My Sharona - The Knack | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@Maisie9798]

You would not believe how much air time this song got. It was everywhere!!

[@tracycampbell3060]

Exactly, it was so huge. It seems like a different world back then before the internet took over everything

[@taylortyler1867]

B/c it's a great song. Catchy drum & bass beat and a killer guitar solo.

[@catherinelw9365]

True. I was so sick of it.

[@actuariallurker9650]

Too MUCH airplay- end of 7th grade in 1979- a great song to hear once in a while....but when it came out it was on EVRY hour, EVERY day on EVERY station and got to be annoying...

[@timyoung5892]

Hard to imagine they had never heard this. Played hourly for a whole year !

[@AC-gw4qu]

That guitar solo is so underrated. It's a 2 minute masterpiece.

[@adkleiner]

Yes!

[@neilford7338]

Aye, a fantastic solo.

[@Republic3D]

Was the long guitar solo on the radio edit? I can't remember hearing it that long before. It's a good solo!

[@brickmonkeyvideo2150]

no... there is shortened version of the solo.. which cuts out a BIG chunk. I hate that version. I hate this song.. It's is so corny with no substance... and then this killer solo comes out of nowhere and saves this song from aging into obscurity....

[@bugvswindshield]

One of my favorites solos. I tend to shy away from 'stabby' solos that are only for teqnical skills. I love the flow and passion of a solo. Roy Clark Malaguina ? Blue Oyster Cult , live Veteran of the Pysic Wars Black Sabbath Planet Caravan , really toni Iomi is a master at this. and many more lesser known solos

[@Willie_McBride]

It’s SHARONA! ! But how fire is that guitar solo!!!

[@surlechapeau]

Berton Averre on guitar!!!!

[@Itelkner]

Kinda reminds me of stuff Elliott Easton was during around that time but with more bars in the song to stretch out in.

[@centuryrox]

Yes!! And it could be only heard with the album version! The crappy radio edit cuts out much of that solo. Crime against humanity!

[@carlalussini]

Lol, I was like, damn, how many timelines did I jumped?!😆

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

First thing I saw was the E instead of A. Pedants of the world unite 🙌

[@joedirt688]

One of the most under-rated guitar solos's in music history!

[@cherinoelke]

This is one of those songs you loved when you 1st heard it, loathed it because the radio played it to death and now you love it more because you are reminded of what a banger it was when you loved it the 1st time. If that makes sense :)

[@foxandscout]

I hated how catchy it was, almost felt tricked. It was played so often it made me hate it for years. And I really don’t like power pop songs. After many years, I begrudgingly gave it a different kind of listen . . . and understood why it was so good and that it was okay for it to be catchy. I liked it, hated it because it gobbled up so much air time, and decades later liked it again. But I never loved it, because it just doesn’t do to me what I need music to do for me: either grab me by the crotch, heart or brain.

[@timwhitnell7145]

Exactly

[@agentsculder2451]

Very true. Another song that happened to was "Smooth". I got to the point where I avoided it for years. Then I heard it again a couple years ago and I remembered how great it is.

[@pamnicklas5536]

I never loathed it...for some reason! 😊

[@ceemartin5624]

100%. Even now when I hear the song, I cringe, even though I know it's a good song.

[@NondescriptMammal]

Are we just going to ignore one of the most important aspects of this song? This is the song that inspired a certain young DJ named Alfred Yankovic to go to the bathroom across the hall from the college radio station where he worked, to record his first song parody "My Bologna" and then submit it to the Dr. Demento show. The Knack's lead singer heard it and liked it enough to suggest to his record company's VP that it should be released as a single, and the rest is history.

[@joehebert789]

This song is all gas, no brakes. It grabs you immediately and doesn't let you go. It pairs perfectly with Rock Lobster by the B52s for a total mayhem session on the dance floor.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Also in the late 70s OTHER THAN DISCO

[@stevelucero9047]

The whole Get The Knack album is great

[@tylerhackner9731]

They need to react to that one. So weird, fun and wonderful. Watched the b52s perform that live at the Minnesota Zoo

[@easyrolling]

The biggest hit of 1979, number 1 for the year.. but the album.. was perfect..

[@debrahirshfield6997]

My husband went to school with the lead singer, Doug Feiger. They were in bands together and they would play together at their high school reunions. Doug passed away from brain cancer in 2010. We did meet Sharona in 1980.

