A-ha – The Sun Always Shines On TV

A-ha’s “The Sun Always Shines On TV” is one of the most dramatic and emotionally powerful songs from the Norwegian trio’s debut album, Hunting High And Low. Written by guitarist and songwriter Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, the song was produced by Alan Tarney and recorded in 1985, combining a sophisticated synth-pop arrangement with Morten Harket’s soaring vocal performance.

The song emerged partly from the success of “Take On Me”, but its mood is considerably darker and more introspective. Its lyrics explore loneliness, emotional uncertainty and the contrast between the idealised world presented on television and the more complicated reality of everyday life. The repeated plea for affection gives the song an almost desperate quality, despite the grandeur of its musical arrangement.

Musically, it builds from atmospheric keyboards and programmed rhythms into a sweeping, layered production, with Pål Waaktaar-Savoy providing guitar and drum programming while Magne Furuholmen contributed keyboards, bass programming and backing vocals.

The accompanying video, directed by Steve Barron, continued A-ha’s striking visual style. Filmed largely in black and white inside a church, it juxtaposed the band with rows of mysterious mannequins, creating an eerie and theatrical atmosphere.

With its combination of melancholy lyrics, powerful vocals and expansive electronic production, “The Sun Always Shines On TV” demonstrated that A-ha were capable of far more than simply delivering catchy synth-pop. It remains one of their most memorable and emotionally resonant recordings.

The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on the 25th January 1986.