# ON THIS DAY: 31 May 1985 – a-ha Released Hunting High and Low **Featured** — On Your Markus **Published:** 31 May 2025 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/on-this-day-31-may-1985-a-ha-released-hunting-high-and-low/ Daring Leap into Pop Immortality When a-ha burst onto the global stage in the mid-1980s, the world wasn’t entirely prepared for what they had to offer. Here was a Norwegian trio – Morten Harket, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and Magne Furuholmen – armed with a sleek, synth-driven sound, heartbreakingly earnest lyrics, and a visual aesthetic that seemed… --- ## Daring Leap into Pop Immortality When *a-ha* burst onto the global stage in the mid-1980s, the world wasn’t entirely prepared for what they had to offer. Here was a Norwegian trio – **Morten Harket**, **Paul Waaktaar-Savoy**, and **Magne Furuholmen** – armed with a sleek, synth-driven sound, heartbreakingly earnest lyrics, and a visual aesthetic that seemed pulled straight from a dream. Released in June 1985, their debut album, *Hunting High and Low*, was more than just a flash-in-the-pan pop release – it was a bold statement of intent. As the neon lights of the MTV era flashed and fizzed, *a-ha* carved out a sound both dazzling and deeply human. ![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/92795faa/0028b4450e5f6fa15dc4cc9985bd9302.1000x1000x1.jpg) ### The Spark that Lit the Fuse It all started with *Take On Me*. Though the single initially floundered on its first release, a re-recorded version, buoyed by a groundbreaking animated/live-action hybrid music video, skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and found similar success across Europe. The song’s shimmering synth riff and Morten Harket’s acrobatic falsetto became instantly iconic, signaling that *a-ha* was here to stay. But focusing solely on *Take On Me* does a disservice to the depth and elegance of *Hunting High and Low*. The album is a lush, meticulously crafted journey through emotional highs and lows, pairing rich sonic textures with introspective lyricism – a combination that helped define the evolving sound of 80s pop. ### An Album of Many Moods While *Take On Me* delivered pure pop adrenaline, tracks like *The Sun Always Shines on T.V.* revealed a darker, more orchestral side to the band. Dramatic and expansive, it showcased *a-ha’s* ability to blend synths with sweeping emotion, a skill that would become a hallmark of their career. *Train of Thought* offers a moodier, more rhythmically complex experience, infused with existential musings and art-rock undertones, while the title track, *Hunting High and Low*, slows things down to a heartfelt ballad, wrapped in lush strings and aching vocals that stretch toward the heavens. Songs like *Love Is Reason* and *Living a Boy’s Adventure Tale* capture a youthful optimism and restlessness, tapping into universal feelings of hope and wanderlust. ### Track Listing 1. Take On Me 2. Train of Thought 3. Hunting High and Low 4. The Blue Sky 5. Living a Boy’s Adventure Tale 6. The Sun Always Shines on T.V. 7. And You Tell Me 8. Love Is Reason 9. I Dream Myself Alive 10. Here I Stand and Face the Rain Each track on *Hunting High and Low* reflects a different facet of *a-ha’s* early identity: romantic yet restless, introspective yet bold, dreamy yet sharply attuned to the complexities of young adulthood. ### Behind the Scenes The album’s production history is a story in itself. Initially helmed by **Tony Mansfield** (known for his work with Naked Eyes and New Musik), some tracks were later reworked by **Alan Tarney**, who was instrumental in sharpening the band’s sound for mainstream success. With a palette of synthesizers, drum machines, and carefully layered vocals, the album exemplified the best of mid-80s pop innovation. The trio’s commitment to their craft extended beyond the studio. Morten Harket’s vocal performance is a tour de force throughout, spanning delicate whispers to sky-high falsetto leaps, while Paul and Magne crafted melodies and arrangements that still feel vital decades later. ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/3013e0f8/633c076ecfa62d50ab9052c6fcef7a6e.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/c19578d5/170415-a-ha-you-tube-2.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/67ca3cac/38666bd6e25d65afbe4f14feb12ffca3.webp) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/2f30f878/641063.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/32f9cb77/ca-times.brightspotcdn.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/44d3fdda/ftcms_ed364c14-40cd-11e9-9499-290979c9807a.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/dd8d4b3f/viggo-bondi-1984-2.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/a76e5fb7/viggo-bondi-1987-2.jpg) ![a-ha](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/efac55fd/viggo-bondi-1984-6.jpg) ### The Legacy Fast forward nearly forty years, and *Hunting High and Low* remains a benchmark in synth-pop history. Beyond its commercial success – millions of copies sold, platinum certifications, and chart domination – it has influenced countless artists and continues to captivate new generations of listeners. In a musical landscape often driven by fleeting trends, *a-ha’s* debut stands as a testament to the power of sincerity, craftsmanship, and the courage to dream big. For those who grew up with it, the album is a time capsule of youth and possibility. For new listeners, it’s an open invitation to embark on an adventure – to hunt high and low for beauty, wherever it may be found. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. **[a-ha Website](https://a-ha.com/)** ![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/617fbd73/4dfb5b7453531c66b560640841b154b7.jpg)