#559
As we approach the 40th anniversary of A-ha’s iconic hit "Take on Me," I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The song, released in 1984, didn’t just take the music scene by storm; it reshaped it. With its infectious synth-pop melody, groundbreaking music video, and the soaring falsetto of Morten Harket, "Take on Me" quickly climbed the charts worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon that still resonates with listeners today.
Back then, the music world paused and asked, "A-ha, who?" A band from Norway? How could a Scandinavian act break through in an industry dominated by American and British artists? True, we had recently seen ABBA’s tremendous success from Sweden, but they had disbanded around 1983. Norway wasn’t exactly known as a hotbed of pop music. Yet, A-ha managed to shatter those stereotypes and go beyond everyone’s expectations.
A-ha was not just a one-hit-wonder. They followed up with tracks like "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.," "Cry Wolf," "Hunting High and Low," and their haunting ballad, "Crying in the Rain." Their sound was distinct, their videos captivating, and they had that aura of cool mystique that set them apart from the flashy American pop stars. Their music didn't just hit the charts; it carved out a space in the hearts of millions.
The Global Impact of Non-English Native Bands
A-ha’s success was a reminder that exceptional music transcends language and borders. It opened the doors for other non-native English-speaking bands to storm the global music charts. While the USA, UK, and Australia have traditionally been powerhouses in the music industry, many talented artists from countries outside these regions have proven their prowess. Here are a few non-English native bands that broke the mold:
ABBA (Sweden): Before A-ha, the world had already been charmed by the magic of ABBA, whose songs like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "Waterloo" became global anthems. Despite disbanding in 1983, their influence remained strong, inspiring artists worldwide. They were the quintessential pop group whose music is timeless and still resonates with fans of all ages.
Roxette (Sweden): Following in ABBA's footsteps, Roxette emerged in the late 1980s and took the world by storm with hits like "It Must Have Been Love," "Listen to Your Heart," and "The Look." Marie Fredriksson's powerful voice and Per Gessle's songwriting skills created a sound that was as soulful as it was energetic.
Ace of Base (Sweden): The early 90s brought us the catchy tunes of Ace of Base, whose songs "All That She Wants," "The Sign," and "Don't Turn Around" ruled the charts. Their blend of pop-reggae rhythms and infectious hooks earned them a dedicated fan base and immense commercial success.
Scorpions (Germany): Hailing from Germany, the Scorpions rocked the global stage with their iconic ballads like "Wind of Change" , "Send me an Angel" (My favourite) and hard-hitting tracks like "Rock You Like a Hurricane." Their influence on the rock and heavy metal scene was enormous, cementing them as one of the most successful German bands of all time.
Sigur Rós (Iceland): Although not as commercially successful as the pop bands listed above, Sigur Rós from Iceland gained a cult following with their ethereal and haunting sound. Their music, sung mostly in Icelandic or the band's own invented language, "Hopelandic," proved that emotion in music could transcend linguistic barriers.
BTS (South Korea): Fast forward to the modern era, and we have the Korean pop sensation BTS. They broke into the global market with songs like "Dynamite" and "Butter," even topping the Billboard Hot 100—a remarkable feat for a non-English act. Their impact on pop culture and their passionate fan base, known as the "ARMY," are testament to how far non-English native artists have come.
Why A-ha’s Legacy Matters
A-ha’s "Take on Me" was more than just a song; it was a turning point in how we viewed non-English speaking artists. It showed that you didn’t have to come from the traditional music capitals to make a mark; all you needed was talent, creativity, and the courage to break barriers. A-ha paved the way for bands from diverse corners of the world to pursue their dreams of musical stardom and reach audiences far beyond their own borders.
Their legacy continues to inspire artists globally, demonstrating that great music knows no boundaries. So, the next time you listen to "Take on Me," remember that it wasn’t just a song that hit the charts—it was a revolution that helped reshape the global music landscape.
A-ha may have come from a country not known for its pop stars at the time, but they proved that music truly is a universal language, and it can originate from anywhere, even from the cold fjords of Norway.