[@daleperkins4901]

I can't believe you didn't comment on the absolutely stellar second guitar solo. The picking is so lightning fast and clean and he plays licks I've never heard anyone else play. Come on guys!!!

[@maxpower997]

Yeah, that solo should be ranked right up there with any solo by Clapton or any other guitar "god."

[@jgsrhythm100]

Second to My,Bologna - Weird Al Yankovic Which they most defintley should now cover!

[@mikehalverson9651]

Berton Averre's solo is still one of my all-time favourites all these years later. I love it when the album version comes on wherever I'm listening ... that extra 45 seconds of solo just takes the song to a whole other level.

[@mcnater]

Exactly!

[@alexjbennett1017]

I love this solo, it's beautifully thought out and structured, yet have to say I think I'd heard every individual lick before (speaking as an oldster) kinda like how the basic riff is a simplified version of LZ's Immigrant Song. Still, My Sharona is timeless perfection to me.

[@michaellombard894]

That GUITAR SOLO was one of the best, most developed, technically brilliant guitar solos I've ever heard. Still get goosebumps even after 43 years!

[@anthonyyoutubefan7567]

Oh, here, We go. This is going to be good. This song was THE THING in 1979 in to 1980.

[@jimmackey6110]

Oh yea it was, huge!! On the radio always. Oh and LOL, they were called the new Beatles!!

[@todvball]

No 1 song of 1979?!!! I believe. Loved how The Knack dressed...

[@theodoreritola7641]

ITs known to be a 70s song ,It Was the number 1 song of 1979

[@echt114]

I don't think most people understand how huge this song was in 1979. It was a perfectly put together, in your face guitar rock song alone at the top of the charts in a sea of disco. It sort of single handedly signaled the end of the disco era. The Knack were so big for a brief period and represented such a musical change that there was even talk that they were the new Beatles. Didn't happen of course as their 2nd album kinda flopped. But that summer it felt like the Knack were changing the music world.

[@Laurasiana]

I was in high school when this came out, and it was such a jam! Another such from the same period is “Ah Leah.” And you really must hear that one, too.

[@KatE-sj6vz]

YES! Donnie Iris!

[@dust4magnet]

"Ah Leah" is insanely great. I too was in high school when these songs came out. I bought the Donnie Iris album when it came out, and wasn't disappointed.

[@mark-be9mq]

Ah, Leah, yes, Pleeeaase

[@sallyphillips9175]

"Love is Like a Rock" is great, too!

[@drewwin794]

Absolutely YES! “Ah Leah!”

[@jimmitchell123]

Andy and Alex, what makes this song even more impressive was that it was tracked live in the studio. This is well known and easily verified. Again, let that sink in and then listen to it again. It’s impressive.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Actually, that is impressive. I am duly impressed. I was 18 when this came out; went well on party mix tapes. One to get the guys up!

[@airwindows]

That's actually MORE likely to make it a banger, rather than making it more difficult for it to rock out this hard. Back in the day it was a pretty common thing and many bands (for instance Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) did it.

[@michaellombard894]

And outrageous guitar solo.

[@loosilu]

Not even a littlew surprised. They were listening to each other and reacting to each other.

[@pacificwhim]

Srsly? I didn't know that. It's tight as hell.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you'll love their "Good Girls Don't"!!! My Sharona has one of the most underrated guitar solos by Berton Averre!!

[@catcookie6726]

Yes! And, Mr.Handleman and Radiating love.

[@philvallee645]

Absolutely - Good Girls Don't was such a staple for me in High School

[@216Numbskull]

I dig "Good Girls Don't" & IDGAS but A&A would probably have some BS gender or feminist all over their azz crying to cancel these dudes for reacting to that jam! Blah,ha!! "That you know you can't erase, 'Til she's sitting on your face." Yada! yada! yada!

[@216Numbskull]

Which is also why no one else has done a "Good Girls Don't" reaction.

[@philvallee645]

@@216Numbskull Perhaps but frankly there's much worse stuff out today...

[@maverick214]

Iconic scene in the movie Reality Bites when this song is played.

[@kimberlydavis4772]

It’s been said, that The Knack killed disco with this song. 🤘🏼🎸

[@bishdizzle67]

Yes they did.

[@MetalMcfly]

Maybe, but I would have to credit the Mighty Van Halen 1 yr prior for killing disco.

