A-ha: Take On Me

[Lady Siara]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AXNBR2smPY


"'Take on Me' is a song by the Norwegian band a-ha. The song is a track from a-ha's first album, Hunting High and Low, released in 1985. The song was originally recorded in 1984 but was remixed for the release of the Hunting High and Low album.

The music video for the song was first broadcast in 1985 on local Boston music video station V-66, and then subsequently on MTV. The innovative video was an amalgamation of rotoscope-style animation and live-action. The video was inspired by the animated film Commuter created by Michael Patterson, and the movie Altered States.[1]

An extended mix of this song appears on the Japan-only 45 R.P.M. Club EP. The music video of another a-ha song, "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.", forms a sequel of sorts.

"Take on Me" was originally released in the fall of 1984. Due to the commercial failure of that release, it was re-released in 1985, after which it went on to become the most successful song from Hunting High and Low and one of the band's most recognizable and popular songs. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the British Singles Chart. The song would be a-ha's only number one single in America. At the MTV Video Music Awards on September 5, 1986, the video won six awards.[2]

In 2002, the song was ranked at number 8 on VH1's 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders, although this status is often used incorrectly in the United States when labeling a-ha. Also, in 2006, the song was ranked at number 24 on VH1's "Greatest Songs of the 1980s".[3]

The music video was spoofed by the animated comedy Family Guy in an episode entitled "Breaking Out Is Hard to Do" (Episode number 409). A "literal" parody of the video was created by Dustin McLean of DustFilms.com.[4]

The song appears in the game Karaoke Revolution Party and all of the Samba de Amigo games.

Shawn and Gus from Psych also sing this song on the first episode of season 2, called American Duos.

The song also appears in Saints Row 2 which also includes an Easter egg. The player's idle character sitting in the car will begin to sing along to this song. In the XBOX360 version of Saints Row 2, this unlocks a secret achievement.

The music video was referenced, although not directly by name, in the first chapter of Ali Smith's 2005 novel The Accidental."

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_on_Me)

C'mon, it's been in Samba De Amigo, Karaoke Revolution Party, Lips, and Singstar. -_-

[back_blows]

Definitely one of my favourite new wave tracks. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[Stones_Clash]

one of the best 1 hit wonder pop songs from the 80s, this is such a good song and id buy it without question.

[timmay9]

Yes, without a doubt. Red devils for vocals though.

[mathieupm13]

I think this version would be better for Rock Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ4S-UiNmzo

[Lady Siara]

I think this version would be better for Rock Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ4S-UiNmzo

Yeah, except for the vocals, and I like the synth sound of the original. Band wise though, I agree.

[Andyy]

Would have to the Reel Big Fish version for me!

[obsoleteshock]

I'd also prefer the Reel Big Fish version, but would be thrilled with either.

[timmay9]

Would have to the Reel Big Fish version for me!

Vocals aren't nearly as good. a-Ha's version is still better in my opinion.

[jrcronlakers]

Instant buy

[Dr.stupid]

I'd prefer a-ha's version AND I would hope that harmonix could somehow mimic the hand-drawn look of the video for gameplay. That'd rule.

[DMac4330]

LoL, Wow, my whole life I thought this was an 80's song. I am being serious too. This song must have been years beyond its times. Awesome song.

[Ecks-Bawks-Kid]

LoL, Wow, my whole life I thought this was an 80's song. I am being serious too. This song must have been years beyond its times. Awesome song.

Uh, it is an 80's song.

[Thisnameislame]

I agree that the RBF version would be better overall, but I'd still probably get the original.

[designsoda]

Awesome song. AC Newman of The New Pornographers will be releasing a cover of it soon I believe.

Anyways, instant buy from me.

[TheClashTheClashTheClash]

I think this version would be better for Rock Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ4S-UiNmzo

I like this version better

[citric_bullets]

I'd prefer a-ha's version AND I would hope that harmonix could somehow mimic the hand-drawn look of the video for gameplay. That'd rule.

That'd be more awesome than awesome has ever been.

[LuigiHann]

One of my all-time favorite songs, and it'd be a blast to play, assuming they handled the synth in the same way they do with Freezepop.

[bdrizzle14]

best music video of all time!

[Ratjar3]

Definite buy for me

[formerroadie]

I would only buy it if is it were the A-Ha version. That other version just sucks....

and, while were at it, add the entire Tears for Fears songs from the Big Chair disc!

[Bonez]

I'd much rather have the literal version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HE9OQ4FnkQ

If I could sing "pipe wrench fight" I would buy it in a second.

