The stakes are higher as each lyric has an underlying feeling of desperation. Where he once nonchalantly asked the person of his attraction to simply, “take me on,” he now begs for one last chance with them before he’s “gone,” as though in a matter of life and death. Lead singer Morten Harket brings a yearning quality to the acoustic rendition. What once felt carefree now comes across as mournful. No matter how emotionally charged they may be, the upbeat tempo and synth make what could have gravitas feel lighthearted. In the original, the lyrics can get lost in the energy. The simple composition of piano, acoustic guitar and the airy backing of the organ leave room to listen to the surprisingly emotional lyrics. There are no synths, no drums and it is gently floats at about half the original tempo. What I get is something wildly different, completely unlike the original. What on earth will a cover of “Take On Me” sound like unplugged? All I can picture is something ridiculous. I click on a-ha’s 2017 MTV Unplugged session hoping for a laugh. This is especially true of a-ha’s acoustic “Take On Me” cover. They are wholly unique, bringing about new meaning through their acoustic qualities. My mind goes to Johnny Cash’s take on Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” or Foo Fighters’ acoustic rendition of their own “Everlong.” These covers are in no way rehashes of the originals. An acoustic version has the potential to change the songs story, mood and perspective.

A song should not be played on acoustic instruments simply because they are what’s available. A good acoustic cover is rare, but transformative. I know what you’re thinking: who asked for twenty four seasons of acoustic covers? The skepticism surrounding acoustic covers is often justified. Beyond Nirvana’s episode exist twenty four seasons of acoustic sets.Īmerican singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain (1967 – 1994), performs with his group Nirvana at a taping of the television program ‘MTV Unplugged,’ New York, New York, Novemeber 18, 1993. The episode was recorded just months before Kurt Cobain’s death, solidifying its place in music history. If you are familiar with it, you’ve probably seen or heard Nirvana’s cover of “The Man Who Sold the World.” One of twelve Unplugged records to go platinum, the cover is so famous that a Google search of the song yields Nirvana’s 1993 version before David Bowie’s 1970 original. The show features recording artists who play stripped down, usually acoustic versions of their songs. Once while procrastinating, I found myself in a deep dive of the MTV Unplugged television series. I grew an aversion to the song, but stepping back and slowing things down allowed me to find beauty in the chaos. The lyrics and production are always overshadowed by my friends shrieking “in a day or twooooo” in piercing falsetto. It turns out 'Take on Me' has one of the biggest pitch ranges of any song I've done so far on this site, spanning nearly 3 octaves.! The notes as they are sound perfect on a piano, however the chorus has a few low A's which can happily be substituted for a low C on instruments that don't go so low.For most of my life I was blind to the appeal of a-ha’s “Take On Me.” While my distaste was partially due to snobbery and contrarianism, I never understood the song. The catchiest, squeakiest, highest-pitch 80's is finally here, 'Take on Me' by A-ha - get ready for an extra challenging challenge (and in my case, a burst ear drum!)

Take on me unplugged piano