Few musical moments from the late 1980s remain as instantly recognizable as the opening clarinet line of a-ha’s “Take On Me.” While the song is firmly rooted in synth-pop, its brief, jaunty introduction borrows heavily from ska, creating a hybrid sound that helped define a generation. This fusion of new wave polish with ska’s upbeat energy is the essence of “take on me ska,” a term often used to describe the song’s playful genre-blending or the vibrant scene it inspired.
The Sonic Blueprint: Ska Elements in a Global Hit
To understand the ska influence, you first have to listen closely to the intro. The rolling, off-beat rhythm of the clarinet, played by Norwegian musician Eivind Aarset, is a direct lift from traditional Jamaican ska. This specific rhythmic device, known as the skank, typically features a guitar or piano playing on the upbeat, creating a sense of forward momentum. By incorporating this texture into a synth-driven pop song, a-ha didn’t just add an exotic flourish; they bridged a gap between the rebellious energy of 1960s Jamaican music and the sleek, electronic pop of the 1980s.
Breaking Down the “Skank”
The skank is the defining rhythmic pattern of ska, and “Take On Me” utilizes a simplified, synth-based version of it. Instead of a guitar chopping on the off-beats, the song uses a crisp, electronic stab that serves the same function. This choice was likely driven by the technology of the era, but the result is a cleaner, more accessible version of the ska rhythm that allowed the song to dominate Top 40 radio without alienating listeners who weren’t familiar with reggae or ska history.
The original ska rhythm provided a sense of urgency and danceability.
The synth adaptation made the sound more suitable for 1980s production standards.
This blend created a unique sonic identity that stood out on the charts.
The familiarity of the rhythm helped connect with a global audience instantly.
It proved that traditional musical structures could thrive within modern pop frameworks.
The success paved the way for future genre fusion in mainstream music.
Beyond the Sound: Cultural Impact and Legacy
The phrase “take on me ska” often refers not just to the music, but to the vibrant culture surrounding the song. The late 80s were a time of bold fashion and experimental music videos, and “Take On Me” was the perfect storm of both. The ska influence, however subtle, added an element of counter-cultural cool to the video’s groundbreaking rotoscoped animation. It signaled to viewers that this wasn't just another pop song; it was a piece of art with roots in a real, living musical tradition.
The Animation Synergy
The iconic music video tells a story of comic book fantasy brought to life, but the driving force behind the characters' escape is the relentless energy of the music. The upbeat tempo, rooted in that initial ska-inspired rhythm, creates the pace for the entire narrative. Every transition between the real world and the animated pencil world feels like a shift in musical time, and the steady ska-infused beat ensures the song never loses its forward thrust, mirroring the protagonist's desperate race against time.
Modern Interpretations and Covers
Because the song is so closely associated with a-ha, direct cover versions are rare, but the influence of its sound can be heard across many indie and alternative bands. Artists who grew up listening to the track often cite its genre-mixing as a key inspiration. You can hear echoes of the “take on me ska” approach in the work of modern acts that blend punk energy with pop sensibilities or incorporate ska beats into indie rock. The song remains a masterclass in how to successfully hybridize genres without losing mass appeal.
