This is the first video of yours I watched. I flew to Oslo and London to see a-ha. Just saw them in LA a couple of years ago and I said thank you to Pal after the performance (front row for me!) and he bowed a bit my way. Made my whole month. So many good songs. Loved hearing your thoughts.
Until today I've never heard this slower tempo acoustic version of this song. The original is good, but this just so much more. The emphasis on the vocals is mesmerizing and gives, to me, a better understanding of the lyrics.
omg. The recorded version on the radio is a 'driveway' song for me. I can't get out of the car til it's over. This acoustic version just melts my heart, seeing the audience sing along makes me cry. Oh, dang. Puddle city.
This song simply doesn’t age, to my ears it’s still as fresh and as vibrant as when it was first released. Often when songs are slowed down like this they end up sounding like tacky elevator music but with a melody and voice like this another side of the song is revealed in all its glory. The song dispels the notion of an overnight success since the song went through several versions over a couple of years without any success and could have easily ended the band’s career had it not become a major hit. The video is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest music videos of all time and the amount of time it took to produce required a tremendous investment in time and patience on the part of the music label. The live action portion was shot quickly but the animation was hand drawn which took the 2 artists about half a year to complete.
Wow. He still sounds great after all these years and I'm so glad they did this version. This performance would stop everything in a room because everyone would be immediately sucked into it. Take on me is one of my favorite songs of all time. You can't be mad listening to it. I didn't know this video existed. Thanks Fil!
This video blew me away Fil, I’ve never seen this version. What impressed me more than anything is the way he could jump from a high note to a low note( and vice versa) and land spot on every time! I loved the original but this showed me what a brilliant vocalist he is, i never realised! Great analysis as usual 👍
This was huge when I grew up in the 80's and was the coolest song around for awhile there. I like this version better and adds depth and maturity to the song....his voice sounds great and they all look well. Good on them! Nice to see this video.
What a BEAUTIFUL version of this song! Thank you so much for the analysis and as usual the education! I sent this link to my family - this song is a bit of an anthem for our baseball team, the Washington Nationals. They play it during the 7th inning stretch and turn off the sound during the high "I'll be gone" part so you can hear 40,000 fans singing it! And everytime, the fans all laugh at their attempts to sing so high :)
Mate thanks for your reviews. Also you have one of the most infectious smiles I have ever seen. Right now this world needs tons of smiles like yours Keep it up!!!
Yeeeees! I'm a child/teen of the 80s, so this song was everywhere. True story: It was the goal of my life to be able to hit the high notes (in the radio version) & hold them that long. It took years, but I finally was able to do it. I was so excited!
good lung exercises. Keep it up. (I do that too. but only when I'm alone or in the car. can't sing in public.) That 19 sec note Streisand did was a challenge, but not anymore. Learning to breath and those throat tricks help. Fil has given some great tips too.
@@lthompson6750 Alas, due to personal life circumstances, I haven't sung at all or taken lessons in about 4 years. I hope I haven't lost my voice entirely. I wonder if you can get it back after so long.
@@Yesica1993 I, sound to me, like I'm just off key. I only do it for the lung exercise. Am Not a musician, just a consumer. When I'm driving, it keeps me awake, I get enough air that way. But yeah, I had to hit that note too, just to see if I could do it. It was a banner day. Now, can I do it again? I'm 67 and yep, I can still hit it. Mostly I like to know HOW they do it and that's why I come here, Fil explains it.
@@lthompson6750 I have asthma and allergies so sometimes singing can be very challenging. I took voice lessons in college and I remember that the voice instructor would make gestures between her head and chest--this was to give the singer some type of image of air flowing. She used to ask me how my asthma was. Nowadays, the pollen count has been through the roof here in NY so it's been challenging. Fil's "inhalare la voce" exercise was a great lesson that I very much needed!
WOW ! So Beautiful! Morten Harket can sing anything! I do love the original as well! Your so amazing in that you can play everything as well can sing beautifully and I love your appreciative and honest analysis and observations of A-ha ! Thank you and I so love your channel!
Your very welcome! And would like to say that I appreciate all your analysis and observation of the varied musicians that you feature on your channel! I have deep respect for your talents as a musician and in all that you do ! Thanks for sharing ! I am so glad that I stumbled upon this channel! Hopefully you will eventually tour in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada soon when everything is back to normal!
