Yes, this was a pleasant thing to see, not only for the reminiscence, but also to illustrate (pun intended) how involved the process was to make the video (as well as a great history of the band in that era).
The song itself is a gem but then when you see the video to it, a double gem. Then when you see the guys from A HA interviewed , you realise they are so down to earth and humble, and that makes it a triple gem for me.
Loved your comment. You basically said what this song is still a legacy and will be. And I think the exact same, to find that "3 combo" has been difficult for many bands...
As said James Blunt, "The Sun Always Shines On TV", is an another great hit too... a-ha has many other hits...I hope to watch the story of the other hits too...
@@QueenCelebrationLive When they talked about how casually Morton goes up the ladder, I always think to the incredibly long note he holds there. When he does it live, it's no big deal. Every other singer would milk it.
Its a timeless video song. When MTV was in its pure raw form. 35 years and going strong. The 80s where the best times for me. WANTED time machine to take me back to the 1980s
Our eight-year-old son loves it so much that he worked on it day and night to be able to play this riff on the piano. I never expected that our son would even listen to a song that we called favourites those days. It is one of his favourites! What a song!
Heard it on the radio when it debuted in the US and drove right to the record store and bought the 45, still have it. Couldn't believe that it was so catchy and poppy but so deeply moving at the same time. It sent me into a euphoric reverie - I instantly knew it was a miracle, pop or not, I know what I love. Then the video showed up on MTV and enjoyed it a new way over and over again. How is that that you never tire of the riff? The riff is a kind of perpetual emotion machine -it just goes on and on and on and if the riff isn't enough you have the soaring voice, another miracle and then the riff again. The dopamine never stops! This was a miracle.
OMG is it just me crying? So beautiful, so touchy! Every episode makes love A-ha more and more and takes me back to 1986 when I nearly fell off the sofa when I heard the first notes of Take on me. Luv you guys!
3:43 - just wow. One of the many reasons this song is so great is because it’s so beautifully written. Right here, Magne delivers this part so extraordinary prestigious.
I think that in time, history will prove that the A-ha image and their most popular music and videos, will become almost an archetype for this particular style, a reference that will inspire and be imitated. We haven't see much of that yet because things haven't gone far enough to come full circle, but I think it will.
The song and video just don’t age. They are simple timeless classics that continue to be played and discovered by today’s youth. Music never dies. Great music lives forever.
Yes the video is timeless for several reasons: the idea of making a story halfway between reality (the girl who is reading a comic at a coffee table) and a fantasy world (represented by the comic) the idea that these 2 worlds intertwine (the girl enters the comic): the idea that even in the fantasy world there is evil (represented by the two opponents who, wanting to "take revenge" for the defeat, want to beat Morten and the girl) Morten who pushes the girl making her return to reality; when the girl has returned home, Morten tries to reach her, but seems unable to cross the barrier. Will the fantasy world and reality be able to meet? Since the ending remains open, we can choose.
You know......... I agree! The music video of "Take On Me" belongs in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. It is a masterpiece. Let's make it happen. 😊👍🎶
When I was in college in the early 1990s and everybody was so into "Alternative Rock" and "MTV Unplugged" and all things "strings", when we were living in the cultural backlash against synthesizers in the wake of the fallout of Milli-Vanilli and for other factors, there was a strong degree of aggression against synth-pop type music, especially any that had been produced in the 1980s. That was a very difficult time for me because I was about the only person I knew in the United States who was really into A-ha and identified with their image and their music. Even then though, I never let anyone shame me for liking A-ha and their music. I remember occasions when I mentioned A-ha, that the immediate knee-jerk response from other people was "they were just a one-hit wonder".. I was quick to tell them of all of the albums that A-ha had released and of their soundtrack for Living Daylights, awards that they had received, and that the band was very much still together and big all over the world, and that the only place that they weren't "big" was the United States. It was lonely going through those times being the only A-ha fan that I knew of, but I can say that I was a loyal A-ha fan even when it wasn't cool to be an A-ha fan. I wonder if the three band members have any idea just how strong a chord they struck with some of us, and how much people like me have identified with them and with their music. Morten has said that "Take On Me" has over-shadowed their other music, but I have always listened to their other music; "Take On Me", great as it is, was not by far the only song I've liked by them. There are many, and I appreciate all of their music. Even their remakes are absolutely superb. For example their version of "Crying In The Rain".. What an AMAZING interpretation of that song! "The Sun Shines On TV", What a combination of vocal power, strength and beauty in one song. I know of no other song that conveys all of those qualities quite like that song does. Even "Stay On These Roads" doesn't have the emotion that this song does. I could name many but then this post would be too long for people to read. I will always be an A-ha fan.
Jim B Me too Jim. I actually love their darker, moodier, less successful songs too..especially the ones on Memorial Beach and East of the Sun West of the Moon.
You sound like an American version of me, Jim. In Australia, it was exactly the same. After the all-too-brief excitement around their first three hits, they faded away, leaving me the only person I knew of who still followed and loved them. To this day, I've never personally met a single person who knew they were still making amazing music.
@@marjoriemcbride6557 I'm listening to Locust from Memorial Beach as I write this. The production quality is higher than some modern albums. A-ha is such a versatile band, and this album really demonstrates this with it's departure from the style of other A-ha albums.
@@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101 Well, I have come to embrace the fact that most around me know little at all about A-ha. I think it's a special select individual that has been endowed with the ability to identify truly great talent and material amidst all of the din of what is popular at the time, and the fickle opinions of pop-culture. Consider yourself a unique person, a member of a very special club if you will. It can be a lonely endeavor to be true to one's own tastes, and sometimes to ride high it seems as if we have to ride alone, but we are never alone. We're always in good company of like-minds. Thanks to the internet, fans like us can come together and share our fan-ship.
Morten's impression was right when he heard the riff - it really was universal and "the key to the world" in the sense that it was a riff with universal appeal. It was merely a question of developing it which they did. It's something that I think nearly everybody can relate to on some level. I have always been a fan of the band because I could relate to the music and I could relate to the band's image, and it was the times and places where I got my early impressions of the music video that was very formative for me. It's more than I can describe in a simple UA-cam comment.
