Scoundrel Days

Scoundrel Days is the second studio album by the Norwegian band a-ha, released on 6 October 1986 by Warner Bros. Records. The album represents a shift from the more pop-oriented sound of their debut album, Hunting High and Low (1985), towards a darker, more atmospheric sound. Scoundrel Days was met with critical acclaim and continued the band's commercial success, further establishing a-ha as one of the leading bands of the 1980s.

Background and Production

After the success of their debut album, Hunting High and Low, a-ha sought to expand their musical style with Scoundrel Days. The band collaborated once again with producer Alan Tarney, who had worked with them on their debut album. Recording sessions took place in England and Norway, with the band aiming to create a more mature and complex sound.

Release and Reception

Scoundrel Days was released on 6 October 1986. The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised its darker tone and sophisticated production. It was also a commercial success, charting in the top 10 in several countries and earning multiple certifications.

2010 Remastered Edition

In 2010, a remastered edition of Scoundrel Days was released, featuring additional tracks, including demos, live versions, and alternate mixes. This edition was well-received by fans and critics, offering a deeper insight into the album's production and the band's creative process.

Track Listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Scoundrel Days"	3:56
2.	"The Swing of Things"	4:14
3.	"I've Been Losing You"	4:24
4.	"October"	3:55
5.	"Manhattan Skyline"	4:52
6.	"Cry Wolf"	4:05
7.	"We're Looking for the Whales"	3:39
8.	"The Weight of the Wind"	3:57
9.	"Maybe, Maybe"	2:34
10.	"Soft Rains of April"	3:12

Personnel

• Morten Harket – vocals
• Paul Waaktaar-Savoy – guitars, backing vocals
• Magne Furuholmen – keyboards, backing vocals
• Alan Tarney – production

Charts

• Norway: #2
• UK: #2
• US: #74

Certifications

• United Kingdom: Platinum
• Norway: Platinum
• Germany: Platinum

Other websites

• Scoundrel Days at AllMusic