Original Album Series

These "Original Album Series" are quite the efficient way of owning an instant library of music by artists. These are as barebones as they come; no lyrics, no booklet, no frills. The vinyl replica sleeves are a nice touch but otherwise this is simply the music.I held back on this when it came out originally; hoping that "Stay on these Roads", "East of the Sun" and "Memorial Beach" would get some form of a re-release as their first two albums did shortly after the band called it quits. It doesn't look likely and I've just about worn out my copies of "East of the Sun" and "Memorial Beach" (21 and 24 years old respectively) so I shelved out for the minor uprade.I love this band and I love all these albums. The first two are classics with many of their hits but I've always felt that "Stay on These Roads" has gotten a bad rep undeservedly. Morten, Paul and Magne have opined that it was a bit of missed opportunity as they wanted to go in other directions but they delivered what they thought people wanted. As is; the album represents well the music they had been doing and also where they were headed. "Touchy" and "You are the One" are unabashed pop songs while the title track and "There's Never a Forever Thing" (beautiful lyrics on that one) show off Morten's incredible range on ballads. Their serious side with "The Blood That Moves The Body", "This Alone is Love" and "Hurry Home" is probably why this album is still in high regard with their loyal fan base as is their offbeat "Out of Blue Comes Green" (a huge fan favorite) a big sign of things to come from the band. But I still think "You'll end up Crying", the album closer, is their worst ever song."East of the Sun" is A-ha, as Magne put it, in a state of identity crisis. There are some great things here; "Crying in the Rain", their only cover on an album, is one of their most powerful track and "Early Morning", "I Call Your Name", "Slender Frame", "Waiting For Her" and "Rolling Thunder" are solid to terrific songs. Their new sound, or their serious "more adult sound" includes the decent title track but also their lackluster "Cold River", "The Way We Talk" (very boring) and "Seemingly Nonstop July". It's a sound in progress but they come off best with the atmospheric "Sycamore Leaves". Overall this album is quite good and certainly a must for a fan.Finally we're on to the big disappointment that is "Memorial Beach". I love it; but in terms of sales it bombed and a lot of fans shunned this new release as they didn't like this serious rock sound from a pop band. "Dark is the Night For All" and "Angel in the Snow" are two outstanding tracks and among their best ever. Other songs like "Cold as Stone", "Locust", "Lie Down in Darkness", "How Sweet it Was" and "Memorial Beach" may take some time to digest but they're good. I don't think they improved "Move to Memphis" here as the single version on "Headlines and Deadlines" is still the way to go and "Lamb to The Slaugher" is nothing special. "Between Your Mama and Yourself" deserves a special mention as I still think it's quite stupid lyrically but it's a strangely appealing song.A-ha was a great band and these five albums come highly recommended.

It is easy to forget this band. They are well known for "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines On TV" but are not really regarded by most as must hear musicians. But, listen you should. It is totally deceptive of Norway's most successful music export to make us assume that they are just radio friendly, 1980's electro-pop performers. Sure, their first album is very much in that category. It is their first album, "Hunting High and Low" that gives a home to A-ha's most successful chart hits that I've already mentioned. But, alongside Take On Me and Sun/TV, you had train of Thought and the title track as strong singles too. By 1986 they had matured and "Scoundrel Days" their second album, seemed to confirm this. The electo-sound was still there, but the tone was darker and more classical. This style continued with the third album "Stay on These Roads" and the title track remains, one of my favourite A-Ha songs. So, there we have what many consider to be the ultimate collection of A-ha albums, their pinnacle sound, their good look boy band electro sound. How wrong we all were. The final two albums in this collection portray A-Ha totally differently. With electro-pop banished, guitar and rich instrumentation took over. The strength and tone of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and Memorial Beach are so sumptuous, so melancholy and so damn powerful you instantly forget their earlier sound, no matter how good it was.A-ha are one of the pop world's most underrated and under appreciated musicians. I absolutely adore this collection, and for little over a tenner, it is a brilliant buy that will bring back some fabulous memories and introduce you to a sound you could never imagine.

Item as described came on time thanks Amazon

Very good set with mostly good or very good songs with no duds or skips. Aha's music pop/rock music is different and unique. Highly recommended.

Excellent music from a great band.

Arrived early. I really enjoyed listening to these again, brought my youth right back. I'm so happy I have them again. Totally worth the money. They come in card sleeves, all within a sleeve to keep them all in. The CDs all played perfectly.Well happy.

Five studio albums for the price of one - an excellent way to reconnect with the earlier output of this iconic band.

The box set contains the first five albums of the Norwegian band1985 - Hunting High and Low1986 - Scoundrel Days1988 - Stay on These Roads1990 - East of the Sun, West of the Moon1993 - Memorial BeachNo-frills!Cardboard pack.No booklet with lyrics.This offer is chosen for the songs and for the price, not for a deluxe edition.Totally 100% recommend!