Jim B right. There are very few songs that have been written that it seems like almost everyone likes (Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" would be another example). You see maybe 2 or 3 of those every generation. The only exception to this, near as I can tell, would be The Beatles.
Thank you guys for making this documentary about the making of Take on Me...all three episodes have been fascinating, especially to your true fans like me. Your music is an essential part of my life, and now that I can see videos of past concerts and performances here on UA-cam, dating right back to the very beginning , I can appreciate how really talented and creative you are. Listening to Albums and CDs is no substitute for actually seeing you perform, and for only the second time I’ve been able to see you live myself, when I experienced your latest HHAL concert in Belfast....it kicks off with Take On Me of course and the hairs just rise up on the back of the neck from the word go! What a fabulous show it was...so thank you for that. I love the way success has never gone to your heads and you never forget your fans and always have time to say thank you. We love you and your music...please keep making it for many years to come.
I had had a terrible motorcycle accident the year before the release. I immediately loved the song. It really “spoke” to me. The keyboard riff reminded me of something I had heard at “Red Rocks” the year before. When I heard U2 do “Under a Blood Red Sky” . . . I’ll always love “Take on Me” !
Best song ever! As a teen growing up in the 80's, there is no other song that even comes close making me remember my childhood with just the first three bars of a song. Your legacy does not die with me.... I have born 4 children that also resonate with your music the same way I did. Your music is truly forever, just like Elvis & Michael Jackson.
a-ha thank you so much for this production on the behind the scenes of a timeless song and an eternally amazing video. "I'll be coming for your love, ok?"
I totally agree with Nile Rodgers. The half-time part of the chorus always gets me going, it's also why the chorus arrangement when they skip the half-time toward the end and keep the upbeat rythm stands out so much like the song flies on its own in the sunset forever. The Sun Always Shines On TV is even more epic.
I love A-ha and their music and I have been a fan since the 1980s. I saw them in concert here in Dublin Ireland on the 29th of October and they where brilliant.
Ronan Conlon I saw them the following night in Belfast....brilliant concert, brilliant band...so underrated even here! Most of my friends look at me like I’ve two heads when I go on about how much I love their music.
I felt so proud that they chose Dublin to kick off their tour. What a concert, definitely made up for not being able to get a ticket for their Cork gig last year.
i was a lorry driver taking stage and sound equipment to venues around the uk and europe on a couple of a-ha tours and can say i was lucky enough to have seen them live on lots of occasions in lots of great places best times of my life thanks Morten,Magne and Paul. Take On Me will live a lot longer than we will, but lets not forget they also had a huge number of others songs lots of which were also great hits big love in Dec 2019 Merry Xmas
The hair stands on the back of my neck every time I hear take on me and I listen to it a lot not many songs or artists can do that class song and class group will never get old
This video of how 'Take On Me' was made is impeccable! The way the editors brought together all of the key players in the making of the video, and the commentary, and the music... all is so captivating and impressive! Bravo!! ❤❤
I was obsessed with Aha's albums. I used to spend my summer in year 12 at 17years old sunbaking on Terrigal Beach NSW Australia with my cassette Walkman on listening to their music over and over and it was my own private world and special love affair with them and the fantasy of having a boyfriend like Morton. I saw them in concert in Sydney in 1986 and screamed like a girl and didnt care, wearing my denim jacket, leather bangles and ripped jeans and morton hair. :) They were beautiful.
This 3 part documentary is incredible...That great video work of art was very worthy of this...Great that this talented team is all still alive here...
An underrated aspect of this song is the blasé idea that he’ll be gone soon but the timeframe is a fraction uncertain. ‘In a day or two’ sounds excellent for the first 2 choruses. By the time we reach the ultimate chorus, hes more direct ‘in a dayyyyy’.
O Brasil 🇧🇷 é o País N° 1 em quantidade de fãs do a-ha em todo o mundo, estamos ansiosos aguardando a 3° Parte do documentário da história da música "take on me" 😍
It is a very special feeling to comment this "Take on Me" making of, decades after hearing this song the 1st time, when I was a so young person ! The episodes are great, I love the little reunion in the café, so nice ! It's a special flavour now I'm a grown woman to understand why it is a so incredible video (I was not that aware of the amount of work) . At that time, it just hit me off, I loved the song, the band, it helped me through a difficult time. For me this song has always been a glimpse of light and freedom, with very optimistic vibes. An african saying tells "it takes a village to raise a child", and it's obvious it takes a large incredible talented team to make live a magnificent song through time. All the best A-ha !
You guys wrote a song that makes people happy....it's that simple....my favorite song is out of blue comes green. I would have never heard that song without take on me.
Baltazar Bum to be fare I'd have to day it's a seasonal thing....but if I were to pick one that is dark, and light all in one... scoundrel days, it's an emotional roller coaster.
Man, for the most part, I was raised listening to music over watching TV and I was about 4-5 years old when the video was released. At that age, seeing the video with childlike wonderment made me believe that reality can be altered to bring fantasy to life; as if we didn't have to pretend anymore. Hearing the song was a jump jam as it was something to dance to as most of the lyrics fly over my head. The song and the video have been a mainstay in my life as it was something I needed to have on demand. Better believe I recorded that video on VHS so I can watch it anytime. As I continued to grow so did my understanding of the song. Little did I know (even though the signs were there) that decades later it would be the icon that it is now. That song was with me throughout my entire childhood, teen years, twenty-somethings, thirty-whatevers... you get it. The video and the song continue to amaze many generations in the future.