[@knojustenuftobedangerous2442]

Do you remember the disco destruction at Comiskey baseball park? Blew up a huge pile of Disco records , crowd went wild and tore up the field. WLS Chicago heyday.

[@bkvike]

That's a good thing, right?

[@marcribe6483]

@@MetalMcfly I think I understand your logic and would want to agree with it. But then I'm immediately struck by the fact that the same could be said of AC/DC who were already a bigger band by 1979. These two bands took years creating a following that by 1978/79 had swelled considerably in the US. And yet disco was still talked about and thriving. My Sharona hit the radio by the end of the year and was inescapable towards Christmas. Ultimately The Knack became a flash in the pan story whereas Van Halen and AC/DC are not. But history is funny like that. To think that the popularity of rock n roll started with Bill Haley & The Comets' Rock Around The Clock. Hardly the band to represent all of rock's penchant for juvenile delinquency, is it? I don't recall much fuss about disco in the eighties save the Disco Sucks banners that made people laugh. But that's my recollection of things. I realize that in other places, acceptance and rejections of trends, especially commercially promoted trends, may differ significantly.

[@davidanderson6372]

Drummer Bruce Gary was a monster. He absolutely nails every track on this album with perfect time and super clean fills. Next -"Let Me Out" is the opener and it's a straight banger.

[@TFEnright5]

I’m surprised A&A didn’t comment more on the guitar solo. That solo is absolute fire. I think it alone raises the song to another level.

[@michaellombard894]

Absolutely!!!

[@drewwin794]

I FULLY AGREE!!

[@GT-mq1dx]

I mentioned above, this song is always an S plus with me, always and I wish they would have gone there. That’s alright though, we lived through this time and what a hell of a time the late 70’s and early 80’s were, if I could go back to any time period in my life it would be then. 😎

[@cptkangaroo]

Even with their A/A+ rating, they sort of missed the boat on this one.

[@Louisvillebilly]

100%...very underrated guitar solo

[@richardlarson9459]

I loved this song in 1979, but I think it's funny that they made a song off the structure of "Momma's little baby loves shortnin, shortnin. Momma's little baby loves shortnin bread".

[@Rasmuth]

the guitar solo is nothing short of epic

[@connie7128]

This was an absolute banger. I remember the first time I heard this. My sister and I went nuts for it. It just grabs you by the throat and never lets you go. The entire album is fantastic, honestly.

[@Willie_McBride]

Wow, I appreciate the analysis of the drummer & the rhythm guitarist, but I really expected more than a passing comment on the solo. It’s SOOOOO underrated. Next song you need to do by them is Good Girls Don’t !

[@MarkChappell1]

People don't appreciate how good the first Knack album was. Great guitar, catchy melodies, sneaky good lyrics, but the drumming was some of the best I've ever heard, on almost every song.

[@susanklasinski1805]

The genre is called power pop, and there are a ton of great power pop songs. You needed to get to this song to at least get a sense of how the tide was turning musically, and the song was huge.

[@adamp2029]

A great genre. Definitely need to hear Go All the Way by The Raspberries!

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@adamp2029 Yes definitely. The Raspberries would go over well I think. I was at a power pop listening party on Discord a few Thursday's back About 20 people shared songs, and we had so many in our own vaults that we did a part two that Saturday. It was power pop overload and fatigue, but trust me every song played was 🔥

[@douglasfrantzen3011]

The Records - Starry Eyes is another one.

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@douglasfrantzen3011 Amazing song. Remember Flamin' Groovies? "Shake Some Action" would be great too

[@douglasfrantzen3011]

@@susanklasinski1805 Yes, love that song too. Really evokes some emotion when listening to it.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

This One Makes Me Think Of Another MUST HEAR My Music Lovin' Brothers,, The Romantics "What I Like About You"

[@hannyland2939]

You could not turn on the radio in the summer of 1979 without hearing this song!!! #1 record in the USA for 6 weeks in July '79. "Good Girls Don't" hit #11 in September of '79; "Baby Talks Dirty" at # 38 in March 1980.

[@lenzielenski3276]

Class of '79 so this one hits home. I can honestly say this is my favorite track on the album but there isn't a single bad track. That's hard to say when you think back to all the great albums of the '70's and '80's. High praise, in my book. Try Good Girls Don't next.

[@MrRlwiley]

class of 75 our anthem band was Montrose amazing what 4 short years did to the Rock Pop culture.

