For September’s Album of the Month, we’re spotlighting a truly unique live performance from the iconic Norwegian band a-ha. Their MTV Unplugged – Summer Solstice captures a stripped-back, acoustic set, recorded more than 30 years after their debut. Performed in June 2017 at Giske Harbour Hall on a remote island off the west coast of Norway, this intimate concert featured an audience of just 250, which we can imagine made it an unforgettable experience.
This performance offers a beautiful and refreshing take on a-ha’s classic tracks, stepping away from their familiar synth-pop sound and embracing a more organic, acoustic feel. The result is a deeply personal and raw reimagining of their music.
A Stripped-Back Performance
Listening to MTV Unplugged – Summer Solstice, you’re instantly struck by how completely stripped back the performance felt. The arrangements are sparse but elegant, highlighting every layer of the music in a way that gives it new life and in some instances a comforting feel. Tracks like “Take On Me” are given a poignant, emotional redesign, with only a hint of the iconic keyboard line peeking through. The result is a version of the song that’s intimate and raw, offering a completely different vibe from the original.
As mentioned earlier, what stands out while listening is the comfort that this acoustic setup brings. There’s something soothing about hearing these familiar songs in such a minimal, transparent form. Taking away the elaborate production allows for a focus on the emotion behind the vocals and the subtleties in the instrumentals. It feels as though you’re sitting in that small audience, soaking in every note, every word.
Whether you’re an a-ha fan or simply appreciate acoustic performances like ourselves, this album will leave you feeling connected to the music in a completely new way.
Listen to a-ha MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice on Qobuz: https://open.qobuz.com/album/0060255792960
Listen to a-ha MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice on TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/album/79360816?u