What a great series of videos, really compliments the bands success. I’ve always loved this song, theres not much doubt that the 80’s were a special time in the world of music and for those of us who young at the time and took all this for granted we are eternally grateful now. I do feel that this is one of the greatest pop songs of all time as is its video
Yes indeed. I think there is a little bit of A-ha in most Brazilians, and a lot of A-ha in a lot of Brazilians. Ironically, even though my wife is Brazilian, she had never heard of A-ha until I introduced her to them. I told her that in Brazil, you literally can't walk very far without finding someone that is out of their mind crazy for A-ha. I only know this because I spent a couple of years in Brazil about 20 years before I met my wife, and that was during the period when A-ha had just released East Of The Sun West Of The Moon. I don't think she got out much growing up :-)
There is a timeless sense of urgency with this song and video. You find your love and you are so afraid you will lose them, but they battle through to overcome the obstacles. Love the song and video as much today as when it came out.
I was 15 back in 1985. Watching this today brings me a kind of mix of nostalgia and joy. It's great to see today how this iconic song and video were made. Thank you so much. Or in the words of ABBA: Thank you for the music
That last comment from Magne about playing the song in old age just cracked me up. So much so that the cat (who was sleeping on my lap) shot off and out of the cat flap.
Same here. My wife couldn't understand why I want to go all the way to California just to see them at great expense.. A-ha is just inseparately connected to who I am.
Yes, Mags is very very bright. Morten is none too intellectually shabby either. Pal is too, but he is quiet to the point that we don't get as much insight into what he thinks as we do with Mags and Morten.
I was 33 when this came out and loved it of course immediately. Much thanks to all the people who believed in this band back then and put their heart and soul into making the video, song, and group mainstream. Songs like this are why I don't listen to music made in the last ten years.
I was 23. We had just bought our first big back, big screen TV. And MTV was a new thing. I was home cleaning in the den. I stood up, dropped my dusting cloth and my jaw hit the floor. I'd never seen anything like it, nor anything as beautiful as Morten Harket. Strangely, my oldest son is in music and looks a lot like Morten. ❤
"The Sun Always Shines on TV" is a very underrated song. I went a long long time in my life before I heard it again, and it felt completely new when I stumbled onto it again a few years ago. I had never really listened to it thoroughly or appreciated it when I was young, and now it's one of my favorite songs.
I first heard "Take On Me" when I was 14 years old, when it was climbing the charts here in the United States. I liked it immediately and would record it from off of the radio and listened to it periodically along with other favorites. Even so, I hadn't yet gotten "bitten by the bug" as far as becoming the A-ha fan that I would later become. Ironically, I would not have occasion to see the video until 6 years later. By the time I was 20 years old, I was living in Brazil serving a church mission. I happened to be at someone's house in the city of Rio Branco, when I saw a television commercial that included various hits (probably a commercial for a music collection or perhaps it was an advertisement for Rock-In-Rio, who knows). I wouldn't have thought twice about it except that they cut to a scene from "Take On Me". I immediately recognized the song and was absolutely intrigued by the video which suddenly occurred to me that I had never seen before. The style of it, Morten's leather jacket, Bunty Bailey to whom he seemed to be singing, the whole scene. Somehow I knew that I was witnessing something iconic that I shouldn't miss because I knew immediately that I identified with, and I couldn't believe I'd never seen it before. That was the moment I first got "bitten by the bug". One of the girls that went to the church there, recorded several songs for me on cassette that included several songs from A-ha albums "Hunting High And Low" and "Scoundrel Days". She recorded them from LP. I went back and listened to some of them, and that was the first time that I ever heard "Sun Shines On TV". I remember around that same time when I happened to be in town, walking through their small shopping mall (very small at that) and they had a record store on the first floor where you could listen to LPs before purchasing them. "East Of The Sun West Of The Moon" was out and that's where I first listened to it. So I think it's safe to say that my introduction to their music was probably of different circumstance than a lot of Americans. In any case, their music helped solidify my memories of my own youth including my mission in Brazil from 1990 to 1992, and I have been a loyal follower of their career as a band ever since that time.
@@Bummelumm Great question.. I used to have Sun Shines On TV as my favorite but then as the years wound by, I started liking others at least as well such as You Are The One, Stay On These Roads, Living A Boy's Adventure Tale, Train Of Thought, Here I stand And Face The Rain, and many others. I will tell you that my favorite song that they remade from a previous artist, would be Crying In The Rain from their album East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon.
Have loved them since I was 16. I had heard Take on Me in America, but moved to Finland for a while that year as an exchange student. When there, I realized how much more music I was missing!! I am now 52. The mix of fantasy of the video ajacent with the vocals TRULY made this the treasure it is and will always be. Love these guys so much.
O Brasil 🇧🇷 é o País N° 1 em quantidade de fãs do a-ha em todo o mundo, estamos ansiosos aguardando a 3° Parte do documentário da história da música "take on me" 😍
Sim - eu tivi no Brasil quando eu vi o video do Take On Me pela primeira vez. Meu amor pela musica e pela banda e' fortemente ligado com as minhas recordacoes do Brasil e as saudades que eu tenho.
What I did get through the 31 years of listening a-ha music is that it doesnt really matter what style they are chosing at the moment, what versions of their songs they chose to play. It doesnt matter if its synth pop or pop rock or unplugged of anything else, its about Paul and Magne songs (and the way they approach their instruments) and Morten vocals combined together. All of these unique components combined (!) made a-ha special and The one and only. There is no one like them. absolutely no one. a-ha themselves are TM. As for me, the most apealing part to me its when Magne playing piano, or Magne piano-Paul guittar dialog. Everyone who love their songs has its own favourite pieces of their music . And I think their interesting personalities are ingridients of their success. "Take one me" works for so many people "massculture-wise". It never worked that way for me. Actually, I am one of those who like "dark troubled souls's" songs. Happy/euphoria-wise songs can live very long life if they are trully trully special and have something trully unique. Kinda soul of their own. Take on me definately has it even I am not the fan of this song.)
