British guitarist analyses A-ha's 'Take On Me' live and unplugged in 2017!

Tonight we're taking a look at A-ha with an acoustic version of their classic hit, and also getting carried away with some 'inalare la voce'!
Original video - • a-ha - Take On Me (Liv...
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[@Tianne-]

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.

[@PrinceCharmingsMom2930]

Morten Harkets’ voice is absolutely angelic!

[@roberthorn333]

Dude, I don't care what your favorite style of music is! That's one helluva song, and one great vocalist! Top shelf!

[@donnacolwell3988]

This is beautiful. I've come away with a much deeper appreciation of the lyrics. Morten's voice is angelic.

[@brendaowens1274]

“Take On Me” is so much more beautiful slow like this. It’s just sooo beautiful to listen 👂🏽 to.

[@jennrat513]

I agree..it just pulls you in..I missed this vid so this was a treat for me..putting it in rotation..🙂

[@lynndow3185]

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.

[@allen_p]

Holy Cow! It takes on such a different expression of the same feelings and message. Quite amazing

[@cydnicaldwell1337]

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.

[@DiamondGirl-1234]

CHILLS!! Great song but the emotions from this unplugged version brings up so many feelings. No pitch correction and so beautiful! ❤❤❤

[@scottiejsrockrollsports5547]

Beautiful version of this song. He has a great voice. 👏👏

[@barbaradownie3265]

THEIR VIDEO IS THE COOLEST IVE EVER SEEN 💖💖💖

[@TorToroPorco]

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.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Aww...the Eighties..they still play this song at my work place..I still love it..Great artwork in their original video...thanks Fil

[@suehollar2578]

His voice is just as good as ever! I loved this video with the girl in the diner and the cartoon!

[@TJ-id6ee]

Wow, these guys have aged so well! Amazing voice and song.

[@soulerflare7]

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 .

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

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.

[@mariefraher8725]

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.

[@Yesica1993]

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!

[@lthompson6750]

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.

[@Yesica1993]

@@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.

[@lthompson6750]

@@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.

[@glamgal7106]

@@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!

[@fewwiggle]

Congrats on having all that hard work pay off!!!

[@barbaradownie3265]

THANK YOU FIL 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@imaner76]

Morton took ownership. The juggernaut of the runaway success. Was slowed. To this rendition. I'd say definitive.

[@theragingplatypus4743]

As i watch more and more of your videos, I'm just more and more amazed by your knowledge and ability.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

IKR! ❤️

[@frankskyle1]

Nicely said, I'd just add that the quantity is also amazing.

[@kevystead]

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.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

I love this stripped back version, as I can hear the lyrics better.

[@flipfloplogic]

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!

[@psilvers100]

One of my all-time favorite songs. The vocals and the instrumentals are just fantastic, never mind the video!

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I haven't heard that version...that was marvelous! Thanks for analysing this one.

[@WILMAFINGADO]

Love the reaction! Such a haunting melody!

[@kensod6034]

You are absolutely brilliant... With the pic stick analysis.. Right off the top of your head. Thanks professor

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@whiteheatredhot5341]

Listening to this actually put a lump in my throat..........Hauntingly beautiful.

[@abbydubois3112]

Beautiful performance! and great analysis and demo too. Never too long

[@sandiparker8567]

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 :)

[@stephenclark1551]

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

[@brucer2152]

I really love the piano. It's so subtle....and so melancholy...

[@holly7869]

Wow!!!! Thank you for sharing this gem.

[@usermo]

Really like this version! Thanks Fil 😘

[@dennisyounkin644]

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!!!!

[@andrewtrotter9023]

There is a documentary piece on the video that tells the whole story. Fascinating.

[@AMAZ0NGIRL]

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!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@AMAZ0NGIRL]

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!

[@charleshallier7853]

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.

[@seanandsteve]

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 👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@aprils6589]

The original was fun but this version is filled with so much emotion. Morten has become a fine singer. Watched this video many times.

[@david-galindo-936]

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!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

Fil, you've got the best "joy" smiles when you do reactions. It's infectious! -- Phil (I have the boring spelling of it)

[@RosaKay55]

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!

[@patriciasnyder6915]

I love the simplicity.

[@GrafStorm]

Wow, magnificent! Thanks Fil for featuring this version.

[@newandreview]

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!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@catsara9114]

😍 They made it sound like an old folk song

[@Noorah101]

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!

[@aaron2709]

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.

[@glamgal7106]

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.

[@ogs1mpson609]

There has never been a karaoke night where ‘Take on me’ wasn’t sung by at least one person.

