Though remembered more for its genius live-action-meets-pencil sketch MTV treatment via animator Michael Patterson and director Steve Barron, that took some odd 16 weeks to complete — see below — this synth-pop gem from A-Ha, “Take on Me,” did a mighty thing on this day in 1985, notching Norway its first American-chart-conquering number-one hit. Ever. Hopefully there are pop-art statues riddled across pastoral Norwegian lands to celebrate.
Of course it’s a cheesy key-plunker of a frustrated love ballad. But can a puffy-mulleted Norwegian hit a high note or what? Such is what 80s throwback dance-floor dreams are made of. And perfect pop pick-up lines:
Take on me, take me on
I’ll be gone
In a day or two
