"A-ha" is a Norwegian synth-pop band that gained worldwide fame with their 1985 hit song "Take On Me." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Take On Me" is one of the most iconic and innovative music videos of the 1980s. It combined live-action footage with pencil-sketch animation, creating a unique and visually stunning effect. The video won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986 and is still celebrated for its creativity.
Comic Book Inspiration: The concept for the "Take On Me" music video was inspired by the comic book style of the Belgian artist Hergé, best known for creating "The Adventures of Tintin." The video was directed by Steve Barron and took several months to complete.
Multiple Takes: The video involved shooting the live-action sequences multiple times to create the animated effect. The process, known as rotoscoping, was time-consuming and required painstaking attention to detail.
Chart-Topping Success: "Take On Me" was a massive commercial success. It topped the charts in 36 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and is considered one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Debut Album Breakthrough: The song was originally released in 1984 as a single, but it didn't gain widespread attention until it was re-released in 1985 after the success of the music video. It was part of A-ha's debut album, "Hunting High and Low," which also garnered critical acclaim.
Memorable Synth-Pop Sound: "Take On Me" is known for its catchy synth-pop sound, featuring a memorable keyboard riff and Morten Harket's distinct vocals. The song's melody and energy continue to make it a staple of '80s music.
Continued Popularity: Even decades after its release, "Take On Me" remains a popular and recognizable song, frequently covered and featured in various forms of media, from movies to commercials.
The Album's Legacy: A-ha's "Hunting High and Low" album is often regarded as a classic of the synth-pop genre. In addition to "Take On Me," the album also included other hits like "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." and "Train of Thought."
Guinness World Record: A-ha achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience for a live rock concert when they performed to a crowd of 198,000 people at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1991.
Reunions and Continued Music: A-ha has had several hiatuses and reunions over the years, releasing numerous albums and continuing to perform live. Their music has evolved, encompassing a range of styles beyond synth-pop.
"Take On Me" and A-ha remain significant cultural touchstones, and the song's music video is celebrated for its innovative use of animation and live-action, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and pop culture.