A-ha Song Lyrics

A-ha: Norway’s Synth-Pop Sensation

Introduction

A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982, consisting of *Morten Harket* (vocals), *Paul Waaktaar-Savoy* (guitar, keyboards), and *Magne Furuholmen* (keyboards, guitar). The group is best known for their global hit "Take On Me", which became an iconic song of the 1980s and remains one of the most recognized tracks in pop music history. With their distinctive blend of new wave, synth-pop, and rock, A-ha quickly rose to international fame in the mid-1980s and have enjoyed a career spanning over four decades. Their innovative music videos, atmospheric sound, and Morten Harket's soaring falsetto helped establish A-ha as pioneers of the synth-pop genre.

Formation and Early Career

A-ha was formed when childhood friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, who had played together in a band called *Bridges*, decided to pursue a new musical direction. They recruited Morten Harket, who was already a respected singer in Norway, to form the trio. In 1982, they moved to London, determined to break into the international music scene. Their breakthrough came in 1985 with the release of their debut album, "Hunting High and Low", which included their signature hit "Take On Me". Although the song had been released once before in 1984 to little fanfare, it was re-recorded and re-released along with an innovative music video that combined live-action footage with rotoscoped animation. The video became a massive success on MTV, propelling the song to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and across multiple countries worldwide.

"We wanted to make music that would travel, something universal. And we knew we had something special with ‘Take On Me’." Morten Harket

Breakthrough and Famous Albums

A-ha’s career took off following the success of "Take On Me", and they released a series of albums throughout the 1980s and beyond that helped define their legacy in pop music.

• "Hunting High and Low" (1985) – Their debut album included not only *Take On Me* but also other hits like "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." and the title track "Hunting High and Low". The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and cementing their status as pop stars.
• "Scoundrel Days" (1986) – The band’s second album had a darker, more mature sound compared to their debut, featuring tracks like "I've Been Losing You" and "Cry Wolf". It showcased their ability to evolve musically while maintaining their synth-driven, atmospheric style.
• "Stay on These Roads" (1988) – Known for its title track and "The Living Daylights", which was the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. The album continued to build on their international success.
• "Minor Earth Major Sky" (2000) – After a hiatus, A-ha returned with this album, proving their staying power with songs like "Summer Moved On", which featured Morten Harket's record-breaking 20-second sustained note.

Signature Songs and Lyrics

A-ha’s music is known for its emotionally charged lyrics and sweeping melodies, often blending themes of love, loss, and introspection with the infectious energy of 1980s synth-pop. Their biggest hit, "Take On Me", is a perfect example of this balance. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of urgency and romantic longing: "Take on me, take me on / I'll be gone / In a day or two." The combination of Harket’s ethereal falsetto, the upbeat tempo, and the iconic synth riff helped make *Take On Me* a timeless anthem. Another of their major hits, "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.", showcases A-ha’s ability to blend melancholic lyrics with soaring, anthemic choruses. The song explores themes of isolation and emotional detachment: "Touch me / How can it be? / Believe me / The sun always shines on TV."

Impact and Cultural Influence

A-ha’s influence on pop music and culture, especially in the 1980s, is undeniable. Their synth-driven sound, combined with emotional depth and innovative production, helped shape the new wave and synth-pop movements of the time. The groundbreaking rotoscoped animation used in the "Take On Me" music video became an iconic moment in music video history and helped define the MTV era. Although their popularity in the U.S. waned after the 1980s, A-ha remained hugely successful in Europe, particularly in their home country of Norway and across the UK. They continued to release music and tour worldwide, building a loyal fanbase and becoming one of Norway’s most celebrated musical exports. Their influence is also seen in modern artists who cite A-ha as an inspiration, particularly for their sophisticated use of synths and melodic hooks. Bands like *Coldplay*, *Owl City*, and *The Weeknd* have acknowledged A-ha’s impact on their music.

"‘Take On Me’ is one of those songs that shaped the music video era and was groundbreaking in its creativity." Chris Martin, Coldplay

Collaborations and Later Work

A-ha’s members have pursued various side projects over the years. Morten Harket has released several solo albums, achieving success in Europe, while Paul Waaktaar-Savoy formed the band *Savoy*. Magne Furuholmen has worked as a visual artist and also released solo music. In 2015, A-ha reunited for their album "Cast in Steel", followed by the 2017 live acoustic album "MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice", which featured stripped-down versions of their classic hits. These releases, along with their continued touring, demonstrated the band’s enduring popularity and ability to evolve with the times.

Awards and Recognition

A-ha has earned numerous awards and accolades over their long career. They have won several *Spellemannprisen* awards (Norway’s equivalent of the Grammys) and were the first Norwegian band to achieve major international success. In 2012, they were honored with the *Q Inspiration Award* for their influence on modern music. In addition to their commercial success, A-ha’s pioneering music videos, particularly for *Take On Me* and *The Sun Always Shines on T.V.*, have been recognized for their creativity and innovation in the medium of music video art.

Fun Facts and Personal Life

- The *Take On Me* music video, directed by *Steve Barron*, took four months to create and used over 3,000 hand-drawn frames of animation. - Morten Harket holds the record for the longest note held in a pop song, sustaining a note for 20.2 seconds in *Summer Moved On*. - A-ha were originally signed to *Warner Bros.* after the company’s executives were impressed by an early demo of *Take On Me*, despite its initial lack of commercial success. - A-ha holds the world record for the largest paying audience at a concert. In 1991, they performed for a staggering 198,000 people at the *Maracanã Stadium* in Rio de Janeiro.

"I think what’s kept us going is our desire to always challenge ourselves musically. We never wanted to be just a nostalgia act." Magne Furuholmen

Conclusion

A-ha is much more than a one-hit wonder from the 1980s—they are a pioneering band that helped shape the sound of modern pop music. With their groundbreaking fusion of synth-pop, new wave, and rock, they created timeless anthems that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Songs like *Take On Me*, *The Sun Always Shines on T.V.*, and *Hunting High and Low* showcase their unique ability to blend emotion with innovative soundscapes, making them one of the most influential bands of their time. Decades after their initial success, A-ha remains a beloved and enduring force in music, continuously evolving while staying true to the synth-driven sound that made them famous. Their impact on pop culture, music video innovation, and the evolution of pop music continues to be felt, ensuring that their legacy will endure for generations to come.