In the U.S., the band a-ha are mostly thought of as one hit wonders What person who grew up in the 80's doesn't know "Take On Me" and its iconic music video? Sadly, that is where it begins and ends for most American music fans. Yes, "The Sun Always Shines On T.V." was a Top Twenty hit, but in the shadow of "Take On Me", it can be easily forgotten.
Worldwide, however, was a much different story. a-ha was huge, selling over 36 million albums, by far the biggest selling Norwegian act of all time, scoring numerous number one hits and playing to sold-out arenas and venues far and wide. The band finally called it quits with one last large scale tour in 2010. Of course, most recognizable in a-ha's music were the vocals of Morten Harket. From his lower register to his near choirboy-like falsetto, Harket is a great pop vocalist and with a-ha no more, it's not surprising he has resumed his solo career. "Out Of My Hands" is his fifth solo album, and first in four years.
The new album finds Harket diving deeply back into synth-pop music, but unfortunately its a rather watered down version that doesn't have enough spunk to entice you to return often. Harket is certainly in fine form vocally, that never needs to be called into question, but the first half of the album is bogged down with rather bland, by the numbers pop tunes such as "Scared Of Heights" and "I'm The One". "Burn Money Burn" and "Keep The Sun Away" at least have a little more punch and bite to them, allowing them to stand out from the rather mediocre material they're surrounded with.
If you stick with "Out Of My Hands", there is a payoff at the end as the album closes with three stellar tracks. "Just Believe It" is the best dance track here by far, sounding fresh and contemporary, while the title track that closes things is a lovely piano based ballad. The album's stand-out track is "Listening", a collaboration with dance-pop legends the Pet Shop Boys. Written by Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant, who also provides backing vocals, it's a gorgeous ballad with a massive chorus. It would be a shame if this doesn't see a single release. These three tracks salvage "Out Of My Hands". It's a pleasant enough listen, but in these days where more music floods the market than ever, 'pleasant enough' quickly falls into easily forgotten territory.
"Out Of My Hands" was released in the UK May 14, 2012. It is currently unavailable in the U.S., so if you're a fan you'll have to import a copy.
Official Website of Morten Harket
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