song about commitment and showing up for one another in dark times. A Cinematic Concept : While Magne and Paul’s
: A Paul Waaktaar-Savoy standout that leans into a slightly more rhythmic, jazzy noir vibe, showcasing the band’s ability to experiment within a sophisticated pop framework.
The album is split almost equally between Magne’s and Paul’s compositions, creating a balanced dialogue between their two distinct songwriting styles: On tracks like "I'm In," he moves from
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.