Don't forget Morten's songs!! My personal favourite is 'Living at the End of the World'. Oddly, there were NO songs, NONE, written primarily by Morten on the set list of the latest concerts. Perhaps because all of them, but all of them, are somehow deeply melancholic and always about the passing of love, of time, of life. With the rather notable exception of "Cannot Hide". But if they play that in concert... 😂 Oh if they had played that, it would have been rather fun (except perhaps for security) 😂
Thank you so much for uploading this series! I am 50 now and sooooo wish to have a time machine that enables me to go back to the 80s. It´ll never come back, but the memories still resonate with me. Series like this always make me smile and and sigh the same time. I only hope that todays youth experience the same as we, the "children of the eighties" did. Otherwise, they would definately miss something magical.
Watching these 3 clips has made me think.. such talent from so many people, such hard work and persistence to make this thing, this song, this video what it is.. unforgettable, timeless and beautiful. Thank you to the band, the producers and artists for bringing this to us.
This is literal what pop is about. Perfectly captures a string emotion and makes it gripping but easily digestable at the same time. Crazy. And to know they released it twice to get this impact is kinda inspirational
It seems so trite to say this but Morten was beautiful then, and he's still beautiful today. You can't say that of every heartthrob from the 80s. These series of videos covering the song and the video is fantastic.
Wow they still all look just like they did in ‘85. This is one of if not thee greatest songs of all time. It will always be my personal favorite song and I hope it never dies. We love you, a-ha
This was a great presentation of how the best of the best got involved with an unknown to make the what many, including me, think is the greatest music video ever made.
My wife is 74 and saw this video for the first time today. She absolutely loved it. When I told her how long ago it was made, she was astounded. I loved it when it first was broadcast on MTV and have always thought the song was really something special. Now, that video is another thing altogether. I don't know if there is a better rock video anywhere. This was a great video and thanks for showing a bit of how it was made.
This whole series has been so amazing! I’ve loved this song and video since I was a child. I was maybe 6 years old the first time. And Take On Me was the first music video I purchased on ITunes...remember when you did that?!? I love getting to hear/see the behind the scenes like this!❤️❤️
Attracted to the music, vocal and the 3 handsome boys. Its a great and unique song! The video came last for me as it was very different and new concept. But its fantastic when you put everything together.👍👏❤
Many thanks for this series of videos about the greatest music video ever made. It was the definition of “ charming”. Having said that the sun always shines on tv is my favourite song because I can relate to the lyrics. 👍🏻
I cannot describe how much joy this series bring me. Thanks for making these, and thanks a-ha for bringing me joy after all these years.
Same here.. Please make more!
Agreed :)
Yes, this was a pleasant thing to see, not only for the reminiscence, but also to illustrate (pun intended) how involved the process was to make the video (as well as a great history of the band in that era).
I honestly and thoroughly agree. Unbeatable song and video. Thank you, a-ha and collaborators!
👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👏👏👍
The song itself is a gem but then when you see the video to it, a double gem. Then when you see the guys from A HA interviewed , you realise they are so down to earth and humble, and that makes it a triple gem for me.
Loved your comment. You basically said what this song is still a legacy and will be. And I think the exact same, to find that "3 combo" has been difficult for many bands...
"Melancholy is about things that are valuable to you.". Morten nailed it.
I thought the meaning to this word meant when someone has gone completely off the rails and all the rest with it lol
As said James Blunt, "The Sun Always Shines On TV", is an another great hit too... a-ha has many other hits...I hope to watch the story of the other hits too...
There's a lot more from the 80s, but one of their absolute best is *Summer Moved On* - Ah, what a song!
Yes, I would like to see a documentary on the entire Hunting High And Low album, including where the album cover was shot.
@@JimButler1234567890 Best album cover ever
That's what sucks about "The Sun Always Shines On TV" is that it was overshadowed by the success of "Take On Me", but they are both amazing songs.
@@QueenCelebrationLive When they talked about how casually Morton goes up the ladder, I always think to the incredibly long note he holds there. When he does it live, it's no big deal. Every other singer would milk it.
Its a timeless video song. When MTV was in its pure raw form. 35 years and going strong. The 80s where the best times for me.
WANTED time machine to take me back to the 1980s
Our eight-year-old son loves it so much that he worked on it day and night to be able to play this riff on the piano. I never expected that our son would even listen to a song that we called favourites those days. It is one of his favourites! What a song!
Heard it on the radio when it debuted in the US and drove right to the record store and bought the 45, still have it. Couldn't believe that it was so catchy and poppy but so deeply moving at the same time. It sent me into a euphoric reverie - I instantly knew it was a miracle, pop or not, I know what I love. Then the video showed up on MTV and enjoyed it a new way over and over again. How is that that you never tire of the riff? The riff is a kind of perpetual emotion machine -it just goes on and on and on and if the riff isn't enough you have the soaring voice, another miracle and then the riff again. The dopamine never stops! This was a miracle.
What makes this song timeless? That riff, and the fact that Morten's almost inhumanely beautiful.
OMG is it just me crying? So beautiful, so touchy! Every episode makes love A-ha more and more and takes me back to 1986 when I nearly fell off the sofa when I heard the first notes of Take on me. Luv you guys!
No, I think we all feel a strong connection with them.
Cried here too, hahaha
Hahaha I'm sorry I'm not crying but imagining u fall off d sofa on hearing him😅😉👍
I’m not gonna lie. I cried. I just never realized of all the amazing, wonderfully-talented ppl that were involved!
I'm crying too!!!! Greetings from Brazil!!!!!
3:43 - just wow. One of the many reasons this song is so great is because it’s so beautifully written. Right here, Magne delivers this part so extraordinary prestigious.
Take on meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
I have a feeling this song is gonna live on another 30 years ❤
300
I think that in time, history will prove that the A-ha image and their most popular music and videos, will become almost an archetype for this particular style, a reference that will inspire and be imitated. We haven't see much of that yet because things haven't gone far enough to come full circle, but I think it will.
Amen to that.
Take On Me will live on as long as people have ears!
@@hello-vs4dc well said.
this song's popularity will out live us all.
You are right about that.
As it deserves to.
You are right!!! There is no doubt about it.
Could'nt have said it better.
