Dec 1985
Channel: a-ha Music Videos
a-ha: A Visual and Musical Journey Through Synth-Pop and New Wave
a-ha, the iconic Norwegian band known for their synth-pop sound and memorable visuals, has captivated audiences worldwide with their timeless music and innovative music videos. From their breakthrough hit "Take On Me" to their later works, a-ha's visuals have played a significant role in their storytelling. Here’s a look at some of their most notable music videos and the creative minds behind them.
Notable Music Videos
“Take On Me”
The video for “Take On Me” is one of the most iconic in music history. Directed by Steve Barron, it features a groundbreaking combination of live-action and pencil-sketch animation. The video’s narrative, following a comic book character coming to life, perfectly complements the song's romantic and adventurous themes.
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.”
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” continues the story from “Take On Me” with a dramatic and visually striking video. Directed by Steve Barron, it features the band performing in a cathedral filled with mannequins, creating a haunting and surreal atmosphere.
“Hunting High and Low”
The video for “Hunting High and Low” showcases a-ha’s ability to blend emotive storytelling with stunning visuals. Directed by Steve Barron, it uses various animal transformation scenes to illustrate themes of love and longing, matching the song's epic feel.
“Cry Wolf”
“Cry Wolf” features a darker, more intense visual style. Directed by Steve Barron, the video incorporates abstract imagery and stark contrasts to reflect the song's ominous and energetic tone.
“The Living Daylights”
As the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, “The Living Daylights” features a sophisticated and action-packed video. Directed by John Glen, it includes scenes from the movie, intertwining a-ha’s performance with classic Bond visuals.
Collaborations with Renowned Directors
Steve Barron
Steve Barron directed several of a-ha’s most iconic videos, including “Take On Me,” “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.,” and “Hunting High and Low.” His innovative use of animation and narrative storytelling helped define the band's visual identity and left a lasting impact on music video production.
John Glen
John Glen directed the video for “The Living Daylights,” seamlessly blending a-ha’s performance with scenes from the James Bond film. Glen's direction added a cinematic quality to the video, enhancing its appeal to both music and movie fans.
Discover Our a-ha Music Video Collection
At AltSounds.tv, we’ve curated an extensive library of a-ha's music videos, highlighting their impact on synth-pop and new wave music and their evolution as artists. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their work, our collection offers a comprehensive look at one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.
- a-ha - Take On Me (1985)
- a-ha - The Sun Always Shines on T.V. (1985)
- a-ha - Hunting High and Low (1986)
- a-ha - Cry Wolf (1986)
- a-ha - The Living Daylights (1987)
- a-ha - Stay on These Roads (1988)
- a-ha - Touchy! (1988)
- a-ha - You Are the One (1988)
- a-ha - Crying in the Rain (1990)
- a-ha - Summer Moved On (2000)
By exploring a-ha’s visual and musical artistry, you can appreciate their contributions to synth-pop and new wave music, solidifying their place as pioneers in contemporary music.
