Story Behind The Song

Released in 1986, “Hunting High And Low (Remix)” was a reworked version of the title track from a-ha’s debut album, Hunting High And Low. Originally released in its album form in 1985, the song was written by Pål Waaktaar and given a more polished treatment for its later single release, with additional production by Alan Tarney and Tony Mansfield.

The song is a deeply romantic and atmospheric piece about longing and devotion. Its narrator describes searching everywhere for someone he loves, using the imagery of hunting “high and low” to express the lengths he would go to find them. There is an intensity beneath the gentle delivery, giving the song an emotional quality that feels both intimate and expansive.

Morten Harket’s remarkable vocal performance is central to the recording. He moves from a restrained, almost fragile delivery in the verses to soaring high notes in the chorus, demonstrating the extraordinary range that became one of A-ha’s defining characteristics. Pål Waaktaar’s guitars and Magne Furuholmen’s keyboards provide a delicate electronic backdrop, while the remix gives the arrangement a cleaner and more spacious feel.

The song also stands apart from some of A-ha’s more rhythm-driven synth-pop material. Rather than relying on an insistent electronic beat, it gradually builds its emotional impact through melody, atmosphere and Harket’s increasingly powerful vocals.

“Hunting High And Low (Remix)” remains one of A-ha’s most beautiful early recordings, combining sophisticated songwriting, elegant production and an unforgettable vocal performance to create a timeless expression of romantic longing.

The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK singles chart on the 21st June 1986.

Eighties Archive Song Number

EA-0245

Highest Chart Position

No. 05

Date Released

2nd June 1986

Genre

Electronic, Pop, Synth-Pop

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

14th June 1986

Record Label

WARNER BROS

Catalogue Number

W 6663

ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.

Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.

A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS

A-ha - Hunting High And Low (Remix) - UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Front
A-ha - Hunting High And Low (Remix) - UK 7'' Cover - Back
UK 7'' Cover - Back

TRACK LISTING

A-Side Hunting High And Low (Remix) (3:45)
(Pal Waaktaar)
Produced By Tony Mansfield, Alan Tarney
B-Side The Blue Sky (Demo Version) (3:!2)
(Pal Waaktaar)
Produced By A-ha

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 14th June 1986 – 2nd August 1986
16
05
06
07
11
22
31
38

OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS

Hunting High And Low (Remix) (Single Version) (3:45)
Hunting High And Low (Extended Remix) (6:03)
Hunting High And Low (Album Version) (3:45)

See ALL releases of ‘Hunting High And Low (Remix)’ on Discogs.

OFFICIAL VIDEO

LYRICS

Here I am
And within the reach of my hands
She’s sound asleep
And she’s sweeter now than the wildest dream
Could’ve seen her
And I watch her slipping away

But I know I’ll be hunting high and low, high
There’s no end to the lengths I’ll go to
Hunting high and low, high
There’s no end to lengths I’ll go to

Find her again
Upon this, my dreams are depending
Through the dark
I sense the pounding of her heart
Next to mine
She’s the sweetest love I could find

So I guess I’ll be hunting high and low, high
There’s no end to the lengths I’ll go to
High and low, high
Do you know what it means to love you?

I’m hunting high and low
And now she’s telling me, she’s got to go away

I’ll always be hunting high and low
Only for you (I know you say)
Watch me tearing myself to pieces
Hunting high and low, high
There’s no end to the lengths I’ll go to

Oh, for you I’ll be hunting high and low

Written By Pål Waaktaar

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