Normal As the Next Guy

The Knack | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Image Entertainment
• ASIN: B00005OC9L
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,231 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

You just can't keep a good rock band down--or the Knack, for that matter. Depending on who's keeping score, this release marks either the third or fourth comeback attempt for the band whose debut album (and its inescapable hit, "My Sharona") did for L.A. new wave and power pop what Velveeta did for cheese. While Kurt Cobain once compared his Nirvana favorably with the Knack (ironically, we hope), he couldn't have meant the tired, nostalgia-besotted outfit displayed on this 2001 release. At least give Doug Fieger and company credit for realizing they can no longer pull off the leering subject matter that was once their stock in trade; unfortunately, they've also trashed most of their once enviable pop-savvy in the bargain. What's left is third-rate R&B á la Joe Walsh ("Les Girls"), faux-edginess (the title track, but bonus points for rhyming "Chris Rock" with "Jacques Chirac"), country caricature ("Spiritual Pursuit"), even some Steely Dan jazz-pop pretensions ("Dance of Romance"). While Fieger's sweet voice still ably carries the midtempo numbers, it's all too telling that the album's most accomplished track is guitarist Berton Averre's slavish Beach Boys/Brian Wilson tribute, "The Man on the Beach." Riding the coattails of "My Sharona"'s enduring appeal (and repeated soundtrack appearances), the Knack seems unable to discern the difference between the truly timeless and the cheaply sentimental. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singers sing, players play, critics criticise, June 21, 2002

By 

Bruno "Bruno" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Normal As the Next Guy (Audio CD)

...and the Knack rocks. I'm not sure about that editorial review, either. This is a solid album. Knock 1991's "Serious fun" or many of the songs on 1981's "Round Trip" and I won't complain, but this album is full of well crafted pop songs. Songs like "Seven days of heaven", "it's not me", and "a world of my own" are standouts, but the whole album is solid. As for "Les Girls", Joe Walsh could take some singing lessons from Doug Fieger, and the Knack is a much more accomplished group of musicians than Nirvana's three-chord wonders. I prefer their previous album "Zoom" which is now out of print, but this is no slouch. Perhaps they'e not mauldlin enough or anti-social enough for modern music reviewers. They're just fun to listen to.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Next Guys?, November 11, 2001

By 

David Shaw "David Shaw" (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Normal As the Next Guy (Audio CD)

Maybe the most underrated band in rock history, The Knack is back with a great new CD. "Les Girls" and "A World of my Own" are hands down the cream of this crop but the whole album displays the band's penchant for writing catchy hooks backed by awesome musicianship. This is definitely a worthwhile purchase.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than just a power pop band!!, October 22, 2001

By 

L. Rothwell (Ashburn, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Normal As the Next Guy (Audio CD)

I've been a Knack fan since day one. Love all their stuff. I think this album contains some of their best moments, and is certainly worth purchasing, especially if you're interested in seeing what else these guys do well besides power pop. There's something here for everyone - pop, hard-driving rock, a bit of country (yes, you read that right!), laid-back jazzy pop, and a heartfelt love song. I think that "World of My Own," "Seven Days of Heaven," "Dance of Romance," and "Girl I Never Lied to You," are among the finest work the band has done. And I totally disagree with the previous review regarding "Man on the Beach" - it is a BEAUTIFUL song, kudos to Berton! This album proves without a doubt that the Knack are incredible musicians/songwriters with amazing versatility. Those who won't accept them outside the "My Sharona" power pop sound will no doubt be disappointed, but those willing to come along for the ride as the guys explore other types of music (and prove their talents over and over again) should not be disappointed.