A-Ha is a Norwegian synthpop trio best known for their 1985 hit “Take On Me.” Although often labeled a one-hit wonder in the U.S., the band enjoyed broader success in Europe, particularly in the UK. Their blend of melodic synthpop, emotive vocals, and innovative music videos helped them stand out during the 1980s music era.
Formed in Oslo, Norway in 1982, A-Ha consists of Morten Harket (vocals), Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar), and Magne Furuholmen (keyboards). Their sudden rise to international fame came with the release of “Take On Me,” and while they never matched that level of U.S. chart success again, the band remained a significant force in European pop music.
| Artist Profile: A-Ha | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Oslo, Norway |
| Formed | 1982 |
| Members | Morten Harket (vocals), Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards) |
| Genres | Synthpop, Pop Rock, New Wave |
| Signature Hit | “Take On Me” (1985) |
| Other Notable Songs | “The Sun Always Shines on TV”, “Cry Wolf”, “Hunting High and Low”, “Stay on These Roads” |
| Debut Album | Hunting High and Low (1985) |
| Video Innovation | “Take On Me” music video (rotoscoping animation) |
| Reunions | 2015 – Release of “Cast in Steel” and world tour |
| Legacy | Major influence in 80s synthpop; iconic music video pioneers; significant European success |
Early Days of A-Ha
Before forming A-Ha, Waaktaar-Savoy and Furuholmen played together in a band called Bridges. In the early 1980s, the two left Norway to pursue a music career in London, hoping for broader exposure. Eventually, they invited Morten Harket to join as lead singer.
Once the trio was formed, they began developing a more polished synthpop sound. Their early work included several versions of what would become their signature song.
“Take On Me” and Breakthrough Success
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The earliest version of “Take On Me” was initially called “The Juicy Fruit Song” during the Bridges era. After reworking it, they renamed it “Lesson One” before settling on the final title. The song’s complex development paid off in 1985 when it was released as a single from their debut album Hunting High and Low.
While the first release of “Take On Me” failed to chart, a re-recorded version—along with a groundbreaking rotoscoped animated music video—turned the song into a massive success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart.
The music video, featuring hand-drawn animation blended with live-action footage, became one of MTV’s most iconic visuals, boosting the song’s appeal and helping it win several music video awards.
Other Releases and Chart Performance
Following “Take On Me,” A-Ha released “The Sun Always Shines on TV” later in 1985. While it reached only #20 in the U.S., it hit #1 in the UK, cementing their European popularity.
Subsequent singles such as:
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“Cry Wolf” (1986) – #50 on Billboard Hot 100
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“Dark Is the Night for All” (1993) – #111 on Billboard
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“I’ve Been Losing You” (1986) – Top 10 in the UK
did not fare well in the U.S. but charted well in the UK and across continental Europe.
Their debut album, Hunting High and Low, went multi-platinum and remains their most commercially successful release worldwide.
Continued Work and Later Career
In 1990, A-Ha covered the Everly Brothers‘ “Crying in the Rain”, which appeared on their fourth album East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Despite critical praise, the album didn’t gain traction in the U.S., largely overshadowed by the rise of grunge, dance music, and Britpop.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, A-Ha released multiple albums that were well received in Europe. Notable highlights include:
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Memorial Beach (1993)
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Minor Earth Major Sky (2000)
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Lifelines (2002)
In 2004, the band released the compilation album Singles 1984–2004 to mark their 20th anniversary. They also performed at Live8 Berlin in 2005, demonstrating continued relevance.
Their later albums include:
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Analogue (2005) – Featured a minor hit with the title track
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Foot of the Mountain (2009) – Returned to synth-based roots and topped the German charts
A-Ha announced their retirement shortly afterward but reunited in 2015 with the album Cast in Steel and embarked on a world tour.
Legacy
While A-Ha is often remembered in the U.S. for “Take On Me,” their legacy is far more expansive in Europe. They’ve sold over 100 million records worldwide and influenced countless synthpop and alternative acts. Their innovative use of music video storytelling set a standard for artists in the MTV era.
They continue to tour and release music sporadically, often to strong reception in Europe and South America.