Morten Harket
Morten Harket: The Enigmatic Voice Behind the Timeless Ballad
Morten Harket, the enigmatic Norwegian singer-songwriter, rose to global prominence as the frontman of the legendary pop band A-ha. His haunting falsetto and captivating stage presence have etched his name indelibly in the annals of music history.
Early Life and Influences:
Born on September 14, 1959, Morten Harket grew up in Kongsberg, Norway. Inspired by icons such as David Bowie and Elton John, he developed a passion for music at a young age. Harket's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its ethereal quality and wide range, is attributed to his early experimentation with classical and folk singing techniques.
Formation of A-ha:
In 1982, Harket joined forces with keyboardist Magne Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy to form A-ha. The trio's early sound was influenced by synthpop and new wave, but they soon evolved into a more eclectic and sophisticated band.
International Breakthrough:
A-ha's breakthrough came in 1985 with the release of their debut album, "Hunting High and Low." The album's lead single, "Take On Me," became an instant global sensation, topping charts worldwide. Its iconic music video, featuring an innovative pencil animation sequence, further solidified the band's status as one of the most popular acts of the 1980s.
The Can't Take My Eyes Off You Controversy:
In 1987, A-ha released their third album, "Stay on These Roads." The album featured a cover version of Frankie Valli's classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." While the cover was a commercial success, it sparked controversy among critics who questioned the band's originality. Harket defended the cover, stating that it was a tribute to Valli's timeless masterpiece.
Challenges and Successes:
A-ha's success was not without challenges. In the mid-1990s, Harket embarked on a solo career, releasing two albums that received mixed reviews. However, the band reunited in 2000 and has continued to release albums and tour regularly.
Discography:
* Hunting High and Low (1985)
* Scoundrel Days (1986)
* Stay on These Roads (1988)
* East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1990)
* Memorial Beach (1993)
* Minor Earth Major Sky (2000)
* Lifelines (2002)
* Analogue (2005)
* Foot of the Mountain (2009)
* Cast in Steel (2015)
* True North (2022)
Legacy:
Morten Harket is widely recognized as one of the most influential vocalists of his generation. His unique voice and enigmatic stage presence have captivated audiences for decades. Through his work with A-ha, he has left an indelible mark on popular music, creating timeless anthems that continue to inspire and resonate with generations.
Morten Harket, the enigmatic Norwegian singer-songwriter, rose to global prominence as the frontman of the legendary pop band A-ha. His haunting falsetto and captivating stage presence have etched his name indelibly in the annals of music history.
Early Life and Influences:
Born on September 14, 1959, Morten Harket grew up in Kongsberg, Norway. Inspired by icons such as David Bowie and Elton John, he developed a passion for music at a young age. Harket's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its ethereal quality and wide range, is attributed to his early experimentation with classical and folk singing techniques.
Formation of A-ha:
In 1982, Harket joined forces with keyboardist Magne Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy to form A-ha. The trio's early sound was influenced by synthpop and new wave, but they soon evolved into a more eclectic and sophisticated band.
International Breakthrough:
A-ha's breakthrough came in 1985 with the release of their debut album, "Hunting High and Low." The album's lead single, "Take On Me," became an instant global sensation, topping charts worldwide. Its iconic music video, featuring an innovative pencil animation sequence, further solidified the band's status as one of the most popular acts of the 1980s.
The Can't Take My Eyes Off You Controversy:
In 1987, A-ha released their third album, "Stay on These Roads." The album featured a cover version of Frankie Valli's classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." While the cover was a commercial success, it sparked controversy among critics who questioned the band's originality. Harket defended the cover, stating that it was a tribute to Valli's timeless masterpiece.
Challenges and Successes:
A-ha's success was not without challenges. In the mid-1990s, Harket embarked on a solo career, releasing two albums that received mixed reviews. However, the band reunited in 2000 and has continued to release albums and tour regularly.
Discography:
* Hunting High and Low (1985)
* Scoundrel Days (1986)
* Stay on These Roads (1988)
* East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1990)
* Memorial Beach (1993)
* Minor Earth Major Sky (2000)
* Lifelines (2002)
* Analogue (2005)
* Foot of the Mountain (2009)
* Cast in Steel (2015)
* True North (2022)
Legacy:
Morten Harket is widely recognized as one of the most influential vocalists of his generation. His unique voice and enigmatic stage presence have captivated audiences for decades. Through his work with A-ha, he has left an indelible mark on popular music, creating timeless anthems that continue to inspire and resonate with generations.