Take On Me – A-HA

Released in 1985, “Take On Me” by a-ha remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, thanks in part to its groundbreaking music video. The song’s catchy melody, powerful vocals, and innovative visuals have ensured its place in music history. This article explores the various elements that contribute to the enduring popularity of “Take On Me,” from its musical composition to its innovative video and cultural impact.

Musical Composition and Lyrics
“Take On Me” is a synth-pop masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the sound of the 1980s. The song was written by a-ha members Morten Harket, Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, and Magne Furuholmen. Its distinctive sound is characterized by a combination of synthesizers, keyboards, and an unforgettable chorus.

Melody and Instrumentation: The song opens with a distinctive keyboard riff that sets the stage for the high-energy, upbeat track. The use of synthesizers is a hallmark of the song, creating a sound that is both modern and timeless. The driving beat and catchy melody make it an instant earworm, ensuring that listeners will be humming along long after the song has ended.

Vocals: Morten Harket’s powerful and emotive vocals are a standout feature of “Take On Me.” His ability to hit high notes with clarity and strength adds a layer of intensity to the song. The vocal performance, particularly during the chorus, is both passionate and dynamic, capturing the listener’s attention from start to finish.

Lyrics: The lyrics of “Take On Me” tell a story of love and longing, with a sense of urgency and desire. The chorus, “Take on me / Take me on / I’ll be gone / In a day or two,” is both simple and profound, expressing a yearning for connection and the fleeting nature of time. The poetic nature of the lyrics, combined with the emotive delivery, creates a sense of depth and resonance.

Innovative Music Video
The music video for “Take On Me,” directed by Steve Barron, is one of the most iconic and innovative videos of all time. It combines live-action footage with rotoscope animation, creating a unique and captivating visual experience. The video tells a romantic and adventurous story, perfectly complementing the song’s themes.

Concept and Storyline: The video follows the story of a young woman who is drawn into a comic book world by the lead singer, Morten Harket. The blend of live-action and animated sequences creates a sense of fantasy and escapism, drawing viewers into the narrative. The storyline is both engaging and emotionally compelling, with a focus on the romantic connection between the characters.

Animation Technique: The rotoscope animation technique used in the video was groundbreaking at the time. This process involves tracing over live-action footage frame by frame to create an animated version of the scenes. The result is a seamless blend of reality and animation, giving the video a distinctive and timeless quality. The innovative use of this technique set a new standard for music videos and demonstrated the potential for creativity in visual storytelling.

Visual Aesthetics: The video features a monochromatic color scheme for the animated sequences, contrasting with the live-action footage’s more vibrant colors. This contrast enhances the video’s dreamlike quality and emphasizes the separation between the real and comic book worlds. The detailed animation and fluid transitions between scenes create a visually stunning and memorable experience.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Take On Me” quickly became a global hit, topping charts in multiple countries and earning a-ha international fame. The song’s success was bolstered by the innovative music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV and other music channels.

Chart Success: “Take On Me” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topped charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The song’s infectious melody and dynamic vocals resonated with listeners worldwide, making it a staple of 1980s pop music.

Awards and Recognition: The song and its video received numerous accolades, including six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. The video won awards for Best New Artist in a Video, Best Concept Video, and Best Direction, among others. These awards cemented the video’s status as a pioneering work in the music industry.

Enduring Popularity: “Take On Me” continues to be a beloved classic, with its influence felt across generations. The song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. Its distinctive melody and iconic video have made it a cultural touchstone, with new audiences discovering and appreciating it year after year.

Modern Resurgence: The digital age has given “Take On Me” a new lease on life, with the music video accumulating over a billion views on YouTube. The song’s enduring appeal has been bolstered by its presence on streaming platforms and social media, introducing it to a new generation of fans. The timeless quality of the song and its video ensures that it remains relevant and beloved, even decades after its initial release.

Conclusion
“Take On Me” by a-ha is a timeless classic that transcends generations. Its infectious melody, powerful vocals, and innovative music video have secured its place in music history. The song’s success is a testament to the creativity and talent of a-ha, as well as the enduring appeal of 1980s pop music. As new generations continue to discover and appreciate “Take On Me,” its legacy as an iconic song and music video will undoubtedly endure for many years to come.

We’re talking away
I don’t know what I’m to say
I’ll say it anyway
Today is another day to find you
Shyin’ away
Oh, I’ll be comin’ for your love, okay
Take on me
(Take on me)
Take me on
(Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day or two
So needless to say
I’m odds and ends
But I’ll be stumblin’ away
Slowly learnin’ that life is okay
Say after me
It’s no better to be safe than sorry
Take on me
(Take on me)
Take me on
(Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day or two
All the things that you say, yeah
Is it life or just to play my worries away?
You’re all the things I’ve got to remember
You’re shyin’ away
I’ll be comin’ for you anyway
Take on me
(Take on me)
Take me on
(Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day
(Take on me)
(Take on me)
(Take me on)
(Take on me)
I’ll be gone
(Take on me)
In a day
(Take me on)
(Take on me)
(Take on me)
(Take on me)
(Take me on)
(Take on me)