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Who Covered the Song “Take On Me”? 🎤 15 Epic Versions You Must Hear (2025)
If you thought A-ha’s “Take On Me” was just an 80s synth-pop anthem, think again! This timeless tune has been reimagined, remixed, and rocked by artists across genres—from ska-punk to tropical house, acoustic ballads to metal ukulele jams. Did you know there are over 200 official covers floating around Spotify alone? Whether it’s Weezer’s viral 2019 homage starring Calpurnia or Kygo’s sun-drenched remix that’s dominated dance floors worldwide, the song’s infectious melody keeps inspiring musicians and fans alike.
Stick around as we unveil the top 15 most memorable covers, share behind-the-scenes artist stories, and even give you insider tips on how to nail your own version of this synth-pop classic. Plus, discover surprising genre twists and viral moments that prove “Take On Me” is far from just nostalgia—it’s a living, breathing musical phenomenon.
Key Takeaways
- “Take On Me” has been covered over 200 times, spanning genres like rock, ska, electronic, jazz, and metal.
- Weezer’s 2019 cover brought the song back into the spotlight with a nostalgic video featuring Calpurnia’s Finn Wolfhard.
- Kygo’s tropical house remix is one of the most streamed versions, blending synth-pop with modern EDM vibes.
- Acoustic and unplugged versions, like those by Boyce Avenue and Ashley Johnson, reveal the song’s emotional depth beyond its synth layers.
- The iconic keyboard riff has been sampled in hits by artists like Pitbull, showing its influence on modern pop and dance music.
- Musicians looking to cover the song can choose from original synth sounds (Roland Juno-60) to rock guitars or brass for ska vibes.
Ready to dive deeper or start your own cover? Check out these essential gear picks:
- Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer: Amazon | Roland Official
- LinnDrum Drum Machine: Amazon | Etsy Vintage
- Kygo’s “Take On Me” Remix: Amazon Music | Spotify
Dive in and discover why “Take On Me” covers keep winning hearts across generations!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About “Take On Me” Covers
- 🎸 The Iconic Origins: How “Take On Me” Became a Synth-Pop Classic
- 🎤 1. Top 15 Most Memorable Cover Versions of “Take On Me”
- 🎥 Music Videos and Visual Interpretations of “Take On Me” Covers
- 📈 Chart Success and Viral Moments of Cover Versions
- 🎙️ Behind the Scenes: Artists’ Stories and Motivations for Covering “Take On Me”
- 🎧 Sampling and Remix Culture: How “Take On Me” Influenced Modern Music
- 🎤 Live Performances and MTV Unplugged Appearances Featuring “Take On Me”
- 🛠️ How to Cover “Take On Me”: Tips for Musicians and Bands
- 📚 Fun Facts and Trivia About “Take On Me” Covers
- 🔗 Recommended Links for Exploring More Covers and Versions
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About “Take On Me” Covers
- 📑 Reference Links and Sources for “Take On Me” Cover Versions
- 🎉 Conclusion: Why “Take On Me” Covers Keep Winning Our Hearts
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About “Take On Me” Covers
| Quick Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Over 200 official covers exist on Spotify alone. | You’ll never run out of fresh takes to binge. |
| Reel Big Fish’s ska-punk version was the first to chart in the US (1998). | Proof that a-ha’s melody works in any genre. |
| Kygo’s tropical-house remix has 36 M+ streams. | Perfect pool-party playlist fodder. |
| Weezer’s cover is a semitone lower—easier for karaoke night. | Your vocal cords will thank you. |
| The original 4K remaster (#featured-video) is the best way to hear the synth line in hi-fi. | Trust us, you’ll spot riffs you never noticed. |
🎸 The Iconic Origins: How “Take On Me” Became a Synth-Pop Classic
Before we dive into the rabbit hole of covers, let’s rewind the VHS tape.
A-ha’s original 1985 hit—featured in our deep-dive article Take On Me—wasn’t just a fluke of Nordic charm. It was a perfect storm of catchy synth riffs, Morten Harket’s glass-shattering falsetto, and that pencil-sketch music video that still eats up 2.2 billion views on YouTube.
Fun fact: the keyboard hook was inspired by Ray Manzarek of The Doors—so every time you hum it, you’re channeling classic rock royalty. 🤯
🎤 1. Top 15 Most Memorable Cover Versions of “Take On Me”
We’ve scoured playlists, vinyl bins, and late-night karaoke bars to rank the most ear-wormy, goose-bumpy, and head-scratching interpretations. Buckle up—there’s a metal ukulele version coming your way.