Such a great song and this performance proves your point about it just being a really good melody. Your analysis of the vocals provides even more depth and dimension to my enjoyment of this song. Thank you for another great video!
This guy aged well . I was 16 when this was popular and he had to have been late 20s . He looks my age now . " Living a boy's adventure tale " is another great song that was on that album . " The sun always shines on tv " was there most beautiful song imo .
Oh this is going to be great! Thanks to whoever suggested this!!!! "sits back in chair sipping coffee as the song begins..." LOL .. me trying singing while inhaling did not sound as intended :D I had absolutely no idea he did that!!! Im so impressed! Thanks for great analysis as always!
Bravo! I have always loved this song and The Sun Always Smiles On TV. This performance does take it to another level. Morten's voice was still as beautiful as ever! As always, your analysis, demonstration and exceptional commentary is the reason why your channel keeps growing. Up and onward Fil!! You ROCK!!! Love you! 🤘🏻❤️✌🏻
Amazing find. Brilliant and fantastic example of how timing can completely change music. I never thought this classic 80's "dance"tune would pull a tear, then again no wonder, the wonderful lyric was buried...but here it lives!!!Peace
I recently saw this and I absolutely love it. The video back in the day was rather ground breaking, but this way you can actually focus on the lyrics. Thank you.
Very good video Fil. The testament to a really great song is when you can strip out the heavy production and fluff and the strength of the melody and the performer still shines through. Which it surely does here. a-ha has a timeless classic with this one.
Absolutly love your responses to, and explanantions of, music. I can't play , but your videos genuinely open me up to the levels of musicianship involved in all kinds of music.
Fil, again you are raising the bar of such quality history and review of Aha. I especially enjoyed your explanation of the voice and how such a range is achieved. I read the other comments and there's nothing to add! You did an amazing job going into so much detail. Thank you
One of my favorite songs of all time. The video, in the day, just really struck me at many levels. He has such a phenomenal vocal range, even these many years after this song dominated pop radio. Another great analysis Fil.
That inhale singing was amazing! I had never thought of that as being an option while singing! Fascinating stuff, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
This unplugged version changes the song entirely. My goodness it actually has lyrics. The song I remember was a upbeat little diddy that had me nodding my head in gleeful approval. This reminds me of Ben Folds
Love this version. In the original video I was caught up in the tempo, the unique presentation of the video, and how cute the singer was 😉 With this version, I was suddenly immersed in the lyrics and just how melancholy they are. That's why I cried during this performance. My first experience was all gloss and surface. This one went deep and emotional.
A beautiful version of this song! My husband dedicated this song (original version) to me on the radio 31 years ago! This version will be beautiful for an anniversary party...if we ever remember our anniversary in time to plan a celebration, lol!
Sometimes we need to be unplugged and stripped to our essence. This was breathtaking. Thank you. The video was special for its time but this was so much more.
Iconic reboot. A very mature rendition with rich vocals and tempo dialed way back. What’s not to love about a song with over one billion views. You provided a great breakdown. It is indeed like having two different songs from one classic hit.
Really enjoyed this analysis with the demo and in-depth analysis of the vocalization. I was always so enthralled with the imagery in the original video that I didn't pay as much attention to the actual performance. Now I'll go back and watch the original with newly opened eyes. I mean, ears!!
Such a beautiful song and extraordinary singer. I love Morten’s tone and incredible range. Your analysis is so good, as always. I also appreciated your singing and guitar playing. You should consider doing this as a cover yourself!
These guys blew me away with their incredible vocals back in the day. The video was amazing too. I can see he's having a hard time hitting the high notes, understandable. Respect. They could break glass back in the day with their high ranges in vocals.
Afternoon Fil. I went back & listened to the original version too, beautiful song, beautiful voice on both.👏 Oh Fil you are so impressive and amazing! You are such a huge asset to us, to Musicians. We are so fortunate and blessed to have you. I love your demonstrations.👏. Stay healthy, rested & have a good day Fil, love ya. ❤
I think this was always a sad song hidden in a fast tempo. Singing, "I'll be gone in a day or two" doesn't make sense at a fast, dance-beat but when you hear that last word at E5, no one notices because of the face-melting.