[@lynne5322]

Was dancing in a club in the 70s & the band stopped to announce their 1st record deal. It was The Knack. ☺️

[@markb4188]

I am soooooooo glad y'all listened to the original version instead of the radio version. The radio version cuts off the guitar solo about 1/2 way through and that guitar solo is absolute FIRE!!!!!!!!

[@TheNoladrummer]

This is S-Tier because it heralded the end of 70s Rock and the beginning of the new wave. As a 13-year-old in 1980, this was incredibly exciting. The old musicians had become morose in their Middle-Age. But my future was right in front of me and New Wave captured that youthful exuberance perfectly. Great, as usual, guys!

[@sallyphillips9175]

I turned 13 in 1980!

[@micv5149]

@@sallyphillips9175 same

[@mowerdan8133]

New Wave was already alive & very well in the late '70s. You were too young to know that at the time.

[@rebeccabehrman1786]

Yes! You put it so well.

[@Itelkner]

13 in 1980 as well and this was HUGE!

[@zebonaut]

This album was my personal drum bible , i still know every fill , every accent.. i learned so much from it and i consider it one of the best sounding drum sound albums ever. It already had what Steve Albini was later praised for.

[@ms8742]

One of the best guitar solos ever. So well written, every note perfect. Seriously.

[@steverakes6182]

Halloween night 1978 my buddy and I were driving up to the university in our small town in northern Utah to watch the Knack live. How small a town you might ask, well on the way there we were pulled over by a cop that knew both our dad's, as he dumped out our two wine bottles he said, be careful and don't get in any trouble and let us go. It was a great show, and that concert ticket dated 10-31-1978 is framed and hanging in my house today.

[@ergmsg]

Next from them should be "Good Girls Don't." It's what you think it's about. Classic.

[@eileendobbs8009]

This was THE most fun song of the year when it came out. Everyone knew it. It's literally identifiable after 5 notes

[@adamp2029]

A power pop classic! Go All The Way (1974) by The Raspberries should definitely be next!

[@andrewtrotter9023]

Eric Carmen! They did a live recorded comeback show in 2005 on Sunset Strip. They rocked this song again.

[@Itelkner]

That song helped me go from being an AM radio, top 40-hearing little kid to digging hard rock

[@girl_overthinx]

Still a great song to hear.

[@shoogerkane]

Power Pop is one of my favorite styles, but I just can't get into Go All The Way. It starts out great with that tough riff, then the verses come in and, man, it suddenly becomes so wimpy. Raspberries had better songs, Just my opinion.

[@216Numbskull]

@@shoogerkane I'm not a big fan of that tune either. But, it's better than having to listen to "All By Myself" that's for sure. That song will make you wanna blow your brains out! Terrible...

[@dmCurator]

Another song from this era featuring powerful drumming is Dreaming by Blondie. That song absolutely rocks.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Clem Burke is a drum beast!

[@daveygivens735]

There's not a bad cut on this entire album. They deliver a sort of Hollies 60s pop sound backed with monstrous drumming. Give the B sides a listen.

[@Linda_Ess]

Fun Fact: I’m pretty sure Weird Al did a brilliant cover of this…My Bologna. And yes, this song was EVERYWHERE….radio, blasting out of car windows, convenience stores, gas stations, cookouts, clubs, every single radio on the beach that summer…. I’d be surprised if the Knack weren’t able to retire off of this song. I haven’t heard it in years but it immediately took me back…laying out on the beach with my girlfriends, hungover as hell and just trying to wait it out till we felt better so we could do it all over again that night. Like another life.

[@nellerue446]

Before Weird Al, our high school friends changed it to "my scrotum"

[@Fuphyter]

Talk about a hook that gets stuck in your head!!! And let's not forget Wierd Al "My Bologna" 😁

[@jnywd8450]

I was thinking My Toyota. Now I gotta look it up and figure this dilemma out.

[@mustangdebbie56]

It was Weird Al's first single and was eventually re-recorded on his first album. The original single was just him on accordiin, which was recorded in a bathroom.

[@Sunfell]

@@mustangdebbie56 I thought Weird Al's first one was "Another One Rides the Bus"- I heard it premiere on Dr. Demento. But this one was one of his really early ones.

[@mustangdebbie56]

@@Sunfell My Bologna was released in 1979. Another One Rides the Bus in 1981. His first song played on Dr Demento was Belvedere Cruisin' in 1976.

