Foot of the Mountain
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)
GenreSynth-pop[2]
Length40:45
LabelWe Love Music, Polydor, Universal
ProducerA-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 pop rock 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]

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 the 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[10]
musicOMH[11]
The Observer[12]
Planet Sound[13]
The Scotsman[14]
Times Online[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-SavoyMagne Furuholmen, Waaktaar-SavoyMark Saunders4:03
2."Riding the Crest"Waaktaar-SavoyFuruholmen, Waaktaar-SavoySteve 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 TerefeRoland 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
  • ^[a] contains elements produced by Mark Saunders

Personnel

A-ha

Additional musicians

  • Pete Davis – programming
  • Erik Ljunggren – keyboards, programming
  • Chris Papendieck – keyboards, programming, guitars
  • Mark Saunders – programming
  • Jochan Schmalbach – programming
  • Roland Spremberg – keyboards, programming, guitars, bass guitar
  • Albert Bjerglund – guitars
  • Steve Osborne – guitars, bass guitar
  • Jens Carstens – drums
  • James Frazee – drums
  • Karl Oluf Wennerberg – drums
  • Kjetil Bjerkestrand – string arrangements
  • Harald Aadland, Ida Bryhn, Bogumila Dowlasz-Wojcikowska, Dorthe Dreier, Øyvind Fossheim, Cecilia Götestam, Hans Josef Groh, Jørn Halbakken, Vegard Johnsen, Johannes Martens, André Orvik, Stig Ove Ose, Alyson Read, Eileen Siegel, and Hans Mortem Stensland – strings

Technical and Design

  • Manfred Faust – engineer
  • James Frazee – engineer
  • Erik Ljunggren – engineer
  • George Tanderø – engineer
  • Jan Erik Kongshaug – string recording
  • Robin Baynton – assistant engineer
  • Adam Daniels – assistant engineer
  • Steve Osborne – mixing
  • Kevin Metcalfe – mastering
  • Tim Young – mastering
  • Metropolis Mastering and The Soundmasters (London, UK) – mastering locations
  • Martin Kvamme – cover design
  • Stian Andersen – photography
  • Guy Berryman – photography
  • Helge Kvamme – photography
  • iStockphoto – photography
  • Harald Wiik – management

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Foot of the Mountain
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Germany (BVMI)[44] Platinum 200,000^
Russia (NFPF)[45] Platinum 20,000*

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

Release history

Region Date
Germany 12 June 2009
Poland
Norway 15 June 2009
Netherlands 19 June 2009
Austria
Switzerland
UK 27 July 2009
Canada 18 August 2009
Brazil 27 October 2009
Japan 4 November 2009
Argentina 18 February 2010[46]

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. 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. 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.
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