A-Ha "Take on Me" 45 RPM Vinyl – Produced by Alan Tarney, 1985

In the pantheon of 1980s music, few songs are as instantly recognizable or as universally loved as A-Ha's "Take on Me." The band's meteoric rise to fame, propelled by this single, made waves not just in music but in pop culture. Beyond its infectious melody and ground-breaking music video, the vinyl release of "Take on Me" became a collectible, solidifying its place in the history of 80s music.

But how did this Norwegian band capture the hearts of a global audience? What makes the 45 RPM vinyl release of "Take on Me" such a sought-after piece? Let’s dive into the backstory of A-Ha, the legacy of this unforgettable track, and why this vinyl has become a timeless collector's item.

The Birth of A-Ha and the Journey to “Take on Me”

Formed in Oslo in 1982, A-Ha consisted of three talented musicians: Morten Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards), and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitars). While they were largely unknown outside of Norway in their early years, that was about to change drastically. The band’s distinct synth-pop sound blended infectious melodies with emotive lyrics, which would become their signature.

However, "Take on Me" didn’t become an overnight success. In fact, the track went through multiple iterations before reaching its final form. The original version, released in 1984, failed to make much of an impact. Undeterred, A-Ha worked with renowned producer Alan Tarney to remix the track, giving it a more polished, radio-friendly sound. It was this version, released in 1985, that would catapult the band into international fame.

The Groundbreaking Music Video

It wasn’t just the music that made "Take on Me" iconic—it was also its revolutionary music video. Directed by Steve Barron, the video combined live-action sequences with pencil-sketch animation, using a technique called rotoscoping. At the time, this was a cutting-edge process that hadn’t been widely used in music videos.

The video tells a love story that takes place across two worlds: the real and the animated. Harket, as the animated protagonist, pulls the love interest (played by Bunty Bailey) from her reality into his comic book world. The blend of fantasy and reality resonated with audiences worldwide, and the video quickly became a fixture on MTV. It even went on to win six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986.

Why the 45 RPM Vinyl is So Special

Released in 1985, the 45 RPM vinyl of "Take on Me" became the physical embodiment of the band’s success. Back then, owning vinyl records wasn’t just about the music—it was about collecting and treasuring a tangible piece of your favorite artist. The vinyl pressing of this single captured the energy of the song and the essence of the band’s aesthetic.

For collectors today, this 45 RPM release represents a piece of 80s history. The vinyl itself is a snapshot of a time when music was in a transformative phase, blending analog formats with the rise of MTV and music videos. It’s more than just a record—it’s a collectible artifact from an era when pop music, visual art, and storytelling were merging in exciting new ways.

The vinyl’s original artwork, with its moody black-and-white cover featuring the band members, feels like a visual time capsule. It perfectly mirrors the blending of real and fantasy worlds in the music video, adding another layer of nostalgia for fans. While some surface wear and light scratches might be present on pre-owned copies, it only adds to the charm and history of the record.

A-Ha: More Than a One-Hit Wonder

Though "Take on Me" remains A-Ha's most famous track, the band went on to release several successful albums, proving they were more than just a one-hit wonder. Their follow-up single, "The Sun Always Shines on TV," also topped the charts, and albums like Hunting High and Low and Scoundrel Days showcased their musical range, venturing into deeper, darker themes than their breakout hit suggested.

The band has maintained a loyal fanbase over the decades, with occasional reunions and new releases that continue to highlight their knack for combining catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. But no matter how many songs they release, "Take on Me" will forever be their defining moment.

Why Collectors Still Covet This Vinyl

The 1980s are a decade that continues to captivate pop culture, and owning a piece of it has never been more alluring. The "Take on Me" 45 RPM vinyl is a must-have for vinyl enthusiasts and fans of the era. While the song is available digitally, there’s something irreplaceable about owning this original format. The slight wear on the vinyl, the imperfections on the sleeve, and the act of placing the needle on the record all enhance the experience.

For fans of A-Ha, this vinyl pressing is a reminder of a time when music was evolving in exciting new directions. It’s a nod to the creative risks that A-Ha took, both musically and visually, and a celebration of their success. It’s also a conversation starter—whether displayed on a shelf or spun on a turntable, this vinyl is sure to ignite memories and discussions about one of the most innovative periods in music history.

Own a Piece of 80s Pop Culture

If you’re looking to bring a piece of that magic into your home, this A-Ha "Take on Me" vinyl is your chance. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl collector or simply a fan of 80s music, this record is a valuable addition to any collection. The song remains as fresh and exciting as it was when it first hit the airwaves, and owning the vinyl lets you experience it as it was meant to be heard.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of music history! Click here to purchase this iconic A-Ha "Take on Me" 45 RPM vinyl today.