The Crate
a-ha
The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
The Sun Always Shines on T.V. is a 1985 single by the Norwegian synth‑pop band a-ha, issued as the third single from their debut album Hunting High and Low (1985). It topped the UK charts for two weeks and reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, helping underpin the album’s international success. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Always_Shines_on_T.V.))
Recording History
Hunting High and Low was recorded from 1984–1985 at Eel Pie Studios in Twickenham, London, and produced by Tony Mansfield, John Ratcliff and Alan Tarney. The Sun Always Shines on T.V. itself was produced by Alan Tarney. Notably, Waaktaar-Savoy recalls the band recording this track while fighting influenza, with Magne Furuholmen and Morten Harket ill in the studio. The single was released in the US in autumn 1985 and in the UK on 16 December 1985, with the UK 7" version at 4:45 and extended/club mixes available on 12" releases, including an 8:25 US Steve Thompson dance mix. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting_High_and_Low))
Chart Performance & Recognition
On release, The Sun Always Shines on T.V. reached No. 1 in the UK (two weeks) and Ireland, and No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100; it also earned top‑5 positions across much of Europe. The single’s 7"/12" formats varied in length, with the US 12" dance mix featuring extended club edits. The track’s production and arrangement were noted for a fuller, weighty synth sound, described by Billboard as a strong follow‑up to Take On Me. The single has been certified silver in the UK and France. MTV honored the related video with Best Editing and Best Cinematography at the 1986 VMAs. Hunting High and Low itself has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and achieved US platinum and UK multi‑platinum status. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Always_Shines_on_T.V.))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
The song’s cinematic production and hook helped cement a-ha’s international breakthrough, with U2 later noting influence on Beautiful Day. Diva issued a 1994 cover of The Sun Always Shines on T.V. The accompanying video, shot at Udney Hall Gardens and the Church of Saint Alban the Martyr in Teddington, is a landmark of 1980s music videos and won MTV awards. The track remains a touchstone of 80s synth‑pop and is discussed alongside the album Hunting High and Low, which is listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun_Always_Shines_on_T.V.))