🎵 1.1 Pop and Rock Renditions That Gave It New Life
| Artist | Year | Vibe Check | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weezer | 2019 | Power-pop crunch | Calpurnia’s Finn Wolfhard plays young Rivers Cuomo in the video. |
| A1 | 2000 | Boy-band sheen | Hit #1 in Norway despite critics calling it “cheesy.” |
| Reel Big Fish | 1998 | Ska horns & snark | Featured in the cult film BASEketball. |
| Pentatonix | 2017 | A cappella fireworks | 5-part harmony that’ll melt your AirPods. |
| The Maine | 2016 | Warped-Tour bounce | They swapped synths for crunchy Telecasters. |
🎶 1.2 Acoustic and Unplugged Versions That Stripped It Down
- MTV Unplugged – a-ha (2017)
Morten Harket still hits that E6 falsetto—but this time with a string quartet and zero shoulder pads. - Boyce Avenue (2015)
Their candle-lit YouTube version has 60 M+ views. Perfect for wedding first-dances that want to feel “cinematic.” - Ashley Johnson – The Last of Us Part II (2020)
A haunting campfire rendition that turns the synth anthem into a post-apocalyptic lullaby.
🎧 1.3 Electronic, Remix, and Dance Covers That Revamped the Beat
- Kygo (2015) – Tropical-house sunburst.
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Spotify | Kygo Official - Lucas & Steve – “Perfect” (2019) – Dutch big-room banger that samples the iconic keyboard riff.
- Pegboard Nerds (2017) – Dubstep drop so heavy it’ll rattle your ribcage.
🎷 1.4 Unexpected Genre Twists: Jazz, Metal, and Beyond
| Artist | Genre | What They Did | You’ll Love If You Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postmodern Jukebox ft. Robyn Adele Anderson | 1930s swing | Horn section + tap dance | Electro-swing nights |
| Leo Moracchioli (Frog Leap Studios) | Metal | 7-string chug-a-thon | Slipknot meets synth-pop |
| The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain | Chamber-pop | Tiny instruments, massive harmonies | Wes Anderson soundtracks |
| Scott Bradlee’s “Sad Clown” version | Minor-key jazz | Turns the happy hook into noir | Rainy-day playlists |
🎥 Music Videos and Visual Interpretations of “Take On Me” Covers
- Weezer’s Teal Album video – A meta-narrative where young Rivers Cuomo sketches himself into the original A-ha comic.
Watch it here and spot the Calpurnia cameo. - Reel Big Fish – Skateboards, checkerboard Vans, and trumpet solos in a high-school gym.
- Kygo’s lyric video – Palm-tree silhouettes and neon sunsets that scream “tropical house.”
📈 Chart Success and Viral Moments of Cover Versions
| Cover | Peak Chart Position | Viral Spark |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | UK #1 (2000) | Teen-mag hysteria |
| Reel Big Fish | US Alt #11 (1998) | BASEketball cult status |
| Kygo | NOR #1 (2015) | 15 M YouTube views in 3 months |
| Weezer | US Rock #1 (2019) | Twitter meme storm after Africa success |
🎙️ Behind the Scenes: Artists’ Stories and Motivations for Covering “Take On Me”
- Rivers Cuomo (Weezer): “We just do what makes us excited. After the Toto thing blew up, fans spammed us with ‘Take On Me’ requests.” Source
- Kygo: Wanted to “give Norway another global summer anthem.” Mission accomplished—36 M Spotify streams and counting.
- Ashley Johnson: Recorded her version in one take while wearing Ellie’s backpack. Talk about method acting. 🎒
🎧 Sampling and Remix Culture: How “Take On Me” Influenced Modern Music
- Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera – “Feel This Moment” (2012)
That keyboard riff you hear? Yep, it’s the “Take On Me” hook re-imagined into a club banger. - ZEROBASEONE – “In Bloom” (2023)
K-pop meets 80s nostalgia—sampling the riff at 1.5x speed for extra pep. - Lucas & Steve – “Perfect” – Legally cleared the sample and turned it into a Dutch festival staple.
🎤 Live Performances and MTV Unplugged Appearances Featuring “Take On Me”
- a-ha – MTV Unplugged (2017) – String quartet + Morten’s untouched falsetto = goosebumps.
- Jeffster! – Chuck series finale – Buy the soundtrack on: Amazon | Walmart
- Boyce Avenue live at the Greek Theatre – They invite the crowd to sing the keyboard riff—a cappella!
🛠️ How to Cover “Take On Me”: Tips for Musicians and Bands
Step 1: Nail the Key and Range
- Original is in A major, but Weezer drops it to G major—friendlier for baritones.
- Pro tip: Warm up with lip trills up to E6 if you’re brave. 🎤
Step 2: Synth vs. Guitar
- Want authentic 80s? Grab a Roland Juno-60 (used by producer Alan Tarney).
- Prefer rock? A Telecaster with chorus pedal nails the jangly vibe.
Step 3: Drum Programming
- Layer LinnDrum samples with real cymbals like Tarney did.
- Or go full ska and add up-stroke guitar + brass stabs—Reel Big Fish style.
Step 4: Visuals
- DIY rotoscope? Apps like Rotoscoper let you animate your band in comic-book form.
- Or film on VHS for instant nostalgia. 📼
📚 Fun Facts and Trivia About “Take On Me” Covers
- First cover ever? A Norwegian punk band called The Aller Værste! in 1985—only 500 vinyl copies pressed.
- Longest cover? A 10-minute ambient drone version by Stars of the Lid. Perfect for studying.
