a-ha

The Norwegian band's debut album from 1985 not only contains the teen synth classic "Take On Me" but also contains their lesser-known hit, "The Sun Always Shines On TV." Filled with highly produced ballads and smooth, well thought-out, up-tempo Euro-pop numbers.

Quite aware that I don't qualify as a pubescent female, I tried to be understanding. It's not their fault they're blond, after all--they're Norwegian. But though they'd clearly have been better off raised closer to the blues--in Wales, say--the gutturals of fellow Scandinavians from Gasolin' to the Nomads suggest that their precious Yes-gone-Europop accents are chosen freely. Over music they probably exerted less control. (Grade - C-)