Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) vs Take On Me (a-ha)

Take On Me (a-ha) leads with 58% of votes

Latest odds: Take On Me (a-ha) - 69%, Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) - 31%

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) = Grunge revolution blueprint

Take On Me (a-ha) = Sketch art transition marvel

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Pick Your Favorite

SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT (NIRVANA)

VS

TAKE ON ME (A-HA)
0%

Your GOAT List

The Real Debate

At the heart of this GoatWars battle lies the stark contrast between a-ha's 'Take On Me,' a polished 80s synth-pop masterpiece with a groundbreaking rotoscope-animated video, and Nirvana's gritty, rebellious anthem 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' which brought grunge to the mainstream with its raw energy and unpolished visuals. This face-off isn't just about catchy hooks versus guitar riffs; it's a clash of visual artistry against anarchic spirit, a duel between the quintessentially sleek 80s and the disenchanted early 90s. Each video not only defined a musical era but also marked the hearts of their generation, stirring deep loyalty among fans. Will you side with a-ha's innovative storytelling or Nirvana's explosive disruption? Cast your vote and tip the scales in this iconic showdown.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Criteria Edge Why
Visual Burn Take On Me (a-ha) Its groundbreaking pencil-sketch animation style is iconic and unforgettable, easily outshining typical grunge aesthetics.
Rewatch Trap Take On Me (a-ha) The captivating transitions between real life and comic sketches make 'Take On Me' an endlessly rewatchable masterpiece.
Moment Energy Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) The release of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' was a cultural earthquake that redefined rock music, making its debut moment monumental.
Copycat Power Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) The gritty, raw essence of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' sparked a flannel-clad revolution, heavily influencing the music video aesthetics of the '90s.
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) vs. Take On Me (a-ha)

🔥 Fan Takes

Honestly, both are iconic, but 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' changed the WHOLE music video game, no cap.
lol how is this even a contest? kurt cobain's angst > sketchy comic vibes any day
take on me = pure nostalgia, takes me back to the 80s like nothing else 🤘

How Fans Are Voting

Latest battle odds:

Take On Me (a-ha): 69%

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana): 31%

Overall battle results:

Overall fans prefer Take On Me (a-ha) over Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) when it comes to the greatest Music Videos of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Take On Me (a-ha) 58.8% of the time over Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana).

Across all battles:

Take On Me (a-ha) win rate: 60.0%

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) win rate: 47.3%

Fan FAQs

Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in this league?

Thriller by Michael Jackson holds the top spot. You can see the full GOAT List to get the scoop on all the leaders in the Greatest Music Videos of All Time league.

What makes Smells Like Teen Spirit so popular?

Smells Like Teen Spirit carries that raw, grunge spirit that shook the 90s. Fans are drawn to its rebellious energy and the way it captures the angst and restlessness of a generation. It’s more than just a video; it's an anthem.

Why is Take On Me winning against Smells Like Teen Spirit?

Take On Me is crushing it right now because its iconic, hand-drawn animation style really stands out. Fans love that nostalgic hit and the way the video blurs reality and fantasy. It's just a whole vibe that's hard to beat!