[@Lwize]

This song was overplayed on local radio to the nth degree back in '79. Thankfully, Weird Al put it into perspective with My Bologna.

[@annewoodard6803]

I was 19 the summer My Sharona came out. It was THE song of the summer! I mean, how can you not have fun listening to this in your car on a hot summer night? 😁❤️

[@TheC.O.-VISIT]

This song has been and will be played at every high school and college sports event for ever until the end of time, amen.

[@stephenschmidt6779]

Great example of Power Pop, but "What I Like About You" by the Romantics is the epitome.

[@riffmondo9733]

The solo is incredible in this tune

[@lesscarmel5527]

Yeah, they were frequently compared to the Kinks-America’s answer. This song was a single I wore out! Seriously one of my fave songs of all time. ‘GOOD GIRLS DON’T” is definitely worth a listen as well. They just banged through cheeky and sleazy songs and I loved them for it.

[@msaz2720]

Love that song! I also liked the song, I got a new girl now, but I can't remember who sang it?

[@Katsem]

Americas answer to the Kinks? Lmfao. Time has settled that one.

[@tinderviddles]

It spent 6 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the No. 1 song for the year 1979. "Get The Knack" also spent 5 wks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart before it was knocked out by Led Zeppelin's "In Through The Out Door"

[@SRGots]

This song was the #1 song on my fifth birthday and stayed there for six weeks. It was EVERYWHERE. You couldn't get into a car without hearing it at least once during your trip no matter how short it was.

[@TheLambsLettuce]

The whole debut album “Get The Knack” is great. One of my favorites from that era.

[@chrisstonehouse92]

Saw the Knack in Detroit right after the album hit big. Great show, lots of energy and if I remember correctly, a packed house at a 4k seat music theater.

[@TheLambsLettuce]

@@chrisstonehouse92 What a great memory to have!

[@easyrolling]

The song was great but the album was legendary.. right on

[@davemills7030]

This was everywhere in summer of 1979. Now listen to one of Wierd Al's first parody song - My Bologna. It was all of Dr. Dimento radio show back then.

[@histubeness]

Demento

[@lorenschmidt6111]

Yes, this song inspired young Alfred Yankovic (age 17) to go into the dorm bathroom with his accordion and record "My Bologna" and send the tape to Dr. Demento. The rest is history.

[@rebeccabehrman1786]

1979 was a great year for music. Things were changing. People were growing tired of only hearing arena rock on the radio. When this came on, we really took notice. Elvis Costello and Pretenders were coming on the radio too and I was so damn into it!

[@LarryEColeman]

A+. Berton Averre as a lead guitarist was on a different level. To do that entire solo live, without loss of sound, or muffing it up because you can't duplicate it, ( like many posers do on stage) is a must see. Thanks for this. Good reaction.

[@muddywood]

That song is no joke to play. And that guitar solo is way harder than it sounds. Excellent song 👏👏👏👏👏

[@sunnyday_lemonbars]

my mom had this record. I was 3 when it came out. her dancing around the house to this is a core memory

[@sylviayoung1901]

Waaaay back when my boyfriend and I were in Albuquerque driving up what's known as Knob Hill. There was a huge crowd that was gathering by a very big billboard. The billboard was advertising The Knack. So we pulled off to the side and watched in our "70 Cuda...oh yeah! There were these guys climbing up the billboard...with instruments!? We were now hooked and intrigued! Then when they all got up there with their instruments, no easy feat, they all scurried in front of each member on the sign and lo and behold, there on a billboard in Knob Hill stood THE KNACK!! Each member stood in front of their portrait with their instrument and struck a pose! Iconic and incredible beyond all imagination! The Knack, with instruments on a billboard in Albuquerque! One unforgettable moment in time! In a 70's Cuda no less!! Amazing! 🌆📢🎶🎤🎸🥁🪧🤘✌🍻

[@somersetcace1]

I forgot how good that guitar solo was.

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

This tune takes me to my first semester in college. This tune and Supertramp's 'Logical Song' was heard literally up and down the dorm halls. Everyday - lol.

[@DionysusAlS]

I love The Knack. They had a very mercurial career and could never recapture the brilliance and sheer chutzpah of their first album, although their album Zoom many years later had some really strong material on it. They were a textbook case of being a victim of their own success. It's been over a decade now since the singer Doug Fieger passed away. It's still hard for me to believe that such a dynamo like him can die. I guess nobody gets out alive.

