A great opening track, and considering it was the 30 year anniversary of their first album Hunting High and Low in 2015 when they recorded this new one Cast In Steel, it’s a pretty good testimony to their enduring talent to make great music. I was really very favourably impressed when I first heard the album and this track in particular. I was particularly pleased that Morten’s vocals still sounded so beautiful and with that uniquely ethereal sound.
I LOVE this song. I'd say it's easily in my often fluctuating top 5 of all time. To my mind the song is about a marriage. Set in stone (because it was meant to be) and cast in steel (because of the ring to symbolise it). I have loads to say about, the strings, the ascending chords, the way 'fades away/falls away' just hangs in the ether before the chorus... A masterpiece in sound and structure. 15/10 from me.
I agree it is a great song - like you say, a masterpiece in sound and structure. But I wouldn't place it anywhere near my top 5 or even 10. It's a good thing this isn't my "worst-ever", you would be shocked. 😅 But it's coming soon... 😁
Love it. Love your reaction to the building strings. The song carries you and builds you up. One of my favourites of this album along with The End of the Affair
Hi Matt and A-HA family hope you are all well. Cast is steel is definately on my faves list. It’s a strong opener to a great album. Looking forward to you reaction to this song Matt. It was written by Pal and has A-HA’S signature melancholic stamp on it with lush almost cinematic string arrangements and melodic bass. The video for this song is in black and white and the song was performed during the cast on steel tour . Take care, stay safe and I’ll catch you on the next one. 😘❤️🇳🇴❤️🏴🇺🇸
Very melodic start to the album. Cast in Steel is not as electronic as FOTM but still has the a-ha trademarks throughout. The Wake, a single release, is my favourite from the album, got plenty of airplay in the UK on release. Not a bad album, not my favourite, but I’m sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy as your deep dive continues.
Forgot to comment on the lyrics. 😜 Looks like we passed the "bug" to you, that tendency to read the lyrics as internal messages and comments about the band. 😁 I had never thought about this one in that way, it is funny to see you put that possibility even ahead of listening to it, and it makes sense. I don't know, I have never read anything pointing in that direction about this song, but it is a valid and interesting reading. I always thought it was about a love relationship, of course (don't we always?), but everything is possible. Paul likes to have layers of meaning in his songs and leave them open to interpretation. 😉Well, the truth is, they write songs about relationships, and we can apply the words to all kinds of relationships, as long as it makes sense.
You were spot on Matt A-HA were originally only reuniting for a one off performance then realised that there was still something there so A-HA reformed. Take care 😘❤️🇳🇴❤️🏴🇺🇸
I always have so much to say, I only hope I am not overdoing it. 😛First, I am very glad you decided to start Cast in Steel right away, and I think it makes sense to go through the final concert as you go through the "new album" and try to finish it before you finish Cast in Steel. Then, the MTV Unplugged is (to me, at least) like a new studio album, it is so different from the other "live" stuff and it was conceived as a new album, not as a recording of a concert or songs from a tour, so you should go through it from beginning to end like you have done with the studio albums. But this, of course, is only a suggestion. 😇 (And there are a few new tracks on that album, it's not only new versions of old songs.) Second, I was betting you would particularly like this song, but maybe I was wrong. I guess it didn't strike you as much as the opening of the Foot of the Mountain album. There were more synths there, more strings here. 😉 I think this song is a little gem, there are so many wonderful details. And yes, it is very emotional. I like how it goes on a crescendo during the chorus and suddenly breaks down before the next verse. I don't know if I would place it in a list of personal favourites, but I think it is extremely well done, a piece of genius. Now, the "historical context" and chronology for you. 😉 You are right, a bit like in 1998 (when they were invited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert and that led to the first "comeback" with a new album in 2000), they were invited to perform at the Rock in Rio Festival as "special guests", to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the festival (in 2015), and as it coincided with the band's own 30th anniversary it was something they couldn't decline. Besides, Rock in Rio was such a highlight in their career because of the world-record in 1991, which was a landmark in the festival's history too, so there was a bond between a-ha and Rock in Rio that they felt they should celebrate. Curiously, the announcement that they were performing at the Rock in Rio festival in Sept. 2015 was made on 4th December 2014, exactly 4 years after their "last ever" concert in Oslo. 😃 We were overjoyed with the news, of course, but it got even better a few months later (in March 2015), when a new album and tour were announced at a press conference. ☺ The new album, Cast in Steel, was released in Sept. 2015, the same month as the Rock in Rio festival, but we got to hear the first single in July 2015, Under The Makeup. And the new tour actually started a few days before Rock in Rio, they needed to get a little practice before the big gig. 😉 REMINDER: As you are going to listen to Under the Makeup next, maybe it would be a good thing to put that disclaimer in the description, since it was the first single of the album. I hope it doesn't get blocked. 😬🤞🙏
