The moment the opening synth line kicks in, a specific era of 1980s pop culture comes to life. "Take On Me" is more than just a song; it is a visual and aural experience that defined a generation's interaction with music videos. While the track is firmly rooted in pop and synth-pop, the driving rhythm and energetic feel draw significant inspiration from ska, creating a unique fusion that helped catapult a-ha to global superstardom.
The Fusion of Pop and Ska
To understand the "Take On Me ska" connection, one must look at the musical landscape of the early 1980s. The song's foundation is a new wave synth riff, but listen closely to the bass line and the upbeat tempo. These elements borrow heavily from the upbeat, offbeat rhythms of Jamaican ska and the faster, more aggressive 2-Tone ska that was emerging from the UK. This fusion created a high-energy sound that was both sophisticated and infectious, allowing the song to transcend standard pop fare.
Instrumentation and Rhythm
The instrumentation is where the "take on me ska" influence is most apparent. While Pål Waaktaar-Savoy wrote the memorable guitar solo, the driving force behind the groove is the rhythm section. The bass guitar follows a walking line reminiscent of ska, providing a bouncy foundation. The drums, particularly the snare hits and the hi-hats, lock into a ska-inspired rhythm that gives the track its signature head-nodding momentum. This blend of electronic synths with organic, upbeat ska rhythms resulted in a timeless sound.
The Music Video Revolution
No discussion of "Take On Me" is complete without addressing the groundbreaking music video. Directed by Steve Barron, it utilized revolutionary rotoscoping animation to bring the band members from the comic book world into the real world. The video perfectly complements the song's narrative of fantasy versus reality. The visual style, while not directly ska, matches the high-energy and slightly quirky nature of the music, which includes those ska undertones.
Impact on 1980s Culture
"Take On Me" became a cultural phenomenon in 1985, dominating MTV and radio charts worldwide. The song's success proved that ambitious, conceptual music videos could be just as important as the audio itself. The track's unique sound, driven by that underlying ska pulse, made it stand out in a crowded field. It offered listeners a bridge between the punk energy of the 70s and the polished pop of the 80s, making it accessible yet exciting.
Legacy and Modern Resonance
Decades after its release, "Take On Me" remains a staple of 80s nostalgia and continues to introduce new fans to its magic. Covers and remixes often attempt to capture its essence, and filmmakers pay homage to the iconic video sequence. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the genius of its composition, which so effectively merged the catchy pop hooks of the era with the raw energy and rhythm of ska music.
Why It Still Matters
The "take on me ska" connection highlights a moment in music history where genres blurred to create something truly special. It reminds us that innovation often comes from combining influences. The song is a masterclass in crafting a perfect pop hook while retaining a rhythmic complexity that keeps it interesting. Whether you're analyzing the production or watching the video, the synergy between the music and the animation, rooted in that energetic ska foundation, is undeniable.