[@hongchen2554]

Great call. "Zoom" is a terrific album in its own right!

[@nightwood4379]

Born to die

[@bradleypaulus2926]

Top song of 1979 and began the end of commercialized disco.

[@richvalois6405]

thank God! you played the long version. This song was HUGE when it came out. Was number one for like 8 weeks.

[@jonathansmith3742]

I was a senior in HS in 79, it was everywhere. Funny, cool, kinda groovy.

[@vovindequasahi]

This song kicks ass!! The part of the movie "Reality Bites" where they are digging it out to this song not only brought this song back to fame, but it also MADE that movie!

[@angier5775]

My mind goes straight to Reality Bites & the dance scene in the convenience store! Classic!! Surprised only one other person said it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@zevongrie1402]

I was a kid when this came out and it was a massive, massive hit. I had this one on a 45. It was just so dang catchy you couldn’t help but to like it.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Hey cool name. Is it a homage? Oh I do hope so as I am a Zevon fangirl. I think A&A need to deep dive Warren soon. SOON and not base anything on Werewolves.

[@zevongrie1402]

@@DawnSuttonfabfour it came up in a dream. I don’t remember the context, but thought that would make an unusual alias. I don’t know much about Mr Zevon’s music outside of Werewolves. Is there an album in particular that you would recommend? I am always looking for something new (to me) to listen to.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

@@zevongrie1402 All of 'em. He's a wordsmith, witty, auto and semi autobiographical songs (he lived a VERY interesting life). Oh and other musicians LOVE him. I will happily give you a playlist but if you want just start at the beginning and keep on going. There is a dedicated official channel on YT. It's a great alias, however you came by it.

[@jonsdavis]

This was the culmination of the 70's version of powerpop that started with Badfinger's "No Matter What" and The Raspberries' "Go All the Way." What's crazy is that this was the year AFTER The Cars' debut album, where the songs had powerpop DNA but sounded (at the time) like some almost inconceivable sci-fi future.

[@TheMkamix]

This song never gets old. It is as Alex mentioned, "Perfectly arranged." Every single note was carefully written and played.

[@CL-eu7ye]

This was a love-it-or-hate-it singalong but EVERYBODY knew all the words whether they wanted to or not. A move from the excellent but morose long rock song experiences of the ‘70s into the goofy fun jump-around sounds of the ‘80s.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

This track had a large impact on the death of disco. The subject matter is rather lurid but it’s a definite banger.

[@straycatttt2766]

Yes, snowflakes today would have “canceled” The Knack for their creepy lyrics. They dressed like the next coming of The Beatles but that wasn’t happening. I first heard this song at a roller rink and soon bought the album. Yes, they pretty much were a one-hit wonder. “Good Girls Don’t” might have cracked Top 40, not sure. Andy & Alex liked the rhythm guitar. I think lead singer Doug played rhythm guitar?

[@ballyastrocade5672]

@@straycatttt2766 "Good Girls Don't" made it to #11 on the US charts, so technically they were a two-hit wonder. :-) This one seems to be the song most people remember nowadays, though.

[@mark-be9mq]

Brings me back to Radio days. Waiting on each tune, then a song like this hits, everyone soul gets that immediate juice, swept into the groove and jamming together. That was the fun and Spirit of the Radio.

[@gidget8717]

How anyone could sit still when this is playing is beyond my understanding 😁

[@redflamered]

The key change to that iconic guitar solo took it from a good song to greatness.

[@davidburkett4005]

One of the most catchy songs. You'll be singing "Myyyyyy Sharona" all day!!

[@sunsensational]

This was like anthem in the old roller rinks back in early 80’s when I was 7th grade.

[@ednicholson7839]

Most rock fans hated this song when it came out -- felt it was too pop, and it was just a huge hit you couldn't get away from it. The Knack were probably first to have a huge number 1 hit with this kind of "power pop" sound but many other bands had been working in a similar style. Early Blondie, Elvis Costello and the Attractions and others had songs in a similar style. Alex is right in that it certainly influenced some bands that came later too. Looking back it's clearly a great, rocking song. Such a great guitar solo too.

[@triscat]

That's exactly my memory from my narrow-minded, heavy-rocking dumb teenaged self. I very soon began to appreciate the new wave.