I've always thought that this incredibly beautiful and slightly sad song is about a marriage, but after looking at the lyrics again, and considering that it's the first song on a new album after the band officially broke up, I'm not just as sure anymore. It might as well be about the band. Well observed, Matt. Besides - why would they meet at the turnaround, if there was no symbolism attached to it? "Hey guys, let's get this band up going again." Otherwise, I have to join those who like the album. I can't pick a favorite album, but this album is one of several in that category. It is particularly funny that a couple of my favorites from the album are signed by Morten. He has previously said that many see him as the "singing lady" of a-ha, in my understanding as a downgrading of his contribution. I don't understand why on the True North film he says he has to write his songs outside of a-ha, that it works best that way. Or is it simply that he wants to save the goodies for his own album, which is on the way?
I think Pal has been very underwhelmed by some of the songs Morten has written and had included on albums in the past. I believe in particular he hated Living At The End Of The World and The Wake on the Cast In Steel album, and I’ve heard fans say they don’t think Morten’s songs are always suited to a-ha and that he should keep them for his solo work. In view of that criticism I can see why Morten has decided (wisely in my opinion) to opt out of contributing his own songs, especially when there is already acrimony between Mags & Pal over the songs chosen for the albums and who gets the songwriting credits in general. A minefield best staying well out of I’d say!
@@marjoriemcbride6557 I thought that 'Living At The End Of The World' was a Pal song until i looked it up. I was shocked and delighted. I also think Morten is wise to steer clear of the 'who wrote this' food fight backstage. It makes me sad though, i like Mortens vibe through his songs. They don't always fit what i consider a-ha level material... but a lot of Pal's recent offerings don't hit the mark for me either.
@@marjoriemcbride6557 You are probably right that it is about the tensions in the band. In any case, I don't consider any of the songs to be particularly religious, more like a sigh of relief over the way developments in the world are going. I am aware that there are songs Morten did not want to sing because they violate his outlook on life. Yes, it is wise of Morten, but there is a difference between playing an instrument to a song and singing it - perhaps that difference is more apparent to a person who believes we are spiritual creatures. Nevertheless, when we have different views on this, it is probably because we, in the same way as Pål and Morten, have different views on life. I would have liked to have Morten's songs as part of a-ha's repetoire, with Magne and Pål's touch as musicians. As far as I know, they now share all income equally, which presumably makes it easier for Morten to leave the songwriting to the other two.
With your love of string sections, I feel it’s only fair to warn you. At some point in the latter stages of your A-ha journey, you may spontaneously combust…….
Matt, I hope someone has mentioned the bonus tracks CD for Cast In Steel as it includes another new at the time song, The End Of The Affair as well as a demo version of Shadowside, a stereophonic mix of Start The Simulator, and the Mark Saunders remix of Foot Of The Mountain. I would share it with you, but I don’t know how to do that. 😊
Again, same as I wish I cared, lifelines, holy ground, shadowside i also love cast in steel.
the strings 👌🎶
It's a beautiful opening track. Light and airy and as you say it just floats you along with it and then lays you down gently at the end.
Oh man, yes, the emotion :)
A great opening track, and considering it was the 30 year anniversary of their first album Hunting High and Low in 2015 when they recorded this new one Cast In Steel, it’s a pretty good testimony to their enduring talent to make great music. I was really very favourably impressed when I first heard the album and this track in particular. I was particularly pleased that Morten’s vocals still sounded so beautiful and with that uniquely ethereal sound.
I LOVE this song. I'd say it's easily in my often fluctuating top 5 of all time.
To my mind the song is about a marriage. Set in stone (because it was meant to be) and cast in steel (because of the ring to symbolise it).
