1984 music reappears in ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Adolescence’ with new dramatic readings
Track “Take on me”launched by the Norwegian group a-ha In 1984, it gained new prominence in 2025 when included in episodes of two series with great repercussion: the second season of The Last of Usfrom HBO, and the British miniseries Adolescencefrom Netflix.
In the fourth episode of the second season of The Last of Usaired this Sunday (4), the character Ellie finds a guitar in an abandoned store and sings an acoustic version of “Take on Me” before Dina. The scene refers directly to the game The Last of Us Part IIwhere Ellie also plays the song for Dina at a similar moment. In the series, the choice reinforces the memory of Joelcharacter killed the previous season, and the importance of the guitar as a symbol of the relationship between them.
Also in the fourth episode of the miniseries Adolescencelaunched by Netflix in March, the song appears on a family trip from the family Miller. While parents sing together, the scene marks a moment of proximity in the emotional tension of the plot. The series follows Jamiea 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a schoolmate, and treats topics such as bullying, toxic masculinity and social networks, using sequence plans in all episodes.
The trajectory of “Take on Me”
Music originated in the 1970s, when Pål Waaktaar and Magne FuruholmenA-HA members, composed a track called “Miss Eerie.” The initial version was considered too pop by some and too dark by others. Upon returning to Norway after a failed attempt to launch themselves in London, the duo met Morten Harketwhich identified the potential of the main riff. The song evolved into “Lesson One” and, finally, to “Take on me”.
Despite its current success, the single failed in the first two release attempts. The turn took place with the support of Warner Bros. Records and the investment in the production of a new music video.
Directed from Steve Barronthe video agreed Rotoscopy animation with live-action scenes and took about six months to complete. The innovative visual narrative was inspired by the short film “Commuter” Michael Patterson and Candace Rekingerand resulted in a clip considered revolutionary at the time. The debut on MTV ensured the success of the single in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
