Headline: A-ha’s Chart-Topping Hit "Take on Me" Reaches 2 Billion YouTube Views
Introduction:
A-ha’s iconic song, "Take on Me", has reached a remarkable milestone. The Norwegian trio’s 1985 hit song has surpassed 2 billion YouTube views, making it the first song released that decade to achieve this feat. In this article, we’ll explore the making of this iconic song and what makes it so timeless.
The Making of "Take on Me":
Released in 1985, "Take on Me" was the lead single from A-ha’s debut album, Hunting High and Low. The song was directed by Steve Barron, who previously worked with Michael Jackson on his iconic "Billie Jean" music video. The clip’s unique blend of pencil-sketch animation and live action made it stand out on MTV and the track reached number one on the Hot 100 chart, making A-ha the first Norwegian group to top the chart.
The Video’s Success:
The music video’s success can be attributed to its innovative animation, memorable storyline, and captivating visuals. The video has been praised for its 80s charm and remains one of the most recognizable music videos of all time.
Explore More A-ha:
Get the latest updates on A-ha’s music, news, and videos on Billboard. Explore their discography and discover their other iconic songs.
The Artists Behind the Music:
- Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy formed A-ha in the early 80s.
- They have released several successful albums, including Hunting High and Low, Stay on These Roads, and Memorial Beach.
Keyboardist Magne Furuholmen:
In an interview with Billboard in 2019, Furuholmen attributed the video’s success to its hand-drawn animation, which has stood the test of time. "It’s very fortunate to have such a big song in our catalogue," Furuholmen noted.
Conclusion:
"Take on Me" has proven to be a timeless hit, captivating audiences across generations. A-ha’s innovative approach to music video production has inspired many and solidified their position in music history.
FAQs:
- How many times have A-ha changed members?
A-ha has had the same original lineup since its inception. The members are: Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. - How many albums has A-ha released?
A-ha has released seven studio albums: Hunting High and Low, Stay on These Roads, Memorial Beach, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, Lifelines, and Cast in Steel. - What inspired A-ha’s debut album?
The band was heavily influenced by 1980s new wave, punk, and pop music, as well as bands such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Tears for Fears.
Sources:
- Billboard – https://www.billboard.com/t/youtube/
- Billboard – https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8542980/-ha-mags-furuholmen-interview
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