7 Songs Like Take on Me: Hit the Synth-Beat

Hey there, music mavens! Your old friend DJ TBone here, spinning up some stories and songs. As a lifelong DJ and music fan, there’s a magic when synth-pop songs send me on a nostalgia trip, like the evergreen classic “Take On Me” by a-ha.

The vibrant energy, catchy hooks, and unique storytelling captivate us all.

But I bet you’re wondering, “TBone, are there more tracks like this?” Of course there are, mates!

So, I decided to sift through the melodies of time, putting together a list of 7 songs reminiscent of “Take On Me” just for you.

So, get ready, it’s time for a musical journey!

Here are the songs like Take on Me that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Take on Me

Songs like Take on Me in a list format:

1. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics

From the album of the same name, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is an iconic 1983 synth-pop classic by British duo Eurythmics. Released under RCA Records, the track presents a hypnotic beat, dreamy synthesizers and Annie Lennox’s haunting vocals. The engaging lyrics invite listeners into a surreal dreamscape, much like “Take On Me”. Why I choose this song? It’s a brilliant display of synth-pop’s capacity to take us to other worlds. On top of Lennox’s mesmerizing vocals, we also have Dave Stewart on keyboards and synthesisers, making the Eurythmics a force to reckon with in the 80s music scene.

2. “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League

From the album “Dare” (1981), “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League is a synth-pop gem under Virgin Records. This song, with its catchy chorus and captivating storyline, echoes the same sense of tension and longing found in “Take On Me”. I picked this song due to its powerful narrative and infectious melody. The combined vocals of Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall, and Susan Ann Sulley offer a thrilling, unforgettable musical experience.

3. “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode

“Just Can’t Get Enough” is a sparkling track from Depeche Mode’s debut album “Speak & Spell” (1981), released by Mute Records. It’s a fun, uplifting song that shares the same infectious energy and synth-driven appeal as “Take On Me”. I choose this song because of its irresistible danceability and cheery lyrics. The musicians behind this hit include Vince Clarke, Dave Gahan, Andy Fletcher, and Martin Gore, each contributing to its vibrant charm.

4. “Blue Monday” by New Order

New Order’s “Blue Monday”, from the album “Power, Corruption & Lies” (1983), is a pulsating synth-driven number that released under Factory Records. What makes this song special is its blend of post-punk and electronic dance music, somewhat akin to “Take On Me”. This track earns its spot in this list due to its enduring influence on the electronic music genre. Peter Hook’s distinctive bass, Bernard Sumner’s crisp vocals, and the electronic craftsmanship of Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris make this track unforgettable.

5. “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys

“West End Girls” is an exceptional tune from Pet Shop Boys’ debut album “Please” (1986), released by Parlophone. The rap-style verses, the catchy chorus, and the synth-pop sound, all echo the dramatic storytelling and melodic captivation of “Take On Me”. This song, performed by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, was chosen because of its unique blend of pop and rap, showing the expansive potential of the synth-pop genre.

6. “Cars” by Gary Numan

Off the album “The Pleasure Principle” (1979) under Beggars Banquet Records, “Cars” by Gary Numan is a pioneer in the synth-pop world. This track, with its iconic electronic sound and distinct theme, shares a common DNA with “Take On Me”. Numan’s futuristic synth-driven style is why this song is here. Numan’s unique vocal delivery and his work on the MiniMoog synthesizer create an innovative soundscape that is still fresh to this day.

7. “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode

Last, but certainly not least, is “Enjoy the Silence” from Depeche Mode’s album “Violator” (1990) under Mute Records. Though it’s a bit later than “Take On Me”, it maintains the synth-pop spirit while adding its own dark, atmospheric twist. I selected this song for its profound lyricism and melancholic yet danceable tune. Gahan, Gore, Fletcher, and Alan Wilder’s performances perfectly blend to create this unforgettable and influential synth-pop masterpiece.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Take on Me

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics

The iconic music video for “Sweet Dreams” was directed by Chris Ashbrook. The setting in a boardroom and a field with a cow was a contrast used to reflect the song’s theme of corporate and rural life. Another fun fact, this was Eurythmics’ first chart-topper in the UK, and it completely transformed their career.

“Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League

Here’s an interesting tidbit: “Don’t You Want Me” was almost not released as a single! The band’s lead singer, Philip Oakey, thought the song was too poppy and would harm the band’s image. Luckily, Virgin Records decided to release it anyway, and it became one of the Human League’s biggest hits!

“Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode

Fun fact: This was the last single written by Vince Clarke, the original chief songwriter for Depeche Mode. He left the band shortly after the release of “Speak & Spell”. Another interesting fact is that the song has been a popular chant among football fans in the UK for years.

“Blue Monday” by New Order

“Blue Monday” holds the title for the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. However, due to the cost of its innovative die-cut ‘floppy disk’ style packaging, the band allegedly lost money on every copy sold!

“West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys

A cool fact about “West End Girls” is that it was inspired by the hip-hop scene in New York and the T.S. Eliot poem “The Waste Land”. It also won the Ivor Novello Award in 1985 for “Best International Hit”.

“Cars” by Gary Numan

Despite his song being about cars, Gary Numan is known for his fear of driving. The song was inspired by an incident of road rage he experienced. Despite the fear, this track managed to reach number one in the UK charts!

“Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode

Originally, “Enjoy the Silence” was a slow, atmospheric ballad. Alan Wilder suggested a faster tempo and dance beat, turning it into the synth-pop anthem we know today. This reimagining proved to be a great choice, as it became one of Depeche Mode’s most famous songs.

And there you have it, music enthusiasts! 7 synth-pop treasures reminiscent of “Take On Me”. Each a testament to the allure of the genre. So grab your headphones, set the volume high, and lose yourself in the vibrant world of synth-pop. Until next time, keep the music playing!

Thanks for reading.

TBone