How did A-Ha ever get pigeonholed as a bubblegum pop band? It's now 20 years since 'Take on Me' became their signature tune, but the mournful Norwegian trio are still struggling to be taken seriously - which seems a bit unfair, given that Coldplay, U2 and Leonard Cohen are all committed fans. Their eighth album is a typically passionate affair, packed with elegant piano ballads just as affecting as anything Keane have done recently. Morten Harket's chorister's voice is as sublime as ever, soaring over these odes to middle-aged heartache with truly impressive grace. While it could possibly have done with a couple more up-tempo tracks, Analogue is further proof that a-ha are still one of the best bands in the world. It's time for the world to take a fresh look.
