"A-ha" is a Norwegian synth-pop band that achieved international fame with their hit song "Take On Me." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Breakthrough Success: "Take On Me" was released in 1984, but it became a massive hit in 1985 after the band re-recorded it with a new and iconic music video. The song topped the charts in multiple countries and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Innovative Music Video: The music video for "Take On Me" is one of the most memorable and innovative videos of the 1980s. It combined live-action footage with pencil-sketch animation (rotoscoping), creating a visually stunning effect. The video won several awards, including six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986.
Comic Book Style: The music video features a distinctive comic book art style, which was created by animator and director Steve Barron. The video's concept involves a woman being pulled into a comic book world and interacting with the band's lead singer, Morten Harket.
Record-Breaking Chart Performance: "Take On Me" holds the record for the second-highest number of weeks in the Billboard Hot 100's top 10 for a song by a Norwegian artist. It spent 27 weeks in the top 10.
Debut Album Success: The song was part of A-ha's debut album, "Hunting High and Low," which also included other notable tracks like "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." The album was a commercial success globally and showcased the band's ability to blend catchy pop melodies with synth-driven soundscapes.
Reunion and Continued Success: A-ha initially disbanded in 2010 but reunited for a farewell tour. However, they surprised fans by announcing a comeback in 2015. The band continued to release new music and tour, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
Bond Theme: In 1987, A-ha contributed to the soundtrack of the James Bond film "The Living Daylights," performing the title track. The song became another hit for the band.
"Take On Me" remains a classic in the synth-pop genre and is often cited as one of the best songs of the 1980s. The success of the song and its unique music video helped solidify A-ha's place in pop music history.