Released on the 1988 album Minor Earth Major Sky, "Barely Hanging On" stands as a defining track for A-Ha's synth-pop evolution. The song features the band's signature three-part vocal harmony, blending melancholic lyrics with an upbeat, driving rhythm that became a staple of their discography. As a key component of their late-80s catalog, it exemplifies the group's ability to merge pop sensibilities with atmospheric production. The recording remains a significant part of A-Ha's legacy, often appearing on live compilations and reissues alongside other hits from the era.