"Take On Me" is a song by the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha, released in 1985. The song became a massive hit and is one of the most recognizable and iconic songs from the 1980s. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Unique Music Video: The music video for "Take On Me" is perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of the song. It combined live-action and pencil-sketch animation, a technique called rotoscoping. The video's innovative style played a significant role in its success.
Rotoscoping Process: The music video took about 16 weeks to complete due to the labor-intensive rotoscoping process. More than 3,000 individual frames were hand-drawn by a team of animators. The final result was a visually stunning and groundbreaking video.
Chart-Topping Success: "Take On Me" topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. It's considered a signature song of the 1980s and is often associated with the synth-pop genre's peak.
Debut Album: The song was originally released in 1984 on the band's debut album, "Hunting High and Low." However, it didn't gain significant attention until it was re-released in 1985 with the iconic music video.
Vocal Range: Morten Harket, the lead vocalist of a-ha, is known for his impressive vocal range. He hits some remarkably high notes in "Take On Me," particularly during the chorus.
Cultural Impact: The song's popularity has led to its inclusion in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, helping to keep it in the public consciousness. It's often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the 1980s.
Grammy Nomination: The music video for "Take On Me" was nominated for several MTV Video Music Awards, winning in several categories, including Best New Artist in a Video and Best Concept Video.
Cover Versions: The song has been covered by various artists in different styles, showcasing its enduring appeal. Some notable covers include those by A1, Reel Big Fish, and Weezer.
Longevity: "Take On Me" remains a popular and recognizable song to this day, frequently played on radio stations and streaming platforms. It's often featured on "best of the '80s" music compilations.
Legacy: Beyond its immediate success, "Take On Me" and a-ha have left a lasting legacy in the music industry. The song is often referenced as a quintessential '80s hit, and a-ha is remembered as a pioneering band in the synth-pop genre.
"Take On Me" by a-ha is a song that not only defined a decade but continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody, unique music video, and nostalgic charm.