"Take On Me" is a popular song by the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha, released in 1984 as a single and later included on their debut album "Hunting High and Low." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Take On Me" is one of the most iconic and recognizable music videos of the 1980s. It combines live-action footage with pencil-sketch animation, creating a visually striking and innovative effect. The video won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986.
Groundbreaking Animation: The animated portions of the music video were created using a technique called rotoscoping. This involved tracing over live-action footage frame by frame to create the hand-drawn animation. It was a labor-intensive process and contributed to the video's unique look.
Record Sales: "Take On Me" was a massive commercial success. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, where it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success helped a-ha become one of the most prominent bands of the 1980s.
Re-Recordings: a-ha has re-recorded "Take On Me" several times over the years, giving it different arrangements. One notable version is the acoustic rendition they performed on MTV Unplugged in 2017, which showcased a more stripped-down and intimate interpretation of the song.
Catchy Chorus: The song's catchy chorus is one of its most memorable features. The high-pitched falsetto notes sung by lead vocalist Morten Harket during the chorus became an iconic part of the song and contributed to its enduring popularity.
Cover Versions: "Take On Me" has been covered by numerous artists across various musical genres. One of the notable cover versions is by the American rock band Weezer, who released their rendition in 2019.
Cultural Impact: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, further cementing its place in pop culture. It's often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the 1980s.
Awards and Recognition: "Take On Me" received several awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Music Video. It remains a classic of the synth-pop genre.
Enduring Popularity: Despite being released in the 1980s, "Take On Me" continues to enjoy enduring popularity and is frequently played on radio stations and used in various forms of media.
Legacy: The success of "Take On Me" helped a-ha establish themselves as one of the most iconic bands of their era, and the song remains their signature track. The band has continued to produce music and tour over the years, enjoying a dedicated fan base worldwide.