"Get the Knack" is the debut album by the American rock band The Knack, released in June 1979. Attributed as one of the most successful debuts in history, it became a global sensation due to its catchy tunes and relatable lyrics. The sound of the album is characterized by its notable power pop style.
The album's most notable track, "My Sharona," was a number-one hit on Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The song stayed at the number one spot for six weeks and was Billboard's top song of 1979. The track also found its way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
"Get the Knack" emerged at a time when disco was dominant, offering an alternative sound and quickly becoming a staple of the new wave genre. Despite the initial worldwide success and the album going gold in less than two weeks, the band faced a considerable backlash from the media, criticised for their seemingly overnight success and sharp business practices.
Despite this, "Get the Knack" is seen as a defining album of its time, shaping the power pop genre and influencing a multitude of bands that would come after. Its combination of 60s Beatle-esque melodies with the raw energy of punk was a welcome relief in the post-disco era and marked The Knack as one of the forerunners in the emergence of the new wave genre.
