Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
Discover the Magic of “Take On Me”: 15 Fascinating Insights into the Synth-Pop Classic 🎶 [2024]
Ah, “Take On Me”—the song that has been captivating hearts since the mid-80s! If you’ve ever found yourself humming that iconic synth riff or daydreaming about the whimsical animation of its music video, you’re not alone. This timeless classic by a-ha not only topped charts but also redefined the music video landscape with its innovative blend of live-action and animation. Did you know that the song was initially released in 1984 but only gained massive popularity with its 1985 re-release? Or that Morten Harket’s vocal range is over two and a half octaves, making it one of the most challenging pop songs to sing?
In this article, we dive deep into the captivating world of “Take On Me,” exploring its origins, production secrets, and cultural impact. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, we promise you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for this synth-pop gem. So, what makes “Take On Me” so special? Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways
- Iconic Status: “Take On Me” is a quintessential synth-pop song that has influenced countless artists and remains a staple in pop culture.
- Innovative Music Video: The combination of live-action and rotoscoping animation set a new standard for music videos, winning multiple awards.
- Chart Success: The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
- Cultural Impact: Featured in films, commercials, and covered by various artists, its legacy continues to thrive.
- Vocal Challenge: Morten Harket’s impressive vocal range makes this song a challenging yet rewarding piece for singers.
Ready to explore more about “Take On Me”? 👉 Shop for a-ha’s music and other synth-pop essentials to keep the nostalgia alive! Shop a-ha on Amazon | Explore Synth-Pop Classics
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips and Facts About “Take On Me”
- The Story Behind “Take On Me”: A Synth-Pop Classic
- Recording and Production: Crafting the Iconic Sound
- Composition Breakdown: Melodies That Stick
- Iconic Music Videos: Visual Storytelling in “Take On Me”
- Chart Performance: A Global Hit
- Release History: From Concept to Chart-Topping Success
- Track Listings: What’s on the Record?
- Credits and Personnel: The Minds Behind the Music
- Chart Success: How “Take On Me” Dominated the Airwaves
- Certifications: Gold and Platinum Records
- MTV Unplugged Appearance: A Memorable Live Performance
- Cover Versions, Samples, and Remixes: The Legacy of “Take On Me”
- Fun Facts and Trivia: Did You Know?
- Cultural Impact: “Take On Me” in Pop Culture
- Conclusion: Why “Take On Me” Remains Timeless
- Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Synth-Pop
- FAQ: Your Questions Answered About “Take On Me”
- Reference Links: Sources for Further Reading
Quick Tips and Facts About “Take On Me” 🎵
- Artist: a-ha
- Album: Hunting High and Low
- Genres: Synth-pop, new wave
- Song Length: 3:44 (1985 7-inch single version), 3:48 (album version), 4:48 (1985 12-inch version)
- Instrumentation: Yamaha DX7, PPG Wave, Roland Juno-60, LinnDrum drum machine, acoustic cymbals and hi-hat, Neumann U 47 and Neve microphones
- Music Video: Directed by Steve Barron, featuring rotoscoping animation, reached over 2 billion views on YouTube in September 2024
The Story Behind “Take On Me”: A Synth-Pop Classic 🎶
Origins of the Song
“Take On Me” originated from a riff written by Pål Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen in their previous band, Bridges. The song was first released in 1984, but it failed to chart in the UK. However, the 1985 version, produced by Alan Tarney, reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
The Innovative Music Video
The music video for “Take On Me” was directed by Steve Barron and featured a combination of live-action and rotoscoping animation. The video took 16 weeks to complete and involved approximately 3,000 frames. It won six MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for two more.
Quotes from the Band
- “I got a call from Terry Slater… I couldn’t believe my ears (at the band’s audition) when I heard Morten Harket sing. I thought, how can somebody who looks like a film star sound like Roy Orbison? I thought, this is unbelievable.” – Andrew Wickham, former Warner Bros. Records executive
- “Take On Me” is a new wave classic laced with rushing keyboards, made emotionally resonant thanks to Morten Harket’s touching vocal delicacy.” – Tim DiGravina, AllMusic journalist
Recording and Production: Crafting the Iconic Sound 🎧
Instrumentation
The song features a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, and electronic instrumentation. The Yamaha DX7, PPG Wave, and Roland Juno-60 synthesizers were used to create the iconic sound of the song.
Production
The song was produced by Alan Tarney, who worked with the band to create a more polished and commercial sound. The production process involved a combination of live instrumentation and electronic elements.
Composition Breakdown: Melodies That Stick 🎵
The Iconic Riff
The song’s riff is one of the most recognizable in pop music. It was written by Pål Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen and features a catchy and memorable melody.
Vocal Range
Morten Harket’s vocal range is over two and a half octaves, making the song’s chorus one of the hardest to sing in pop history.
Iconic Music Videos: Visual Storytelling in “Take On Me” 📹
The Original Video
The original music video for “Take On Me” was released in 1984 and featured a combination of live-action and animation.
The 1985 Video
The 1985 video, directed by Steve Barron, featured rotoscoping animation and reached over 2 billion views on YouTube in September 2024.
Chart Performance: A Global Hit 📊
UK Singles Chart
The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1985.
Billboard Hot 100
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in October 1985.
Release History: From Concept to Chart-Topping Success 📆
Original Release
The song was first released in 1984, but it failed to chart in the UK.
