Lifelines (A-ha album)
Lifelines is the seventh studio album by the Norwegian pop band A-ha. It was released in 2002 by WEA Records.
Background and Recording:
Following a successful comeback with Minor Earth Major Sky in 2000, A-ha continued to explore their musical evolution with Lifelines. The album was recorded in various studios, including Lydlab Studios and Rainbow Studios in Oslo, Norway. Production was primarily handled by Stephen Hague, who had previously worked with the band on their earlier albums. The band aimed to create a more diverse and experimental sound compared to their previous work, incorporating elements of electronica, trip-hop, and ambient music alongside their signature synth-pop style.
Musical Style and Themes:
Lifelines is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, intricate arrangements, and introspective lyrics. The album explores themes of love, loss, hope, and the passage of time. Tracks like "Lifelines," the title track, and "Forever Not Yours" are anthemic and uplifting, while songs such as "You'll End Up Crying" and "Dragonfly" delve into more melancholic and introspective territory. The album showcases a wider range of vocal styles from Morten Harket and incorporates more experimental instrumentation.
Singles and Reception:
Lifelines spawned several singles, including "Forever Not Yours," "Lifelines," "Did Anyone Approach You?", and "The Sun Never Shone That Day." The album was commercially successful, particularly in Europe, reaching the top of the charts in Germany and Norway. It was generally well-received by critics, who praised its ambition, production quality, and songwriting. While some found the album to be inconsistent, many lauded its artistic merit and evolution from A-ha's earlier pop sensibilities.
Track Listing:
The standard edition of Lifelines features the following tracks:
- Lifelines
- You'll End Up Crying
- Did Anyone Approach You?
- Less Than Pure
- Turn the Lights Down
- Cannot Hide
- White Canvas
- Dragonfly
- Solace
- That October Night
- Forever Not Yours
- There's a Reason to Go On
- The Sun Never Shone That Day
- A Little Bit
- Differences
Personnel:
- Morten Harket – Vocals
- Magne Furuholmen – Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
- Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – Guitars, Vocals
Numerous other musicians contributed to the album, including session players on drums, bass, and strings.