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Album Title: Minor Earth, Major Sky; Artist: a-ha; Year: 2000 Rating 4/5 Track listing: 1 Minor Earth, Major Sky; 2 Little Black Heart; 3 Velvet; 4 Summer Moved On; 5 The Sun Never Shone That Day; 6 To Let You Win; 7 The Company Man; 8 Thought That It Was You; 9 I Wish I Cared; 10 Barely Hanging On; 11 You'll Never Get Over Me; 12 I Won't Forget Her; 13 Mary Ellen Makes The Moment Count #I wonder how many people would identify a-ha as pioneers of pop music in the 80s. Sure, we had Wham!, Bros, New Kids on the Block and other popular music "bands" who scored huge success and appealed to a broad market, but none of these bands had the raw talent of the Norwegian trio. In guitarist Pal Waaktaar, a-ha have a songwriter of immense talent, and with skilful keyboardist and fellow-songwriter Mags he has written classic tunes like 'Take On Me', 'Sun Always Shines On TV', 'Hunting High and Low', 'I've Been Losing You' and 'Touchy!'. The vocal executioner though has always been the main focus of the band - Morten Harket. The Scandinavian sex symbol has a unique voice that helped make so many of the songs unforgettable. It is fifteen years since the release of their multi-platinum debut album, and these three men have matured into their late-thirties/early-forties now. It's hard to believe. "Minor Earth, Major Sky" is their first release in seven years after a self-induced break aimed at rejuvenating those creative juices. Has it worked? The title track kicks us off in rather excellent style - style being the key word. Terrific keyboard and bass work from Mags and Pal in this mid-tempo story of not belonging in the vast universe. The loneliness continues into 'Little Black Heart', a wonderful tune about uncertainty and doubt with Pal's subtle guitar refrain hitting all the right notes. 'Velvet' is a beautifully performed ballad that is not as supremely creative as others on the album, but still provides a quality listening experience. And when it comes to supreme creativity, I must be referring to the first single, 'Summer Moved On'. A strong concoction of beat, emotion, diverse vocals, strings and even a touch of flamenco guitar! Excellent. We move up a notch with the faster-paced 'The Sun Never Shone That Day' with it's foot-tapping chorus and unique strains of Morten's voice making you wonder where he pulls the notes from! The chiming bells of 'To Let You Win' help structure the beautiful chorus where Morten switches octaves with to great effect. It's pensive and relaxing. 'The Company Man' is the album's weakest moment as it just never finds it's feet like it should, but order is restored with the powerful 'Thought That It Was You', a song rich lyrically as well as musically. 'I Wish I Cared' shows just how talented Morten Harket is as his remarkable voice carries this gentle gem through with notes that few other male vocalists could see, never mind reach. The well crafted lyrics of 'Barely Hanging On' are the best part of a decidedly average track. 'I used to be so sensible on my own/Now I'm so sensitive it's a joke/I used to be so confident in a crowd/Now I can't say my own name aloud', crows Morten as he picks through the ashes of his life. The trio that close off the album are outstanding. 'You'll Never Get Over Me' is completely irrepressible with it's beautiful chorus - probably the best song on the album and with the potential to be the single of the year if you ask me. 'I Won't Forget Her' weighs in with a more funk-based beat, the killer melody and effective backing vocals, make it a winner. Closing off the album is the very different sounding 'Mary Ellen Makes the Moment Count'. The Beatle-esque acoustics and keyboards lend a mysterious and gloriously ponderous aura and the startling honesty of the lyrics are enough to make you stop and think about your own raison d'etre: 'the world's full of lonely people', says Morten. How right he is. Maybe it's okay to be one of them. While this record is more of a throwback to the over-produced 80s albums, there is enough contemporary influence here to please both new and old fans. I suppose the failure of their previous more rock-based albums ("East of the Sun, West of the Moon" and "Memorial Beach") prompted A-ha to try and find a good blend of both 80s and 90s A-ha. They have certainly done this here. There's no doubt it is a brilliant record but are we going to have to wait 7 years for the next one? |
| Minor Earth Major Sky By Graham, Dublin |
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