I remember when the song came out. I agree that the fast dance beat can hide the song's message--as you said, a sad song hidden in a fast tempo. This might be off the topic a bit: Not long ago, I wanted to find out about the theme of the Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville" which was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Apparently the theme was anti-Vietnam war which the listeners missed--it definitely couldn't mentioned in 1966. I guess this was another example of how a fast tempo song can fool one's ears.
Wow! You are spot on. This was a great 80s song. But even more, this is just a great song. Even better when you take the 80s vibe out of it. I just love how you disect these songs and bring a greater appreciation to the talent involved in the performance. This was a great song but even greater now that I have heard this version. Thanks for sharing your talents with is.
I do always stand in awe of you, how you approach each song you present. How much insight you have on so many different music styles or musicians. Your deep love for music in any form that exists is amazing. And let's not forget your deep and sophisticated technical knowledge, may it singing or arrangement or how to play a certain instrument. I take my hat off! :-)
Great analysis video, Fil👍 MTV's "Unplugged" series was brilliant. The truly great musicians could strip their songs down to acoustic and still be exceptional (one of my favourite Unplugged performances was "Must Have Been Love" by Roxette).
You know I used to listen to this back in the 80's and I didn't know who sang it but of course back then we didn't have internet lol and I had forgotten about this song but I like this version too but such a great classic and Very Beautiful Thank you so much Fil!!!!!!!
Thanks for your in depth analysis on A-ha's live performance of "Take on Me." I appreciated your explanation of the musical differences between this live performance and the original recording as well as your insight of how the differences can affect an audience--e.g. crying. I saw A-ha in concert in 1985(I was a teen then). Though I appreciated Morten's vocal range, I had difficulty deciphering the lyrics, possibly due to the recording. In this unplugged version, I appreciated Morten's range and for once, how he delivered the lyrics with clarity. I also appreciated your guitar and inhalare la voce demonstrations; the latter which I attempted. Being that I have asthma(it's been flaring up now and then), that was a great and helpful lesson. From one musician to another musician, I sincerely thank you, Fil!
Because of an earlier viewing of your analysis on the Cher song 'Believe' I am now looking to see what other analysis you carry out on familiar songs of mine. Fascinating and thank you.
Remember this song well and the ground breaking creative video at the time. Loved it! Catchy melodic stay in your head feel good song with excellent vocals. Went to #1 here in Canada.🇨🇦 This musically stripped back version is phenomenal! Vocally superb stripped back musically it worked sooo well! I absolutely loved the slower mellow vibe. Another great guitar demo Fil. Thanks! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
This version is so emotional! The E5 he hits in the original is the very top of my range as an alto. I love the original song, but wish they had released it like this! This is so beautiful! 😢❤️ Also need to say this, can you teach me that breathing technique please?! GOOD LORD! I’ve never seen anyone do that! 😂
The original video was brilliant! Think back to the technology they had back then, and it still looks absolutely fine today. Only to be outmatched by the (eponymous) ballad of the album "Hunting High and Low". And hey, I am late, meaning I have to watch THREE AHA VIDEOS in a row. ;)
Rotoscoping! That's pretty cool. That's also how the animated movie "Fire and Ice" (1983) was done. The whole movie! which was produced by the great fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta.
This is a look back at a time when I was young and excited about the future, not everything turned out and this song is a great reminiscent look back. I love this full reinterpretation of all of these song on the video/album. The gentleman who did the arrangement knew how to pull out the sentiment of a time gone by. One of my most favorite MTV unplugged. This, Alice In Chains and Nirvana.
A really good song can be played so many different ways and still stands up. This is a prime example ... what was a quintessential 80s pop song becomes a poignant ballad and sounds possibly better than the original (and I say that as a huge a-ha fan as an 80's teen).
Glad I watched your video yesterday.......... they took it down already. And Your Welcome for the sub! This unplugged version is AWESOME! Thanks again, Fil. JJ
Dude, I don't care what your favorite style of music is! That's one helluva song, and one great vocalist! Top shelf!
“Take On Me” is so much more beautiful slow like this. It’s just sooo beautiful to listen 👂🏽 to.
