Highlights include a guitar-led version of "Soft Rains of April," the "This Alone Is Love" original version, and multiple demos of "The Swing of Things".
The original 10-track album, digitally remastered for improved clarity and "vibrancy," plus three extended remixes: "I've Been Losing You" (Extended Version), "Cry Wolf" (Extended Version), and "Manhattan Skyline" (Extended Remix).
When a-ha released their sophomore album Scoundrel Days on October 6, 1986, they faced the impossible task of following up the global phenomenon of "Take On Me". Rather than chasing another neon-soaked pop hit, the Norwegian trio—Morten Harket, Pål Waaktaar, and Magne Furuholmen—opted for a colder, darker, and more atmospheric sound. The 2010 from Rhino Records serves as the definitive celebration of this creative pivot, offering a deep dive into the band's most critically respected era. A Darker Shade of Synth-Pop
Have you heard a specific “UPD” version that sounds different? Drop the catalog number in the comments, and we’ll help identify which pressing it is.
The original Scoundrel Days (2003) was famous for its ambition but infamous for its muddy textures. The remastered update has completely scrapped the old lighting engine. aha scoundrel days remastered and expanded upd
: Morten Harket’s vocals are praised as "soaring" and "underrated," with critics noting his ability to move from fatalistic verses to hopeful, high-octane choruses in tracks like the title opener. Key Tracks :
: The most successful single from the album in the U.S., peaking at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album features the brooding lead single " I've Been Losing You ," the cinematic " Manhattan Skyline ," and the fan-favorite " Cry Wolf ".
The (often called the "Deluxe Edition"), originally released in 2010 to coincide with the band's first farewell tour, remains the ultimate version of this alt-pop classic. The Sonic Evolution of Scoundrel Days Highlights include a guitar-led version of "Soft Rains
: It features major European tracks like "I've Been Losing You" and "Cry Wolf". What is in the Expanded Update?
If you are diving into the remastered edition for the first time, keep an ear out for these standout tracks:
This update respects the original vision while dragging the audio into the modern era. It proves that a-ha was never just a pretty face with a high note. They were architects of sophisticated, melancholic pop that stands alongside Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode.
Original CD pressings of Scoundrel Days suffered from low volume, muddy bass, and a lack of clarity in the high frequencies. This new update was overseen by original engineers using modern digital tools (and in some versions, analog tape transfers at 24-bit/96kHz). Rather than chasing another neon-soaked pop hit, the
: All 10 original tracks are cleaned up to sound bigger and clearer than ever before.
The 2010 deluxe reissue expanded the original tracklist significantly, adding 21 bonus tracks to provide a deep look into the band’s creative process. Disc Content Key Features
The album is available at various retailers, often in different formats:
It stands as a testament to the fact that Scoundrel Days was, and remains, a-ha's most artistic achievement. If you’d like to dive deeper, I can help you find:
The Deluxe Edition (often released through Rhino Entertainment) brings a wealth of new material to the forefront, turning a 10-track album into a deep dive into the band's creative process.