[@karenduell1027]

Yes, there is a fine line between power pop and rock. There are groups that were considered power pop but if you listen to more than just their hits you'll discover some pretty good rock.

[@Vince-lq3ve]

I really don't recall "most rock fans hated this song" I was around 17 when this came out and definitely got into it big time as did my friends. I was more of a prog rock fan (Genesis, Jethro Tull Yes etc) but I think it was such a great relief from the short lived Disco thing that was happening at that time.

[@NVprods]

This song was huge when it came out. The album was great also. They got tagged as the next Beatles, and obviously no band can live up to that. But give the album a listen, well worth it.

[@catbutte4770]

Sweet! It's A&A time! 🐈🐈🐈

[@a-dub]

My sister went to one of their concerts and also had the album. Somehow, as we all moved out of our parents house, my brother claimed the album as his. She's still pissed about that to this day!

[@FH99]

I was hoping you would review this one because it's a song that I don't get tired of. It gets stuck in your head so easily because of the bass line. This song really showcased the skill level of everybody in the band. The song is 43 years old and it still holds up very well to this day.

[@rexvisitor44]

Stay safe guys! I’m 15 minutes from PCity so I’m with ya. Bring it on Ian!

[@mts982]

Fieger wrote "My Sharona" for Sharona Alperin, his not-yet girlfriend. Fieger and Alperin dated for four years, but they parted, married other people, and remained friends. Alperin visited him frequently in his final months. "People that meant so much to him in the music industry came to pay their respects to him," she said. "It was really beautiful."[9]

[@aldoesposito8195]

And her photo was on the cover of the single

[@sallybannister6224]

Yes Sharona but hey its Americans spelling , say no more !!!!

[@mysterymac38]

@@aldoesposito8195 yes the one with the see through top.

[@loosilu]

She was also very underage. Most people miss that he's singing about preferring underage girls.

[@stephens9462]

Wasn’t she 16 and he was 26?

[@jjmyers9490]

The Number 1 song of 1979. One of the best guitar solos ever

[@susanfontaine5214]

Holy smokes! Forgot how good this was!❤❤

[@toddgilleylen3438]

One of the greatest guitar solos if all time!

[@melissaford717]

Back in the day, you could buy miniature record albums with bubble gum inside shaped like a record. This was one that I had and still do somewhere in my junk. Whoo!

[@randallpetersen9164]

I can't hear this song any more without immediately thinking of 'My Bologna'. Especially after seeing the recent excellent Weird Al movie.

[@cathysanchez1987]

I don"t I ever heard this full version. There must have been a radio version. Always fun!

[@RyanWhipple]

I can’t hear this anymore without hearing “My Bologna” from Weird Al, haha

[@timwilson9900]

After being tortured by disco for 5 years, this song lifted my mood with its fun and spirited energy.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Hay mr Tim Did you NOT like Boston Van HALEN Kiss Acdc The Eagles Areosmith The Cars The Police Toto The Rolling Stones Mjs Off the Wall lp in 1979 , Kiss ,,,,,,This is just a small sample ...... of other music that you did not have to be tortured with from 1975 to 1980

[@timwilson9900]

@@theodoreritola7641 You ask a good question. Of all the bands you listed The Police and The Rolling Stones were the only ones to hold my interest during that period. The other bands may have had individually good songs, but collectively, they didn't resonate with me. I went through a period where I was bored with album rock. The Knack came out and I liked their punkish vibe, their energy.

[@michaellombard894]

I have to say I was never tortured by disco. There are inspiring and awesome elements in all forms of music. A great transition here, a cool riff there, horns, violins, sweet vocal harmonies. Usually top-tier orchestration too, usually. There is almost always something to be treasured.

[@SandraHof]

I’m with you on the disco thing. I turned 20 in 1975, so I remember those years well. I hated most disco.

[@SandraHof]

@@theodoreritola7641 Loved then, and still do, all those bands. They got me through the tacky disco years.

[@larrywarren6966]

That entire album was awesome. The deep tracks are great as well.

[@Carolinafishingtales]

The whole album Get the Knack is awesome. Sharona is an awesome song , at the same time over shadowed some of their other songs : Heartbeat, Good Girls Don't, That's what the little girls do, Frustrated, are some other good ones on the album. One of my favorite albums ever.

[@thetokyorake]

Solid all the way through! Lucinda is a favorite!