Essa banda e td pra mim 🤗🤗
I just love Morten's vocal range and I believe that Take on Me is such an iconic song now. So nice that it is loved by so many people ♥️
One of my favorite songs of the 80’s. So glad I was a 15 year old kid in 85 watching this amazing video on MTV.
The song and video just don’t age. They are simple timeless classics that continue to be played and discovered by today’s youth. Music never dies. Great music lives forever.
Yes the video is timeless for several reasons: the idea of making a story halfway between reality (the girl who is reading a comic at a coffee table) and a fantasy world (represented by the comic) the idea that these 2 worlds intertwine (the girl enters the comic): the idea that even in the fantasy world there is evil (represented by the two opponents who, wanting to "take revenge" for the defeat, want to beat Morten and the girl) Morten who pushes the girl making her return to reality; when the girl has returned home, Morten tries to reach her, but seems unable to cross the barrier. Will the fantasy world and reality be able to meet? Since the ending remains open, we can choose.
I love it! ... It's the Van Gogh of Music Videos... That's the purest description I can think of. It's a Masterpiece of Art.
You know......... I agree! The music video of "Take On Me" belongs in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. It is a masterpiece. Let's make it happen. 😊👍🎶
When I was in college in the early 1990s and everybody was so into "Alternative Rock" and "MTV Unplugged" and all things "strings", when we were living in the cultural backlash against synthesizers in the wake of the fallout of Milli-Vanilli and for other factors, there was a strong degree of aggression against synth-pop type music, especially any that had been produced in the 1980s. That was a very difficult time for me because I was about the only person I knew in the United States who was really into A-ha and identified with their image and their music. Even then though, I never let anyone shame me for liking A-ha and their music. I remember occasions when I mentioned A-ha, that the immediate knee-jerk response from other people was "they were just a one-hit wonder".. I was quick to tell them of all of the albums that A-ha had released and of their soundtrack for Living Daylights, awards that they had received, and that the band was very much still together and big all over the world, and that the only place that they weren't "big" was the United States. It was lonely going through those times being the only A-ha fan that I knew of, but I can say that I was a loyal A-ha fan even when it wasn't cool to be an A-ha fan. I wonder if the three band members have any idea just how strong a chord they struck with some of us, and how much people like me have identified with them and with their music. Morten has said that "Take On Me" has over-shadowed their other music, but I have always listened to their other music; "Take On Me", great as it is, was not by far the only song I've liked by them. There are many, and I appreciate all of their music. Even their remakes are absolutely superb. For example their version of "Crying In The Rain".. What an AMAZING interpretation of that song! "The Sun Shines On TV", What a combination of vocal power, strength and beauty in one song. I know of no other song that conveys all of those qualities quite like that song does. Even "Stay On These Roads" doesn't have the emotion that this song does. I could name many but then this post would be too long for people to read. I will always be an A-ha fan.
Jim B Me too Jim. I actually love their darker, moodier, less successful songs too..especially the ones on Memorial Beach and East of the Sun West of the Moon.
You sound like an American version of me, Jim. In Australia, it was exactly the same. After the all-too-brief excitement around their first three hits, they faded away, leaving me the only person I knew of who still followed and loved them. To this day, I've never personally met a single person who knew they were still making amazing music.
@@marjoriemcbride6557 I'm listening to Locust from Memorial Beach as I write this. The production quality is higher than some modern albums. A-ha is such a versatile band, and this album really demonstrates this with it's departure from the style of other A-ha albums.
@@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101 Well, I have come to embrace the fact that most around me know little at all about A-ha. I think it's a special select individual that has been endowed with the ability to identify truly great talent and material amidst all of the din of what is popular at the time, and the fickle opinions of pop-culture. Consider yourself a unique person, a member of a very special club if you will. It can be a lonely endeavor to be true to one's own tastes, and sometimes to ride high it seems as if we have to ride alone, but we are never alone. We're always in good company of like-minds. Thanks to the internet, fans like us can come together and share our fan-ship.
Brilliantly articulated and flattering to boot. Thanks Jim.
Morten's impression was right when he heard the riff - it really was universal and "the key to the world" in the sense that it was a riff with universal appeal. It was merely a question of developing it which they did. It's something that I think nearly everybody can relate to on some level. I have always been a fan of the band because I could relate to the music and I could relate to the band's image, and it was the times and places where I got my early impressions of the music video that was very formative for me. It's more than I can describe in a simple UA-cam comment.
Jim B right. There are very few songs that have been written that it seems like almost everyone likes (Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" would be another example). You see maybe 2 or 3 of those every generation. The only exception to this, near as I can tell, would be The Beatles.
LOL, you're a fucking janitor for christsakes
Jim B Take on Me is the song Bill and Ted were wanting to write.
You are very good with words
"Sounds good, no?" Mags is just gold 😂😂
I cracked up
I enjoyed the series overall but that was the best part 😅😅
a-ha Take On Me, still the best after all these years!!!
Thank you guys for making this documentary about the making of Take on Me...all three episodes have been fascinating, especially to your true fans like me. Your music is an essential part of my life, and now that I can see videos of past concerts and performances here on UA-cam, dating right back to the very beginning , I can appreciate how really talented and creative you are. Listening to Albums and CDs is no substitute for actually seeing you perform, and for only the second time I’ve been able to see you live myself, when I experienced your latest HHAL concert in Belfast....it kicks off with Take On Me of course and the hairs just rise up on the back of the neck from the word go! What a fabulous show it was...so thank you for that. I love the way success has never gone to your heads and you never forget your fans and always have time to say thank you. We love you and your music...please keep making it for many years to come.
Marjorie McBride totally agreed! With everything! 😍😍😍
I had had a terrible motorcycle accident the year before the release. I immediately loved the song. It really “spoke” to me. The keyboard riff reminded me of something I had heard at “Red Rocks” the year before. When I heard U2 do “Under a Blood Red Sky” . . . I’ll always love “Take on Me” !
Best song ever! As a teen growing up in the 80's, there is no other song that even comes close making me remember my childhood with just the first three bars of a song. Your legacy does not die with me.... I have born 4 children that also resonate with your music the same way I did. Your music is truly forever, just like Elvis & Michael Jackson.
