Immortalised by their mid-80s hit Take On Me', Norwegian popsters A-Ha were commonly thought to have retired into obscurity years ago. But, amazingly enough, the veteran heartthrobs are back - and even more amazingly they've come armed with an excellent new album which should put most of their younger imitators to shame. Abandoning their old synth-heavy sound in favour of a more subtle, classical approach,
Lifelines range from sugary love songs to diatribes against the fleeting nature of fame, all distinguished by Morten Hacket's aching falsetto vocals. For the most part it's insanely catchy stuff, even if its very diversity ultimately works against it - at 15 tracks Lifelines is far too long and the disadvantages of having an army of producers on board begin to make themselves felt. As an exercise in rehabilitation, however, it's something of a triumph - and not a saccharine cover or dodgy dance routine in sight. Respect!

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