1985 Re-Release
The 1985 version, produced by Alan Tarney, was re-released and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Track Listings: What’s on the Record? 📀
1985 7-Inch Single Version
- “Take On Me” (3:44)
- “Love Is Reason” (3:06)
1985 12-Inch Version
- “Take On Me” (4:48)
- “Love Is Reason” (3:06)
- “The Sun Always Shines on TV” (4:26)
Credits and Personnel: The Minds Behind the Music 🤝
Band Members
- Morten Harket – lead vocals
- Magne Furuholmen – keyboards, guitar
- Pål Waaktaar – guitar, backing vocals
Producers
- Alan Tarney – producer
- John Ratcliff – original producer
Chart Success: How “Take On Me” Dominated the Airwaves 📻
UK Singles Chart
The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1985.
Billboard Hot 100
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in October 1985.
Certifications: Gold and Platinum Records 🏆
UK Singles Chart
The song was certified gold in the UK in 1985.
RIAA Certification
The song was certified platinum in the United States in 1986.
MTV Unplugged Appearance: A Memorable Live Performance 🎤
1990 Performance
The band performed “Take On Me” live on MTV Unplugged in 1990.
Cover Versions, Samples, and Remixes: The Legacy of “Take On Me” 🎶
Cover Versions
- Reel Big Fish – covered the song in 1998 for the film BASEketball
- A1 – covered the song in 2000, reaching #1 in the UK and Norway
- Weezer – covered the song in 2019, featuring Finn Wolfhard’s band Calpurnia in the music video
Samples
- Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera – “Feel This Moment” samples the instrumental riff of “Take On Me”
- Zerobaseone – “In Bloom” samples “Take On Me”
Fun Facts and Trivia: Did You Know? 🤔
- The song’s music video was remastered to 4K resolution in 2019.
- Rolling Stone listed “Take On Me” at #14 on their list of the 100 greatest music videos in 2021.
- Billboard ranked the song at #26 on their list of the 500 Best Pop Songs in 2023.
Cultural Impact: “Take On Me” in Pop Culture 🎬
Film and TV Appearances
- The song was featured in the film BASEketball in 1998.
- The song was featured in the TV show Chuck in 2012.
Commercials
- Volkswagen created a television advertisement inspired by the music video in 2011.
Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Synth-Pop 🎵
- Discover the Magic of “Safety Dance”: 10 Fascinating Insights into the Synth-Pop Classic 🎶
- Iconic Synth Pop Songs 🎵
- 80s Synth Pop 🎶
FAQ: Your Questions Answered About “Take On Me” 🤔
- Q: Who wrote the song “Take On Me”?
A: The song was written by Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, and Pål Waaktaar. - Q: What is the song’s genre?
A: The song is a synth-pop and new wave song.
Reference Links: Sources for Further Reading 📚
Conclusion: Why “Take On Me” Remains Timeless ⏳
“Take On Me” is not just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. With its catchy melodies, innovative music video, and Morten Harket’s soaring vocals, it encapsulates the essence of 80s synth-pop. The song has transcended generations, inspiring countless covers and remixes, proving its enduring appeal.
Positives:
- Catchy and Memorable: The iconic riff and chorus make it unforgettable.
- Innovative Music Video: The combination of live-action and animation set a new standard in music videos.
- Cultural Impact: The song has influenced various artists and continues to be featured in films and commercials.
Negatives:
- Challenging Vocals: The song’s high vocal range can be difficult for many singers.
- Overexposure: Its popularity may lead to some listeners feeling fatigued by its frequent play.
In summary, if you haven’t yet explored the magic of “Take On Me,” we highly recommend giving it a listen! Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, this track is a must-have in your playlist. 🎧
Recommended Links: Shop for Synth-Pop Essentials 🛒
- “Take On Me” by a-ha: Amazon | Official a-ha Website
- “The Teal Album” by Weezer: Amazon | Weezer Official Website
- Books on Synth-Pop: Synth Pop: The Story of the Music That Changed the World
FAQ: Your Questions Answered About “Take On Me” 🤔
What does “Take On Me” mean? 🤷♂️
The phrase “Take On Me” can be interpreted as a plea for love and connection. The lyrics express a desire for someone to embrace the singer’s feelings and take a chance on a relationship. It’s a mix of vulnerability and hope, encapsulating the essence of romantic longing.
Who sang “Take On Me” in the 80s? 🎤
The original version of “Take On Me” was sung by the Norwegian band a-ha. The song was released in 1984 and gained massive popularity with its 1985 re-release, featuring Morten Harket’s distinctive vocals.
Did Weezer make “Take On Me”? 🎸
Yes! Weezer released a cover of “Take On Me” in 2019 as part of their Teal Album. The cover features a fresh take on the classic, complete with a new music video that pays homage to the original’s animation style.
Does “Take On Me” make sense? 🤔
Yes, the lyrics of “Take On Me” convey a clear message of yearning and desire. While some may find the lyrics abstract, they ultimately reflect a relatable theme of love and the courage to pursue it. The song’s catchy melody and emotional depth resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic.
What instruments are used in “Take On Me”? 🎹
The instrumentation in “Take On Me” includes synthesizers like the Yamaha DX7, PPG Wave, and Roland Juno-60, alongside a LinnDrum drum machine. This combination creates the song’s signature synth-pop sound, blending electronic and acoustic elements seamlessly.
Reference Links: Sources for Further Reading 📚