[thejapanesefrog]

I would download in a heartbeat! The reel big fish version is alright but I'd prefer the original.

EDIT: That literal version is hilarious!

[Cojack426]

Reel Big Fish version for me. Just because I saw them live and they played "Take On Me" for the encore. We need more third wave ska bands for rock band.

[theonew00t]

I'd much rather have the literal version.


If I could sing "pipe wrench fight" I would buy it in a second.

PIPE WRENCH FIGHT! I came here to post that. Good show sir!

[Lady Siara]

PIPE WRENCH FIGHT! I came here to post that. Good show sir!

I was going to post it in here sometime too, but you guys saved me the hassle.

[limelight_rush]

Good song.

I would buy it, but they should put in a new wave pack

[MaximumJason]

I'd prefer a-ha's version AND I would hope that harmonix could somehow mimic the hand-drawn look of the video for gameplay. That'd rule.

My thought's exactly. If only it was feesable to have them include a new venue with the song that does something similar to when you do sets that they are "recording" for a viode shoot and just make it look like a b&w cartoon, that'd be sweet.

But even just the original song would also kick ass.

[Venger]

Instant buy if it's the A-Ha original, if it's that RBF debacle, then I'd not buy it, ever.
RBF are a real big pile of ****.

[greatthenate]

REEL BIG FISH! Nah, I would buy both A-ha's and RBFs of these though...

[PrototypeXT3]

It would be like.

"A-ha - Take on Me" BUY BUY BUY BUY.

lol, so yes, please, do it Harmonix.

[Lady Siara]

If you don't like Take on Me, you should be in a strait jacket.

[limelight_rush]

If you don't like Take on Me, you should be in a strait jacket.

hahahaha LOL

[masterantonio]

It's my favorite song to sing in singstar. I would love the A-Ha original not the cover.

[Lady Siara]

Yeah, I'm more for the A-ha version myself.

[Skittles]

haha I actually posted this a while back

and yeah Id buy it
the a-ha version that is

[DJFire_CFR]

I'd go with the A-ha Version myself... now n then, I sing it when im on the air... little tough with those "REALLY HIGH" notes.. but yeah, It would be a blast to play on RB

[Daemius]

Insta-buy here :D

[Lady Siara]

*Plays the keytar*

[degro13]

seeing this song would be like a dream com true for me. i would just love hitting those notes in the a ha version seeing my friends looking at me like what the... it would be an immediate download if i were to see this added on in no time flat.:D:D:D

[itzJV]

Oh my god.. I love you.

"Take on Me" is one of my top favorite 80's music in my interior music library. I fully support this song, and would buy it the minute it's released! :D

[darkpowrjd]

A day one for me, but if I could ask, let's go one better and either release an A-Ha pack that has Take On Me and also Sun Always Shines On TV and Hunting High And Low, or just release the album Hunting High And Low.

By the way, I read somewhere that A-Ha is still going. They've released several albums for their native country and they are, like, legends over there or something. We've obviously have never been aware of how much success they've actually gotten because the only song that was really pushed over here was Take On Me. They have a pretty good size catalog that us Americans don't know about.

[Strawberry Fields]

Yes. Yes. Absolute must buy.

[Huntowser]

Much better than a lot of the junk out there.

[MacKenZieTerrodactil]

I'd be upset if the RBF version was used (which is ironic as that was the way I was introduced to the original), as I'm a huge 80's fan and the Fish's version looses the whole 80's feel not to mention it's vocals are actually singable... The original could easily be the toughest Red Devil on Vocals out of all of them.

[DerTommissar]

Yup, this would be an instant buy. Since I can only hear the synth parts, how is the bass on this?

[ConnyLundgren]

Yes, it's awesome. I love these old songs

[NHmets06]

great song, either version would be fine with me

[chalmers786]

I want it :)

[estemshorn]

i love this song. i'd love for it to be in rock band. especially vocals.

[Lady Siara]

111 people voted yes, holy crap. ._.

[estemshorn]

i'd definately buy it.

[Vegeduck]

a-ha has been one of my favorite bands for years, and while I'd be glad to this song on Rock Band, there are so so many better choices from this band.

Here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK9IhQGCK0s

This song is a much better song by them and a much better choice for the game. There are many, many others. Take on Me really isn't that good of a song.

[Sargehalo51]

This would be an instant purchase for me.

