A–ha, the Norwegian synth-pop trio formed in Oslo in 1982 by Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, rose to international fame with their breakthrough hit ‘Take On Me” in 1985. Known for Harket’s soaring vocals, sleek synthesizer-driven sound, and cinematic songwriting, the band quickly became one of the most successful European acts of the decade. Their debut album Hunting High And Low produced multiple hits and showcased their ability to blend catchy pop hooks with atmospheric depth. Though often associated with their iconic animated music video for ‘Take On Me’ , A-ha went on to achieve sustained success with albums like Scoundrel Days (1986) and Stay On These Roads (1988), building a loyal global fanbase. With career sales exceeding 100 million records and a legacy of innovation in both music and visuals,
A-ha remain one of the most enduring and influential bands to emerge from the 1980s.
A–ha’s 1986 single ‘I’ve Been Losing You’ showed the band’s darker, more dramatic side and proved they were far more than a one-hit wonder. Serving as the lead single from their second album Scoundrel Days, the track blends driving guitars, moody synths, and Morten Harket’s powerful vocals into a tense, emotional anthem. It topped the charts in Norway and hit the Top 10 in several European countries, further solidifying the band’s international success after ‘Take On Me.’ With its brooding atmosphere and urgent energy, “I’ve Been Losing You” remains a fan favorite and a reminder of A-ha’s ability to balance pop accessibility with artistic depth.
The song peaked at No. 08 in the UK charts on 11th October 1986.
| A-Side | I’ve Been Losing You (4:25) (Pål Waaktaar) Produced By Mags, Pål Waaktaar |
| B-Side | This Alone Is Love (4:30) (Magne Furholmen, Pål Waaktaar) Produced By Mags, Pål Waaktaar |
| Genre | Electronic, Rock, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | 22nd September 1986 |
| Label | WARNER BROS |
| Catalogue Number | W 8594 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 4th October 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 08 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 05 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 4th October 1986 – 15th November 1986 |
| 14-[8]-10-16-29 |
Officially Released Versions
I’ve Been Losing You [Single Version] [4:25]
I’ve Been Losing You [Extended Version] [7:03]
I’ve Been Losing You [Dub] [4:22]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
It wasn’t the rain
That made no difference
And I could have sworn it wasn’t me
Yet I did it all so coldly
…almost slowly
Plain for all to see
Oh c’mon please now
Talk to me
Tell me; things I could find helpful
How can I stop now…
Is there nothing I can do
I have lost my way
I’ve been losing you
I can still hear our screams competing
You’re hissing your s’s like a snake
Now in the mirror stands
Half a man
I thought no one could break
It wasn’t the rain
That made no difference
…nervously drumming on, run away
But I want the guilt to get me
Thoughts to wreck me
Preying on my mind
So, please now
Talk to me
Tell me; things I could find helpful
For how can I stop now…
Is there nothing I can do
I have lost my way
I’ve been losing you
Written by Pal Waaktaar
