A milestone in pop history

“Take On Me” by A-ha is much more than just a one-hit wonder from the 1980s. The song, which stormed the international charts in 1985, is now considered an icon of pop music and is inextricably linked to one of the most innovative music videos of its time. The Norwegian band achieved international breakthrough with this hit, and the song remains a timeless classic to this day. Its distinctive sound, coupled with technical sophistication and a unique music video, made it a symbol of an entire musical era. The story behind the song and its enduring cultural relevance make “Take On Me” a fascinating subject for study in pop history.

History

The origins of “Take On Me” date back to 1982, when A-ha were still at the beginning of their career and just trying to make a name for themselves on the Norwegian music scene. The first version of the song, then titled “Lesson One,” was heavily influenced by the synth-pop trends of the time and underwent several revisions. A-ha worked intensively to perfect the melody and find a sound that was both catchy and internationally marketable. It was only through their collaboration with British producer Alan Tarney that the final version was created, which was first released in 1984. However, this first release received little attention and was largely a flop. But A-ha didn’t give up: with a new, ambitious music video in tow, the song was re-released in 1985 – this time with great success. “Take On Me” became a global hit and catapulted the band to the top of the international music scene.

Trivia

Interestingly, “Take On Me” was recorded three times before it appeared in its familiar form. The band placed great emphasis on sound quality and musical details, which led to numerous reworkings. The high falsetto vocals of frontman Morten Harket posed a particular challenge. His vocal performance remains one of the most distinctive features of the song to this day and is demanding even for experienced singers. The chorus is so catchy that it has become ingrained in the collective musical memory and is often used in films, TV series, video games, and commercials. The song is also considered one of the earliest pop songs to fully exploit the potential of synthesizers without sacrificing melody or emotion. Fun fact: The high note in the chorus is often jokingly referred to as the vocal “Mount Everest” for karaoke singers.

Music video

Critical reception at the time

Upon its release, “Take On Me” was well received by many critics. Particular praise was given to the innovative production, the creative music video elements and Morten Harket’s outstanding vocal performance. However, some critics were cautious and wondered whether A-ha would be more than just a short-lived phenomenon. Nevertheless, the song was played on radio stations around the world and reached number 1 in the charts in several countries, including the US, the UK, Norway and Germany. Within a short time, “Take On Me” became a flagship for international synth pop and had a decisive influence on the soundscape of the 1980s. Music journalists also praised the harmonious combination of electronic sounds and emotional vocals, which gave the song depth and character.

Reputation today

Today, “Take On Me” is considered an undisputed classic of the 1980s and is often featured in retrospectives on the pop culture of that decade. The song has gained a new generation of fans thanks to its longevity and rediscovery on social networks such as TikTok and YouTube. Numerous remixes, reinterpretations, and cover versions, including by renowned artists such as Weezer and Pentatonix, testify to the song’s enduring popularity. “Take On Me” is also frequently used in advertising and cinema, underscoring its versatility and enduring cultural value. Today, the song is not only a piece of music history, but also a point of identification for nostalgics and young listeners alike. In addition, the music video has been digitally restored and has been viewed millions of times on platforms such as YouTube.

Summery

“Take On Me” is more than just a pop song – it is a cultural phenomenon that has had a lasting impact on the music world. With its distinctive sound, iconic music video, and enduring influence, the song has secured a permanent place in the history of pop music. With this hit, A-ha proved that even a band from Norway can conquer the world stage. The success of “Take On Me” shows how much perseverance, creative vision, and technical know-how are necessary to create a true classic. The song is a shining example of how music, technology, and visual storytelling can merge into a total work of art. Even decades after its initial release, “Take On Me” is still alive and relevant—a true masterpiece of pop culture.

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