Foot of the Mountain

Last updated

Foot of the Mountain
Foot of the Mountain Album.jpg
Studio album by
A-ha
Released12 June 2009 [1]
RecordedJanuary – May 2009
Studio
  • United States
  • (Water Music, Beat 360, The Alabaster Room)
  • Norway
  • (Yoga Studio, Alabaster Cottage, Malabar Studio, Rainbow Studio)
  • Germany
  • (Gaga Studios, Bookie Park Studios)
  • United Kingdom
  • (Real World Studios)
Genre Synth-pop [2]
Length40:45
Label We Love Music, Polydor, Universal
Producer A-ha, Steve Osborne, Mark Saunders, Roland Spremberg, Erik Ljunggren
A-ha chronology
Analogue
(2005)		Foot of the Mountain
(2009)		 25
(2010)
Singles from Foot of the Mountain
  1. "Foot of the Mountain"
    Released: 5 May 2009
  2. "Nothing Is Keeping You Here"
    Released: 21 September 2009
  3. "Shadowside"
    Released: 21 September 2009

Foot of the Mountain is the ninth studio album by the Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha. It was released on 19 June 2009 and reached No. 1 on the German Albums Chart [3] and No. 2 on the Norwegian Albums Chart. [4] In its first week in the UK, the album debuted at No. 5, the group's highest chart placing in that country since Stay on These Roads in 1988. [5]

Contents

The overall sound of the record marks a return to the synth-pop style the band became famous for in the mid-1980s. [2] Keyboardist Magne Furuholmen describes the album thus: "It's an album that incorporates the key elements that first defined the band: soaring vocals, synth hooks, yearning lyrics and melodic melancholia." [2]

Foot of the Mountain was A-ha's last full-length album before their split in 2010 and the last to use the new A-ha logo before they reunited and reverted to their old logo. However, they did release a further compilation album 25 with their new single "Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah)" before reuniting in 2015.

Recording process

In a 2007 interview with the Norwegian TV channel TVTromsø, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy expressed frustration over the time it took to produce new material with the band: "The trouble with us is that we're never in sync. Right now, I'm eager to get going on the new album. I'm telling everybody that the new album is coming out next year and that it's going to be great. But the other two are of course just starting to get into their solo projects again and want to prioritize those for the time being." [6] Getting around to recording the follow-up to Analogue took four years due to the individual projects of the band members. Paul's band Savoy released Savoy Songbook Vol. 1 , Magne released his second solo album A Dot of Black in the Blue of Your Bliss and Morten Harket released his second English-language solo album Letter from Egypt . Despite touring quite extensively between 2005 and 2008, the focus of the group was not directed towards recording. The album ended up being recorded in a relatively short period of time (between January - May 2009) with Steve Osborne, Mark Saunders and Roland Spremberg producing. [7]

The recording session took place in several studios around the world. In the US sessions were held at Water Music, Beat 360 and The Alabaster Room in New York City. In Norway recordings were made at Yoga Studio, Alabaster Cottage, Malabar Studio and Rainbow Studio. In the UK the band recorded at Real World Studios, whilst in Germany they used Gaga Studios and Boogie Park Studios. [2]

Inspirations

The track "Riding the Crest", named by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy as "an electro-blues", is heavily inspired by Arcade Fire and their album Neon Bible . [2] Being the principal songwriter on the album, Waaktaar-Savoy also got inspired by his changing surroundings, dividing his time between New York City and Oslo. ""Shadowside" feels quite Norwegian in the melody, the chords and the mood. "The Bandstand" reminds me of my first trip to New York City in the early '80s, before A-ha were famous. Songs are like a photo-album – they can really send you back. And this one reminds me of arriving at Port Authority with $35 in my pocket, sporting really high, yellow, almost see-through synthesizer-hair, wearing a tiger-shirt and a brown suit, looking like an alien!" [2] The title track, "Foot of the Mountain" – examines one of the fundamental conflicts of modern life, the pull between nature and big-city civilization: for Paul, the buzz of New York City versus the beauty and isolation of Norway: "It's the dilemma of loving a city life, yet secretly wondering if we'd be happier being surrounded by open fields and sweeping mountains." [2] "Real Meaning" is inspired by Waaktaar-Savoy calling home only to be greeted by his answering machine. The idea behind "Start the Simulator" was to make a heartfelt song using technical language: "The basic idea was to make a song using only technical terms and phrases, and still make it very emotional and personal. There is such poetry in the old Apollo manuals: "switch to Omni Bravo" and "the bright ejector blanket." [2] The latter should probably be "ejecta blanket".

Magne's solo work has been sampled extensively, with the song "Foot of the Mountain" originally appeared as a solo track, on Magne's last solo album and two tracks from the A-ha album, have borrowed parts from Magne's album.

