Synth-pop that captivated the world: a-ha’s classic and popular songs

Take On Mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

This song, famous for its music video that used animation—a hallmark of the MTV era—was released in 1985 by the Norwegian band a-ha and became a worldwide hit.

It’s a classic that has been covered by numerous musicians and is widely known, so it should be easy to sing at karaoke.

‪Take On Me‬a-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

There are probably people who find themselves wanting to listen to this song when summer comes around.

Still, you might wonder, “Is this classic really an anime song?” As it happens, in Illumination Entertainment’s animated film Despicable Me 3—the third installment in the series—the 80s-obsessed villain Balthazar plays this very track on a boombox during the scene where he steals a diamond.

The movie is packed with parodies, so it’s an animated series adults can enjoy too.

This July, spending your summer break watching movies might be a great idea.

take on mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

a-ha is a three-piece band from Norway.

This song they released in 1985 became a global hit.

The music video was groundbreaking for its time, combining live-action with animation.

Its reputation led to heavy rotation on MTV, which propelled it to massive success.

It’s a very accessible masterpiece of electropop.

Angel In The Snowa-ha

a-ha – Angel in the Snow (Official Video)

This is a ballad by a-ha, the synth-pop band from Norway, featuring a lyrical melody and beautiful vocals that resonate with the heart.

Included on the album Memorial Beach, released in June 1993, the song was written by guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy as a wedding gift for his wife.

The lyrics convey deep love and devotion to a cherished person, comparing her to an angel in the snow, and the gentle sound of the acoustic guitar warms the listener’s heart.

With 1980s synth-pop being reappraised today, this might be a great opportunity to rediscover the song’s appeal.

Cast In Steela-ha

a-ha – Cast in Steel [HD 1080i] [Subtitulos Español / Ingles]

A striking track featuring grand strings and a calm, composed vocal has arrived from Norway’s a-ha.

It’s the title song of their album Cast in Steel, released in September 2015—an ambitious work that marks their 10th album in the 33rd year since the band’s formation.

Centered on the theme of a strong bond linking past and present, it sings of the importance of what remains unchanged in a changing world.

Though a-ha are known as iconic figures of 1980s synth-pop, this work conveys both a matured musicality and a sense of new challenges.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to immerse yourself in memories with someone dear, or when you’re standing at a turning point in life.

Celicea-ha

Celice

This is a track where the magic of synth-pop truly shines.

Released in November 2005, it’s characterized by its enchanting beats and catchy melodies.

Morten Harket’s soaring vocals beautifully capture the subtleties of complex human relationships.

You can also feel the Nordic lyricism that is so characteristic of Norway’s a-ha.

The music video drew attention as well, and the song topped the charts in Norway.

It’s a track that can light up the dance floor yet is also perfect for quiet, attentive listening.

A must-hear for anyone captivated by ’80s synth-pop.

Cosy Prisonsa-ha

Cosy Prisons

This is a track released in 2006 by a-ha, masters of classic synth-pop.

It’s included on the album “Analogue” and made waves on the charts as the third single.

Hailing from Norway, the band delivers their signature lush melodies and Morten Harket’s crystalline vocals, singing about the constraints of modern society and the importance of self-discovery.

The music video, filmed on March 4, 2006, also creates a distinctive atmosphere, set in a sewage pumping station from the 1860s.

It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone looking to break free from the routines of daily life and explore new possibilities.