A-ha – Train Of Thought (Remix)

Released in 1986, “Train Of Thought (Remix)” was a reworked version of the original track from A-ha’s debut album, Hunting High and Low. Issued as a single in the UK and several European countries, the remix gave the song a more polished and contemporary sound, reflecting the band’s growing confidence following their international breakthrough. Written by Pal Waaktaar-Savoy and produced by Alan Tarney, the updated version retained the emotional core of the original while introducing a brighter, more energetic production that suited the evolving synth-pop landscape of the mid-1980s.

The song reflects on uncertainty, self-discovery and the search for direction, using the image of an unstoppable train as a metaphor for life’s journey and the choices made along the way. Morten Harket’s soaring, expressive vocals bring warmth and sincerity to the thoughtful lyrics, while Magne Furuholmen’s shimmering keyboards and Pal Waaktaar-Savoy’s melodic guitar work create a rich, uplifting sound. The remix adds greater emphasis to the rhythm section and synthesiser textures, giving the track a stronger sense of momentum without losing the atmospheric qualities that defined the band’s early recordings.

Although overshadowed by global hits such as “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines On TV”, “Train Of Thought (Remix)” remains a favourite among A-ha fans and highlights the band’s gift for combining intelligent songwriting with memorable pop melodies. Today, it stands as an excellent example of the sophisticated, emotionally resonant synth-pop that established a-ha as one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

The song peaked at No. 08 in the UK charts on 19th April 1986.