a-ha Album: “East of the Sun, West of the Moon”

This is my favorite A-ha CD, and I have all of them. This one proves they're real musicians that don't need to hide behind technology. I'm sure that a lot of people are gonna be put out by this transitional work, specially if you have only heard "take on me".But this eclectic mix of Pop, hard rock, jazz, and ballads accentuated by a beautiful haunting cover of "Crying in the Rain" is just perfection.

Ever since I heard the pulse-pounding rhythm and magnificent vocals of 1985's awesome hit, 'Take On Me,' I have forever remained (and will remain) an A-ha fan. I recognize that holding onto the music of the 1980s is not always easy to prove to others as "worthy contributions." However, the Norwegian trio is in a class above the fray that is highly removed from the 'stamp&go' mentality of pop music. "East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon" is the best example I can think of to prove this statement. Turning away the trademark 'synth sounds' that had been known with their group for the last 3 albums, A-ha has now taken an adult-contemporary/soft-rock approach with this album. The result is nothing short of amazing and consistent.

From the powerful melancholic rendition (would we expect nothing less from A-ha by now? haha) of Carole King's classic 'Crying In The Rain' (originally a hit in the 60's by the Everly Brothers) to the short somber closer of 'Seemingly Nonstop July,' A-ha makes a terrific sound change that is both pleasing and fitting. Morten Harket has a simply gifted vocal range that allows him free reign to sing anything put in front of him. Magne Furuholmen and Pal Waaktaar have a unique sense of melody, arrangment and lyricism which is put to the test and mastered with this album. Not only do the tracks have a soft, groovy and sometimes dramatically-operatic tone, but they also have perceptive depth and sensibility. Check out the title track and see how one can feel lost and long for that place of serenity lying out of reach. Check out 'I Call Your Name' and notice the heartbreaking image of being still in love with your spouse while the whole relationship has fallen apart. 'Waiting For Her' may seem adolescent, but Morten's delivery makes it all the more relevant for anyone in that situation. 'The Way We Talk' is a short but pleasant gift when Magne takes center stage as lead vocals, and does an impressive job with it.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this album to fans of A-ha or just fans of this type of music in general. As a music fan, nothing impresses me more than seeing diversity and versatility with an artist(s). A-ha made a stunning leap with "East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon" and that caused many listeners to dismiss it as shoddy, mismanaged and overall poor in nature. But I urge the interested reader (and listener) to judge the recordings for themselves, not what the critics dictate. Just because one changes their sound does not mean they have changed their hearts for the craft. After all, don't we (as individuals) have different sides to ourselves that not all totally understand? Think about it .... go out and purchase this wonderful album and feel connected for a short period of time with the themes, sound and tone of this album .... I would give it over 10 stars if I could!

I personally recommend East of the Sun, West of the Moon to everyone I know that want to hear A-Ha`s best album. Sure, Hunting High and Low might be a better introduction album(More recognizable hits), but for a band on top of the game, look no further. This album is so packed of tight and sharp productions, strong melodies, dreamlike lyrics, Harket`s haunting vocal and a sound not like anything. Only one band can make music like this(At least could). Its ageless, a hybrid between their 80`s and the darker and more melancholic 90`s with a epic sound.

My Personal favorite is the really haunting Rolling Thunder, an offspring of Crying in the Rain(Try listening to Crying in the Rain first and Rolling Thunder immediately, notice how identical they are but yet different). And the sound of Rolling Thunder is totally unbelivable. Other excellent songs are "Crying in the Rain", the best cover version of the original song ever, "Sycamore Leaves" a sharp rock song while keeping the more haunting and dreamlike style of A-Ha Intact. "Slender Frame", "East of the Sun" and the sweet little "(Seemingly) Nonstop July" are all sweet songs. "Early Morning" and "I call your Name" are two A-Ha Classics, not the best but they are all recognizable good A-HA songs.

A-Ha never made another album like this. They followed up with the much darker, less epic Memorial Beach(Still hauntingly beautiful), but still neither it, or any of the next albums captured the really aweinspiring sound of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon". Not that the other albums are bad(Apart from the mediocre Lifelines), but they are nowhere near the magnifient beauty and grand of this album.

I wasnt an a-ha fan... until this cd! thats one of the best albums i ever heard!if you are a the doors fan like me,youll love it! and if you are not,youll love it anyway,its that perfect. your music background is not important when it comes to this cd.the songs are universal.slender frame is the most soulfull song i ever heard. early morning is so contagious that even my neighbours know the lyrics (and they actually borrowed the cd). east of the sun is so haunting,mythical,it can transport me to the past. and rolling thunder... what can i say? it takes me out of this world when i need(and even when i dont).Anyway,this cd is so special(and Mortens voice so full of feeling),that i could ramble until tomorrow,but i have others things to do(like listen to the cd). So,just listen to the best advice of your life: buy this cd. if you dont fall in love with mortens voice,and the songs,i eat my mouse.

This is my favorite A-HA CD. Great songs, big/rich sound, great singing. Have to say this CD is in the top 10 of my entire cd collection. Although every A-HA CD is excellent in my opinion, this one has something about it which is special.