Furuholmen, Harket, Savoy
The Members of A-ha
Morten Harket (Lead Vocalist):
- Morten Harket is the charismatic frontman of A-ha, renowned for his powerful voice and incredible vocal range, especially his signature falsetto. Born on September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway, Morten initially aimed to be a priest before he found his calling in music.
- Harket's voice played a huge part in the band's success, making "Take on Me" unforgettable with its impressive high notes. His good looks and enigmatic presence also helped A-ha gain a significant fan base, often compared to the iconic style of 80s heartthrobs.
- Beyond his work with A-ha, Morten pursued a solo career, releasing multiple albums in Norwegian and English. He’s known not just for his musical talent but also for his dedication to environmental and humanitarian causes.
Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (Guitarist and Songwriter):
- Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, born on September 6, 1961, in Oslo, Norway, is the creative force behind A-ha's music. As the primary songwriter, he penned most of the band’s biggest hits, including "Take on Me," "The Sun Always Shines on T.V.," and "Hunting High and Low."
- Paul’s songwriting skills set A-ha apart from other bands, blending melodic synth-pop with introspective and poetic lyrics. He has often been praised for his versatility and ability to craft both upbeat tunes and melancholic ballads with equal mastery.
- Outside of A-ha, Paul is involved in other musical projects, including the band Savoy, which he formed with his wife, Lauren Savoy. His influence in the band’s musical direction is profound, and he remains one of Norway's most respected musicians.
Magne 'Mags' Furuholmen (Keyboardist and Composer):
- Magne Furuholmen, known as Mags, was born on November 1, 1962, in Oslo, Norway. As the keyboardist, he brought the synth-driven melodies that became the backbone of A-ha's sound. His distinctive keyboard riffs are instantly recognizable, especially in the opening notes of "Take on Me."
- Mags is not only a talented musician but also a visual artist. His passion for art led him to exhibit his work in several galleries worldwide, and he’s gained respect in the art community for his paintings and sculptures.
- He’s also dabbled in producing music for other artists and continues to explore different creative outlets. Mags has been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of children's causes and promoting arts education.
A-ha's Dynamic Chemistry
The combination of Morten's distinct vocals, Paul's innovative songwriting, and Mags' captivating keyboard skills created a sound that was fresh, modern, and emotionally engaging. Despite their varying personalities—Morten being the quiet, brooding type; Paul, the intense creative genius; and Mags, the outgoing and versatile artist—their synergy as a band was undeniable.
Their working relationship hasn’t always been smooth, marked by creative tensions and occasional disagreements. But it's precisely this push-and-pull dynamic that often brought out the best in their music, allowing them to produce timeless tracks that are still celebrated today. Their ability to blend new wave, pop, and rock elements into a cohesive sound set them apart from their contemporaries, and their innovative music videos helped cement their place in music history.
These three members of A-ha have not only left a significant mark on the music world but also on Norwegian culture, helping to elevate Norway’s status in the global music industry. Their influence paved the way for future generations of artists from non-English-speaking countries to dream big and reach the top of international charts.
Enjoy the music.
Karthik
7th October 2024 (One year of Hamas attrocities!- time flies!).
1983-86 was pinnacle of Rock music. So many hits. I dont think we will ever see those days again. Following are few to validate my claim. I can write a blog about each band, song!
Here are some top rock hits from 1983-1985:
- "Every Breath You Take" - The Police (1983)
- "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (1987)
- "Jump" - Van Halen (1984)
- "Born in the U.S.A." - Bruce Springsteen (1984)
- "Pride (In the Name of Love)" - U2 (1984)
- "Let's Dance" - David Bowie (1983)
- "Money for Nothing" - Dire Straits (1985)
- "I Want to Know What Love Is" - Foreigner (1984)
- "Purple Rain" - Prince and the Revolution (1984)
- "Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams (1984)
- "You Give Love a Bad Name" - Bon Jovi (1986)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" - Queen (1980)
- "Shout" - Tears for Fears (1985)
- "Rock You Like a Hurricane" - Scorpions (1984)
- "The Cars - Drive (1984)
++++
"Take on me" -Lyrics
No comments:
Post a Comment