FLASHBACK: A-HA

There were literally billions (okay, not literally) of pop bands and singers that had huge hits in the US during the 80s and then just faded away. Some faded away completely and some retained that success in a big way in other parts of the world. One that kept a following abroad was the uber-hot Norwegian trio A-ha. There massive 1985 hit Take On Me from their debut album Hunting High and Low is without a doubt one of the most famous and recognizable songs of all time. The video was also a groundbreaker, using state-of-the-art special FX to put us in another world and brought the music video to the level of an art form. They were even nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy. Although their success continued in the rest of the world, where the band have sold 36 million albums world wide, released 9 albums (their last being 2009's Foot of the Mountain, recorded the theme to the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights, and still look SO HOT I WANT TO DIE(see attached then/now photo), their success in the US was limited to two very unique and memorable hits. Take On Me hit #1 on the US Hot 100 in October of 1985 and the follow up, The Sun Always Shines on TV (which is my FAVE), hit #20 a few months later. Both songs are dramatic, hit some amazing high notes, and are quintessentially 80s. I'm not ashamed to say that both of these tunes have a permanent place on my iPhone playlists. The boys did their farewell tour in 2010 and released a greatest hits compilation, 25, that year as well. All you need to be immortalized is that one hit though, and they got a good one. Watch the videos for Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines On TV below. Good stuff, boys. And yes, I'm a sucker for a hot Norwegian. WHOO!! DRAMA!