a-ha - Memorial Beach

Import edition of the Norwegian adult alternative act's fifth album, originally released in 1993 on Warner Brothers. Album Description

Progression

Memorial Beach and East of the Sun/West of the Moon are the two CDs that alot of people who are diehard a-ha pop music fans seem to loath. I have been an a-ha fan from the beginning and I just recently bought these two albums. I didn't know what I was missing out on, I wish that I had bought them sooner. Yeah this is a different sound than the synth pop of the 80's, I would characterize these two albums as Progessive Rock instead of pop. My only complaint with Memorial Beach is that the album version of "Move to Memphis" is not as good as the video or single version. Both MB and ESWM albums grew on me quickly and are quickly becoming my favorites. Some have stated that they didn't like these two albums because they have a darker feel, I say that's a good thing. They are edgy and fresh, even now. The same can't be said about Analogue, what a collosal failure! May 7, 2008

must have

Completely different style, they keep re-creating themselves, amazing music. Must have in your recollection May 2, 2008

Not their best work

There are a few really great songs on here, but it's not the best work they've done. February 8, 2007

Closing Out the Decade

Even though this album was released in 1992 it was really an end to a-ha's output of the 80's. There are some great tunes here reminiscent of their glory days but there is also a new feel and direction evident. In all this is a good album from them.
December 5, 2006

Last of the classic A-ha

This album, though made during the early days of the stripping down period of their career, still contains traces of the original songwriting formula they used on the earlier classics. Even though by this time the keyboards were notably absent, at least there were still some cool drum machine loops going on. "Cold as stone" has a cool repeating loop that sticks with you. This one is as dark as their first album, maybe darker. The piano used here has a very "Doors" sound to it. The band admits to being influenced by that band and it does show.

"Dark is the night" was a great single, catchy riff, meaningful structure and singing despite only a little organ sound from the 'boards. All the other songs have a darker "Here I stand.." or "Love is reason" feel to them. "Lie down in darkness" has a cool groove to it and cool background vocals that force you to sing along. This is about the last album where all the tracks sound distinctive, despite the lack of 'boards throughout the album. Well worth owning if you're a classic A-ha fan or if you just want to hear something different. March 28, 2005

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