Artwork

The album's artwork is designed by Martin Kvamme, who has worked with A-ha on previous occasions, both as a band and on solo projects. Stian Andersen, Guy Berryman, Istockphoto and Helge Kvamme supplied photographs for the inner sleeve. [2] Martin Kvamme said the following about the inspiration behind the cover art: "In this case the title helped quite a lot. I know that this is a somehow poetic quote and that they are not necessarily talking about a mountain, but we wanted something majestic and simple. That's also why we made it quite abstract. It's a picture of the mountain Kyrkja (the church) in Jotunheimen, Norway. Inside we have more images of Norwegian nature (in a collage style). But in general I guess the inspiration comes from the overall idea (production and songwriting/lyrics), rather than the album title." [8]

Reception

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?5.9/10 [9]
Review scores
SourceRating
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
musicOMH Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
The Observer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Planet Sound Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]
The Scotsman Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Times Online Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]

The Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang gave the album 4 out of 6 stars, calling the band: "Coldplay's half-potent uncles." [16] Dagbladet also gave it 4 out of 6, stating: "This is one of A-ha's best records, but it could have been a classic." [17] Aftenposten was also very positive, giving it 4 out of 6, whilst Dagsavisen had slight reservations giving it 3 out of 6. [18] [19] Nettavisen also gave it 3 out of 6. [20] Swedish newspaper Norra Västerbotten gave the album a glowing review and the mark 4 out of 5 stating that the album contained "Melodic synthpop in the vein of The Killers." [21] Göteborgs-Posten gave the album 4 out of 6, calling the album: "A late peak in the band's career, perfectly placed between the soundscapes of Keane, Coldplay and Depeche Mode." [22] Östgöta Correspondenten gave a favourable review stating: "It is clear to see where Coldplay get their inspiration from." [23] Kristianstadsbladet were less favorable, stating that the album was a: "Sleeping pill." [24]

Commercial performance

In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart, the band's highest chart position since 1988. Foot of the Mountain reached platinum status in Russia, and in January 2010 it was certified platinum in Germany. [25] [26]

Track listing

No.TitleLyricsMusicProducer(s)Length
1."The Bandstand" Paul Waaktaar-Savoy Magne Furuholmen, Waaktaar-Savoy Mark Saunders 4:03
2."Riding the Crest"Waaktaar-SavoyFuruholmen, Waaktaar-Savoy Steve Osborne, Erik Ljunggren, a-ha, Saunders [a] 4:18
3."What There Is"Waaktaar-SavoyFuruholmen, Waaktaar-SavoyOsborne, Ljunggren, a-ha, Saunders [a] 3:46
4."Foot of the Mountain"Furuholmen, Waaktaar-SavoyFuruholmen, Waaktaar-Savoy, Martin Terefe Roland Spremberg3:59
5."Real Meaning"Waaktaar-SavoyFuruholmen, Waaktaar-SavoyOsborne, Ljunggren, a-ha, Saunders [a] 3:42
6."Shadowside"Waaktaar-SavoyWaaktaar-SavoyRoland Spremberg4:57
7."Nothing Is Keeping You Here"Waaktaar-SavoyWaaktaar-SavoyRoland Spremberg3:20
8."Mother Nature Goes To Heaven"Waaktaar-SavoyWaaktaar-SavoyRoland Spremberg, Saunders [a] 4:11
9."Sunny Mystery"FuruholmenFuruholmenOsborne, Ljunggren, a-ha, Saunders [a] 3:32
10."Start the Simulator"Waaktaar-SavoyWaaktaar-SavoySaunders, Spremberg5:12
Japanese edition bonus tracks [27]
No.TitleLength
1."Foot of the Mountain (Remix)"4:48
2."Foot of the Mountain (Erik Ljunggren Remix)"4:51
3."Foot of the Mountain (Boheme 7" Remix)"6:57
Notes

Personnel

A-ha

Additional musicians

Technical and Design

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Foot of the Mountain
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Germany (BVMI) [44] Platinum200,000^
Russia (NFPF) [45] Platinum20,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDate
Germany12 June 2009
Poland
Norway15 June 2009
Netherlands19 June 2009
Austria
Switzerland
UK27 July 2009
Canada18 August 2009
Brazil27 October 2009
Japan4 November 2009
Argentina18 February 2010 [46]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A-ha</span> Norwegian synth-pop band

A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982. Founded by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen, and Morten Harket, the band rose to fame during the mid-1980s.

<i>Stay on These Roads</i> 1988 studio album by A-ha

Stay on These Roads is the third studio album by Norwegian band A-ha, released on 3 May 1988 by Warner Bros. Records. Six singles were released from the album.

