“Take On Me” by a-ha: A Synth-Pop Masterpiece and Visual Innovation

“Take On Me,” released by the Norwegian band a-ha in 1985, stands as one of the most iconic and enduring songs of the 1980s. The track is a quintessential example of synth-pop, blending catchy melodies, a driving rhythm, and cutting-edge production techniques. Its success was further amplified by its groundbreaking music video, which became a cultural phenomenon and set new standards for the medium. The song and its video have left an indelible mark on pop culture, making “Take On Me” a defining moment in both music and visual storytelling.

Musically, “Take On Me” is a vibrant and energetic track that epitomizes the synth-pop genre. The song opens with a bright, arpeggiated synthesizer riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. This riff, composed by band member Magne Furuholmen, is both uplifting and infectious, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The driving beat and pulsating bassline provide a solid foundation, while additional layers of synths add depth and texture to the arrangement. The production, handled by Alan Tarney, is polished and dynamic, ensuring that each element of the track shines through clearly.

A key feature of “Take On Me” is the remarkable vocal performance of lead singer Morten Harket. His voice is distinctive and powerful, characterized by a wide vocal range and the ability to transition seamlessly from smooth, lower notes to soaring falsettos. The chorus, in particular, showcases Harket’s vocal prowess, as he effortlessly hits high notes that add an emotional intensity to the song. His delivery is both earnest and impassioned, perfectly complementing the song’s lyrical themes of love, desire, and the willingness to take risks for something or someone important.

Lyrically, “Take On Me” is a love song that expresses a longing for connection and the determination to pursue it despite uncertainty. The lyrics, penned by the band, are straightforward yet evocative, capturing the excitement and trepidation that often accompany the beginning of a romantic relationship. The chorus, with its repeated plea of “Take on me, take me on / I’ll be gone in a day or two,” encapsulates the urgency and fleeting nature of the moment. The song’s message is one of seizing the opportunity for love, even if it means venturing into the unknown.

While the song itself is a masterpiece, “Take On Me” is perhaps best known for its innovative music video, directed by Steve Barron. The video combines live-action footage with rotoscope animation, creating a unique and visually striking experience. The narrative follows a young woman who is pulled into a comic book world, where she meets the animated version of Harket. The video’s seamless blend of fantasy and reality, along with its romantic storyline, captivated audiences and became an instant sensation. The rotoscoping technique, which involved tracing over live-action footage frame by frame, was labor-intensive but resulted in a fluid, dreamlike quality that has become iconic.

The success of the “Take On Me” video played a significant role in the song’s rise to the top of the charts. It received heavy rotation on MTV, helping the single reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and achieving similar success worldwide. The video’s popularity not only propelled the song to commercial success but also established a-ha as a global sensation. It won several awards and remains one of the most celebrated and influential music videos of all time, frequently cited in discussions of the greatest music videos ever made.

“Take On Me” has had a lasting impact on both music and popular culture. The song’s distinctive sound and memorable hook have ensured its place as a staple of 1980s pop music, while its video continues to inspire artists and filmmakers. Over the years, “Take On Me” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further cementing its status as a pop classic. The song has also been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, often evoking nostalgia for the era in which it was released.

In addition to its cultural significance, “Take On Me” is a testament to the power of innovation in music and visual media. The song’s combination of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and cutting-edge production techniques helped it stand out in a crowded pop landscape, while the video’s groundbreaking use of animation set a new standard for music videos. Together, they created a multi-sensory experience that resonated with audiences worldwide and continues to do so decades later.