The origins of a-ha’s iconic song “Take On Me” can be traced back to the early 1980s, when the band’s founding members, Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, were playing in different bands in Oslo, Norway.
In 1982, the three musicians formed a-ha and began working on their debut album. One of the songs they wrote during this time was “Take On Me,” which had a different melody and lyrics compared to the final version that became a hit.
It wasn’t until two years later, in 1984, when the band recorded a demo of “Take On Me” with a new arrangement and a catchy synth riff, that the song began to take shape. The demo caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records, who signed a-ha and released “Take On Me” as their first single.
However, the song initially struggled to gain traction and chart success. It wasn’t until the release of the music video in 1985 that “Take On Me” exploded in popularity, thanks to its groundbreaking use of animation and live-action footage. The video, directed by Steve Barron, won multiple awards and helped the song reach the top of the charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.
Overall, “Take On Me” was the result of the collaboration between three talented musicians, a catchy synth riff, a memorable music video, and the right timing and exposure. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the innovative approach that a-ha took to creating it.