I agree..it just pulls you in..I missed this vid so this was a treat for me..putting it in rotation..🙂
Morten Harkets’ voice is absolutely angelic!
This is beautiful. I've come away with a much deeper appreciation of the lyrics. Morten's voice is angelic.
Holy Cow! It takes on such a different expression of the same feelings and message. Quite amazing
This is the first video of yours I watched. I flew to Oslo and London to see a-ha. Just saw them in LA a couple of years ago and I said thank you to Pal after the performance (front row for me!) and he bowed a bit my way. Made my whole month. So many good songs. Loved hearing your thoughts.
Beautiful version of this song. He has a great voice. 👏👏
Aww...the Eighties..they still play this song at my work place..I still love it..Great artwork in their original video...thanks Fil
Until today I've never heard this slower tempo acoustic version of this song. The original is good, but this just so much more. The emphasis on the vocals is mesmerizing and gives, to me, a better understanding of the lyrics.
omg. The recorded version on the radio is a 'driveway' song for me. I can't get out of the car til it's over. This acoustic version just melts my heart, seeing the audience sing along makes me cry. Oh, dang. Puddle city.
This song simply doesn’t age, to my ears it’s still as fresh and as vibrant as when it was first released. Often when songs are slowed down like this they end up sounding like tacky elevator music but with a melody and voice like this another side of the song is revealed in all its glory. The song dispels the notion of an overnight success since the song went through several versions over a couple of years without any success and could have easily ended the band’s career had it not become a major hit. The video is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest music videos of all time and the amount of time it took to produce required a tremendous investment in time and patience on the part of the music label. The live action portion was shot quickly but the animation was hand drawn which took the 2 artists about half a year to complete.
What a song and voice! Love both versions. Morten takes you on a journey that you do not want to end. Thank you, Fil. Stay well.
As i watch more and more of your videos, I'm just more and more amazed by your knowledge and ability.
Thanks!
IKR! ❤️
Nicely said, I'd just add that the quantity is also amazing.
His voice is just as good as ever! I loved this video with the girl in the diner and the cartoon!
Wow. He still sounds great after all these years and I'm so glad they did this version. This performance would stop everything in a room because everyone would be immediately sucked into it. Take on me is one of my favorite songs of all time. You can't be mad listening to it. I didn't know this video existed. Thanks Fil!
You are absolutely brilliant...
With the pic stick analysis..
Right off the top of your head.
Thanks professor
Thanks!
I really love the piano. It's so subtle....and so melancholy...
Listening to this actually put a lump in my throat..........Hauntingly beautiful.
This video blew me away Fil, I’ve never seen this version. What impressed me more than anything is the way he could jump from a high note to a low note( and vice versa) and land spot on every time! I loved the original but this showed me what a brilliant vocalist he is, i never realised! Great analysis as usual 👍
Thanks!
He makes me feel old, i was in Highschool when this song hit the radio!!!! But then we are old!!!! Awesome time to be Alive!!!!
This was huge when I grew up in the 80's and was the coolest song around for awhile there. I like this version better and adds depth and maturity to the song....his voice sounds great and they all look well. Good on them! Nice to see this video.
One of my all-time favorite songs. The vocals and the instrumentals are just fantastic, never mind the video!
What a BEAUTIFUL version of this song! Thank you so much for the analysis and as usual the education! I sent this link to my family - this song is a bit of an anthem for our baseball team, the Washington Nationals. They play it during the 7th inning stretch and turn off the sound during the high "I'll be gone" part so you can hear 40,000 fans singing it! And everytime, the fans all laugh at their attempts to sing so high :)
Mate thanks for your reviews. Also you have one of the most infectious smiles I have ever seen. Right now this world needs tons of smiles like yours Keep it up!!!
Thanks!
Yeeeees! I'm a child/teen of the 80s, so this song was everywhere.
True story: It was the goal of my life to be able to hit the high notes (in the radio version) & hold them that long. It took years, but I finally was able to do it. I was so excited!
good lung exercises. Keep it up. (I do that too. but only when I'm alone or in the car. can't sing in public.) That 19 sec note Streisand did was a challenge, but not anymore. Learning to breath and those throat tricks help. Fil has given some great tips too.
