Lifelines
Produced by Stephen Hague, Clive Langer, and Alan Winstanley,Lifelines--the follow-up to A-Ha's successful European comeback,Minor Earth, Major Sky--represents a further maturing of style. The instant synth-pop formula songs of their 1980s golden years have been replaced by a style that's more serious and solid. The sweeping title track that opens the album establishes from the get-go a philosophical, self-questioning theme that is continued on "There's a Reason for It" and "Less Than Pure." Despite the push toward a darker sound, the lyrics remain simple but sharp. "Turn the Lights Down" is an exquisite duet that could easily propel the group back to the top of the charts. But as the tone of the release suggests, the older, wiser A-Ha appear to no longer crave mass adoration, and are moving instead towards a more dynamic, credible musical future.--John Galilee