1. Introduction: The Rise of “Take On Me”
This song made its way into the blog today because of this Sungha Jung version
Released in 1985 as part of a-ha’s debut album Hunting High and Low, “Take On Me” skyrocketed the Norwegian band to international fame. Initially launched in 1984, the first version failed to chart significantly. However, a re-recorded version combined with a groundbreaking music video changed everything. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached number one in several other countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Germany.
Composed by the trio—Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar—the song is a synth-pop anthem that blends catchy keyboard hooks with Morten Harket’s now-iconic soaring falsetto. The instrumental track went through multiple iterations before becoming the polished version known today. Interestingly, the keyboard riff was developed as early as 1982 under the title “The Juicy Fruit Song.”
2. History of the Band: Who Is a-ha?
Formed in Oslo, Norway in 1982, a-ha consists of vocalist Morten Harket, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, and guitarist Pål Waaktaar-Savoy. The band’s name is inspired by the simple yet memorable nature of the English exclamation “aha!”
The group’s international breakthrough came with “Take On Me,” but they solidified their musical credibility with subsequent hits like “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” and “Hunting High and Low.” Although primarily known for their 80s success, a-ha continued releasing albums and touring well into the 2000s and 2010s, earning them a dedicated global fanbase and a reputation for atmospheric, emotionally resonant pop music.
3. On the Videoclip: A Groundbreaking Piece of Animation
The Take On Me music video, directed by Steve Barron, became as iconic as the song itself, thanks to its innovative blend of live-action and pencil-sketch animation—a technique known as rotoscoping. The video was illustrated by Mike Patterson and Candace Reckinger, who painstakingly animated thousands of frames by hand.
The storyline follows a young woman who is pulled into a comic book world by the band’s lead singer. The protagonist was portrayed by Bunty Bailey, an English actress and dancer who was also romantically linked to Harket during that period. The fusion of romance, action, and fantasy with avant-garde visuals earned the video eight MTV Video Music Awards in 1986, including Best New Artist in a Video, Best Direction, and Most Experimental Video.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory Fun Facts
Musically, “Take On Me” is a synth-pop masterpiece in B major, featuring a rapid tempo of about 169 beats per minute. The song’s structure follows a classic verse-pre-chorus-chorus form, but what sets it apart is its modulation and vocal range.
The chorus jumps an entire perfect fourth, which adds to the dramatic, soaring feel. Morten Harket’s vocals span over two and a half octaves, culminating in that high, sustained “take on me” note, which remains one of pop’s most recognizable vocal feats. The complex melodic contour and unusual harmony for pop music have made the song a favorite among music theorists and vocalists alike.
5. More From a-ha: Beyond the 80s
While “Take On Me” is a-ha’s flagship hit, the band has a rich discography worth exploring. Songs like:
- “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” – A darker, more orchestral follow-up that also charted high internationally.
- “Stay on These Roads” – A haunting synth ballad from their 1988 album of the same name.
- “Foot of the Mountain” – A 2009 single that marked a return to their synth roots.
On YouTube, fans can watch the 2017 MTV Unplugged performance titled a-ha: MTV Unplugged – Summer Solstice, featuring acoustic renditions of their classic songs. The band also launched a short documentary-style series called True North, giving fans insight into their creative process and Norwegian roots.