I have loads to say about, the strings, the ascending chords, the way 'fades away/falls away' just hangs in the ether before the chorus... A masterpiece in sound and structure. 15/10 from me.
Ahhh, I see, both of those phrases make perfect (and poetic) sense in that reading. Cheers, appreciate that insight!
@@mattsnider2667 I forgot to mention the 'always remember what we said' as the vows.
I agree it is a great song - like you say, a masterpiece in sound and structure. But I wouldn't place it anywhere near my top 5 or even 10. It's a good thing this isn't my "worst-ever", you would be shocked. 😅 But it's coming soon... 😁
@@sofiamar18 (nervous twitching and blinking) I await patiently.
Love Cast in Steel. And Under the Makeup is great too...
The music of A-HA and the violins harmonize so well together! Classic A-HA sound. Great timeless songs, like this one...
🥰🎼🎶
Yes! This too is a brilliant album!!!
😊❤🎵🇳🇴
in my opinion, the very best a-ha album since the new millennium... a very melodically, musically and lyrically mastered album
I absolutely hate it. «the wake» is the only song I can listen to from it. Everything a-ha have done post «The Final Concert» has disappointed me.
Love it. Love your reaction to the building strings. The song carries you and builds you up. One of my favourites of this album along with The End of the Affair
Hi Matt and A-HA family hope you are all well. Cast is steel is definately on my faves list. It’s a strong opener to a great album. Looking forward to you reaction to this song Matt. It was written by Pal and has A-HA’S signature melancholic stamp on it with lush almost cinematic string arrangements and melodic bass. The video for this song is in black and white and the song was performed during the cast on steel tour . Take care, stay safe and I’ll catch you on the next one. 😘❤️🇳🇴❤️🏴🇺🇸
Very melodic start to the album. Cast in Steel is not as electronic as FOTM but still has the a-ha trademarks throughout. The Wake, a single release, is my favourite from the album, got plenty of airplay in the UK on release. Not a bad album, not my favourite, but I’m sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy as your deep dive continues.
Oh I love this song so much ❤❤❤ those ascending strings are so beautiful.
Forgot to comment on the lyrics. 😜 Looks like we passed the "bug" to you, that tendency to read the lyrics as internal messages and comments about the band. 😁 I had never thought about this one in that way, it is funny to see you put that possibility even ahead of listening to it, and it makes sense. I don't know, I have never read anything pointing in that direction about this song, but it is a valid and interesting reading. I always thought it was about a love relationship, of course (don't we always?), but everything is possible. Paul likes to have layers of meaning in his songs and leave them open to interpretation. 😉Well, the truth is, they write songs about relationships, and we can apply the words to all kinds of relationships, as long as it makes sense.
Very modern alabum,but true A ha stayl.
You were spot on Matt A-HA were originally only reuniting for a one off performance then realised that there was still something there so A-HA reformed. Take care 😘❤️🇳🇴❤️🏴🇺🇸
This music is so tender like a candy, a return to childhood ....
I always have so much to say, I only hope I am not overdoing it. 😛First, I am very glad you decided to start Cast in Steel right away, and I think it makes sense to go through the final concert as you go through the "new album" and try to finish it before you finish Cast in Steel. Then, the MTV Unplugged is (to me, at least) like a new studio album, it is so different from the other "live" stuff and it was conceived as a new album, not as a recording of a concert or songs from a tour, so you should go through it from beginning to end like you have done with the studio albums. But this, of course, is only a suggestion. 😇 (And there are a few new tracks on that album, it's not only new versions of old songs.)
Second, I was betting you would particularly like this song, but maybe I was wrong. I guess it didn't strike you as much as the opening of the Foot of the Mountain album. There were more synths there, more strings here. 😉 I think this song is a little gem, there are so many wonderful details. And yes, it is very emotional. I like how it goes on a crescendo during the chorus and suddenly breaks down before the next verse. I don't know if I would place it in a list of personal favourites, but I think it is extremely well done, a piece of genius.
