REWIND back to the 1980’s | Photo: a-ha, London, 1984; from the left, Paul Waaktaar, Morten Harket and Magne Furuholmen | Written by: Tom Danny P.
“Take on Me” by a-ha was one of the most iconic and beloved pop songs of the 1980s. From its catchy melody to its innovative music video, the song quickly became a hit and established a-ha as one of the biggest bands of the decade. And what a decade it was! This song sweeps into the line of a decade to remember for the ages.
The song’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of catchy pop hooks and cutting-edge technology. The band’s frontman, Morten Harket, delivers an energetic and emotional performance that captures the hearts of listeners, while the memorable synth-pop production adds a futuristic and danceable edge to the song. It made you sing, it made you POP out your energetic feels all around and it definitely made you happy!
But the real magic of “Take on Me” lies in its groundbreaking music video (If you haven’t seen it, it’s kind of a must, like while you’re reading, don’t worry – You’ll find it below!). Directed by Steve Barron, the video features the band as comic book characters who are brought to life in a futuristic world. The video’s combination of rotoscoping and live-action footage was a technological marvel at the time and has since become one of the most iconic music videos of all time.
“Take on Me” was not just a one-hit wonder for a-ha. The band went on to release several more successful albums and songs, establishing themselves as one of the biggest pop acts of the 80s and 90s. With a string of top-ten hits, including “The Sun Always Shines on TV” and “Cry Wolf”, the band’s unique blend of synth-pop and classic songwriting won over fans across the world.
In addition to their musical success, a-ha was known for their innovative and memorable live shows. The band’s concerts were a blend of high-energy performances and stunning visual displays, and they continue to tour to this day, drawing massive crowds all over the world.
“Take on Me” by a-ha was an absolute triumph in every sense of the word. From its memorable melody and innovative music video, to the band’s successful career and impact on popular culture, “Take on Me” stands as one of the greatest pop songs of the 80s and a testament to the enduring appeal of a-ha’s music.