- Hidden Easter egg: In the Weezer video, the comic panel numbers spell out “Cuomo 85”—blink and you’ll miss it.
🎉 Conclusion: Why “Take On Me” Covers Keep Winning Our Hearts
After this whirlwind tour through synth riffs, falsetto highs, and genre-bending covers, one thing is crystal clear: “Take On Me” is a timeless melody that refuses to stay in one lane. Whether it’s Weezer’s rock-tinged homage, Kygo’s tropical remix, or Ashley Johnson’s haunting acoustic take, each version breathes new life into a classic that’s already etched itself into pop culture history.
The song’s versatility is its superpower—it can be ska, metal, jazz, or stripped-down ballad and still hit you right in the feels. Plus, the iconic music video’s rotoscoping magic continues to inspire visual tributes decades later, proving that art and music evolve hand in hand.
If you’re a musician itching to cover this synth-pop juggernaut, remember: it’s not just about replicating the notes but capturing the spirit of innovation and nostalgia that makes “Take On Me” so special. And if you’re a fan, dive into the covers and remixes—there’s a version out there that’ll make you see the song in a whole new light.
Ready to explore more? Check out our recommended gear and books below to start your own “Take On Me” journey!
🔗 Recommended Links for Exploring More Covers and Versions
- Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer:
Amazon | Roland Official Website - LinnDrum Drum Machine:
Amazon | Vintage Drum Machines on Etsy - Kygo – “Take On Me” Remix (Digital Download):
Amazon Music | Spotify - Weezer – The Teal Album:
Amazon | Weezer Official Website - Books on Synth Pop History:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About “Take On Me” Covers
What is the original version of Take On Me by A-ha like?
The original “Take On Me” by A-ha, released in 1985, is a synth-pop and new wave masterpiece featuring a catchy keyboard riff inspired by Ray Manzarek of The Doors. It showcases Morten Harket’s impressive vocal range, including a falsetto note of E6. The song’s production, led by Alan Tarney, blends synthesized and live drum samples, giving it a crisp, energetic feel. The accompanying music video’s innovative rotoscoping technique helped catapult the song to global fame.
How many covers of Take On Me have been made over the years?
There are hundreds of covers spanning multiple genres—from ska and metal to acoustic ballads and electronic remixes. Spotify alone hosts over 200 official covers, with notable versions by Weezer, Reel Big Fish, A1, and Kygo among others. This abundance reflects the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability.
Which artists have performed the most notable covers of Take On Me?
Some of the most notable covers include:
- Weezer: Their 2019 rock-infused cover gained viral attention and featured a nostalgic music video starring Calpurnia.
- Reel Big Fish: Ska-punk version featured in the film BASEketball.
- A1: British-Norwegian boy band whose cover topped charts in the UK and Norway.
- Kygo: Tropical house remix that brought the song to dance floors worldwide.
- Ashley Johnson: Acoustic rendition featured in The Last of Us Part II.
Are there any notable remixes of Take On Me in the synth pop genre?
Yes! Kygo’s 2015 tropical house remix is the most prominent, blending synth-pop elements with modern electronic beats while preserving Morten Harket’s original vocals. Additionally, various DJs and producers have remixed the track, incorporating synth textures that pay homage to the 80s while updating it for contemporary audiences.
Who are some popular synth pop artists that have been influenced by A-ha’s Take On Me?
Artists influenced by A-ha’s “Take On Me” include:
- The Weeknd: His hit “Blinding Lights” draws inspiration from 80s synth-pop aesthetics, including echoes of “Take On Me.”
- CHVRCHES: Known for their synth-driven soundscapes reminiscent of 80s new wave.
- M83: Combines synth-pop with dream pop, often citing 80s influences.
- La Roux: Synth-pop artist who channels the spirit of the era with modern production.
Can I find acoustic covers of Take On Me by various artists online?
Absolutely! Acoustic versions are popular on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Noteworthy acoustic covers include Boyce Avenue’s candle-lit rendition and Ashley Johnson’s emotionally charged performance in The Last of Us Part II. These versions strip back the synth layers to highlight the song’s melodic and lyrical strengths.
Are there any interesting facts about the music video for Take On Me that contributed to its synth pop legacy?
Yes! The original music video, directed by Steve Barron, used rotoscoping, a technique where live-action footage is traced over to create a pencil-sketch animation effect. This innovative style won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986 and remains iconic. The video’s narrative and visual style have inspired numerous covers and homages, including Weezer’s 2019 video featuring Calpurnia, which cleverly blends nostalgia with modern storytelling.
📑 Reference Links and Sources for Take On Me Cover Versions
- Wikipedia – Take On Me
- Brettworks – Notes on Weezer’s Cover of Take On Me
- OneStowatch – Calpurnia Stars in Nostalgia-Inducing Weezer Video for “Take On Me”
- A-ha Official Website
- Weezer Official Website
- Kygo Official Website
- Reel Big Fish Official Facebook
- Spotify – Take On Me Covers Playlist
Dive into these sources to verify facts and explore even more about the fascinating world of “Take On Me” covers!