@@lthompson6750
Alas, due to personal life circumstances, I haven't sung at all or taken lessons in about 4 years. I hope I haven't lost my voice entirely. I wonder if you can get it back after so long.
@@Yesica1993 I, sound to me, like I'm just off key. I only do it for the lung exercise. Am Not a musician, just a consumer. When I'm driving, it keeps me awake, I get enough air that way. But yeah, I had to hit that note too, just to see if I could do it. It was a banner day. Now, can I do it again? I'm 67 and yep, I can still hit it. Mostly I like to know HOW they do it and that's why I come here, Fil explains it.
@@lthompson6750 I have asthma and allergies so sometimes singing can be very challenging. I took voice lessons in college and I remember that the voice instructor would make gestures between her head and chest--this was to give the singer some type of image of air flowing. She used to ask me how my asthma was. Nowadays, the pollen count has been through the roof here in NY so it's been challenging. Fil's "inhalare la voce" exercise was a great lesson that I very much needed!
Congrats on having all that hard work pay off!!!
THEIR VIDEO IS THE COOLEST IVE EVER SEEN 💖💖💖
CHILLS!! Great song but the emotions from this unplugged version brings up so many feelings. No pitch correction and so beautiful! ❤❤❤
WOW ! So Beautiful! Morten Harket can sing anything! I do love the original as well! Your so amazing in that you can play everything as well can sing beautifully and I love your appreciative and honest analysis and observations of A-ha ! Thank you and I so love your channel!
Thanks!
Your very welcome! And would like to say that I appreciate all your analysis and observation of the varied musicians that you feature on your channel! I have deep respect for your talents as a musician and in all that you do ! Thanks for sharing ! I am so glad that I stumbled upon this channel! Hopefully you will eventually tour in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada soon when everything is back to normal!
Such a great song and this performance proves your point about it just being a really good melody. Your analysis of the vocals provides even more depth and dimension to my enjoyment of this song. Thank you for another great video!
👍
Beautiful performance! and great analysis and demo too. Never too long
Love the reaction! Such a haunting melody!
This guy aged well . I was 16 when this was popular and he had to have been late 20s . He looks my age now . " Living a boy's adventure tale " is another great song that was on that album . " The sun always shines on tv " was there most beautiful song imo .
I haven't heard that version...that was marvelous! Thanks for analysing this one.
Oh this is going to be great! Thanks to whoever suggested this!!!! "sits back in chair sipping coffee as the song begins..."
LOL .. me trying singing while inhaling did not sound as intended :D
I had absolutely no idea he did that!!! Im so impressed! Thanks for great analysis as always!
Bravo! I have always loved this song and The Sun Always Smiles On TV. This performance does take it to another level. Morten's voice was still as beautiful as ever! As always, your analysis, demonstration and exceptional commentary is the reason why your channel keeps growing. Up and onward Fil!! You ROCK!!! Love you! 🤘🏻❤️✌🏻
Amazing find. Brilliant and fantastic example of how timing can completely change music. I never thought this classic 80's "dance"tune would pull a tear, then again no wonder, the wonderful lyric was buried...but here it lives!!!Peace
Well all I can say is I cried throughout the entire song. It is just that touching and beautiful. Thank you
Wow!!!! Thank you for sharing this gem.
I recently saw this and I absolutely love it. The video back in the day was rather ground breaking, but this way you can actually focus on the lyrics. Thank you.
Very good video Fil. The testament to a really great song is when you can strip out the heavy production and fluff and the strength of the melody and the performer still shines through. Which it surely does here. a-ha has a timeless classic with this one.
Absolutly love your responses to, and explanantions of, music. I can't play , but your videos genuinely open me up to the levels of musicianship involved in all kinds of music.
I've always been a big fan of taking a song and stripping it down like this. It really shows the songwriting and strength of the song.
Fil, again you are raising the bar of such quality history and review of Aha. I especially enjoyed your explanation of the voice and how such a range is achieved. I read the other comments and there's nothing to add! You did an amazing job going into so much detail.
Thank you
Thanks!
One of my favorite songs of all time. The video, in the day, just really struck me at many levels. He has such a phenomenal vocal range, even these many years after this song dominated pop radio. Another great analysis Fil.
Thanks!
