"A-ha" is a Norwegian synth-pop band that gained international fame with their hit single "Take On Me." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Release Date: "Take On Me" was released in 1984 as the lead single from their debut album, "Hunting High and Low."
Music Video Innovation: The music video for "Take On Me" is particularly famous for its innovative blend of live-action and pencil-sketch animation, known as rotoscoping. It won several awards for its groundbreaking visual effects.
Vocal Range: Morten Harket, the lead vocalist of A-ha, is known for his impressive vocal range. His falsetto in the chorus of "Take On Me" is one of the song's distinctive features.
Chart Success: "Take On Me" became a massive international hit. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
Re-Release Success: The song was initially released in 1984 but did not gain widespread success until it was re-released in 1985 with the iconic music video. The re-release propelled it to the top of the charts.
Cover Versions: "Take On Me" has been covered by various artists across different genres. One notable cover is by the a cappella group Pentatonix.
Cultural Impact: The song is considered one of the defining tracks of the 1980s and is often used in popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Album Success: The album "Hunting High and Low" went on to become a commercial success as well, establishing A-ha as a prominent pop band.
Legacy: Despite being A-ha's most well-known song, they continued to produce music and tour for many years. The band officially disbanded in 2010 but reunited for a farewell tour in 2015.
Record Breaker: "Take On Me" set a record for the highest number of plays on MTV in a 24-hour period at the time of its release, contributing significantly to the song's success.
These facts highlight the cultural significance of "Take On Me" and its lasting impact on the music industry.