A truly great song. Takes me back to 1985 and watching Mtv whenever I hear it. Forever a part of my youth. Thank you, a-ha.
It's 2020. My kids are 12 and 15. They loved the song and the video since the very first time. This is a song WAY AHEAD of it's time. THANKS!
Mark my word...this song will be played over and over again years and years to come. Will become a classic!
a-ha thank you so much for this production on the behind the scenes of a timeless song and an eternally amazing video.
"I'll be coming for your love, ok?"
I totally agree with Nile Rodgers. The half-time part of the chorus always gets me going, it's also why the chorus arrangement when they skip the half-time toward the end and keep the upbeat rythm stands out so much like the song flies on its own in the sunset forever.
The Sun Always Shines On TV is even more epic.
Same, who couldn’t love the half time part
I love A-ha and their music and I have been a fan since the 1980s. I saw them in concert here in Dublin Ireland on the 29th of October and they where brilliant.
so did i ..felt so old haha but i have loved them since i went to first concert in rds and have been to every concert they played in dublin
Ronan Conlon I saw them the following night in Belfast....brilliant concert, brilliant band...so underrated even here! Most of my friends look at me like I’ve two heads when I go on about how much I love their music.
I felt so proud that they chose Dublin to kick off their tour. What a concert, definitely made up for not being able to get a ticket for their Cork gig last year.
Alan Whelan I was too late to get one for that Electric Summer gig too....was really disappointed.
i was a lorry driver taking stage and sound equipment to venues around the uk and europe on a couple of a-ha tours and can say i was lucky enough to have seen them live on lots of occasions in lots of great places best times of my life thanks Morten,Magne and Paul. Take On Me will live a lot longer than we will, but lets not forget they also had a huge number of others songs lots of which were also great hits big love in Dec 2019 Merry Xmas
Thank you for this incredible series!
I wasnt alive in the 80's but this song brings the 80's into my heart, and for that i'll forever be greatful!
The hair stands on the back of my neck every time I hear take on me and I listen to it a lot not many songs or artists can do that class song and class group will never get old
This video of how 'Take On Me' was made is impeccable! The way the editors brought together all of the key players in the making of the video, and the commentary, and the music... all is so captivating and impressive! Bravo!! ❤❤
I was obsessed with Aha's albums. I used to spend my summer in year 12 at 17years old sunbaking on Terrigal Beach NSW Australia with my cassette Walkman on listening to their music over and over and it was my own private world and special love affair with them and the fantasy of having a boyfriend like Morton. I saw them in concert in Sydney in 1986 and screamed like a girl and didnt care, wearing my denim jacket, leather bangles and ripped jeans and morton hair. :) They were beautiful.
This 3 part documentary is incredible...That great video work of art was very worthy of this...Great that this talented team is all still alive here...
An underrated aspect of this song is the blasé idea that he’ll be gone soon but the timeframe is a fraction uncertain. ‘In a day or two’ sounds excellent for the first 2 choruses. By the time we reach the ultimate chorus, hes more direct ‘in a dayyyyy’.
You're right, and I never thought about that before.
My dad and I worked at the same place for 2 years (different positions), and we would listen to this song during the morning commute together.
O Brasil 🇧🇷 é o País N° 1 em quantidade de fãs do a-ha em todo o mundo, estamos ansiosos aguardando a 3° Parte do documentário da história da música "take on me" 😍
I went to the concert yesterday here in Bremen, Germany. And the first song was Take On Me. Goosebumps!!!
OMG! Wish I could be there!!
Me too i was in Bremen; last week. For me an unforgettable evening. Will love a-ha forever !!!
It is a very special feeling to comment this "Take on Me" making of, decades after hearing this song the 1st time, when I was a so young person ! The episodes are great, I love the little reunion in the café, so nice ! It's a special flavour now I'm a grown woman to understand why it is a so incredible video (I was not that aware of the amount of work) . At that time, it just hit me off, I loved the song, the band, it helped me through a difficult time. For me this song has always been a glimpse of light and freedom, with very optimistic vibes. An african saying tells "it takes a village to raise a child", and it's obvious it takes a large incredible talented team to make live a magnificent song through time. All the best A-ha !
This song and Stay on These Roads are two of the greatest songs of the eighties, possibly all time.
You guys wrote a song that makes people happy....it's that simple....my favorite song is out of blue comes green. I would have never heard that song without take on me.
Out of Blue Comes Green is a beautiful song. Which album by a-ha is your favorite?
Baltazar Bum to be fare I'd have to day it's a seasonal thing....but if I were to pick one that is dark, and light all in one... scoundrel days, it's an emotional roller coaster.
Baltazar Bum. What's your favorite?
There are so many terrific a-ha songs :)
Claudia Meier I agree, I could pick one every day and it would always sound new!
Very cool seeing them together in the cafe!!!
I've literally just watched part 1 and 2 just now and was looking for part 3! Uploaded 13 minutes ago, very handy! Great documentary so far....
I was born on '85 but this song is one of my favorite pop song of all the time. Iconic videoclip. Pure pop music ❤❤
A Timeless hit of a unforgettable decade.
Yah. I dont see the 2010s music producing any classics. Maybe "Happy" by Pharrell
"I could not hit it, without being hit" that had me fockin dying
dude, be a man and say "fuckin" for christsakes
Thank you for these guys, a timeless song as most of your songs; you are part of my life since the beginning, thank you for all your magic music.
Man, for the most part, I was raised listening to music over watching TV and I was about 4-5 years old when the video was released. At that age, seeing the video with childlike wonderment made me believe that reality can be altered to bring fantasy to life; as if we didn't have to pretend anymore. Hearing the song was a jump jam as it was something to dance to as most of the lyrics fly over my head. The song and the video have been a mainstay in my life as it was something I needed to have on demand. Better believe I recorded that video on VHS so I can watch it anytime. As I continued to grow so did my understanding of the song. Little did I know (even though the signs were there) that decades later it would be the icon that it is now. That song was with me throughout my entire childhood, teen years, twenty-somethings, thirty-whatevers... you get it. The video and the song continue to amaze many generations in the future.