Really like this version! Thanks Fil 😘
Morton took ownership. The juggernaut of the runaway success. Was slowed. To this rendition.
I'd say definitive.
What a great version! What a great analysis. Fil...you're the best! Thank you.
Thanks!
THANK YOU FIL 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
That inhale singing was amazing! I had never thought of that as being an option while singing! Fascinating stuff, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Wow, these guys have aged so well! Amazing voice and song.
Thank you Fil, ❤️ this unplugged was a Master Piece. This was fabulous from start to finish. I feel bad for those who haven’t watched the concert.
This unplugged version changes the song entirely. My goodness it actually has lyrics. The song I remember was a upbeat little diddy that had me nodding my head in gleeful approval. This reminds me of Ben Folds
Love this version. In the original video I was caught up in the tempo, the unique presentation of the video, and how cute the singer was 😉 With this version, I was suddenly immersed in the lyrics and just how melancholy they are. That's why I cried during this performance. My first experience was all gloss and surface. This one went deep and emotional.
Fil, you've got the best "joy" smiles when you do reactions. It's infectious! -- Phil (I have the boring spelling of it)
Wow, magnificent! Thanks Fil for featuring this version.
The original was fun but this version is filled with so much emotion. Morten has become a fine singer. Watched this video many times.
A beautiful version of this song! My husband dedicated this song (original version) to me on the radio 31 years ago! This version will be beautiful for an anniversary party...if we ever remember our anniversary in time to plan a celebration, lol!
That was such a cool version of the song. You always have great videos and insight. Thanks for sharing with us.
Professor this a song right up your alley... Either version.. Brotherrrrrrr .
Rock 🎸
Sometimes we need to be unplugged and stripped to our essence. This was breathtaking. Thank you. The video was special for its time but this was so much more.
Iconic reboot. A very mature rendition with rich vocals and tempo dialed way back. What’s not to love about a song with over one billion views. You provided a great breakdown. It is indeed like having two different songs from one classic hit.
Really enjoyed this analysis with the demo and in-depth analysis of the vocalization. I was always so enthralled with the imagery in the original video that I didn't pay as much attention to the actual performance. Now I'll go back and watch the original with newly opened eyes. I mean, ears!!
Such a beautiful song and extraordinary singer. I love Morten’s tone and incredible range. Your analysis is so good, as always. I also appreciated your singing and guitar playing. You should consider doing this as a cover yourself!
Wow!!! Beautiful 🥰🥰🥰
That was a great performance. I watched the whole thing. They did a fantastic job.
These guys blew me away with their incredible vocals back in the day. The video was amazing too. I can see he's having a hard time hitting the high notes, understandable. Respect. They could break glass back in the day with their high ranges in vocals.
He can still hit the high note, the high note would not have been appropriate in this toned down slower version.
Nice ! Better late than never . 👍❤️
Beautiful ! A song I know! 🙂 So emotional . I feel it in my soul.
There is a documentary piece on the video that tells the whole story. Fascinating.
This gent really knows his stuff. Talented for guitar playing, and analysis of chords and vocal modes. Amazing
Thanks!
Afternoon Fil. I went back & listened to the original version too, beautiful song, beautiful voice on both.👏 Oh Fil you are so impressive and amazing! You are such a huge asset to us, to Musicians. We are so fortunate and blessed to have you. I love your demonstrations.👏. Stay healthy, rested & have a good day Fil, love ya. ❤
Thanks!
I love the simplicity.
I think this was always a sad song hidden in a fast tempo. Singing, "I'll be gone in a day or two" doesn't make sense at a fast, dance-beat but when you hear that last word at E5, no one notices because of the face-melting.
I remember when the song came out. I agree that the fast dance beat can hide the song's message--as you said, a sad song hidden in a fast tempo. This might be off the topic a bit: Not long ago, I wanted to find out about the theme of the Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville" which was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Apparently the theme was anti-Vietnam war which the listeners missed--it definitely couldn't mentioned in 1966. I guess this was another example of how a fast tempo song can fool one's ears.
I'm taking a deep dive again! Thanks Fil!!!
Wonderful explanations - thanks a lot!!!
Wow! You are spot on. This was a great 80s song. But even more, this is just a great song. Even better when you take the 80s vibe out of it. I just love how you disect these songs and bring a greater appreciation to the talent involved in the performance. This was a great song but even greater now that I have heard this version. Thanks for sharing your talents with is.
