My Shara Song Analysis

In 1979, The Knack performed one of their hit singles “My Sharona” in front of a packed house. This song represented the alternative/pop rock genre, and was considered a major hit in the late 1970s. As a child, I remember hearing the song on the radio and I enjoyed the catchy and memorable tune. Although I did not quite understand the lyrics at the time, my dad listened to it often when he worked in the garage. This essay will first describe a variety of important musical characteristics that are displayed within the performance. Next, it will discuss how this song was a launchpad for a future song that became just as popular a few years later. Lastly, before providing my own personal critique, I will discuss how the song assisted The Knack with getting back together nearly 20
George Nelson, who wrote a biography about the musical career of Michael Jackson in 2010, discussed the impact of the song and how it helped influence a future song which became known as “Beat It” just a few years later. The song “Beat It” was produced and created by Jackson and Quincy in 1982. According to the biography, Quincy who is the investigator of the song was inspired by the 1979 hit “My Sharona” to help create the song. The biography continues on by saying that “The Knack was at one-album wonder roundly disliked by most rock critics, and the era abounded with countless other pop rock hits from which to draw” (p. 1). With the help of Michael Jackson’s voice, as well as Quincy’s musical expertise, they were able to create the song together. When Jackson released the demo, no guitars or other instruments were used. The only thing available to attract listeners was the sound of Jackson’s unique voice. Although the two songs are very different, it is interesting to look at how one song highly affected and launched the career of a major pop