[Lady Siara]

This was on the radio earlier. :3

[jayou521]

Yes please. We need more 80's songs.

[DerTommissar]

I hope this gets released with RB3 (or whatever it will be called) and during the set your characters become penciled animations like in the music video.

[Lady Siara]

I hope this gets released with RB3 (or whatever it will be called) and during the set your characters become penciled animations like in the music video.

Comic book filter ftw.

[frangrizzlie]

I want the Northern Kings version!! It's amazing!! Better vocals!

[chalmers786]

Reel Big Fish's version was weak compared to A-Ha in my opinion.
The vocals would be fun :D

[Guns1inger]

I'd love a 3 pack of A-Ha:
Take On Me
The Sun Always Shines on TV
Hunting High and Low

[fakawhat]

I buy the this song no matter who sings it. But i rather have the version by aha.

Are this version by Runar Eff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4XTMLKVjp4

Like i said if by chance they put out the reel big fish version i would buy it. I love this song.

[oogabooha]

I am oogabooha, and I approve of this song :)

[Jdurgit]

I would like it to come out in a three pack like the following:

Take On Me - A-Ha
The Living Daylights - A-Ha
Take On Me - RBF

[ryan12147]

Definitely would buy this. Even though it would be boring, it's one of those songs that define a decade and you just have to enjoy it.

[Snitsky]

I love that song , I put it on my custom radio station in Saints Row 2 and sing with it lol

[ScoundrelDays89]

I would buy it in a second but also add Scoundrel Days and the Sun Always Shines on TV...O I forgot Moved To Memphis would be great too. Its a shame they are splitting up after their fairwell tour next year. These guys are pretty popular in Europe, Japan and South America shame they didnt achieve the same success here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY064h4U89U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvkdYr54f0Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33MpanILoPc

[LegendofRock3021]

This would be an instant buy for me, we need more 80's and New Wave in Rock Band, this song would help out in both areas.

[Pwnz0r3d]

I could just imagine what gameplay would look like....

If only HMX was capable of making everything look handrawn

[Dr.RockBand]

great song. i'd buy it

[dinoman]

i'd really like to have A-Ha on Rock Band..

they are the most famous norwegian band outside of Norway, so i would like to have these songs...

Take On Me
The Living Daylights
Hunting High and Low

please harmonix? i beg for you

[jayou521]

The keyboard solo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EXxMlIExpo#t=2m0s) would be awesome on guitar.

I also really wanna try and hit that high note during the chorus on vocals :D

[a_bull_on_parade]

Reel Big Fish's version would be like Alien Ant Farm's cover of Smooth Criminal, I'd prefer it but I'd take ether.

I got Smooth Criminal that is to say

[jayou521]

Personally, I'd much rather not have the RBF cover. We need the original in this case.

[Rockox]

I'd love to see "Take on Me" along with some of their other great tunes:

The Sun Always Shines on TV
Cry Wolf
Train of Thought
Hunting High and Low
Living Daylights
Summer Moved On

[mardybum76]

One of my favourite songs on lips, but I think 'I've been losing you' would be the perfect track for Rock Band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db3O1KmXGHY&feature=related

Sun always shines on tv and Manhattan skyline would be cool too

[Lady Siara]

Maybe they're saving this bad boy for post RB3 dlc or something.

One can hope.

[Dampiz]

I just discovered this band, and I absolutely love them, they remind me of Talking Heads in some strange way...

Move to Memphis
Early Morning
Hunting High and Low

Would just be great!

[Plutarch]

Dooo doo doo doo doo....DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

Would love to have that song.

[Drumminjay108]

Was really hoping for this song to be on disc but hopefully we will get it for dlc in the near future.

[thjimmy]

Instant buy. Let's hope to see it as DLC.

[guitarjacked]

Instant buy. Let's hope to see it as DLC.

Especially now there's keyboard support.

[LegendofRock3021]

Maybe they're saving this bad boy for post RB3 dlc or something.

One can hope.

Hopefully that's the case, it'd be perfect as would a lot of other New Wave.

[toolsinmind]

Just for the novelty I'd get it to start all my sets on RB3

[Lady Siara]

We finally got it! YESSSSSSSSSS!

[KarioChartsJerry]

Congrats!

[LegendofRock3021]

We finally got it! YESSSSSSSSSS!

It's about time. :D

[Pwnz0r3d]

Just as soon as Wii craps out too >:(

[handsprime]

And since Rock Band 3 has been released, and as what my friend will say, KEYBOARDS *****ES!!!