That is a hit for Decades! Thank you A-Ha !!!
TIMELESS, SIMPLY TIMELESS ❤️
I was already a fan of Howard Jones and addicted to his Human's Lib album. Then I heard A-Ha and was blown away at the nuanced sound.
I can never hear the song without also visualizing the video in my mind at the same time. They complement each other.
Love this band since 85
Take on me wow
The song is pop perfection
And the video is for me top 3 greatest ever made.
Great band
👍👍👍👍👍
What a great series of videos, really compliments the bands success. I’ve always loved this song, theres not much doubt that the 80’s were a special time in the world of music and for those of us who young at the time and took all this for granted we are eternally grateful now. I do feel that this is one of the greatest pop songs of all time as is its video
I'm so happy I made the right choice when I was a teenager... And thank you for everything you've been doing ever since !
🌟A-ha Band🌟 Brazilians for three Norwegians... Absolute Passion! 🇧🇷💕🇳🇴
Yes indeed. I think there is a little bit of A-ha in most Brazilians, and a lot of A-ha in a lot of Brazilians. Ironically, even though my wife is Brazilian, she had never heard of A-ha until I introduced her to them. I told her that in Brazil, you literally can't walk very far without finding someone that is out of their mind crazy for A-ha. I only know this because I spent a couple of years in Brazil about 20 years before I met my wife, and that was during the period when A-ha had just released East Of The Sun West Of The Moon. I don't think she got out much growing up :-)
There is a timeless sense of urgency with this song and video. You find your love and you are so afraid you will lose them, but they battle through to overcome the obstacles. Love the song and video as much today as when it came out.
I was 15 back in 1985. Watching this today brings me a kind of mix of nostalgia and joy. It's great to see today how this iconic song and video were made. Thank you so much. Or in the words of ABBA: Thank you for the music
That last comment from Magne about playing the song in old age just cracked me up. So much so that the cat (who was sleeping on my lap) shot off and out of the cat flap.
yeah - I got a kick out of that too.
I will always love Take On Me and a-ha will remain part of my life until the day I die.
Same here. My wife couldn't understand why I want to go all the way to California just to see them at great expense.. A-ha is just inseparately connected to who I am.
The people who don’t have all the albums don’t know what they’re missing.
That really means a lot coming from Patrick Stewart.
Alan Whelan me too. Love them 💕
oh brother
Words can’t explain how much I love this song.
I love Mags. He is so intelligent and down to earth...
Yes, Mags is very very bright. Morten is none too intellectually shabby either. Pal is too, but he is quiet to the point that we don't get as much insight into what he thinks as we do with Mags and Morten.
I was 33 when this came out and loved it of course immediately. Much thanks to all the people who believed in this band back then and put their heart and soul into making the video, song, and group mainstream. Songs like this are why I don't listen to music made in the last ten years.
I was 23. We had just bought our first big back, big screen TV. And MTV was a new thing.
I was home cleaning in the den.
I stood up, dropped my dusting cloth and my jaw hit the floor.
I'd never seen anything like it, nor anything as beautiful as Morten Harket.
Strangely, my oldest son is in music and looks a lot like Morten. ❤
Great music, great musicians and the last seconds are great as well 😂
"The Sun Always Shines on TV" is a very underrated song. I went a long long time in my life before I heard it again, and it felt completely new when I stumbled onto it again a few years ago. I had never really listened to it thoroughly or appreciated it when I was young, and now it's one of my favorite songs.
Thanks for everything a-ha.
Such a unique song, band, and video production. All stellar, and memorable, yes.
I first heard "Take On Me" when I was 14 years old, when it was climbing the charts here in the United States. I liked it immediately and would record it from off of the radio and listened to it periodically along with other favorites. Even so, I hadn't yet gotten "bitten by the bug" as far as becoming the A-ha fan that I would later become. Ironically, I would not have occasion to see the video until 6 years later. By the time I was 20 years old, I was living in Brazil serving a church mission. I happened to be at someone's house in the city of Rio Branco, when I saw a television commercial that included various hits (probably a commercial for a music collection or perhaps it was an advertisement for Rock-In-Rio, who knows). I wouldn't have thought twice about it except that they cut to a scene from "Take On Me". I immediately recognized the song and was absolutely intrigued by the video which suddenly occurred to me that I had never seen before. The style of it, Morten's leather jacket, Bunty Bailey to whom he seemed to be singing, the whole scene. Somehow I knew that I was witnessing something iconic that I shouldn't miss because I knew immediately that I identified with, and I couldn't believe I'd never seen it before. That was the moment I first got "bitten by the bug". One of the girls that went to the church there, recorded several songs for me on cassette that included several songs from A-ha albums "Hunting High And Low" and "Scoundrel Days". She recorded them from LP. I went back and listened to some of them, and that was the first time that I ever heard "Sun Shines On TV". I remember around that same time when I happened to be in town, walking through their small shopping mall (very small at that) and they had a record store on the first floor where you could listen to LPs before purchasing them. "East Of The Sun West Of The Moon" was out and that's where I first listened to it. So I think it's safe to say that my introduction to their music was probably of different circumstance than a lot of Americans. In any case, their music helped solidify my memories of my own youth including my mission in Brazil from 1990 to 1992, and I have been a loyal follower of their career as a band ever since that time.
Which song and which album by a-ha is your favorite?
@@Bummelumm Great question.. I used to have Sun Shines On TV as my favorite but then as the years wound by, I started liking others at least as well such as You Are The One, Stay On These Roads, Living A Boy's Adventure Tale, Train Of Thought, Here I stand And Face The Rain, and many others. I will tell you that my favorite song that they remade from a previous artist, would be Crying In The Rain from their album East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon.
Jim B mine would be Locust
😁 That's really cool that you experienced that on your mission.