<i>Scoundrel Days</i> 1986 studio album by a-ha

Scoundrel Days is the second studio album by Norwegian band a-ha, released on 6 October 1986 by Warner Bros. Records. A remastered edition with additional tracks was released in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Waaktaar-Savoy</span> Norwegian musician and songwriter (born 1961)

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy is a Norwegian musician and songwriter. Waaktaar-Savoy is best known for his work as the main songwriter and guitarist in the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha, which has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. He has written or co-written most of the band's biggest hits, including "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.", "Hunting High and Low", "Take On Me", the 1987 James Bond theme "The Living Daylights" and the ballad "Summer Moved On". In addition, Waaktaar-Savoy is also a painter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magne Furuholmen</span> Norwegian musician and visual artist

Magne Furuholmen is a Norwegian musician and visual artist. Also known by his stage name Mags, he is the keyboardist of the synth-pop band A-ha and co-wrote hits such as "Take On Me", "Stay on These Roads", "Manhattan Skyline", "Cry Wolf", "Forever Not Yours", "Analogue ", "Minor Earth Major Sky", "Touchy!", "You Are the One", "Move To Memphis" and "Foot of the Mountain". A-ha has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. He was named Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav by King Harald for his services to Norwegian music and his international success.

<i>East of the Sun, West of the Moon</i> 1990 studio album by A-ha

East of the Sun, West of the Moon is the fourth studio album by Norwegian band A-ha, released on 27 October 1990 by Warner Bros. Records. Named after a Norwegian fairy tale, the album was something of a departure from the band's earlier radio-friendly sound to a darker, moodier tone. It peaked at number one in the band's native Norway and reached top 20 in various European countries and Japan. It was co-produced by Ian Stanley, formerly of the band Tears for Fears.

<i>Memorial Beach</i> 1993 studio album by A-ha

Memorial Beach is the fifth studio album by the Norwegian band A-ha, released on 14 June 1993 by Warner Bros. Records.

<i>Minor Earth Major Sky</i> 2000 studio album by A-ha

Minor Earth Major Sky is the sixth studio album by Norwegian band A-ha, released on 14 April 2000 by WEA.

<i>Lifelines</i> (A-ha album) 2002 studio album by A-ha

Lifelines is the seventh studio album by the Norwegian band A-ha, released on 24 April 2002 by WEA. The album topped the charts in Norway and Germany, and reached the top 10 in Austria, Denmark, Poland and Switzerland. In 2019, Lifelines and Minor Earth Major Sky, both of A-ha's albums recorded for Warner Music Germany, were remastered and re-released with an extra disc, which contained demos, early versions and alternate mixes. They also received their first official vinyl releases.

<i>Analogue</i> (album) 2005 studio album by A-ha

Analogue is the eighth studio album by the Norwegian band A-ha, released in 2005. It is a-ha's first album on Polydor Records (Universal), having previously been signed to Warner Music. Four singles were also released from this record. The album's second single, "Analogue " became the group's first top 10 hit on the UK Singles Chart since "Stay on These Roads" (1988). The album reached No. 24 in the UK and got silver certification there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A-ha discography</span>

The discography of A-ha, a Norwegian synthpop/rock band, consists of eleven studio albums, eight compilation albums, six box sets, ten extended plays, and fifty singles. This list does not include solo material or other projects recorded by A-ha band members.

<i>How Can I Sleep with Your Voice in My Head</i> 2003 live album by A-ha

How Can I Sleep with Your Voice in My Head is a live album by Norwegian band A-ha, released on 25 March 2003 by WEA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foot of the Mountain (song)</span> 2009 single by A-ha

"Foot of the Mountain" is a song by Norwegian band A-ha, released as the lead single from their ninth studio album of the same name (2009). It was used as the official anthem of the 2009 World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. The single reached number three in Germany, the band's highest-charting single in that country since "Take On Me" in 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing Is Keeping You Here</span> 2009 single by A-ha

"Nothing Is Keeping You Here" is a song by the Norwegian band a-ha taken from their ninth studio album Foot of the Mountain (2009). It was written by band member Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, produced by Roland Spremberg and it contains elements produced by Mark Saunders. It was released as the second single from the album in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2009, and as the third single in Europe on 20 November 2009. In an interview in Norway, Waaktaar-Savoy stated that the track was the first song to be written for the album while on tour.

<i>Ending on a High Note: The Final Concert</i> 2011 live album by A-ha

Ending on a High Note: The Final Concert is a live album by Norwegian band a-ha, released on 1 April 2011. It was recorded at the Oslo Spektrum in Oslo on 4 December 2010, which was initially planned to be their final concert before their eventual reunion in 2015. The concert on the previous night was also recorded as a back-up. The album contains the entire set from the final concert with the exception of "The Bandstand" and "Bowling Green", the latter being an Everly Brothers cover the band performed as part of the final encore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morten Harket</span> Norwegian singer (born 1959)

Morten Harket is a Norwegian singer who is the lead vocalist of the synth-pop band A-ha.