[@burmajones803]

Boys! How about some love for the bassist?! Yes to the drummer and the guitarists and the singer, but give it up for that bassist too. It's the foundation of the tune. He's playing a rhythm and doing some melodic groundwork too. The key to new wave/power pop music like this: listen to the bass.

[@dariaiannitti488]

I cannot believe this was from ‘79…Feeling my age now. 😊

[@TB6791]

This song changed things.... Disco was dying and then Sharona showed up! 1980 hit and Rock was back 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘. It caused a stir because it was #1 for weeks and since it's a Pop Rock song it was hard for the hardcore rockers to accept it back in the day. It was referred to as "Teeniebopper" rock, and caused The Knack not to be taken seriously. The same thing happened to Cheap Trick with "I want you to want me" Rock music was a mess... Bonham, Moon, Bon Scott all died, Rock n Roll was floundering Punk n New Wave were coming into the scene all the big rock bands were breaking up or broken up Ted Nugent was the last hooray 🤯. Just listen to "It's Still Rocking roll to me" by Billy Joel... It had the same effect as Sharona did it was different but it tells the story of music in our time...

[@jamie4993]

I remember two upperclassmen in high school who swore this song was the worst thing to happen to rock in forever. Talk about getting it wrong...

[@TB6791]

@@jamie4993 That's what I'm saying.. It caused factions in music, but to me it was a game changer. There's a handful of songs every so often that come around that do something like this. If it gets too mainstream you're considered a "sellout" and everybody always has an opinion when you become number one.

[@timelesstravelclub6240]

This commentary is a spot on account of what is was like for an anti-disco young rock lover. Great job TB.

[@swordmonkey6635]

Me: **cough** Van Halen **cough** AC/DC Back In Black and Van Halen 1 & 2 kicked the door open for hard rock in the late 70s/early 80s. There's a reason why The Knack was a 1 hit wonder compared to Van Halen and AC/DC.

[@TB6791]

@@swordmonkey6635 oh for sure... I'm just conveying the state of Music at the time. Remember Rod Stewart, The Stones, Kiss all did Disco. Rock music was in a shift. of course 🤘Van Halen🤘 was still really new, but all the old guards were gone Sabbath fired Ozzy, Kiss sucked, Alice Cooper was gone Ted Nugent was in his last hurray... Led Zeppelin was over. Keith Moon died Bon Scott died Aerosmith was broken up all the older bands from the late '60s and '70s were gone. I'm not saying that My Sharona saved rock and roll but it helped some people away from the disco scene in late 79 and brought us over to 1980. And then Back in Black and Blizzard of Oz hit and we never looked back 🤘

[@70sladyalways25]

Oh my…this was all over the air waves in my high school days! Great memories of this and so many other songs from back in the day.

[@garydrewlevine]

Got to see them live in concert in St Petersburg Florida right after they put out their first album and it was a great show, they were one of those bands who sounded note for note perfect in concert and they basically did their whole first album as the set.

[@johnmcfall9250]

I was at my local record shop when this was released, and they were promoting it on their PA system. There were about 15 people in there, and as I looked around, everyone was doing the same thing I was doing. Even the employees were dancing. Here in St. Louis it went to number One in 7 days. That was about the year that our top 40 radio station KXOK stopped the Top 40 format. I swear they played that thing every hour.

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

Detroit represent!! One of the best songs to come out of our great city. I also appreciate that you guys are listening to the album version, rather than the way too short radio edit.

[@lynnschnekenburger7270]

@Crow T. Robot, we all know that Detroit audiences are the greatest rock 'n' roll audiences in the world!!! Some of the best music/artists came Detroit!!! Grew up across the border in Windsor, On and was always in Detroit and surrounding areas for concerts Gotta say, thanks, Detroit, thanks for the memories!!😀👍❤✌

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

@@lynnschnekenburger7270 You Windsorites are pretty awesome, too!

[@kevinlogozzo3952]

A DJ on a Hartford CT station once played this at least 12 times in a row when it first came out. He locked the studio door and you could hear people banging on the door to stop him. It was hilarious and I was in the car and had it cranked the whole time!! Didn’t want it to end!

[@kevinlogozzo3952]

My Jensen Triaxials were cranked to 11!!

[@lucasnavajas4166]

This whole album is awesome, played the crap out of it when it first came out, still love it now and never skipped a song. They had other songs that were on the radio but this is the one everyone remembers, although the deep tracks were better than what was on the radio at the time, really good band