Have loved them since I was 16. I had heard Take on Me in America, but moved to Finland for a while that year as an exchange student. When there, I realized how much more music I was missing!! I am now 52. The mix of fantasy of the video ajacent with the vocals TRULY made this the treasure it is and will always be. Love these guys so much.
O Brasil 🇧🇷 é o País N° 1 em quantidade de fãs do a-ha em todo o mundo, estamos ansiosos aguardando a 3° Parte do documentário da história da música "take on me" 😍
Sim - eu tivi no Brasil quando eu vi o video do Take On Me pela primeira vez. Meu amor pela musica e pela banda e' fortemente ligado com as minhas recordacoes do Brasil e as saudades que eu tenho.
Muito bom ver Brasileiros aqui... Minha banda favorita... Amo ...
Mas esse vídeo é a terceira parte, amigão...
@@jeanviana545 Agora estamos esperando a quarta parte :-)
sim vdd, eu amo o video do show que eles fizeram no rock in rio de 1991 dar pra sentir a vibração da multidão.
What I did get through the 31 years of listening a-ha music is that it doesnt really matter what style they are chosing at the moment, what versions of their songs they chose to play. It doesnt matter if its synth pop or pop rock or unplugged of anything else, its about Paul and Magne songs (and the way they approach their instruments) and Morten vocals combined together. All of these unique components combined (!) made a-ha special and The one and only. There is no one like them. absolutely no one. a-ha themselves are TM. As for me, the most apealing part to me its when Magne playing piano, or Magne piano-Paul guittar dialog. Everyone who love their songs has its own favourite pieces of their music . And I think their interesting personalities are ingridients of their success. "Take one me" works for so many people "massculture-wise". It never worked that way for me. Actually, I am one of those who like "dark troubled souls's" songs. Happy/euphoria-wise songs can live very long life if they are trully trully special and have something trully unique. Kinda soul of their own. Take on me definately has it even I am not the fan of this song.)
Don't forget Morten's songs!! My personal favourite is 'Living at the End of the World'. Oddly, there were NO songs, NONE, written primarily by Morten on the set list of the latest concerts. Perhaps because all of them, but all of them, are somehow deeply melancholic and always about the passing of love, of time, of life. With the rather notable exception of "Cannot Hide". But if they play that in concert... 😂 Oh if they had played that, it would have been rather fun (except perhaps for security) 😂
31 years? 1988? How did you discover a-ha?
@@Bummelumm I believe they actually got together in 1981, but they didn't get their big break until their third release of Take On Me in 1985.
My friend used to play this in bars acoustically. He would get me up on the stage to help out, since I could sing the high notes!
That's awesome :-)
LOL, that never happened dipshit
Thank you so much for uploading this series! I am 50 now and sooooo wish to have a time machine that enables me to go back to the 80s. It´ll never come back, but the memories still resonate with me. Series like this always make me smile and and sigh the same time. I only hope that todays youth experience the same as we, the "children of the eighties" did. Otherwise, they would definately miss something magical.
Watching these 3 clips has made me think.. such talent from so many people, such hard work and persistence to make this thing, this song, this video what it is.. unforgettable, timeless and beautiful. Thank you to the band, the producers and artists for bringing this to us.
This is literal what pop is about. Perfectly captures a string emotion and makes it gripping but easily digestable at the same time. Crazy. And to know they released it twice to get this impact is kinda inspirational
"Take on me" is a very favorite song for me. I love it so much 💗
God bless you more A-HA band‼️❗
It seems so trite to say this but Morten was beautiful then, and he's still beautiful today. You can't say that of every heartthrob from the 80s. These series of videos covering the song and the video is fantastic.
Not just a brilliant song, but it's a brilliant song, taken from a brilliant album.
End of story !!!
Wow they still all look just like they did in ‘85. This is one of if not thee greatest songs of all time. It will always be my personal favorite song and I hope it never dies. We love you, a-ha
The entire Hunting high and low album is amazing....there aren't any "fillers" on it every song is brilliant ..
This was a great presentation of how the best of the best got involved with an unknown to make the what many, including me, think is the greatest music video ever made.
This song will live on as long as civilization does.
I remember watching that video and being blown away. I had to go out and buy the album and it is still one of my favorites.
My wife is 74 and saw this video for the first time today. She absolutely loved it. When I told her how long ago it was made, she was astounded. I loved it when it first was broadcast on MTV and have always thought the song was really something special. Now, that video is another thing altogether. I don't know if there is a better rock video anywhere. This was a great video and thanks for showing a bit of how it was made.
This is one of my fave songs of all time. And the video! is nostalgic!! It’s a classic. Always will be!!
This whole series has been so amazing! I’ve loved this song and video since I was a child. I was maybe 6 years old the first time. And Take On Me was the first music video I purchased on ITunes...remember when you did that?!? I love getting to hear/see the behind the scenes like this!❤️❤️
I think that this song is loved by so many people is that they want to be a part of that special video that is so different!
The best thing about the song. From happy to sad song. Really amazing that they can switch to slow but still very good to hear.
Always will love AHA!Remember when this video came out on MTV...Much Love!
It’s nearly 40 years now. As fresh and amazing as ever.
Am only 35, but my grandchildren will be listening and loving this music. Inshaallah
"Vitality" is the word I was looking for... pure unapologetic vitality. Awesome story of this song... I always wondered about it.
3:53 spine-tingling versus 7:32 re: 20 years. Magne, you wag...that made me LOL! Wish I could play the keyboard as he can.
I can't get enough of this video.
I have loved watching these. Thank you!!! The sun always shines on TV is another of my favorites, so is Cry Wolf.
One word: Iconic! 👍
Attracted to the music, vocal and the 3 handsome boys. Its a great and unique song! The video came last for me as it was very different and new concept. But its fantastic when you put everything together.👍👏❤
Many thanks for this series of videos about the greatest music video ever made. It was the definition of “ charming”. Having said that the sun always shines on tv is my favourite song because I can relate to the lyrics. 👍🏻
30 years time? No.
It will be playing in Mars orbit 100 years from now. 👍❤️