This is number 26 in my occasional series of 12″ records from the 80s that had an effect on my life.

A-ha’s “The Sun Always Shines on TV” is one of the most iconic synth-pop songs of all time. Released in 1985 as the third single from their debut album, Hunting High and Low, the song quickly became a hit, reaching number one in the UK and Ireland. It has since been covered by countless artists, and its catchy melody and lyrics have remained popular for decades.

The 12″ Extended Version was remixed by Steve Thompson and features a great extended intro which was a really useful tool when DJing at the time, enabling it to be faded in with the previous track without loss of beat. Remember, this was in the days before digital samplers were freely available.

The song was written by guitarist Pål Waaktaar, and it was inspired by his observations of the way television can distort reality. The lyrics describe a world where everything is perfect and happy, and where the sun always shines. However, the song’s dark undercurrent suggests that this world is not as perfect as it seems. The narrator is clearly troubled by something, and he sings about the pressure of always having to be happy.

Although, the song’s lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways. Some people believe that the song is about the power of television to create a false sense of reality. Others believe that the song is about the pressure of always having to be happy.

The song’s music reflects its lyrics, with a driving synth beat and a soaring melody. Morten Harket’s vocals are also a highlight, as he delivers the lyrics with a sense of urgency and passion.

“The Sun Always Shines on TV” is a classic example of synth-pop at its best. It’s a catchy, well-crafted song with a dark edge that makes it all the more interesting. The song has stood the test of time, and it remains one of A-ha’s most popular and enduring hits.

In addition to its catchy melody and lyrics, “The Sun Always Shines on TV” is also notable for its music video. The video was directed by Steve Barron, who also directed the video for A-ha’s previous single, “Take On Me.” The video for “The Sun Always Shines on TV” continues the story of the “Take On Me” video, and it features the band members as animated characters. The video was a huge hit, and it helped to solidify A-ha’s status as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s.