<i>Cast in Steel</i> 2015 studio album by a-ha

Cast in Steel is the tenth studio album by Norwegian band A-ha. The album was released on 4 September 2015 by We Love Music and Polydor. It is their first studio album since Foot of the Mountain (2009), following their second reunion in early 2015.

<i>MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice</i> 2017 live album by A-ha

MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice is a live album by the Norwegian band a-ha, released on 6 October 2017 as part of the MTV Unplugged series. It was recorded live at the Harbour Hall at Ocean Sound Recordings in Giske, Norway, on 22 and 23 June 2017.

<i>True North</i> (A-ha album) 2022 studio album by A-ha

True North is the eleventh studio album by Norwegian band A-ha. It was released on 21 October 2022 by RCA and Sony Music. The album's opening track "I'm In" was released as the first single on 8 July 2022.

References

  1. ↑ "Foot of the Mountain". Amazon Germany. 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archived 8 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "A-ha til topps i Tyskland – kultur". Dagbladet.no. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  4. ↑ "A-ha – VG-lista. Offisielle hitlister fra og med 1958". Lista.vg.no. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "A-ha rett inn på 5. plass – kultur". Dagbladet.no. 2 August 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "A-ha – interview 2007 – Nordlys (in norwegian)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  7. ↑ "A-ha – Foot of the Mountain (File) at Discogs". Discogs.com. 4 May 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  8. ↑ Archived 31 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ↑ "a-ha: Foot Of The Mountain". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  10. ↑ Sullivan, Caroline (24 July 2009). "A-ha: Foot of the Mountain". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  11. ↑ Monk, Christopher (26 July 2009). "a-ha - Foot Of The Mountain | Album Reviews". musicOMH . Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  12. ↑ "Pop review: A-ha, Foot of the Mountain". The Observer. London. 12 July 2009. Retrieved 22 October 2009.
  13. ↑ Earls, John. "Review: A-ha/Foot of the Mountain". Teletext. Archived from the original on 8 August 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  14. ↑ "Album review: A-ha". The Scotsman . 26 July 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  15. ↑ Paphides, Pete (17 July 2009). "Review: A-ha/Foot of the Mountain". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  16. ↑ "A-ha: "Foot of the Mountain" – VG Nett om A-ha". Vg.no. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  17. ↑ "Framover i alle retninger – kultur". Dagbladet.no. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  18. ↑ Cecilie Asker Publisert: 09.06.09 08:24 Oppdatert: 27 October 2009. "Høydepunktene mangler – Oslo – Foot of the Mountain aha A-ha Oslopuls.no". Oslopuls.aftenposten.no. Retrieved 12 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ↑ "Gamle synther blekner : Dagsavisen". Dagsavisen.no. 9 June 2009. Archived from the original on 15 August 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  20. ↑ "TjA-ha – Nettavisen". Side2.no. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  21. ↑ "A-ha – Norran". Norran.se. 17 June 2009. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  22. ↑ "Göteborgs-Posten - Skivrecensioner 4 fyrar". Archived from the original on 31 October 2007. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
  23. ↑ "Östergötlands största nyhetssajt". Corren.se. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  24. ↑ "A-ha: Foot of the mountain – Skivrecensioner – Kristianstadsbladet – Nyheter dygnet runt". Kristianstadsbladet.se. 16 June 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  25. ↑ Срок регистрации домена закончился
  26. ↑ "MusikWoche | News | Universal und MM Merchandising Media veredeln A-ha mit Platin". Mediabiz.de. 25 January 2010. Archived from the original on 1 August 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  27. ↑ "A-ha – Foot of the Mountain (2010, CD)". Discogs . 21 July 2010.
  28. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  29. ↑ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 26.Týden 2009 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  30. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  31. ↑ "Hits of the World". Billboard . Vol. 121, no. 33. 22 August 2009. p. 51. ISSN   0006-2510 – via Google Books.
  32. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  33. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography a-ha". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  34. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  35. ↑ フット・オブ・ザ・マウンテン | a～ha [Foot of the Mountain | a-ha] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  36. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  37. ↑ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  38. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  39. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  40. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – a-ha – Foot of the Mountain". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  41. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  42. ↑ "Year End Charts – European Top 100 Albums". Billboard.biz. 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  43. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts – 2009" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  44. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (A-Ha; 'Foot of the Mountain')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  45. ↑ "Russian album certifications – A-Ha – Foot of the Mountain" (in Russian). National Federation of Phonogram Producers (NFPF). Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  46. ↑ "A-ha – Foot of the Mountain". Musimundo.com. 18 February 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.