Thanks!
Really like this song-both versions. Looking fab, Phil. Rock on.
Brought me to tears.
I do always stand in awe of you, how you approach each song you present. How much insight you have on so many different music styles or musicians. Your deep love for music in any form that exists is amazing. And let's not forget your deep and sophisticated technical knowledge, may it singing or arrangement or how to play a certain instrument. I take my hat off! :-)
Thanks!
I love this stripped back version, as I can hear the lyrics better.
Great analysis video, Fil👍
MTV's "Unplugged" series was brilliant. The truly great musicians could strip their songs down to acoustic and still be exceptional (one of my favourite Unplugged performances was "Must Have Been Love" by Roxette).
Brilliant !
Fil, your vocal demos in this video really impressed me!
Thanks!
😍 They made it sound like an old folk song
Elegantly exquisite!
ah,..sooo many memories,..LOVE it
Thank you Fil...interesting version...nice explanation....hang in there.
Fil, great analysis! So easy to understand and agree with, when it unfolds as you explain it. So good job, you're the best! 🤟
Thanks!
You know I used to listen to this back in the 80's and I didn't know who sang it but of course back then we didn't have internet lol and I had forgotten about this song but I like this version too but such a great classic and Very Beautiful Thank you so much Fil!!!!!!!
Thanks for your in depth analysis on A-ha's live performance of "Take on Me." I appreciated your explanation of the musical differences between this live performance and the original recording as well as your insight of how the differences can affect an audience--e.g. crying. I saw A-ha in concert in 1985(I was a teen then). Though I appreciated Morten's vocal range, I had difficulty deciphering the lyrics, possibly due to the recording. In this unplugged version, I appreciated Morten's range and for once, how he delivered the lyrics with clarity. I also appreciated your guitar and inhalare la voce demonstrations; the latter which I attempted. Being that I have asthma(it's been flaring up now and then), that was a great and helpful lesson. From one musician to another musician, I sincerely thank you, Fil!
No problem and thanks!
Because of an earlier viewing of your analysis on the Cher song 'Believe' I am now looking to see what other analysis you carry out on familiar songs of mine. Fascinating and thank you.
Remember this song well and the ground breaking creative video at the time. Loved it! Catchy melodic stay in your head feel good song with excellent vocals. Went to #1 here in Canada.🇨🇦 This musically stripped back version is phenomenal! Vocally superb stripped back musically it worked sooo well! I absolutely loved the slower mellow vibe. Another great guitar demo Fil. Thanks! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
Thanks!
This version is so emotional! The E5 he hits in the original is the very top of my range as an alto. I love the original song, but wish they had released it like this! This is so beautiful! 😢❤️ Also need to say this, can you teach me that breathing technique please?! GOOD LORD! I’ve never seen anyone do that! 😂
The original video was brilliant! Think back to the technology they had back then, and it still looks absolutely fine today. Only to be outmatched by the (eponymous) ballad of the album "Hunting High and Low". And hey, I am late, meaning I have to watch THREE AHA VIDEOS in a row. ;)
Ooooh - just found this video. Didn’t expect to be all goosebumpy from start to finish but there we have it! 😄
Fantastic. Keep these vids coming please!
Rotoscoping! That's pretty cool. That's also how the animated movie "Fire and Ice" (1983) was done. The whole movie! which was produced by the great fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta.
This is a look back at a time when I was young and excited about the future, not everything turned out and this song is a great reminiscent look back. I love this full reinterpretation of all of these song on the video/album. The gentleman who did the arrangement knew how to pull out the sentiment of a time gone by. One of my most favorite MTV unplugged. This, Alice In Chains and Nirvana.
A really good song can be played so many different ways and still stands up. This is a prime example ... what was a quintessential 80s pop song becomes a poignant ballad and sounds possibly better than the original (and I say that as a huge a-ha fan as an 80's teen).
There has never been a karaoke night where ‘Take on me’ wasn’t sung by at least one person.
Glad I watched your video yesterday.......... they took it down already. And Your Welcome for the sub! This unplugged version is AWESOME! Thanks again, Fil. JJ
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