You’ve heard it at weddings, in grocery stores, and probably in about fifty different TikTok trends. That frantic, high-pitched synth riff is unmistakable. Take On Me by a-ha is one of those rare tracks that has essentially transcended being a "song" and become a permanent piece of global architecture. But here’s the thing: it almost never happened. It wasn’t a hit. In fact, it failed twice before it actually changed the world.
The story of this track is a weird mix of Norwegian stubbornness, massive technical gambles, and a music video that basically broke the 1980s.
The Song That Refused to Die
Most people think Take On Me by a-ha was an overnight sensation. It wasn't. Pål Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen actually started playing the bones of that famous riff back when they were in a different band called Bridges. Back then, it was called "The Juicy Fruit Song." Seriously. It sounded nothing like the polished synth-pop masterpiece we know today. It was slower, moodier, and kinda clunky.
When Morten Harket joined the fold, he brought that glass-shattering falsetto. They knew they had something. They moved to London, lived in a flat that was basically a dump, and tried to convince the British music industry that three Norwegians were the next big thing.
The first version of the song came out in 1984. It sold maybe 300 copies.
Think about that. One of the most streamed songs in history started as a total flop. Most bands would have packed it in and headed back to Oslo. Instead, they re-recorded it with producer Alan Tarney. They sharpened the tempo. They leaned into the Juno-60 synthesizer. They made it brighter, faster, and more desperate.
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Even then, the second release didn't do much. It took the vision of Warner Bros. executive Jeff Ayeroff to realize that people didn't just need to hear the song—they needed to see it.
That Video: Rotoscope and Persistence
We have to talk about the video. If you mention Take On Me by a-ha to anyone over the age of thirty, they immediately picture the pencil-sketch animation. This was the work of director Steve Barron and animators Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger.
They used a technique called rotoscoping. It sounds fancy, but it’s basically just incredibly tedious labor. You film the footage in live-action, then you print out every single frame and trace over it by hand. It took about four months to complete.
It wasn't just a gimmick.
The story of the video—a girl pulled into a comic book world by a handsome stranger—tapped into a specific kind of romantic escapism that MTV was hungry for. It turned Morten Harket into a literal poster boy overnight. When the video finally hit the airwaves in 1985, the song shot to number one in the US.
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The Vocal Range Trap
Morten Harket’s performance on Take On Me by a-ha is a nightmare for karaoke singers. The song covers over two octaves. He starts in a comfortable baritone and ends on a high E5. It’s a physical feat.
What’s interesting is how effortless he makes it sound. There’s no strain. It’s pure, soaring pop. But if you listen closely to the lyrics, it’s actually a bit anxious. "Shying away / I'll be coming for your love, okay?" It’s a song about the fear of missed connections and the rush of taking a chance. It’s not just a dance track; it’s a plea.
Impact on 1980s Tech and Beyond
Technology in the mid-80s was changing fast. The Roland Juno-60 and the DX7 were the kings of the studio. Magne Furuholmen’s riff wasn't just catchy; it was a showcase of what digital and analog synths could do when paired with a driving, human beat.
The influence didn't stop in 1985.
- The Weeknd: You can hear the DNA of a-ha all over "Blinding Lights."
- The Last of Us Part II: A haunting acoustic cover of the song became a massive cultural moment for gamers, proving the melody holds up even without the upbeat production.
- YouTube Milestones: It was one of the first 80s videos to hit one billion views.
The "One Hit Wonder" Myth
In the United States, a-ha is often unfairly labeled a one-hit wonder. This is objectively false if you look at the rest of the world. In Europe and South America, they remained superstars for decades. They even performed for 198,000 people at Rock in Rio in 1991, breaking a world record at the time.
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Songs like "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." actually show more musical depth than their big hit. They were darker, more cinematic, and heavily influenced by bands like The Doors and Joy Division. But Take On Me by a-ha is the sun that every other song in their catalog orbits. It’s the gravity of their career.
Why It Still Works
Why does a 40-year-old song still feel fresh? It’s the "drop." That opening drum fill—a simple, crisp LinnDrum pattern—immediately signals a good time. It’s nostalgia that doesn’t feel dusty. It’s also one of the few songs from that era that hasn't been "over-exposed" to the point of annoyance. People still genuinely like it.
The song represents a moment where art, technology, and sheer persistence collided perfectly. a-ha weren't just some manufactured boy band; they were songwriters who spent years refining a single melody until it was undeniable.
How to Experience the Track Today
If you want to really appreciate the craft, don't just listen to the radio edit. Look for the "MTV Unplugged" version from their Summer Solstice album. It strips away the synths and the 80s gloss. What you're left with is a melancholy, beautiful ballad that proves the songwriting was world-class all along.
Also, check out the 4K restoration of the music video on YouTube. Seeing the hand-drawn lines in high definition makes you realize just how much work went into those few minutes of film.
Next Steps for Music Fans:
- Listen to the "Extended Version" to hear the full synth breakdown that was cut for radio.
- Watch the three-part documentary a-ha: The Movie to see the actual friction between the band members during the song's creation.
- Compare the original 1984 "Bolland & Bolland" version with the 1985 hit version to see exactly how production choices can make or break a career.