Now, the "historical context" and chronology for you. 😉 You are right, a bit like in 1998 (when they were invited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert and that led to the first "comeback" with a new album in 2000), they were invited to perform at the Rock in Rio Festival as "special guests", to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the festival (in 2015), and as it coincided with the band's own 30th anniversary it was something they couldn't decline. Besides, Rock in Rio was such a highlight in their career because of the world-record in 1991, which was a landmark in the festival's history too, so there was a bond between a-ha and Rock in Rio that they felt they should celebrate. Curiously, the announcement that they were performing at the Rock in Rio festival in Sept. 2015 was made on 4th December 2014, exactly 4 years after their "last ever" concert in Oslo. 😃 We were overjoyed with the news, of course, but it got even better a few months later (in March 2015), when a new album and tour were announced at a press conference. ☺
The new album, Cast in Steel, was released in Sept. 2015, the same month as the Rock in Rio festival, but we got to hear the first single in July 2015, Under The Makeup. And the new tour actually started a few days before Rock in Rio, they needed to get a little practice before the big gig. 😉
REMINDER: As you are going to listen to Under the Makeup next, maybe it would be a good thing to put that disclaimer in the description, since it was the first single of the album. I hope it doesn't get blocked. 😬🤞🙏
Well done again, Shnootz!
I've always thought that this incredibly beautiful and slightly sad song is about a marriage, but after looking at the lyrics again, and considering that it's the first song on a new album after the band officially broke up, I'm not just as sure anymore. It might as well be about the band. Well observed, Matt. Besides - why would they meet at the turnaround, if there was no symbolism attached to it? "Hey guys, let's get this band up going again."
Otherwise, I have to join those who like the album. I can't pick a favorite album, but this album is one of several in that category. It is particularly funny that a couple of my favorites from the album are signed by Morten. He has previously said that many see him as the "singing lady" of a-ha, in my understanding as a downgrading of his contribution. I don't understand why on the True North film he says he has to write his songs outside of a-ha, that it works best that way. Or is it simply that he wants to save the goodies for his own album, which is on the way?
Se preferisce lasciarle per il suo album da solista,va bene così 😊.
Gli a-ha e Morten hanno sempre trovato il loro giusto equilibrio.
I think Pal has been very underwhelmed by some of the songs Morten has written and had included on albums in the past. I believe in particular he hated Living At The End Of The World and The Wake on the Cast In Steel album, and I’ve heard fans say they don’t think Morten’s songs are always suited to a-ha and that he should keep them for his solo work. In view of that criticism I can see why Morten has decided (wisely in my opinion) to opt out of contributing his own songs, especially when there is already acrimony between Mags & Pal over the songs chosen for the albums and who gets the songwriting credits in general. A minefield best staying well out of I’d say!
@@marjoriemcbride6557 I thought that 'Living At The End Of The World' was a Pal song until i looked it up. I was shocked and delighted. I also think Morten is wise to steer clear of the 'who wrote this' food fight backstage. It makes me sad though, i like Mortens vibe through his songs. They don't always fit what i consider a-ha level material... but a lot of Pal's recent offerings don't hit the mark for me either.
@@Elena-in6uw I totally agree!
@@marjoriemcbride6557 You are probably right that it is about the tensions in the band. In any case, I don't consider any of the songs to be particularly religious, more like a sigh of relief over the way developments in the world are going. I am aware that there are songs Morten did not want to sing because they violate his outlook on life. Yes, it is wise of Morten, but there is a difference between playing an instrument to a song and singing it - perhaps that difference is more apparent to a person who believes we are spiritual creatures. Nevertheless, when we have different views on this, it is probably because we, in the same way as Pål and Morten, have different views on life. I would have liked to have Morten's songs as part of a-ha's repetoire, with Magne and Pål's touch as musicians.
As far as I know, they now share all income equally, which presumably makes it easier for Morten to leave the songwriting to the other two.
With your love of string sections, I feel it’s only fair to warn you. At some point in the latter stages of your A-ha journey, you may spontaneously combust…….
Hahaha, I'm oddly looking forward to that now!
Matt, I hope someone has mentioned the bonus tracks CD for Cast In Steel as it includes another new at the time song, The End Of The Affair as well as a demo version of Shadowside, a stereophonic mix of Start The Simulator, and the Mark Saunders remix of Foot Of The Mountain. I would share it with you, but I don’t know how to do that. 😊
Oh right on, will make sure I have access to those as we move through Cast in Steel. Thanks for the tip!