The rush of unexpected success in the wake of “Take On Me” and the Hunting High and Low album might have broken other bands, but a-ha bore down and succeeded once more on Scoundrel Days, capturing new facets of their crisp, clear approach exquisitely. Starting with the remarkable sweep of the title track, the ten songs moved from full-bodied melodrama (the shuddering lead single “I’ve Been Losing You” and the deeply intense “Manhattan Skyline”) to the contemplative (“October,” “Soft Rains of April”) and even to giddiness (“Maybe Maybe”).

– Ned Raggett