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Hunting High and Low 1985
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Hunting High and Low

The debut album by a-ha, titled Hunting High and Low, was released in 1985, marking the beginning of a distinctive sonic proposal. Recorded in London with production by Tony Mansfield, John Ratcliff, and Alan Tarney, this album captured the essence of Norwegian new wave and became a global commercial success, selling over ten million copies. The album's sound is characterized by an immersive atmosphere, built with synthesizers and catchy melodies that defined an era.

Year
1985
Songs
10
Duration
37 min 17 seg
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About the album

Hunting High and Low, according to DoReSol

Within this work, Take On Me stands as the centerpiece. Initially released in 1984 without achieving significant impact, the song was reissued and accompanied by an innovative music video. This new version, which combined live-action with rotoscoped animation inspired by films like Commuter and Altered States, captured MTV's attention and became a phenomenon. The track climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached second place in the UK, consolidating itself as one of the best-selling singles of 1985 and topping charts in 36 countries. Another standout track is The Sun Always Shines on T.V., which also featured an acclaimed music video and surpassed its predecessor's success in the British market.

The impact of Hunting High and Low transcended the charts. The band was recognized with a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 1986, a milestone for a Norwegian group. The album, which includes gems like Living a Boy’s Adventure Tale and Love Is Reason, demonstrated a-ha's ability to create songs with their own identity, fusing electronic elements with a pop sensibility that resonated with audiences worldwide.