2000's 'Minor Earth Major Sky' proved to be a most unlikely career-high for the veteran Norwegian trio A-ha. Where once they were unfairly banded with the likes of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran as teen chart fodder they managed to perfect their polished pop formula to make material which impressed on both a musical and emotional level. 'Lifelines' is more of the same, if a little lacking in the consistency of its predecessor. Wounded anthems of the ilk of the title track, 'Forever Not Yours' and 'You Wanted More' mix a synthetic rush with Morten Harket's unspoiled falsetto. What does disappoint is the noticeable dip in quality as the album ends with a whimper; a surplus of ballads failing to achieve anything beyond pleasantness. It is best to remember this album for the bright europop of 'There's A Reason For It' or the fantastic metaphors used on 'Oranges On Appletrees'. Given a little programming 'Lifelines' is a quality reprise of their excellent last album.