[@JC-Denton]

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. ;)

[@vileguile4]

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!

[@marylarrimore3950]

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.

[@teresafinoalchemy]

Elegantly exquisite!

[@douglesw]

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

[@benpowersguitar]

That was such a cool version of the song. You always have great videos and insight. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@bettyann1951]

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!

[@etzared8908]

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.

[@CharronMcLeod]

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).

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

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.

[@carlmontney7916]

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.

[@TheCynedd]

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).

[@lisaflores8801]

I'm taking a deep dive again! Thanks Fil!!!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Nice ! Better late than never . 👍❤️ Beautiful ! A song I know! 🙂 So emotional . I feel it in my soul.

[@kaspinet]

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.

[@incub8]

Fil, your vocal demos in this video really impressed me!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jrusso4753]

What a great version! What a great analysis. Fil...you're the best! Thank you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@paulagalloway528]

Really like this song-both versions. Looking fab, Phil. Rock on.

[@heartstringssound-Doug]

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

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Briansgate]

That was a great performance. I watched the whole thing. They did a fantastic job.

[@msamelienp]

You are awesome. Thanks for breaking it down for us.

[@lucy-texasgal3679]

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! 🤘🏻❤️✌🏻

[@horatiobeaker]

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.

[@mikecarpenter4738]

This gent really knows his stuff. Talented for guitar playing, and analysis of chords and vocal modes. Amazing

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@karlkascha1261]

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.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@kensod6034]

Professor this a song right up your alley... Either version.. Brotherrrrrrr . Rock 🎸

[@ORagnar]

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.

[@Jim-ix1xf]

This version really brings you in, so much better than the original. It must of been their Aha moment when they came up with this arrangement.

[@manofiske3318]

'must _have_ been...'

[@lifeisnice23]

Morten Harket was 58 years old there, he looks younger and fresh as ever! 🤩

[@Elena-in6uw]

Thank you ,thank you, thank you!!!! Great band 💎, great Voice 💎

[@andrewtrotter9023]

I just discovered this a few weeks ago and posted it to FB. Beautiful. Song went from a catchy 80s dance tune to a riveting, heartbreaking love song. Those girls are mesmerized. Morten Harket could have had any woman in that audience.

[@debravirden7130]

Brought me to tears.

[@rcsproject627]

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.

[@markwebster7435]

He can still hit the high note, the high note would not have been appropriate in this toned down slower version.

[@lauriekane4686]

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!!

[@michaelambrosano938]

ah,..sooo many memories,..LOVE it

[@niccidean2659]

Wow!!! Beautiful 🥰🥰🥰

[@Nagoyadog]

Damn! I love this. This is my favourite KZbin channel 👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

Well we now know these guys can really perform. Great song, beautifully performed.

[@DrDespicable]

Fun Fact: Rotoscoping was invented by the Fleischer Bros., who brought us the original Betty Boop/Popeye cartoons!

[@kensod6034]

Video. Editing... Another talent.. Unseen.. Wow.. 😊

[@Yesica1993]

As always, I loved the vocal analysis. I so desperately miss singing/taking voice lessons. No such thing as a too long Fil video. Man alive, I'd give anything for an analysis of Seven Bridges Road by that band that shan't be named because they notorious blockers. Darnit. I just wish I could figure out all those harmonies. They're gorgeous! I wish there was a way of plugging it directly into my brain.

[@lynndow3185]

I've found it unblocked...It would be a sweet analysis! (I think this clip is from the documentary. ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6utpIx_mtd_fbc

[@sharonmuzik]

Ditto that, I've requested Fil do a cover of it!

[@Yesica1993]

@@sharonmuzik He'd need a few friends to join in. ;) Wouldn't it be great if he could get some KZbin friends to join in, digitally? I'd bet he's got some fans who are good singers!

[@Yesica1993]

@@lynndow3185 I've seen this clip before and was happy to see it again. Just gorgeous! To trade links, I happened upon this cover. I'm not familiar with this group, but they were wonderful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooHClqRrmNuimM0

[@RebelRoseJade]

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!!!!!!!

[@TaraLyz]

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! 😂

[@sharonmuzik]

Fil, you sounded great when you sang a little bite of this song. Right up your alley.

[@marilynsheffield612]

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. ❤

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@smarsville]

Once again, well done. Very interesting.

[@shellylyndsley394]

Omg I couldn’t listen to this all the way through, it was just so emotionally charged, I do love this version much much better than the faster original one, so beautiful but I got years straight away in the beginning 😭

[@debishaw9355]

I remember this song. Beautiful! Had no idea it’s name or who was singing. Thanks for the analysis...