By the time the Knack released their third album Round Trip on Capitol Records, the Los Angeles band was already yesterday’s news.
The Knack were simply victims of the too-much, too-soon syndrome. In the summer of 1979, the band’s first single “My Sharona,” as well as their debut album Get The Knack, soared to No. 1 on the international charts. Surfacing in an era of syrupy ballads and refried disco, the band’s brand of driving pop rock cast a mighty refreshing spin upon the AM radio dial.
Mean-spirited music journalists resented the band’s immediate success, and considered them arrogant and juvenile. Naysayers also tagged the Knack as lame Beatles clones, when they actually sounded more like the Who joining the Yardbirds for a rave-up in a new wave setting. A campaign coined “Knuke the Knack” was even launched.
Such unfair treatment extended to the band’s second album, But … The Little Girls Understand, which managed to produce a minor hit single, “Baby Talks Dirty.” While critics reveled in dissing the group, the Knack maintained a congregation of true fans who recognized what an exceptional band they really were.
Comprised of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Doug Fieger, lead guitarist and keyboardist Berton Averre, bassist Prescott Niles and drummer Bruce Gary, the Knack boasted the kind of razor-sharp rapport found in the best classic-rock bands. Self-contained and confident, they possessed an ear for melody, solid chops and energy to match.
Although plenty of the band’s characteristic loud and lusty power pop was presented on their third album, Round Trip also offered moments of surprising diversity.
Grooving with dazzling chord changes and sizzling percussion, “Africa” holds forth as a funky jazz piece. A visible jazz influence additionally arises on the swinging and swirling “Lil’ Cal’s Big Mistake,” while the ghost of psychedelia haunts the leisurely paced “Sweet Dreams” along with the droning “We Are Waiting.” Mixing punk-rock urgency with a splash of progressive-rock flash, “Art War” registers as a subsequent entry showcasing the Knack’s ability for stepping out of their comfort zone.
Variety aside, Round Trip included a brace of excellent pop rock wares, fully indicating the band had still had the knack – and desire – to create hooky and hummable tuneage. Among these tracks are the invigorating clip of “Another Lousy Day In Paradise,” the hard-edged “Radiating Love” and “Just Wait and See,” which bubbles to a peppy pitch of ringing guitars and electrifying harmonies.
Ranking as perhaps the Knack’s greatest album, Round Trip sadly failed to make the impact it so rightfully deserved. Sales were poor and reviews were negative. The Knack resigned within weeks after Round Trip was issued, and didn’t get back together to record another album until 1991.
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